Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH OUR INSURANCE AGENTS AND THERE ARE STILL QUESTIONS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED REGARDING THE INSURANCE PLAN PRESENTED TO THE CITY AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

9:02 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM OCTOBER 27, 2025 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE TYPO IN THE OLD BUSINESS SECTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.   

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE WITH PRESENTATIONS AND THEREFORE HE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED JUSTIN MILLER, CPRS, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. MILLER HANDED OUT A FOLDER TO EVERYONE AT THE COUNCIL TABLE AND IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL.  THE FOLDER CONTAINED A REPORT ON THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER, WARMING CENTER GUIDELINES, AND A PROGRAM GUIDELINE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER IN WEST CITY WAS OPEN A TOTAL NUMBER OF 90 NIGHTS WITH A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,080 HOURS OPEN.  THERE WERE 59 UNIQUE GUESTS AND A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,332 VISITS.  THERE WERE 2,637 MEALS SERVED, 45 REFERRALS MADE, 169 SHOWERS TAKEN, LAUNDRY SERVICES WERE USED 26 TIMES, AND 48 PEOPLE HAD CLOTHING DISTRIBUTED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE OPIOID FUNDS HAVE STRICT GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR.  HE STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY COULD DONATE $2,400.00 FROM THE OPIOID FUND TO HELP THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER OPERATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS THE AMOUNT THAT THE CITY DONATED LAST YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BROOKLYN WITHROW AND CLAIRE GULLEY WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE LADIES DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM AS AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM THAT HELPS STUDENTS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY BEGIN BUSINESSES.  IN ORDER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY WILL BE HOLDING A FUNDRAISER TO GET FUNDS TO START FROM.  THIS YEAR’S FUNDRAISER IS A “HOOPS & HOLLY TOURNAMENT & WINTER FESTIVAL”.  THIS WILL CONSIST OF A 3 ON  3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH 3 AGE GROUPS.  THERE WILL ALSO BE VENDORS FOR THE WINTER FESTIVAL.  THE LADIES STATED THERE ARE MULTIPLE SUPPORTER LEVELS AND ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER DONATING AT ONE OF THE LEVELS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM, WHICH IS A CANDY CANE CONTRIBUTOR.  THIS INCLUDES A LARGE COMPANY LOGO ON THE FLYER, SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION, SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT, COMPANY NAME AND LOGO LISTED ON EVENT PROGRAM, AND COMPANY NAME ON T-SHIRT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0.   MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED AS HE IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RANDY HOUSE TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT HE WAS ASKED BY THE CITY’S INSURANCE AGENT, BOB REA, TO LOOK INTO SOME HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT THE CITY WAS LOOKING FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR THE EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO ADD FAMILY IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO.  MR. HOUSE FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM SEVERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE AUDIENCE REGARDING COVERAGE WITH THE PROPOSED PLAN FROM CLEARWATER INSURANCE.  AFTER THE PRESENTATION COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING REGARDING SWITCHING HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE AT 9 A.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AFTER GETTING ANSWERS TO MANY POSED QUESTIONS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00242 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 1999 DUMP TRUCK IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1646.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00241 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 2007 DUMP TRUCK FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $763.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  THE POLICY STATES THAT CUSTOMERS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS THAT DO NOT WISH TO HAVE WATER SERVICE SERVICES, THE CITY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRASH SERVICES TO THE RESIDENCE.  CUSTOMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTACT A TRASH COLLECTION AGENCY FOR SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION POLICY.  THIS POLICY STATES THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A LETTER WITH THE SAMPLING KIT TO INSTRUCT CUSTOMERS THAT IF THEY COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SAMPLE KITS WITHIN 14 DAYS, THEY WILL RECEIVE A $25.00 CREDIT ON THEIR WATER BILL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT DAMIEN WILBURN WILL BE MOVING INTO A GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION.  BECAUSE OF THIS NEW POSITION, A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WILL NEED TO BE HIRED FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED HOW MANY GRANTS PER YEAR MR. WILBURN WILL BE DOING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT CAN VARY.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF MR. WILBURN COULD START BILLING FOR HAZMAT SERVICES SINCE HE WOULD BE DEALING WITH MONEY FOR THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY IS NOT READY FOR THAT CONVERSATION AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR A PART-TIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15.00 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE APPLYING FOR PERMITS AND OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR THE SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-12 FOR ROAD CLOSURE OF THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00148 TO NOVACOM FOR 1 PHOENIX LIGHT BAR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,899.84.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00441 TO IFSI FOR ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES NEFF AND MATT WARREN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00442 TO LEO ELBRECHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,310.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PROVIDED CALL REPORTS FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL.  THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 604 CALLS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD A TOTAL OF 58 INCIDENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE FRANKLIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT GOES INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 2025.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THERE WILL BE A 3% INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL COST EVERY YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT YEAR 1 IS $135,473.84, YEAR 2 IS $139,538.05, AND YEAR 3 IS $143,724.19. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF WARREN ALLEN SMOTHERS TO THE BENTON PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,572.22 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,460.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,032.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00874 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,150.00 FOR QUARTER 2 SAFETY STIPENDS FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $733,238.63, FROM TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,579.23, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,071.20, AND FROM MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $217,042.07 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $990,931.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE #25-09.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE INCREASE ON THIS TAX LEVY OF 0.987% AND IS THE LOWEST TAX LEVEL HE HAS SEEN BY THE CITY IN MULTIPLE YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION #25-13 ADDING POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KARASTIN SHEEDY TO THE RESOLUTION AT A BASE OF $36,400.00 AND AMENDING THE SALARY OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS AT A BASE SALARY OF $37,440.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WITH THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING AROUND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL HAVE A SERVICE AT MASONIC & ODDFELLOWS CEMETERY AT 11AM. AFTER THE SERVICE THEY WILL FIRE THE GUNS AND PLAY TAPS AT THE CEMETERY BEHIND THE POST. AFTER THIS EVERYONE IS INVITED INSIDE THE POST FOR CHILI AND HOTDOGS

THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE SERVING A FREE BRUNCH TO ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THIS EVENT ARE MR. AND MRS. TROY WILLIAMS OF THE 3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT, “THE OLD GUARD”.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRET COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT VICTOR SHOCKLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA, STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS HAS BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT HE IS GOING TO BE ATTENDING SOME TRAINING TO ADD MORE TOOLS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MR. CAVINS IS GOING TO BE CERTIFIED WITH IPMC AND WILL BE ABLE TO BE STRICTER IN ENFORCING CODES AFTER THIS. 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE RECENTLY HAD A FAMILY MEMBER SEEN AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HIS FAMILY RECEIVED WONDERFUL CARE WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL AND HE FEELS THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BETTER CARE ANYWHERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL ALSO HAS A WONDERFUL LADIES AUXILIARY. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION WILL BE BEGINNING ANY TIME.  CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE AT THE NORTH MAIN DOLLAR GENERAL ON DECEMBER 3, 2025 COLLECTING FOR TOYS FOR TOTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT SHOP WITH A COP WILL BE HAPPENING ON DECEMBER 19, 2025. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

6:45 P.M.

___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM AUGUST 25, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND LET RICK AND BARB LINTON PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME.  MR. AND MRS. LINTON SHOWED A COMMERCIAL FEATURING ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS AROUND OUR HISTORIC SQUARE.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS IS BEING SHOWN AT A COUPLE OF REST AREAS AND IS ACTIVE ON THE INTERNET AT THIS TIME.  THIS COMMERCIAL WILL ALSO HAVE A QR CODE IN THE RL ADVENTURES ISSUE AND THE 2026 VISITOR GUIDE.  LONGTERM, THIS WILL BE ABLE TO BE VIEWED ON ENJOYILLINOIS.COM AND THE HISTORIC MAIN STREETS STATE TOURISM SITE.  MRS. LINTON STATED THAT THIS COMMERCIAL WAS PAID FOR THROUGH TOURISM DOLLARS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.   

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WAS AWAITING CALL BACKS ON REPAIRS TO THE DOOR AT THE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) ‘DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO THE DOOR ON THE ANTIQUE GARAGE MUSEUM’ UNTIL A LATER DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00699 TO WIGG’S EXCAVATING FOR PAY ESTIMATE #4 IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,523.08.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00344 TO T & T RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $875.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 501 CARLTON STREET AND 209 CARLTON STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR 200 EAST BLAKE STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-11 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 3, 2025 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00436 TO FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR A VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND A SIREN BRAKE REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,804.45.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,652.77 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,093.20 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,745.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $330,130.33, FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,045.50, FOR TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,710.03. AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $181,342.52 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $550,228.38.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CAR SHOW WENT VERY WELL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE KUDOS TO JIMMY WELLS FOR ALL OF HIS WORK ON THE RC DRAG RACING.  HE STATED THAT THIS EVENT WENT VERY WELL. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00698 TO THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR THE RUNWAY LIGHTING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,828.46.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN DONE ON THE PROPERTY AT 105 NORTH MAIN STREET THAT THE CITY WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE INSPECTION FINDINGS, THE CITY WILL NO LONGER BE PURSUING THIS PROPERTY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS COUNCIL POSITION/RESPONSIBILITY REASSIGNMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MOVED FROM THE COUNCIL TABLE TO THE PODIUM TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HE DID TO CAUSE THIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO ASKED IF THIS IS OVER THE FIRE CHIEF.  HE THEN PROCEEDED TO HAND OUT TIME SHEETS TO THE COUNCIL THAT SHOWED TIME WORKED AND PTO FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED TO THE COUNCIL THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS WILL NOT ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN CHIEF COCKRUM CALLS THEM.  HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVES ANY COUNCIL MEMBER SHOULD ANSWER THE PHONE WHENEVER ANY DEPARTMENT HEAD CALLS THEM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE STANDS BEHIND CHIEF COCKRUM 100%.  HE ALSO STATED THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH ARE CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE KNOWS HE IS ALSO CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE “HE IS ON SHANE ALL THE TIME”.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SAID HE DOES GET VERY MAD AT SHANE AND WANTS TO FIRE HIM, BUT HE HAS BEEN HERE 25 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS ARE “BOTH SNAKES”.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH READ THE FOLLOWING STATE STATUTE. 

65 ILCS 5/4-5-3) (FROM CH. 24, PAR. 4-5-3).

  SEC. 4-5-3. EXCEPT WHERE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER ARE REQUIRED TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, THE COUNCIL, AT THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING AFTER AN ELECTION OF A MEMBER OR MEMBERS, SHALL DESIGNATE BY A MAJORITY VOTE ONE COMMISSIONER TO BE COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, WHO EX OFFICIO SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC PROPERTY. THIS DESIGNATION MAY BE CHANGED BY THE COUNCIL WHENEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD BE BENEFITED THEREBY. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF EACH DEPARTMENT SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THAT DEPARTMENT.
    IF THE MUNICIPALITY HAS VOTED, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4-3-19, TO REQUIRE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, EACH COMMISSIONER SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT BEARING THE SAME DESIGNATION AS THE OFFICE TO WHICH HE WAS ELECTED. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE, EX-OFFICIO, COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
(SOURCE: LAWS 1965, P. 2677.)

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED “WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”.  HE ASKED IF HE IS SUPPOSED TO REPRIMAND, FIRE, OR WRITE UP SHANE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT NO ONE HAS SAID THIS IS IN REGARDS TO CHIEF COCKRUM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT DOING THE THINGS HE HAD ASKED OF HIM AND THAT IS WHY HE IS RECOMMENDING THE CHANGE IN RESPONSIBILITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF ANYONE CAN WRITE UP ANY EMPLOYEE OR IF IT HAS TO BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THAT CERTAIN DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE REASON WE ARE HAVING THIS MEETING IS TO DISCUSS THE SWITCHING OF COMMISSIONERS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM TO SPEAK.  CHIEF COCKRUM ASKED WHAT HE HAS DONE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS IS A SITUATION WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AT THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE SWITCH THAT HAPPENED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDS SWITCHING COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AND COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PUBLIC PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.  ABSTAIN:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED DUE TO BEING SO CLOSELY INVOLVED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BRANDTLEE BROWN FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION DUE TO HIM ACCEPTING A JOB WHERE HE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF HE COULD GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  THE COUNCIL SAID THEY HAD NO REASON TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY REMOVED HIMSELF FROM THE TABLE AND SAT IN THE AUDIENCE WITH CHIEF COCKRUM STATING HE STANDS WITH THE CHIEF. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

5:28 P.M.