Category Archives: Announcements

Minutes of the continued Benton city council meeting held Monday august 14, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. In the Benton municipal building located at 1403 south main street Benton, Illinois.  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.

Mayor Kondritz called the meeting to order.  Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith, were present for roll call.  Commissioner Perkins and mayor kondritz were absent.  

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve payment of bills in the amount of $360,694.67.  Second by commissioner messersmith.  Vote was taken.  Yeas:  3. Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith.  Nays:  0. 

Commissioner Messersmith made a motion to approve upgrade of the financial edge software to financial edge nxt in the amount of $19,287.00.  Second by commissioner garavalia.  Vote was taken.  Yeas:  3. Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith.  Nays:  0. 

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to adjourn.  Second by commissioner messersmith.  Vote was taken.  Yeas:  3. Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith.  Nays:  0. 

9:05 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 10, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  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.

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 WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED JULY 17, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 27, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WANTED EVERYONE TO KEEP THE MILES FAMILY IN THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AFTER WATER DEPARTMENT LEADMAN JASON MILES SON, CODY MILES, HAD A RACECAR ACCIDENT AND IS RECOVERING AT HOME. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #123 FROM DARRUL JONES TO MARK KUPSKY AND EDWARD PURDY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVE HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP STATED THAT WE ARE STILL WAITING ON A DATE FOR THE FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING CONCERNING THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT, BUT THAT HE WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL INFORMED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MFT BID HAS CAME IN, THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM HAS BEGUN, AND THAT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS THE CITY WILL RECEIVE BIDS FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT AND THE SIDEWALK PROJECT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AT THIS TIME THE AP DEPARTMENT WAS STILL RECEIVING STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH AND THEREFORE BILLS WERE NOT READY TO BE APPROVED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THIS MEETING FOR THE APPROVAL OF BILLS ANY OTHER MATTERS NEEDED UNTIL FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 AT 9 A.M.  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 PAYROLL DATED 08/07/2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,020.22 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,666.67 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $88,686.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED INFORMATION REGARDING A SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR THE AP SYSTEM.  SHE STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN UPGRADE THE CITY CHOSE, BUT WAS ONE THE CITY HAD TO COMPLETE IN ORDER TO STILL USE THE SOFTWARE THEY CURRENTLY HAVE.  COMMSISIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE SOFWARE UPGRADE WOULD COST $19,287.00 FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF SERVICE AND IF WE CHOSE TO GO WITH ANOTHER COMPANY THE COST WOULD RANGE FROM $40,000.00 TO $50,000.00 JUST TO SWITCH THE SYSTEMS OVER.  THE COUNCIL HELD A DISCUSSION REGARDING THIS AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED IF A DECISION COULD BE MADE REGARDING THIS UPGRADE AT THE CONTINUED MEETING ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AGREED.  NO MOTION WAS ENTERTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR CITIZENS COMPLETING THE 2020 CENSUS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN A “10 FOR 10” CAMPAIGN WHERE A CITIZEN WOULD CALL 10 PEOPLE TO REMIND THEM TO DO THE CENSUS TO BE COUNTED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND HERSELF WOULD BE AT THE FARMER’S MARKET ON AUGUST 20, 2020 AND THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 TO HELP CITIZENS FILL OUT THEIR CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD A MATTER FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.  @@@@@@@ 

UNDER CITY ATTORNEY UPDATES, THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD EACH FIND A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN THEIR MAILBOXES CONCERNING A ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT POLICE DEPARTMENT BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CAN BE VOTED ON AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO STATE HOW PROUD HE WAS OF CY NORMAN, A 15-YEAR-OLD BENTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, FOR BEING THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S GOLD CUP HELD AT THE BENTON COUNTRY CLUB.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CY NORMAN IS THE YOUNGEST PERSON TO EVER WIN THE GOLD CUP. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION HAS EXTENDED RENEWAL DATES FOR LIQUOR LICENSE TO DECEMBER 31, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDANCE AS THE STATE ON THIS MATTER. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMBINATION LIQUOR LICENSE UNTIL A LATER DATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE NEW TERMINAL AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYING PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,200.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AER 303 SPONSOR CERTIFICATION TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE FRANKLIN COUNTY GAZETTE WITH THE MATERIAL REGARDING THE COSTS THAT WILL BE INCURRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH RICK HAYES REGARDING THIS PAPERWORK.  ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, FREDA BROADWAY PRESENTED COMMISSIONER DON STOREY WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR HELPING WITH FLAG REMOVAL AFTER THE 4^TH OF JULY HOLIDAY.  MRS. BROADWAY STATED THAT SHE HAD PRESENTED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WITH A SIMILAR CERTIFICATE EARLIER IN THE DAY AS HE WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING.  MRS. BROADWAY ALSO INVITED THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE STANLEY MCCOLLUM POST #280 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AUGUST 8^, 2020.  MRS. BROADWAY ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ TO PREPARE A PROCLAMATION FOR THIS CEREMONY AND HE STATED HE WOULD BE THERE TO PRESENT THE PROCLAMATION. 

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

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 27, 2020 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  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.

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 WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 13, 2020 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED.  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 WANTED TO SHARE SOME GOOD NEWS.  HE STATED THAT THE PROJECT ON NORTH HIGHWAY 37 FROM PETROFF TO IDNR WILL BE FUNDED 100% BY GRANT MONIES. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-10 RAISING WATER RATES A FLAT $1.00 ON THE BASE CHARGE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2020-07 AMENDING RESOLUTION #2019-18 RESTRICTING FUNDS FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT DEBT REPAYMENT/REDUCTION.  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 #00630 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR INVOICE #10 OF THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,846.30.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE HAD RECEIVED THREE BIDS FOR THE 10 X 10 DOG KENNEL CURRENTLY AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH OPENED THESE BIDS.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM DENZIL MCCLINTOCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $150.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM ALISHA CRADDOCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $600.00.  THE THIRD BID WAS FROM MICHAEL MCCOLLUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,556.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID RECEIVED FROM MICHAEL MCCOLLUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,556.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 PAYROLL DATED 07/24/2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,775.42, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,822.64, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,698.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER CITY ATTORNEY UPDATES, THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD EACH FIND A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN THEIR MAILBOXES CONCERNING A ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT POLICE DEPARTMENT BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CAN BE VOTED ON AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO STATE HOW PROUD HE WAS OF CY NORMAN, A 15-YEAR-OLD BENTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, FOR BEING THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S GOLD CUP HELD AT THE BENTON COUNTRY CLUB.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CY NORMAN IS THE YOUNGEST PERSON TO EVER WIN THE GOLD CUP. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION HAS EXTENDED RENEWAL DATES FOR LIQUOR LICENSE TO DECEMBER 31, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDANCE AS THE STATE ON THIS MATTER. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMBINATION LIQUOR LICENSE UNTIL A LATER DATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE NEW TERMINAL AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYING PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,200.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AER 303 SPONSOR CERTIFICATION TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE FRANKLIN COUNTY GAZETTE WITH THE MATERIAL REGARDING THE COSTS THAT WILL BE INCURRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH RICK HAYES REGARDING THIS PAPERWORK.  ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, FREDA BROADWAY PRESENTED COMMISSIONER DON STOREY WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR HELPING WITH FLAG REMOVAL AFTER THE 4^TH OF JULY HOLIDAY.  MRS. BROADWAY STATED THAT SHE HAD PRESENTED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WITH A SIMILAR CERTIFICATE EARLIER IN THE DAY AS HE WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING.  MRS. BROADWAY ALSO INVITED THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE STANLEY MCCOLLUM POST #280 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AUGUST 8^, 2020.  MRS. BROADWAY ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ TO PREPARE A PROCLAMATION FOR THIS CEREMONY AND HE STATED HE WOULD BE THERE TO PRESENT THE PROCLAMATION. 

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

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 AT

8:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE SPECIAL CALLED COUNCIL MEETING WAS FOR

• OPENING AND DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID(S) FOR EXHAUST SYSTEM AT FIRE DEPARTMENT
• DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT MANAGER POSITION

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED THE RECORD TO REFLECT THE RECEIVING OF ONE (1) BID FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM HASTINGS AIR ENERGY CONTROL FOR A PLYMOVENT SYSTEM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA OPENED THE BID.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WENT OVER THE BID AND STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN TO THIS COMPANY PERSONALLY AND HAS SIGNED OFF ON ALL REQUIREMENTS EXCEPT FOR A MISTAKE DUE TO ONE (1) STATION. 

THE BID WAS FOR $47,375.00 THIS WAS FOR EXHAUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,303.00 AND INSTALLATION OF $18,072.00.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATES THAT THE FEMA GRANT FALLS WITHIN THE PRICE RANGE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID OF $47,375.00 FROM HASTINGS AIR ENERGY CONTROL FOR A PLYMOVENT SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE POSITION OF AIRPORT MANAGER.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT HE HAS THREE (3) PEOPLE WHO SHOW INTEREST, BUT HE ALSO STATED THAT THEY ALL WANT A FULL TIME POSITION AND CURRENTLY THIS IS ONLY OFFERED AS A PART TIME POSITION.  MR. MILES ALSO STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS PERSON SHOULD HAVE FAA EXPERIENCE ALONG WITH DUTIES INCLUDING LAWN MOWING AND MANAGING THE NEW TERMINAL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATES THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CREDIT CARD READER INSTALLED FOR THE FUEL PUMP.  MR. MILES STATES THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE FUEL PRICES DROP.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTS TO UTILIZE CITY WORKERS TO MOW AND ETC. AS OUTSOURCING OF MOWING COSTS $1,100.00 PER MONTH.  MR. MILES STATED THAT A NEW TRACTOR FOR THE AIRPORT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $40,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WANTS BIDS DONE FOR BALING OF HAY AND MOWING.  MR. MILES STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO POST THE AIRPORT MANAGER POSITION AT $1,100.00 PER MONTH/900 HOURS PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR HANGERS TO INCLUDE TAIL NUMBERS, REGULATION, AND RESPONSE TO THE FAA.  THE COUNCIL ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE CHARLES CASEY TO STAY ON UNTIL THEY FIND SOMEONE TO REPLACE HIM.

MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (2) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT MANAGER POSITION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:50 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 13, 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 AS WELL AS IN PERSON AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED JAMES NEFF TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN JAMES NEFF AS A FULL-TIME FIREMAN ON A PROBATIONARY PERIOD.  UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DAVID GARAVALIA TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PRESENTED A RECOMMENDATION TO REZONE THE NORTH ½ OF PART OF PARCEL 08-07-401-003 CONSISTING OF 1 ½ ACRES DIRECTLY WEST OF MIDWEST TIRE DISPOSAL ON EAST ILLINOIS STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RECOMMENDATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PRESENTED A RECOMMENDATION FOR A SPECIAL USE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY JEFF SHOCKLEY TO OWN AND OCCUPY A 1981 HAPPY HOUSE 14’ X 16’ MANUFACTURED HOME LOCATED AT 405 WEST TAYLOR STREET IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RECOMMENDATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. GARAVALIA PRESENTED A PROPOSAL FROM BIG C PROPERTIES DONATING THE PROPERTY AT 427 WEST WEBSTER TO THE CITY OF BENTON. MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS DONATION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

500. GARAVALIA PRESENTED A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT BETWEEN RONALD ROSE AND THE CITY OF BENTON. MR. ROSE WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY ON THE CORNER OF BUCHANAN AND EAST SMITH STREET FOR A SUM OF $500.00. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY HAS MAINTAINED THIS PROPERTY FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS.  MOTION TO ACCEPT $500.00 FOR THE PROPERTY AT THE CORNER OF BUCHANAN AND EAST SMITH STREET WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO OBTAIN BIDS FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT EXTENSION. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO DO THIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (H), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LANGUAGE IN THE LAKE LOT LEASE AGREEMENTS AT LAKE BENTON.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS THROUGH FREDDY MAC, THE LANGUAGE IN OUR CURRENT LAKE LOT LEASE WOULD NEED TO BE AMENDED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO AMEND THIS LANGUAGE.  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 HE NEEDED A MOTION TO BE MADE FOR APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE NEW TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,991.39.  MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CITY HALL NEEDED A NEW ROOF AND WOULD LIKE TO SEEK BIDS.  HE STATED THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN SEEING THE PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PITCHED ROOF AND A FLAT ROOF.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN SEEKING BIDS FOR A NEW ROOF AT CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 22, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00628 TO FW PLUMBING FOR SUMP PUMP REPAIRS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,550.54.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00629 TO THE IEPA FOR THE YEARLY NPDES FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO RAISE WATER RATES BY $1.00 ON THE BASE RATE.  HE STATED THAT ALL CITIZENS’ BILLS WILL BE RAISED $1.00 PER MONTH, NOT A SCALED RATE RAISE.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT REND LAKE CONSERVANCY HAS RAISED THEIR RATES AND COMMISSIONER STOREY REITERATED THIS RAISE FROM REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT AND REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT THE CITY OF BENTON DID NOT RAISE THEIR RATES WITH THE LAST RAISE IN RATES FROM THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION 2019-18 RESTRICTING FUNDS FOR THE DEBT REDUCTION IN THE WWTP.  PREVIOUSLY $55,000.00 WAS RESTRICTED EVERY MONTH WITH $40,000.00 GOING TO DEBT REDUCTION AND $15,000.00 GOING TOWARDS INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR.  THIS AMENDMENT WOULD REDUCE THE AMOUNT RESTRICTED EACH MONTH TO $40,000.00 AND THIS WOULD ALL BE USED FOR DEBT REDUCTION/REPAYMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #00618 TO KEY FB MCAFOOS FOR 1 WEEK RENTAL OF A BRUSH CUTTER TO TRIM BRUSH AWAY FROM ROADWAYS AND OVERPASSES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #00620 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR 10 INCH AND 12 INCH TILE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,100.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVE HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO UPDATE THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE I57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  MR. HARP STATED THAT PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES HAD BEEN TURNED INTO IDOT AND THAT SOON AN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE FIRST VIRTUAL COMMITTEE ADVISORY MEETING WOULD BE MADE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW CLOSURE OF EAST WASHINGTON STREET FROM COMMERCIAL TO NORTH MAIN AS WELL AS USE OF THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT ON THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF THE SQUARE FOR THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE TO BE PLACED AT 1205 ELECTION CIRCLE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE A CARPORT PLACED OVER PREVIOUSLY LAID CONCRETE AND SINCE THE STRUCTURE WOULD BE IN THE CITY’S RIGHT AWAY A DISCUSSION HAD BEEN HELD WITH THE HOME OWNER TO MAKE SURE HE UNDERSTOOD IF THE CITY NEEDED IN THIS AREA, ALL REPAIRS WOULD BE DONE AT THE HOMEOWNER’S EXPENSE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT PROPER CHANNELS HAD NOT BEEN USED TO MAKE THIS REQUEST AND THAT ACCORDING TO ORDINANCE THIS NEEDED TO BE DISCUSSED WITH ZONING BEFORE BEING BROUGHT TO THE CITY COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 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 PURCHASE ORDER # 00022 TO SIEGALS UNIFORMS FOR 1 CLASS A DRESS UNIFORM FOR JAMES NEFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $386.99.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00024 TO DINGUS FIRE COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,908.99 FOR 1 STAIR-CHAIR WITH TRACK SYSTEM, 1 PORTABLE BATTERY SUCTION UNIT, AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE UNIT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS COMPLETELY REIMBURSABLE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 PAYING BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $512,985.07.  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 PAYROLL FOR 06/26/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,800.64, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,781.31, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $94,681.95.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  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 PAYROLL FOR 07/10/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,866.75, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,041.87, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,024.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,932.71.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE WHEREABOUTS OF HIS HOME AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA’S HOME.  HE STATED THAT A QUESTION HAD BEEN RAISED REGARDING WHETHER EITHER PERSON LIVED IN THE CITY LIMITS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THEY BOTH LIVE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BENTON AND THAT HIS ADDRESS IS 14000 TAYLOR STREET. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER QUESTIONED THE WATER RATE RAISE.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT EVERY CITIZEN’S BILL WILL GO UP EXACTLY $1.00, STATING THAT IF YOU BILL IN JULY IS $35.00, IN AUGUST, IT WILL BE $36.00.  MR. MILES STATED THIS WILL NOT BE A PERCENTAGE ON EACH GALLON OF WATER USED, BUT A FLAT RATE RAISE.  MR. CARTER ALSO QUESTIONED WHETHER THERE WERE ANY UTILITIES UNDER THE CONCRETE SLAB LOCATED AT ELECTION CIRCLE AND MR. MILES STATED THERE WERE NOT.  FINALLY MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COUNCIL HAD COME UP WITH A DISASTER PLAN REGARDING AUTHORITY DURING A DISASTER OR PANDEMIC AT THIS TIME AND MAYOR KONDRITZ INFORMED HIM IT WAS STILL BEING WORK ON. 

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

TIME 7:02 P.M.

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

TIME 7:55 P.M.

 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH ALL THE BARGAINING UNITS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

TIME 8:00 P.M.