Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 25, 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, AS WELL AS 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 ATTENDED VIA ZOOM.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00651 FOR A CHANGE ORDER AND RELEASE OF RETAINER ON THE ROUTE 37 WATERMAIN RELOCATION PROJECT TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,134.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON AIRPORT EVENTS AND PURCHASE REQUESTS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE TERMINAL CONSTRUCTION IS COMING TO A CLOSE AND INSTALLATION OF THE SELF-SERVE PUMP IS VERY NEAR.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THE CURRENT INTERNET SERVICE AT THE AIRPORT IS NOT OPTIMAL AND WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO USE CLEARWAVE FIBER OPTIC BUSINESS INTERNET FOR THE PRICE AT $299.00 MONTHLY.  MR. HARRISON ALSO STATED THAT THE TERMINAL WILL NEED A SECURITY CAMERA, A WIRELESS ROUTER TO SERVICE 2500 SQ FT TERMINAL WITH MULTIPLE USERS, A COMPUTER, A PRINTER/COPIER, A COFFEE MACHINE, A TELEVISION, AND A TELEPHONE.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE TERMINAL WILL NEED TO BE FURNISHED AND THAT HE PLANS ON SEEKING DONATIONS TO HELP WITH THIS.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MOVING FORWARD WITH THESE PURCHASES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE DESIGN PHASE ON THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,938.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR FINAL PAYMENT FOR PLANNING AND SPECIAL SERVICES ON THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $926.04.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT IDOT HELD A BID LETTING FOR REMARKING OF THE RUNWAY AT THE AIRPORT.  FOUR BIDS WERE SUBMITTED, ROADSAFE TRAFFIC SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,000.00, RIGHT WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,375.00, STF, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,100.00, AND AXTELL’S, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,900.00.  THE LOW BID OF $34,900.00 FROM AXTELL’S, INC. WAS THE WINNING BID. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00625 TO G.L. DOWNS FOR ROOT KILLER, STREET SIGNS, AND HARDWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,917.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #21-01 FOR A TWO WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF PUTNAM AND NORTH BROWN STREET FOR EAST AND WEST BOUND TRAFFIC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE DESIGN PHASE ON THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,938.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CAMP MANITOWA HAS APPROACHED HIM SEEKING APPROVAL TO TAKE DOWN AND REMOVE A TREE ON THE NORTH BENTON ROAD TO AID IN MOVING FORWARD WITH AN INSTALLATION PROJECT FOR SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC CO-OP.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE GAVE CAMP MANITOWA PERMISSION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS AND THAT THERE WILL BE NO COSTS INCURRED BY THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THIS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #0038 TO REED’S HEATING AND AIR FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FURNACE AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,877.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00036 TO ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE FOR TWO ADVANCED TECHNICIAN FIREFIGHTER CLASSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,600.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00037 TO ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE FOR TWO INCIDENT SAFETY OFFICER CERTIFICATION CLASSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $700.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ALLOWING THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS OF HIRING A NEW POLICE OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 22, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,693.22 AND FOR THE REST OF THE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,798.21 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,491.43.  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 10 DAYS OF PAY PER EMPLOYEE FOR COVID-19 IF AN EMPLOYEE IS UNDER QUARANTINE OR IN ISOLATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED TWO QUOTES ON MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS FOR THE EVAPAR GENERATOR AT CITY HALL.  ONE QUOTE WAS FOR $650.00 AND THE OTHER QUOTE WAS FOR $940.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT HER RECOMMENDATION WAS FOR THE CITY TO AGREE TO A ONE-TIME MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00 AND THEN DO FURTHER RESEARCH BEFORE SIGNING A MULTIYEAR AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS INTO A MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT FOR CARES ACT REIMBURSEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WALK-UP WINDOW IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD DRAFTED AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BROWNING TOWNSHIP FOR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE.  AT THIS TIME, THE AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN EXECUTED. 

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS RECEIVED HIS FIRST COVID-19 VACCINE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UNION CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE UNION HAS AGREED TO THE CITY’S COUNTER OFFER FOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ACCUMULATION OF EXTRA CARE DAYS TO INCREASE FROM 12 TO 15 PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS CHANGE AND TO APPROVE THE UNION CONTRACT WITH UNION LOCAL #318 FOR WATER, SEWER, AND STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL HAS BEEN POSTPONED FOR 2021 AS WELL AS THE SD3A TOURNAMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO BEGIN A DISCUSSION ON PEST CONTROL FOR THE CITY OF BENTON FOR 2021.  ALSO, UNDER NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CITY HALL WILL REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON JANUARY 25, 2021 AT 7:30 A.M.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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. 

6:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 11, 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 ONLY.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE MEETING BY EXTENDING THE ENTIRE CITY OF BENTON’S CONDOLENCES TO ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THE LOSS OF HIS BROTHER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE MALKOVICH FAMILY WOULD BE IN THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF THE ENTIRE COUNCIL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH THANKED THE COUNCIL FOR THEIR KIND WORDS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE NOVEMBER 23, 2020 MINUTES HAD A TYPO THAT HAS BEEN CORRECTED.  THE DATE WAS ACCIDENTALLY PUT IN AS NOVEMBER 28, 2020.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CORRECTED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 23, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 28, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00624 TO BENTON SUPER LUBE FOR SIX (6) NEW TIRES WITH BALANCE, MOUNTING, AND DISPOSAL OF OLD TIRES FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $984.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FINALIZATION OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY INVOICE #6 TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,053.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF THE AIRPORT PROJECTS.  MR. HARRISON SAID THAT THE TERMINAL PROJECT IS WRAPPING UP AND HE BELIEVES IT WILL BE COMPLETE IN ONE TO TWO WEEKS.  HE STATED THAT THE PAY AT THE PUMP FUEL PUMP WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE AIRPORT IS WORKING ON SOME PROJECTS AND HE WILL KEEP THE BOARD UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS BEING PLANNED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO HAVE THE ATTORNEY PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A TWO WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF PUTNAM AND NORTH BROWN STREET FOR EAST AND WEST BOUND TRAFFIC.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SAID THAT THERE ARE NO STOP SIGNS THERE AND THEY HAVE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CITIZENS IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER FROM SAMRON MIDWEST FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,232.64 FOR EXCAVATION AND DECORATIVE ROCK CREDIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO SAMRON MIDWEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,454.86.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS AMOUNT INCLUDED THE CHANGE ORDER THAT THE COUNCIL HAD JUST APPROVED FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS TO DISCUSS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $327,184.87.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 8, 2021 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,604.48 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,145.99 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $94,750.47.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS, WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LIQUOR/GAMING LICENSE FEE WAIVERS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD ASKED EACH DEPARTMENT TO GET TOGETHER A LIST OF SURPLUS INVENTORIES AND THE COUNCIL COULD DECIDE AT A FUTURE DATE WHO TO DISPERSE THESE ITEMS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ABOUT ONCE A YEAR HE LIKES THE COUNCIL TO REVIEW THE CODE OF CONDUCT ORDINANCE AND REPORT BACK TO HIM IF THEY SEE ANY AREAS THEY BELIEVE NEED TO BE DISCUSSED. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ZONING ADMINISTER/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CONTRACT. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY INTERFERED WITH ANOTHER DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY AND HE WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE TO COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE APOLOGY WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND THAT MR. MILES WOULD HAVE TO WORK REALLY HARD TO MAKE UP FOR THE TROUBLE HE CAUSED. 

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

6:24 P.M.

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

6:58 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DISCIPLINE WILLIAM J. GALLOWAY ACCORDING TO CONTRACT BY 30-DAY UNPAID SUSPENSION AFTER HE RETURNS FROM HIS WORKER’S COMPENSATION INJURY.  AFTER A MINUTE, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

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

7:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2020 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 ONLY.

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 DECEMBER 14, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A PAY ESTIMATE FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,512.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REPLACING RUNWAY AND TAXIWAY LIGHTS AND CABLES, REPLACEMENT OF WIND CONE, AND REPLACEMENT OF REILS ON RUNWAY 18-36 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00650 TO BRITTON’S TREE CARE FOR REMOVAL OF MULTIPLE TREES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,750.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY QUESTIONED AS TO WHY BIDS WERE NOT TAKEN ON THIS PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE TREE SERVICE THE CITY HAS USED IN THE PAST WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REACHED AND THIS WAS AN EMERGENT SITUATION SO THEY FOUND ANOTHER SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF $45,000.00 FROM THE MFT FUND FOR EQUIPMENT RENTAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE CITY’S CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS REALLY LACKED THIS YEAR AND WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO DO BETTER IN THE FUTURE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PUBLIC GET INVOLVED WITH DECORATING THE CITY AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRUCTION ON THE BENTON SQUARE, THE CITY WAS NOT ABLE TO DO AS MUCH DECORATING AND HAS HOPES THAT THERE WILL BE MORE DONE IN THE FUTURE.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT IS PROGRESSING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED DECEMBER 23, 2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,624.04, WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,131.76, AUXILIARY POLICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $325.75, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,224.40 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,305.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY. 

NO ACTION TAKEN UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT FROM THE MAYOR. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

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

6:15 P.M.