Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 24, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE AS WELL AS IN PERSON AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.  

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR KONDRITZ, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MAY 10, 2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED BOB REA AND HILARY REMM OF S.C.D. REA INSURANCE TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE RESEARCH OF A CYBERSECURITY POLICY.  THEY SPOKE ON THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH A CYBERSECURITY BREACH SUCH AS THE BREACH THAT OCCURRED RECENTLY WITH THE COLONIAL PIPELINE.  MR. REA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RESEARCH THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH PROTECTING THE CITY OF BENTON FROM AN ATTACK SUCH AS THIS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW S.C.D. REA INSURANCE TO RESEARCH A CYBERSECURITY POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LOCATION FOR AIR CONDITIONERS AT THE HISTORIC CAR MUSEUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00654 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO PAY INVOICE #14 ON THE 1-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,608.56.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY RECEIVED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH IDOT REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  THIS AGREEMENT IS RESIGNED EVERY 10 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME CLARIFICATION ON WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT OF REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE ON A COUPLE INTERSECTIONS IN TOWN, BUT OTHERWISE IS AGREEABLE TO HAVING MAYOR KONDRITZ SIGN THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KONDRITZ TO SIGN THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH IDOT REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS COUNCIL MEETING AS WELL AS NO OTHER BUSINESS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO MONTHLY BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS COUNCIL MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 14, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,294.82 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,110.68 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $105,405.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A PAY RESOLUTION OF 2% FOR NONUNION AND NONCONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CONSIDER AMENDING THE VENDOR PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO PURCHASE A $50.00 UMBRELLA PERMIT FOR EVENTS THEY ARE HOSTING.  THIS PERMIT WOULD BE PURCHASED FOR EACH EVENT AND ANY VENDORS REGISTERED THROUGH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR SAID EVENT WOULD BE COVERED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO AMEND THE CURRENT ORDINANCE TO ADD A $50.00 UMBRELLA PERMIT FOR THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WAS CONTINUING NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT UNION. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THERE WERE NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY NEEDS TO BE TABLED AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, 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 GARAVALIA IF SHE HAD A TOTAL OF WHAT THE CITY HAS BEEN REIMBURSED FOR COVID RELATED ITEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE DID NOT HAVE THAT NUMBER WITH HER THIS EVENING.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED THE COUNCIL HOW VENDOR ACCOUNTABILITY WOULD BE HANDLED WITH AN UMBRELLA COVERAGE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IT WOULD BE UP TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS REGISTERED WITH THEM. 

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

TIME 6:40 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 10, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE, COMPUTER ATTENDANCE, AND IN PERSON.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET ON APRIL 26, 2021 AT 5:45 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED BECAUSE HE STATED HE WAS NOT IN ATTENDANCE. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 26, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #21-04 RAISING WATER RATES A FLAT $1.00 PER MONTH.  THIS RATE INCREASE WILL TAKE PLACE ON BILLS DUE FOR JULY OF 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THE MOWING OF AIRPORT PROPERTY BID WAS AWARDED TO DAVID BOOKER FOR AN AMOUNT OF $200.00 PER MOW.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER PERKINS WHY DAVID BOOKER WAS AWARDED THIS BID.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT PHONE INTERVIEWS WERE DONE WITH THE FINAL TWO BIDS TO BE CONSIDERED AND THAT AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HAYS CHOSE DAVID BOOKER TO AWARD THE BID.  COMMISSIONER STOREY LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT HE DID NOT APPROVE THE AWARDING OF THIS BID AS HE BELIEVES IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO GARRET BRITTON BECAUSE HE BELIEVES HE SPENDS MORE MONEY IN THE CITY OF BENTON. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH UPDATED THE COUNCIL ON THINGS HAPPENING IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM WILL BE BEGINNING SOON, THAT THERE WILL BE A ROAD CLOSURE ON SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2021 FOR THE BCHS GRADUATION PARADE, AND THAT BY THE END OF MAY ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS IN THE CITY OF BENTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED BY THE RAILROAD COMPANY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #21-05 DESIGNATING THE FIRST BLOCK OF SOUTH MAIN STREET, FROM THE PUBLIC SQUARE TO CHURCH STREET, TO BE A NO PARKING ZONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS BEING DONE FOR SAFETY CONCERNS AND IT WILL BE REEVALUATED AFTER CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE HAS BEEN COMPLETED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00095 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR ONE FORTIGATE-30E HARDWARE AND 1 YEAR OF THREAT PROTECTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $625.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00096 TO VICTORY LANE CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO 2021 DODGE RAM 1500 CREW CAB TRUCKS AND THE EQUIPMENT AND INSTALLATION FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00653 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A BLOCK OF HOURS, 50 HOURS OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,925.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $303,383.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,137.14 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,019.28 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $90,156.42.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO ADDRESS ITEMS C, D, AND E UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE COUNCIL HAD DISCUSSED HIRING A COMMERCIAL APPRAISER FOR REAL ESTATE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE A COMMERCIAL APPRAISER FOR REAL ESTATE.  THE MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN THE PACKETS THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND AN AUCTIONEER CONTRACT WITH G. DAVID GREEN.  HE STATED THAT IF THERE WERE NO QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL, HE NEEDED SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN THEIR PACKETS THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN GIVEN AN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COLLEGIATE COMMON MARKET.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAS PREVIOUSLY USED THIS PROGRAM FOR WORKERS SUCH AS CHARLES TATE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CHARLES WAS AN EXCELLENT ASSET TO THE CITY OF BENTON WHILE HE WAS IN THIS PROGRAM.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT APPROVAL OF THIS AGREEMENT WOULD ALLOW US TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE IF A WORKER BECAME AVAILABLE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION ALLOWING MAYOR KONDRITZ TO SIGN THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COLLEGIATE COMMON MARKET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE AND DAVID GARAVALIA HAD SPENT PART OF THE DAY LOOKING AROUND AT THE LOTS IN THE CITY OF BENTON THAT NEEDED TO BE MOWED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE CITIZENS AWARE THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS AN ORDINANCE VIOLATION FEE OF UP TO $750.00 FOR PROPERTIES THAT HAVE NOT BEEN MOWED AND IF THE CITY MOWS ONE OF THESE PROPERTIES THEY CAN SEND YOU A BILL FOR $200.00 AS WELL. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO HAVING ONLY ONE MEETING PER MONTH INSTEAD OF TWO.  THE COUNCIL WAS ALL IN AGREEMENT AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO PUT THIS ON THE NEXT AGENDA. 

MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE:  JEFF SHOCKLEY STATED THAT A TREE HAD FALLEN ON HIS HOME AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAD AN INSURANCE COMPANY PERFORM A SURVEY ON THIS PROPERTY TO SEE IF THE CITY WAS LIABLE OR IF HE, AS THE HOMEOWNER, WAS LIABLE.  MR. SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A COPY OF THIS SURVEY WHEN AVAILABLE. 

TOM CARTER ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ IF THE COUNCIL WERE TO HAVE ONLY ONE MEETING A MONTH, IF PUBLIC COMMENT TIME WOULD BE DOUBLED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT PEOPLE WOULD HAVE AMPLE TIME TO HAVE THEIR QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS ADDRESSED.  MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER PERKINS IF HE GAVE HIS POWER AS A COMMISSIONER AWAY BY ALLOWING MATTHEW HARRISON TO ULTIMATELY PICK THE WINNER OF THE BID.   COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT IT WAS A JOINT EFFORT AND HE HAD NOT GIVEN HIS POWER AWAY.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE RATE INCREASE IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT WAS NECESSARY AND HE STATED THAT HE WAS LOOKING OVER THE BUDGET AND HAD FOUND A TYPO.

CHARLES HAYES OF 207 WEST PARRISH STATED THAT THERE WAS A LEAK IN HIS YARD ON THE CITY SIDE OF THE METER.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THIS INFORMATION WOULD BE RELAYED TO PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY APRIL 26, 2021 AT 5:45 P.M.  PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE, COMPUTER ATTENDANCE, AND IN PERSON.

MAYOR KONDRITZ DECLARED THE HEARING OPEN AND ASKED FOR ROLL CALL. THOSE PRESENT WERE GARAVALIA, PERKINS, MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS PUBLIC HEARING WAS TAKING PLACE TO HEAR TESTIMONY FOR OR AGAINST 2021/2022 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET.  COMMISSIONER STOREY JOINED THE MEETING AT 5:50 P.M. AND STATED THAT HE WAS NOT TOLD THERE WOULD BE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE BUDGET.

WILLIAM MCPHERSON ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ WHAT THE LARGEST EXPENDITURE OF 2020 WAS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MAYOR KONDRITZ DEFERRED THE QUESTION TO COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD SAY LABOR IS GENERALLY THE LARGEST EXPENDITURE IN ANY GIVEN YEAR.  NO OTHER COMMENTS WERE MADE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE HEARING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE WAS ABSTAINING BECAUSE HE WAS NOT NOTIFIED THAT THERE WOULD BE A PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE BUDGET.

TIME 5:55 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 26, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE, COMPUTER ATTENDANCE, OR IN PERSON.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE ALL PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 12, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR DISCUSSION OF THE BUDGET OF APRIL 16, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA FOR THE EXCELLENT JOB SHE DID IN PREPARING EVERYTHING FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL RIBBON CUTTING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 47 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00627 TO BLUE RIDGE TRACTOR FOR A MINI EXCAVATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,390.00.    COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HALF OF THIS WAS TO BE PAID FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND THE OTHER HALF WOULD COME FROM THE HOME RULE ($0.02) GAS TAX AS IT CAN BE USED BY ALL DEPARTMENTS IN PUBLIC WORKS.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT AS REND LAKE CONSERVANCY RAISES THEIR WATER RATES, THE CITY HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO ALSO RAISE ITS RATES.  THEREFORE, COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO RAISE ALL CITY WATER BILLS BY A FLAT $1.00.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THERE IS NO PERCENTAGE INCREASE, JUST A FLAT $1.00 NO MATTER WHAT YOUR USAGE IS.  HE STATED THAT THIS WILL INCREASE EVERY WATER CUSTOMER’S BILL A FLAT $12.00 PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS OPENED ALL SEALED MOWING BIDS FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT THAT HAD BEEN COLLECTED BY THE CITY CLERK, BROOK CRAIG.  BIDS WERE RECEIVED BY BRITTON TREE CARE FOR $200.00 PER MOW, BY CAVINS LAWN & TREE LLC FOR $200.00 PER MOW, BY KRIS KIRKPATRICK AT $725.00 PER MOW, BY MARK GRUENINGER AT $355.00 PER MOW, BY TYLER HEINZMANN AT $355.00 PER MOW, BY LAWN BOY AT $400.00 PER MOW, AND BY BOOKER’S MOWING SERVICE FOR $200.00 PER MOW.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER PERKINS AND AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO GO THROUGH THE BIDS AND MAKE A DECISION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001770 TO H&R AGRI-POWER FOR A 2020 CASE 1H TRACTOR TO BE PAID FOR FROM MFT FUNDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PAY INVOICE #13 FROM CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,331.65 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO HAVE AN ORDINANCE PREPARED MAKING THE WEST SIDE OF SOUTH MAIN A NO PARKING ZONE DUE TO SAFETY ISSUES.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IF YOU ARE COMING OFF OF CHURCH STREET TO SOUTH MAIN, THE PARKED CARS INHIBIT BEING ABLE TO SEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS MET WITH THE FOREMAN OF THE CONSTRUCTION CREW ON THE SQUARE TO DISCUSS PARKING ISSUES WITH THE CREWS WORKING ON THE NEW COURTHOUSE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AND A PLAN IS BEING WORKED OUT TO GET THIS UNDER CONTROL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES WAS CONTACTED BY A CONSTRUCTION CREW WORKING FOR ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BY THE END OF MAY, ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS IN THE CITY OF BENTON SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UNION NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,505.93 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,608.54 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $103,114.47.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2021/2022 BUDGET AS PRESENTED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WAS NOT HAPPY THAT $6,000.00 HAD BEEN REMOVED FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET FOR OVERTIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE FIRE CHIEF AND SHE HAD SPOKEN AND THAT CHIEF COCKRUM WAS AGREEABLE TO THIS DECREASE IN OVERTIME AS THE COUNCIL HAD AGREED TO ADD $15,000.00 TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET ALLOWING A PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER TO WORK SHIFTS IF NEEDED AND THUS REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF OVERTIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS PAYING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE STILL DID NOT AGREE WITH TAKING $6,000.00 FROM THE OVERTIME BUDGET BECAUSE HE THINKS IT MAY BE NEEDED.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS SECONDED THE MOTION THAT WAS ON THE TABLE FROM COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS COUNCIL MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH THE AIRPORT RIBBON CUTTING AND THANKS ALL THAT WERE INVOLVED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE FUEL SALES SINCE JANUARY.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT SINCE JANUARY, FUEL SALES AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT WERE IN EXCESS OF $12,000.00. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WERE HAPPY WITH THE CURRENT SALARIES FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS OF IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO THINK ABOUT INCREASING THE AMOUNT FOR THE NEXT ELECTED OFFICIALS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE BELIEVES ELECTED OFFICIALS DO THEIR JOB WITHOUT EXPECTATION OF PAYMENT.  THAT SENTIMENT WAS ECHOED BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE AGREED AS WELL.   COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO FREEZE ELECTED OFFICIAL SALARIES AT THE CURRENT RATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL APPRAISER FOR REAL ESTATE AND ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ZONING ADMINISTRATOR CONTRACT WERE BOTH TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF WORK FOR THE GRANT THE CITY RECEIVED ON THE NORTH 37 WATER LINE HAD BEEN COMPLETED, HE ASKED COMMISSIONER PERKINS IF HE HAD DONE A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE PLANT COSTS OF THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, AND IF THE CITY HAS LANGUAGE IN THE ORDINANCE THAT WOULD PREVENT A COMMISSIONER FROM DISCUSSING EXECUTIVE SESSION.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS TOLD MR. CARTER HE WOULD GET BACK TO HIM ON THE PLANT COSTS AND STATED THAT ALL WORK FOR THE GRANT HAS BEEN COMPLETED.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO SPECIFIC CITY ORDINANCE PROHIBITING DISCUSSION OF EXECUTIVE SESSION, BUT IT IS NOT TO BE DISCUSSED.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD GIVE 60 SECONDS TIME FOR ANYONE ON THE ZOOM CALL TO SPEAK UNDER PUBLIC COMMENTS.  NO ONE SPOKE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEMS (A) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE AND (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 MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:50 P.M. 

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

8:01 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO CONTINUE UNION NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ONE-YEAR CONTRACT FOR ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA RETROACTIVE TO JANUARY 4, 2021 WITH A 2% INCREASE ON MAY 1, 2021 AND 3 WEEKS’ VACATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

TIME 8:10 P.M.