Category Archives: Announcements
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA – OCTOBER 14, 2024
AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON
MONDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2024
5:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- UPDATES
- WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
- PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT COMMISSIONER STOREY
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER OFF THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST
- ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT COMMISSIONER KAYS
- APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CHRISTMAS BONUS FOR EMPLOYEES
- CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
- UPDATES
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION NEGOTIATIONS
- PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT MAYOR MESSERSMITH
- UPDATES
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A ZONING CHANGE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 328 SOUTH MAIN STREET
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COUNCIL RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT
- MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
- OLD BUSINESS
- NEW BUSINESS
- MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE
- EXECUTIVE SESSION
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION,
DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE
PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING
TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC
BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE
ITS VALIDITY.
ADJOURNMENT POSTED 10/10/2024 7:30 P.M./BC
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PUBLIC NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners for the City of Benton Illinois will hold a special meeting at 2:00 PM on Monday, September 30, 2024. The meeting will be held at the Benton Fire Department, 107 N. Maple Street, Benton IL 62812. The Agenda for the meeting is as follows:
- To Review all final test results and possibly approve the hire of a probationary firefighter.
John D. Aiken, Chairman
City of Benton IL Fire and Police Commissioners
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.
IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER KAYS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH WAS ABSENT.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 26, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR SEVERIN AT 303 WEST BOLING AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR KUBOW AT 11139 SAM PYLE BRIDGE ROAD AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CLOSING CERTAIN STREETS FOR THE ANNUAL HOMECOMING PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 27, 2024 FROM 1:30 P.M. TO 2:15 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. POTTS STATED THAT HE HAD DISTRIBUTED A MAP EXPLAINING WHAT AREAS WOULD BE RECEIVING A NEW WATER LINE WITH THE CDAP GRANT AS WELL AS A BID TABULATION FOR THE PROJECT. THE ONLY BID RECEIVED WAS FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,589,611.00. MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS WAS HIGHER THAN WHAT THE CITY WAS PREPARED TO PAY. MR. POTTS STATED THAT AFTER SPEAKING WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES, A CHANGE ORDER WILL BE DONE ON WHICH SIDEWALKS ARE BEING REPLACED AND REPLACEMENT OF THESE SIDEWALKS WILL BE DONE THROUGH THE MFT PROGRAM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING THE BID FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE ADMINISTRATORS OF THE CDAP GRANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR BILLS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING A FIREFIGHTER OFF THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 600 CALLS AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 90 CALLS. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND A NEW SQUARE CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,320.00 FROM MORROW BROTHERS FORD THAT THEY WILL BE PURCHASING.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR AUGUST 30, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,927.96 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,780.05 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $107,708.01. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 13, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,447.47 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,880.86 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $101,328.33. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $225,937.59, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $177,143.36, FROM IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,413.84, AND FROM DOWNTOWN TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,242.77 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $467,737.56. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.
IN UPDATES FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE YOUNG AMERICANS CLUB FOR PUTTING OUT 3,000 FLAGS ON THE HIGH SCHOOL LAWN IN MEMORIAL OF 9/11. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE PUTTING OUT THEIR LARGE FLAG OVER WEST MAIN TO HONOR THOSE LOST IN THE 9/11 TERRORIST ATTACKS. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAD TOLD HIM THAT ENGINE 803 IS BACK IN SERVICE, BUT THAT ENGINE 801 IS NOT FINISHED YET. FINALLY, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AIRPORT WILL BE HAVING ITS FINAL FOOD TRUCK FLY IN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2024 AND THAT IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE AIRPORT CAR IS DOWN AND A NEW VEHICLE IS BEING SOUGHT.
COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO APPROVE FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT THIS TIME.
COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE IS A POSSIBLE HOUSING GRANT COMING UP THAT WILL BE ADMINISTERED BY CROSSWALK. IN THE PAST THE CITY HAS MADE A MATCHING CONTRIBUTION OF $5,000.00 TOWARDS THIS GRANT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION FOR A $5,000.00 MATCHING CONTRIBUTION TO THE UPCOMING CDAP GRANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARY OF THE CITY OF BENTON. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS PROPERTY IS OVERGROWN WITH NO ACCESS TO IT FROM THE STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS HEARD FROM THE NEIGHBORS AND THERE ARE NO OBJECTIONS. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE COUNCIL APPROVE THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY FOR TYLER AND BETHANY SINK AND RAYMOND DOW AND MARILYN JO SMITH IN THE MCFALL AND DIMOND’S ADDITION OF THE CITY. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED MR. BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RESIGNATION OF ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MS. MASON HAD NOT BEEN ATTENDING THE MEETINGS AND THE BOARD CHAIRMAN CONTACT HER REGARDING WHETHER OR NOT SHE WAS STILL WILLING TO SERVE ON THIS BOARD. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MS. MASON LET THE BOARD KNOW THAT SHE WAS NO LONGER INTERESTED IN SERVING ON THIS BOARD THROUGH A TEXT MESSAGE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE RESIGNATION WILL NEED TO BE RECEIVED IN WRITING. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESIGNATION OF ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION PENDING RECEIPT OF RESIGNATION LETTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT BILLING HAS BEEN RELOCATED TO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING AND THAT BILLS CAN BE PAID IN PERSON THERE BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2024. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THE PAYSTAR APPLICATION IS GOING WELL AND A LOT OF CITIZENS ARE USING IT TO PAY THEIR BILLS. ALSO UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE OSLAD GRANT HAS FINALLY BEEN APPROVED TO BEGIN WORK ON MALKOVICH PARK.
NO OLD BUSINESS.
NO NEW BUSINESS.
NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. NAYS: 0.
5:20 P.M.
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Meeting Agenda – September 9th, 2024
AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2024
5:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- UPDATES
- WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
- PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT COMMISSIONER STOREY
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER OFF THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST
- ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT COMMISSIONER KAYS
- APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CREATING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE
- DISCUSSION OF DISCONTINUATION OF ILLINOIS EPAY AND POSSIBLE ADDITIONAL SERVICES WITH PAYSTAR
- CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
- UPDATES
- PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT MAYOR MESSERSMITH
- UPDATES
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF AN ITEP GRANT APPLICATION FOR BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
- MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
- OLD BUSINESS
- NEW BUSINESS
- MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE
- EXECUTIVE SESSION
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION,
DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE
PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING
TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC
BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE
ITS VALIDITY.
ADJOURNMENT POSTED 09/20/24 8:00 A.M./DW
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — AUGUST 26, 2024
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AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
AGENDA
BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024
5:00 P.M.
- CALL TO ORDER
- ROLL CALL
- READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR THE ANNUAL HOMECOMING PARADE
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING BIDS FOR THE CDAP GRANT
- PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT COMMISSIONER STOREY
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF
HIRING A FIREFIGHTER OFF THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST
- ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT COMMISSIONER KAYS
- APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
- CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
- UPDATES
- PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT MAYOR MESSERSMITH
- UPDATES
- APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROVIDING A MATCHING CONTRIBUTION TO THE UPCOMING POSSIBLE HOUSING GRANT ADMINISTERED BY CROSSWALK
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARY OF THE CITY OF BENTON
- DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RESIGNATION OF ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION
- MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
- OLD BUSINESS
- NEW BUSINESS
- MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE
- EXECUTIVE SESSION
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
- DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION,
DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE
PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING
TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC
BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE
ITS VALIDITY.
ADJOURNMENT POSTED 09/05/2024 3:30 P.M./BC
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Crosswalk Survey
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – AUGUST 12, 2024
MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 22, 2024. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE WILL BE SOME PAINTING OF THE DOORS AND OTHER THINGS BEING UPDATED AT THE RESTROOMS AT CAPITAL PARK.
COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HVAC WORK TO BE DONE AT CITY HALL AFTER STATING THAT MOLD HAD BEEN DETECTED UPON DUCT WORK SAMPLING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO BE APPROVED AT THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT MADE FOR 415 E BOND STREET AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT 200 E BLACK STREET AT IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.
COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2024-06 CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CAR SHOW. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00418 TO NOVACOM FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPEATER ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00159 TO LARRY J. FREDRICKS, LLC FOR 7 POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST PANELS, 7 GUARDIAN CARRIER BESTS AND THE FREIGHT CHARGE FOR DELIVERY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,820.00 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR AUGUST 2, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,940.19 AND FROM THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,578.36 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,518.55. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 08/12/2024 FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $470,637.40, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,445.86, AND FROM OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,052.43 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $571,135.69. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR MATTERS FOR TONIGHT’S MEETING.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD SOME GREAT EVENTS ON SATURDAY, AUGUST 10, 2024. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE ATTENDED THE FLY IN/DRIVE IN AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE MORNING AND THEN THE BACK TO SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY HOSTED BY BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS IN THE AFTERNOON/EVENING. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED IN PUTTING ON BOTH EVENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00503 TO ASCENT AVIATION GROUP, INC. FOR A TANKER FUEL LOAD OF AVIATION GASOLINE FOR RESALE AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,086.08COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND SET THE HOURS FOR TRICK OR TREATING FOR 2024. HE STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY TRIED TO DO TRICK OR TREATING ON THE WEEKENDS, BUT THIS YEAR IT WOULD EITHER BE DONE TOO EARLY OR AFTER HALLOWEEN IF DONE ON A WEEKEND AND SO HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE HOURS SET FOR THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE REAPPOINTING THE MEMBERS TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD MOST OF THE TERMS HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPIRED AND NOT BEEN REAPPOINTED. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD MEMBERS APPOINTMENTS FOR 3 YEAR APPOINTMENTS AS LISTED BELOW.
DAVID SNEED, EXPIRATION FEBRUARY 28, 2026 LOMA BAXTER, EXPIRATION APRIL 14, 2026
RICK KNIGHT, EXPIRATION APRIL 14, 2026 ROBIN FRAILEY, EXPIRATION APRIL 8, 2025
BRAD BURZYNSKI, EXPIRATION FEBRUARY 27, 2026 ALLAN KIMBALL, EXPIRATION APRIL 9, 2022
MARTY LEFFLER, EXPIRATION NOVEMBER 13, 2024 JEREMY YOUNG, EXPIRATION OCTOBER 14, 2025
SHELLEY INGRAM, EXPIRATION DECEMBER 23, 2024
SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #2024-12 REGULATING PUBLIC CAMPING WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH REITERATED THAT THIS IS FOR CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTIES. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY VOSBURGH HOLDINGS, LLC TO OPERATE AN INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET. MR. CALCATERRA ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL AND INVITED MR. VOSBURG TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL WITH ANY QUESTIONS THEY MAY HAVE REGARDING THIS BUSINESS. IT WAS STATED THAT MR. VOSBURG OWNS A TREE TRIMMING BUSINESS. MR. VOSBURG WOULD BE LEASING THE EAST SIDE OF THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE FORMER BEN’S LAWN SERVICE BUSINESS. MR. VOSBURG STATED THAT HE WOULD BE DOING NO RETAIL BUSINESS IN THIS LOCATION, IT WOULD JUST BE A PLACE TO PARK HIS EQUIPMENT AND HE PLANNED ON ADVERTISING HIS BUSINESS ON THE SIGNAGE ALREADY IN PLACE. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER RECOMMENDED TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT, HOWEVER, MR. CALCATERRA DID NOT AGREE AND IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE COUNCIL NOT APPROVE THIS PERMIT AS HE FELT THAT THIS BUSINESS WAS BETTER SUITED FOR AN INDUSTRIAL PARK AREA IN TOWN. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY VOSBURG HOLDINGS, LLC TO OPERATE AN INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS BUSINESS AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET. THIS MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING ROAD CLOSURE FOR A PRIVATE EVENT ON WASHINGTON STREET WITH A SPECIAL USE PERMIT. HE STATED HE FEELS THE COUNCIL NEEDS ADDITIONAL INFO ON THIS EVENT BEFORE MOVING FORWARD WITH A MOTION. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY A LANDOWNER IN TOWN WHO WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO REVISIT THE FEE SCHEDULE FOR INSPECTIONS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL TO THINK ABOUT THIS AND HE STATED HE WOULD PLACE THIS ON A
FUTURE AGENDA. ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CHECK FOR DOWN PAYMENT TO HELITEC FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS IN THE MAIL AND WORK SHOULD BE STARTING SOON.
IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED THE COUNCIL TO NOT LET MOTIONS DIE. HE STATED THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE BETTER THAN THAT. COMMISSIONER KAYS REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT JUST BECAUSE YOU SECOND A MOTION, THAT DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO VOTE “YES” ON THE ROLL CALL VOTE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE BELIEVES WE SHOULD BRING ITEMS LIKE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO A VOTE.
IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JOHN METZGER CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MR. METZGER STATED THAT HE FEELS THE CIVIL WAR CEMETERY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN CARE OF BETTER. MR. METZGER PROVIDED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES OF THE CEMETERY. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENTS ARE AWARE OF THE DOWNED TREE AND OTHER ISSUES, BUT A FENCE NEEDS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO CLEAR THIS DEBRIS IN ORDER TO NOT TAKE EQUIPMENT OVER THE GRAVES. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SPEAK WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ABOUT GETTING THIS AREA TAKEN CARE OF.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
6:05 P.M.
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SPECIAL CALLED MEETING – JULY 29, 2024
MINUTES OFTHE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JULY 29, 2024 AT 8:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.
MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.
COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT A JOB VACANCY FOR THE POSITION OF PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT HAD BEEN POSTED ON INDEED AND FROM THE CANDIDATES THAT APPLIED CHIEF FUNKHOUSER, CITY CLERK CRAIG, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY HAD CONDUCTED INTERVIEWS. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAS CHOSEN SYDNEY HENSON FROM THE CANDIDATES FOR THIS POSITION.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF SYDNEY HENSON AS THE PUBLIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT WITH A 60-DAY PROBATION TO BEGIN ON 07/29/2024. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.
8:05 A.M.
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