Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED EMMA SWEELY FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MISS SWEELY STATED THAT EVERY YEAR THE EDGE PROGRAM DOES A FUNDRAISER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES.  MISS SWEELY STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM WOULD LIKE TO PUT A RODEO ON AND HOST THE RODEO ON THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT GROUNDS ON NOVEMBER 4, 2023 PUT ON BY THE WHIPPOORWILL RODEO.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE GROUP HAS MET WITH AIRPORT MANAGER MATT HARRISON AND HE IS ON BOARD WITH THIS PROJECT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT INSURANCE IS ALSO TAKEN CARE OF FOR THE EVENT THROUGH THE PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE USE OF AIRPORT GROUNDS FOR A RODEO.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 28, 2023.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00670 TO HOLZ TOOL SUPPLY FOR 1 MILWAUKEE TOWER LIGHT IN THE AMOUNT OF $449.99.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-12 RAISING WATER TAP-ON FEES.  THE NEW FEES ARE $1,000.00 FOR A ¾ INCH TAP, $2,000.00 FOR A 1-INCH TAP, $3,000.00 FOR A 2-INCH TAP AS WELL AS ADDING $1,000.00 IF A BORE IS NEEDED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID FOR THE 8” WATER MAIN (PETROFF ROAD) FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $446,425.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.   THE ONLY OTHER BID RECEIVED ON THIS PROJECT WAS FROM KAMADULSKI EXCAVATING AND GRADING IN THE AMOUNT OF $632,493.00. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.  AS AN UPDATE COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE PAINTING THE STREETS AROUND THE FOOTBALL FIELD IN PREPARATION FOR HOMECOMING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00116 FROM NOVACOM FOR 7 PORTABLE RADIOS, 7 SPEAKER MICS, AND 7 LEATHER CASES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,727.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM’S CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER’S CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-13 RAISING IMPOUND FEES BY $50.00 PER STEP. MAKING THE NEW FEES BE $250.00 FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, $450.00 FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT, AND $650.00 FOR THE THIRD INCIDENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 09/01/2023 TOTALING $102,516.81 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $75,226.99 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $27,289.82. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 09/15/2023 TOTALING $104,164.07 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $78,346.61 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $25,817.46. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $370,837.98 WITH $39,290.26 COMING FROM TIF, $44,406.52 COMING FROM MFT, AND $17,888.90 COMING FROM THE AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CREATE A COMMITTEE CONSISTING OF HIMSELF, MAYOR MESSERSMITH, AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO RESEARCH IMPOSING A CIGARETTE/TOBACCO TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING INTO OPTIONS FOR CREATING A BED TAX FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY WOULD BE DECORATING THE POLES AROUND THE SQUARE AND STREETSCAPE FOR ADDICTION RECOVERY AWARENESS MONTH WITH PURPLE RIBBONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A $1.2 MILLION-DOLLAR DCEO CDBG FOR A NEW WATER LINE ON THE NORTH EAST SIDE OF TOWN IN THE JOPLIN STREET AREA.  HE STATED THAT CITIZENS WILL SEE EMPLOYEES GOING DOOR TO DOOR TO HAVE SURVEYS COMPLETED REGARDING RECEIVING THIS GRANT. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS EVENING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE FOR BUILDING SETBACK LINE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1203 NORTH MAIN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HUCKS WILL BE BUILDING A NEW BUILDING AND CHANGING THE LOCATION OF THE GASOLINE PUMPS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HUCKS WOULD LIKE A VARIANCE FOR A SETBACK OF 15 FEET AS OPPOSED TO THE NORMAL 20.  MR. CALCATERRA RECOMMENDED APPROVING THIS VARIANCE AS DID THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIANCE FOR 1204 NORTH MAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION TO REZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 624 AND 634 WEST MAIN STREET AND 447 WEST CHURCH STREET ALSO KNOWN AS THE JRN SUBDIVISION FROM B-6 AND R-3 TO B2.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THIS AS WELL AS A RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS WAS RECEIVED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING BOARD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE OSLAD GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE RENOVATION OF MALKOVICH PARK.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE WEEK OF 09/17/2023-09/23/2023 HAS BEEN DESIGNATED AS NATIONAL RAIL SAFETY WEEK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS SIGNED A PROCLAMATION DECLARING THIS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 WILL BE MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT AT TABOR FIELD DURING THE VARSITY FOOTBALL GAME.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD AS STATING THAT THE CITY DID NOT ALLOW ONLY CERTAIN PEOPLE TO ATTEND IML DUE TO THE INABILITY TO AFFORD THE TRIP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CHOICE OF WHO TO SEND TO THE CONFERENCE WAS MADE BASED UPON THE MATERIALS THAT WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE CONFERENCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE IS VERY AGGRAVATED THAT THIS TOPIC HAS HAD TO BE DISCUSSED AT 3 DIFFERENT COUNCIL MEETINGS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WAS VERY OFFENDED BY THE FACEBOOK POST MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA’ S HUSBAND, DAVID GARAVALIA, REGARDING A GOFUNDME ACCOUNT BEING SET UP FOR COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO ATTEND IML.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT MR. GARAVALIA ALSO ALLUDED TO THE FACT THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS NOT BEING ALLOWED TO GO BECAUSE SHE WAS A FEMALE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SIMPLY WISHED TO SEND COMMISSIONERS ON A ROTATIONAL BASIS TO THIS CONFERENCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS COUNCIL SHOULD BE WORKING TOGETHER AND IT WILL SUCCEED OR FAIL AS A TEAM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE PLANS ON PAYING HER OWN WAY TO GO TO CHICAGO AND THAT SHE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT HER HUSBAND’S FACEBOOK POST. 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 28, 2023 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PAUL TART AND TESSA LEECH WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED THEM WITH A PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2023 TO BE OVERDOSE AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF BENTON. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 14, 2023. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00480 FROM MENARDS FOR AN 18 CUBIC FOOT WHITE REFRIGERATOR FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $678.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00479 FROM MARION GLASS FOR REPAIRS TO THE FRONT DOOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $935.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR TERRY AND DEBBIE MCGUIRE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR JOHN WILSON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP A WATER CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY AND THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-10 AMENDING THE ORDINANCE REQUIRING BACKFLOW DEVICES ON SEWER HOOK UPS TO ALSO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS REPORT.  HE STATED THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS THIS EVENING.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-15 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE DURING THE 2023 BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 FROM 1:30 PM TO 2:15 PM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00396 FROM FAST FOR REPLACEMENT OF OUT-OF-DATE HOSE WITH LEAKS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $925.00.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POLICE AND FIRE CHIEF (S) CONTRACTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TINTING OF THE SQUAD CARS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SHE STATED THAT THERE ARE 10 CARS AND IT IS $80.00 PER VEHICLE TOTALING $800.00 FOR ALL CARS TO BE TINTED.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER PROVIDED PICTURES SHOWING THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE SQUAD CARS FROM THE SUN AND HEAT COMING IN THROUGH THE TINTED WINDOWS.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED A SQUAD CAR WAS DAMAGED DURING A CALL AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO GET THE DENT FIXED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RAISE IMPOUND FEES BY $50.00 PER STEP. CURRENTLY THE IMPOUND FEES ARE $200.00, $400.00, AND $600.00 AND THIS WOULD MAKE THE NEW FEES $250.00 FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, $450.00 FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT, AND $650.00 FOR THE THIRD INCIDENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HER TO SPEAK WITH THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER TO NEGOTIATE A PRICE FOR HOLDING THE POLICE AND FIREMEN BALL AT THE CIVIC CENTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMBULANCE AGREEMENT WITH BCHS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM PROVIDED A DEPARTMENT REPORT TO THE COUNCIL STATING THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO 70 CALLS IN JULY.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RUN A CAR DETAIL WITH THE COUNTY LAST WEEK THAT LED TO 3 ARRESTS AND 2 IMPOUNDMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL TOTALING $104,063.10 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $79,209.22 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $24,853.88. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE FMLA TRAINING FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO SPECIFICS FOR TRAINING AND WILL GET BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH THE SPECIFICS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WRITE OF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,399.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CO-OP WITH BCHS FOR A HIGH SCHOOL WORK PROGRAM.  HE STATED THIS IS AN UNPAID POSITION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAS BEEN WORKING ON A CADET PROGRAM FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THAT THIS STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM WILL WORK WITH THIS CADET PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-11 AMENDING THE TRASH RATE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-16 AMENDING THE TRASH RATE SCHEDULE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED ABOUT THE CREATION OF A BAD DEBT WRITE-OFF DEPOSIT ORDINANCE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK THIS WAS NECESSARY AT THIS POINT. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN CONTACTED BY THE HIGH SCHOOL REGARDING CHALKING THE SIDEWALKS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL AND THROUGH DOWNTOWN AREA FOR HOMECOMING WEEK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THEY MAY SEE THIS HAPPENING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS EVENING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION APPROVING TRICK OR TREATING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON OCTOBER 28, 2023 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE MR. TONY LANG ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A TREE IN THE DRAINAGE DITCH BEHIND HIS HOUSE HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO LOOK INTO.  HE STATED THE TREE IS ABOUT TO FALL INTO THE DITCH AND THIS WILL CAUSE BACK UP TO HAPPEN ONCE AGAIN.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STAT5ED THAT HE WOULD HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THE MATTER. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

5:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 14, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY BUSY FIXING LEAKS ALL OVER TOWN. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE OVERLAY BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,601.82.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 AND CHANGE ORDER TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,452.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE WITH SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00115 TO GALLS, INC FOR AN INTOXIMETER IN THE AMOUNT OF $597.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00114 TO BERLA FOR 1 AUTOMOBILE FORENSICS LICENSING RENEWAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00113 TO THE INSTITUTE OF POLICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (IPTM) FOR 2 CRIME SCENE PROCESSING TUITIONS AND LODGING IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,487.76.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POLICE CHIEF/FIRE CHIEF CONTRACT(S) WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BENTON HIGH SCHOOL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION TRAINING AGREEMENT.  A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING HOURS, PAY, JOB DESCRIPTION, AND AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT.   COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A RECONSIDERATION REGARDING HER TO ATTEND THE IML CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO.  SHE STATED THAT THIS IS A GOOD CHEERLEADING TIME FOR DEPARTMENTS AND SHE WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUB ELBOWS WITH OTHER POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS FROM AROUND THE STATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ACCORDING TO ORDINANCE, RECONSIDERATIONS ON MOTIONS MUST BE MADE AT THE SAME MEETING A MOTION HAS BEEN MADE OR THE MEETING FOLLOWING THE MOTION BEING MADE.  IT WAS STATED THAT IN ORDER TO FOLLOW ORDINANCE, THE RECONSIDERATION WOULD HAVE NEEDED TO TAKE PLACE NO LATER THAN THE MEETING ON JULY 24, 2023.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS MATTER. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY WAS A SUCCESS AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS ANNUALLY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF FORMING A BOARD TO PUT ON A POLICE AND FIRE BALL TO TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 13, 2024.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS INCLUDED IN THE COMMISSIONER’S FOLDERS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED AS A FINAL PART TO HER REPORT FOR THIS MEETING, THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAD TYPED COMMENDATIONS FOR OFFICER MICHAEL CAIN, OFFICER JEREMY WATKINS, OFFICER JUSTICE PURDIE, AND OFFICER TYLER ORE FOR RECEIVING CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR DUI ENFORCEMENT FROM ALLIANCE AGAINST INTOXICATED MOTORISTS (AAIM). 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $654,393.38 FOR THIS MEETING.  THIS TOTAL INCLUDED I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,050.44, IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $767.50, DOWNTOWN TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $767.50, POLICE PENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00, FIRE PENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00, HOME RULE GAS TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $200.00, AND MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,038.05.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,609.52 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,298.29 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,907.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REPEAL THE SEWER RATE ORDINANCE THAT WAS PASSED AT THE LAST MEETING AS IT WAS NOT DONE WITH A RATE STUDY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BAD DEBT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY UPDATE HE HAS FOR THIS MEETING IS REGARDING THE SERGEANT PAY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO INTEREST IN THIS POSITION AT A RATE OF PAY OF $3,000.00 TO THE BASE.  HE STATED THAT THIS WILL BE FURTHER ADDRESSED WITH THE NEW UNION CONTRACT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN AWARDED A $2.8 MILLION GRANT AND THAT IDOT WILL BE HAVING A MEETING SOON DISCUSSING THE REPAIRS TO BE MADE TO EAST MAIN STREET FROM THE WATER LEAKS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY ZELLA RONE TO OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 EAST ANNA STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS MOBILE HOME IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HE BELIEVES THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SHOULD BE GRANTED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A 90-DAY EXTENSION WITH REGARD TO THE FAÇADE GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND DAVID B. GARAVALIA.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE IS A TIMEFRAME THAT THE FAÇADE WORK HAS TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN APPLICATION APPROVAL AND COMPLETION.  MR. GARAVALIA HAS PAID MONEY TOWARDS THE PROJECT, BUT THE CONTRACTORS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START ON THE PROJECT.  MR. CALCATERRA SAID HE HAD NO ISSUES WITH GIVING MR. GARAVALIA AND EXTENSION ON THIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A 90-DAY EXTENSION TO DAVID GARAVALIA ON HIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZING CITY FUNDS TO REMOVE JUNK AND DEBRIS FROM 1312 EAST ANNA STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE TWO DUMPSTERS TO CLEAN UP THE AREA REFERENCED ABOVE.  THE COSTS OF THIS IS $1,200.00 FOR THE 2 DUMPSTERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING BACKFLOW PREVENTER ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WE HAVE THIS ORDINANCE FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND THIS WOULD JUST BE ADDING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES TO THIS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE CITY USING A FIRETRUCK TO PUMP WATER FOR KIDS TO PLAY IN AT CAPITAL PARK FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY OR AT THE FIREHOUSE FOR THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS VERY HARD ON THE PUMP IN THE FIRE TRUCK AND COULD CAUSE UNNECESSARY DAMAGE AS WELL AS THE COST TO THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE UNDERSTOOD DON’S COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PUMP, BUT THAT THE COSTS WERE COVERED WITH COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PUMP WAS ONLY USED AT THE CHRISTMAS IN JULY AS THE HOSE WAS HOOKED DIRECTLY INTO A FIRE HYDRANT FOR THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY AT 1312 EAST ANNA STREET ASKED THE COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER THE CITY CLEANING UP HER PROPERTY.  THEY STATED THAT THE WEATHER HAS STOPPED THEM FROM BEING ABLE TO CLEAN UP.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN 4 SEASONS TO DO THIS CLEAN UP AS THE COURT ORDER WAS NOT JUST PASSED. 

TOM CARTER STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN 5 YEARS SINCE THE DISBANDING OF THE AIRPORT BOARD.  HE ASKED THE COUNCIL WHY NO ONE IS GOING TO THE AIRPORT TIP MEETING IN SPRINGFIELD.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE FAA HAS CHOSEN TO HOLD THIS MEETING VIA ZOOM IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND THAT CITY OFFICIALS HAVE ATTENDED THAT WAY. 

LYNETTE ING STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR CLEANING UP THE CITY.  SHE ALSO ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER POSSIBLY DONATING EMPTY CITY OWNED LOTS FOR TINY HOMES OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) 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.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

6:07 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

7:25 P.M. 

NO ACTION TAKEN AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

7:26 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 24, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR KONDRITZ, FINANCE COMMISSIONER CATHY GARAVALIA CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THIS MEETING, BUT THAT GROUND STORAGE IS BEING DRAINED TO BEGIN REPAIRS AFTER PARTS ARRIVE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS WAITING ON A QUOTE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ROOF TO BE ABLE TO DO THE NECESSARY REPAIRS ON THAT BUILDING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A NEW EMPLOYEE IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN WORKING ON CORRECTING SIGNS, THE DRIVE AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, AND GETTING READY FOR THE UPCOMING MFT PROGRAM. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-11 FOR CROSS INTERSTATE 57 AT PETROFF ROAD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  IN WAY OF A DEPARTMENT REPORT, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY BUSY ON THE INTERSTATE.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS ONE TRUCK DOWN AND IT WOULD COST $12,000.00 TO FIX THIS TRUCK. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-03, AMENDMENT TO THE LATERAL HIRE ORDINANCE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  THIS CHANGES THE TIME WORKED AT ANOTHER DEPARTMENT FROM 3 YEARS DOWN TO 18 MONTHS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR A LATERAL HIRE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE MERIT BOARD HELD TESTING FOR THE POLICE LIST ON THE PREVIOUS SATURDAY.  HE STATED THAT THERE WERE THREE APPLICANTS THAT TESTED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,483.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 04/14/2023 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,654.35 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,574.14 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,228.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE #2023-03 FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, THERE WERE NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (9C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEMBERS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO PLACE HIMSELF ON THIS COMMISSION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PLACE BRIAN CALCATERRA ON THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO PLACE JOE SPRAGUE ON THIS COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PLACE JOE SPRAGUE ON THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.  

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO PLACE LESLIE COX ON THIS COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PLACE LESLIE COX ON THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO PLACE MATT WYNN ON THIS COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PLACE MATT WYNN ON THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO PLACE GARY KRAFT ON THIS COMMISSION. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO PLACE GARY KRAFT ON THE HISTORICAL PRESERVATION COMMISSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH 5 HINMAN HOLDINGS, LLC (618 FIXMYRV) TO FORM A REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THEMSELVES AND THE CITY OF BENTON.  THIS WOULD BE FOR 60% REIMBURSEMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF 60% REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE LIFE OF THE IJRL TIF.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THREE PROCLAMATIONS FOR VOLUNTEER AWARENESS MONTH. 

THE FIRST PROCLAMATION WAS FOR HAYDEN SMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION FOR VOLUNTEER AWARENESS MONTH FOR HAYDEN SMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.  

THE SECOND PROCLAMATION WAS FOR LOGAN SMITH.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PROCLAMATION FOR VOLUNTEER AWARENESS MONTH FOR LOGAN SMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

THE THIRD PROCLAMATION WAS FOR THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROCLAMATION FOR VOLUNTEER AWARENESS MONTH FOR THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF PREFERENCE WOULD BE SHOWN WHEN HIRING THE NEW EMPLOYEE IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IF THEY WERE FROM BENTON, IF THEY WOULD HAVE PREFERENCE SHOWN FOR HAVING EXPERIENCE, AND IF A WATER LICENSE WOULD BE REQUIRED AS THIS WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HELP WANTED AD.  ANGIE MESSERSMITH ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WHY THE TWO TEENAGERS WERE GIVEN PROCLAMATIONS.  SHE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT THEY DID TO RECEIVE THIS HONOR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THESE BOYS SHOWED UP AT THE FALL FEST, HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS, AND EASTER EGG HUNT AND WORKED THE ENTIRE EVENTS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

5:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 12, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED GAVIN GENISIO TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH READ A PROCLAMATION FOR MR. GENISIO RECOGNIZING HIM ON HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE TRACK TEAM AND HIS RECENT 1^ST PLACE CHAMPIONSHIP IN STATE IN THE 1600 METER RUN. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED MR. BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FEE INCREASE TO $250.00 FOR THE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO ACCOMMODATE FRANKLIN COUNTY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNTY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FILE OUR TRANSFERS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK BEING COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY THE CITY AND THEREFORE HE FELT AN ADDITIONAL FEE SHOULD BE ADDED TO COVER THE WORK BEING COMPLETED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS FEE HAS NOT BEEN INCREASED AT ALL OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FEE TO $250.00 PER LOT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN THE SEALED JANITORIAL BIDS THAT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR THE CLEANING OF CITY HALL, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TWIN OAKS, AND THE AIRPORT.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT TWO BIDS HAD BEEN RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM KEENER’S CLEANERS AND WAS FOR $143.75 WEEKLY FOR THE CITY HALL, $143.75 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, $143.75 MONTHLY FOR THE BENTON AIRPORT, AND $150.00 WEEKLY FOR THE TWIN OAKS LODGE.  THE SECOND BID WAS RECEIVED FROM PRIZM SERVICES AND WAS FOR $600.00 A MONTH AT CITY HALL UPSTAIRS, $115.00 PER MONTH FOR CITY HALL DOWNSTAIRS, $585.00 MONTHLY FOR THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, $90.00 PER MONTH AT THE AIRPORT, AND $145.00 AS NEEDED AT THE TWIN OAKS LODGE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO STAY WITH KEENER’S CLEANERS WHO HAS PREVIOULSY DONE THE JANITORIAL WORK, IS A LOCAL VENDOR, AND HAD THE LOWER BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS BE ABLE TO DRIVE THEIR CITY VEHICLES HOME FROM WORK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THEY ARE CALLED OUT, THIS COULD SAVE TIME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LETTING THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS DRIVE THEIR CITY ISSUED VEHICLES HOME FROM WORK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT SHOULD BE STARTING ANY DAY NOW.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN ON THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM SOON.    

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00106 TO ZURCHER TIRE, INC. FOR 4 GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $594.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00109 TO LARRY FREERICKS, LLC FOR 1 POINT BLANK LEVEL II B-5 BALLISTIC VEST FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $690.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00105 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,406.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-05 AMENDING RANK OF ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BICYCLE RODEO AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE BENTON CUB SCOUT PACK 7028 AND THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 AT 6-7:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 1-YEAR NOTIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT PER BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,732.17 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,952.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,684.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED WORD FROM REG ANKROM WITH SIMEC, THE BROKER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM.  THE MARKET RATE THE CITY HAS BEEN LOCKED IN WITH IS $0.0866.  THIS RATE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MADE TO CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING WHAT THE CHANGES WERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THE CHANGES TOOK EMPLOYEES AWAY FROM ONE COMMISSIONER AND PUT OVER HALF OF THE EMPLOYEES UNDER JUST 1 COMMISSIONER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THAT WAS TOO MUCH ON 1 COMMISSIONER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WOULD CHANGE SUPERVISORS WOULD BE THE CITY CLERK, THE WATER CLERK, AND BILLING CLERK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING THAT THE WATER CLERK AND THE BILLING CLERK DO IS IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE THEY SHOULD ANSWER TO THE WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCE THAT ALSO NEED TO BE WORKED ON AND CLEANED UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON OF ALL THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE A VOTE IS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AGREED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF LAND FOR CJ LANDS – FRANKLIN, LLC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS FOR BEN’S LAWN SERVICE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PETITION FOR ANNEXATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO APPOINT A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSIONER.  HE STATED THAT FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS’ PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN ON THIS COMMISSIONER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE THE MEMBER THAT IS APPOINTED AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MAYOR LEE MESSERSMITH AS A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE TERMITES, RUST, AND IN GENERAL FALLING IN OF THE BUILDING CALLED THE WATER BARN.  HE STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS MOLD AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION OF BUILDING NEW BUILDINGS AT BOTH OF THESE PLACES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEIR WORK VEHICLES HOME.  HE SAID IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THESE MEN ARE CALLED OUT, THEY HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE BARN AND RETRIEVE THEIR VEHICLE BEFORE THEY CAN GET TO THE EMERGENCY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS SOUNDED LOGICAL TO HIM. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT IS UP FOR RENEWAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WILL BE ON THE NEXT AGENDA.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAD QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING BORROWING MONEY FROM WATER FUNDS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF A FIREMAN WILL BE HIRED BEFORE THE YEAR FOR COLEMAN IS OVER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES CODY WILLIFORD SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN BENTON OR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE CITY LIMITS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COMMISSIONER OVER PUBLIC WORKS WOULD JUST BEFORE CRAIG MILES OR IF THE EMPLOYEES WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED HIS EMPLOYEES.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT CRAIG MILES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NONUNION WITH NO CLAUSE AND BE ON EQUAL GROUND. 

KAREN FREEMEN ASKED THE COUNCIL ABOUT A CROSSWALK FOR KOA.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH THE CITY ENGINEER IN REGARDS TO THIS REQUEST.   

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) 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.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:55 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

6:29 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

6:32 P.M.