Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY MAY 26, 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 VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 11, 2020.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 15, 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 THE LOW BID SUBMITTED BY WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR WATER MAIN RELOCATION ON ROUTE 7 IN THE AMOUNT OF $157,732.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EXCAVATION PERMIT DURING HIS REPORT.  

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR BUSH HOG FOR THE AIRPORT AT A LATER TIME. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR AN EXCAVATION PERMIT.  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 PAYMENT OF $2,091.81 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DUQUOIN STREET BRIDGE OVER SUGAR CREEK.  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 THE SIDEWALK PROJECT IS STILL GOING TO TAKE PLACE, BUT A ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION ON THAT PROJECT HAS BEEN GRANTED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A CONTRACTOR WILL STILL NEED TO BE SELECTED FOR THIS PROJECT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00015 TO ALAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOR DISINFECTANT AND WASH IN THE AMOUNT OF $497.17.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00016 TO THE FIRE STORE FOR A HELMET TO REPLACE 005 HELMET IN THE AMOUNT OF $358.38.  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 #00017 TO THE DOOR DOCTOR OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS FOR EMERGENCY DOOR REPAIR, AS THE DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $399.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A MEMO FROM POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS ANNOUNCING THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER MARK WILKEY AS THE K9 HANDLER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 TO THE SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PRESENT THE COUNCIL WITH A LETTER FROM THE SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT STATING THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT THE DONATION OF THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT K9.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 PENDING A LETTER FROM ACCEPTING THE DONATION FROM THE SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT.  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 FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM’S CONTRACT FOR THREE (3) YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CONTRACT THAT SHE HAD NOT HAD ANSWERED AT THIS POINT AND WOULD NOT BE VOTING YES ON THE CONTRACT AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THAT HE FELT THE CONTRACT HAD SOME ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND WOULD BE VOTING NO AT THIS TIME AS WELL.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR SPLIT CREWS IN EACH DEPARTMENT.  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 PAYROLL FOR 05/15/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,165.84, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,365.24, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,631.08.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE AN ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE BUDGET AND IT WOULD BE A “FLAT” BUDGET.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HISTORICALLY DURING A “FLAT” BUDGET MUNICIPALITIES WERE GIVEN LESS MONEY THAN WHAT WAS IN THE BUDGET FOR THEM TO RECEIVE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT HE HAD A PROPOSAL FROM CHRIS MENCKOWSKI FOR CLEAN AND HAUL AWAY OF CONCRETE AND ROCK PILES FROM PARCEL #07-13-100-022 LOCATED IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF.  MR. MENCKOWSKI’ S PROPOSAL WAS FOR $13,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE $13,000.00 PROPOSAL FROM CHRIS MENCKOWSKI FOR CLEANUP AND HAUL AWAY OF CONCRETE AND ROCK PILES FROM PARCEL 07-13-100-022 LOCATED IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. GARAVALIA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL AGAIN REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLEY AGREEMENT WITH KIRKPATRICK MOTORS.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. JORDAN KIRKPATRICK WOULD LIKE TO ASPHALT A PORTION OF AN ALLEY THAT RUNS ADJACENT TO HIS CAR LOT AND MAKE THE LOT LOOK CLEAN AND UNIFORM.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO AN ALLEY AGREEMENT WITH KIRKPATRICK MOTORS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PAYMENT OF INVOICE #9 TO CHASTIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,382.81.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 IN RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR PRITZKER ORDERING ENTRANCE TO STAGE  OF THE RESTORE ILLINOIS PLAN, HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE USE OF MALKOVICH PARK, CAPITAL PARK, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS, AND ANY OTHER CITY OWNED PROPERTY FOR OUTDOOR DINING PURPOSES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT CITY HALL WOULD BE OPENING TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 ALLOWING ONE (1) PERSON IN THE LOBBY AT A TIME AND REQUIRING FACE MASKS BE WORN. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HIS NEIGHBORS HAD SOME SEWER ISSUES AND HE WANTED TO THANK THE WATER DEPARTMENT FOR HELPING AND STATED THAT THEY DID A GOOD JOB.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF ANYONE IN THE CITY WAS TAKING THE IMRF BUYOUT.  MR. CARTER WAS TOLD THAT MORE INFORMATION NEEDED TO BE GATHERED AT THIS TIME BEFORE THE CITY COULD RESPOND TO THAT QUESTION.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED WHO HAS CONTROL IN REGARDS TO SPLIT SHIFTS.  THE COUNCIL STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE THIS SHOULD BE A COUNCIL DECISION. 

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. 

7:05 P.M.

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

7:40 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO LAYOFF THE NONESSENTIAL POSITION OF COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR, RACHEL GARTNER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.   ALL OF THE COUNCIL STATED THAT THIS WAS A REGRETFUL DECISION. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 7:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 11, 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 VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2020.  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 PUBLIC HEARING OF APRIL 30, 2020.  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 OF APRIL 30, 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 #001766 TO MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI FOR ENAQUA PARTS AND SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,240.00.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00230 TO WARNING LITES FOR 40 STOP SIGNS, 20 SPEED LIMIT SIGNS, 30 NO PARKING SIGNS, 2 SCHOOL ZONE SIGNS, AND 6 NO ATV SIGNS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00231 TO ENERGY CULVERT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,020.00.  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 BEEN IN CONTACT WITH RODNEY POTTS OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES REGARDING THE SIDEWALK PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE PROJECT IS MOVING FORWARD. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-07 AMENDING CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10-8 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES INCREASING THE FEES FOR VEHICLE SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT PENALTIES TO TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS ($400.00) FOR THE SECOND OFFENSE, AND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($600.00) FOR THE THIRD AND ANY SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE.  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 TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE CHIEF’S CONTRACT.  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 THE PROPOSED SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL.  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 THE PROPOSED SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL.  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 RESOLUTION #2020-06 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PARADE.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00613 TO ALL STARS N STITCHES FOR CENSUS SIGNS IN THE AMOUNT OF $406.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 AT 9 A.M. TO APPROVE BILLS BECAUSE ALL THE STATEMENTS HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 05/01/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,067.13 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,854.74 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,912.87.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 ORDINANCE #2020-09 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 BUDGET AS IT HAS BEEN ON DISPLAY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD TO RECEIVE COMMENTS REGARDING THE BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY WITH THE PROVISION THAT THE COUNCIL UNDERSTAND HE WILL NOT AGREE TO PLACING TIME CLOCKS FOR EMPLOYEES EVEN THOUGH THE LINE ITEM IS IN THE BUDGET.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS VOTING NO ON THIS MOTION DUE TO ITEMS IN THE BUDGET HE BELIEVES HAVE NOT BEEN THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS HE WOULD LIKE EACH COMMISSIONER TO REPORT THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR DEPARTMENTS OVER THE PREVIOUS TWO WEEKS.  HE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR REPORTS ON THE PROJECTS THEY ARE WORKING ON OR HAVE COMPLETED AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT MAY BE RELEVANT FOR THE COUNCIL TO HEAR. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEMS (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BARGAINING AGREEMENTS NEGOTIATIONS, (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEGOTIATION OF LABORER’S 318 GROUP GRIEVANCE, (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, AND (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING ORDINANCE #1396 FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC OPERATIVE FRANCHISE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A LETTER FROM SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC IN THEIR PACKETS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THE LETTER IS REQUESTING THE COUNCIL TO PASS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PREVIOUS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AS THE CURRENT ONE IS SET TO EXPIRE ON JUNE 12, 2020.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE #2020-08 FOR A NEW FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC COOP.  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 HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT MANAGER CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE 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 STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF BROOK CRAIG TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL ABOUT MOWING OF VACANT AND ABANDONED LOTS.  A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE PROS AND CONS OF CITY MOWING OF THESE PROPERTIES.  NO DECISION WAS MADE AT THIS MEETING. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR IF A PLAN WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR TIMES LIKE THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS IN PROCESS.  JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED THAT SHE BELIEVES EVERYONE WILL HAVE A NEW NORMAL TO GET USED TO DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS.  MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE BELIEVES THE CITY SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MOWING OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY THIS YEAR AND SAVE THE MONEY FOR THE COSTS THAT ARE INCURRED WITH THIS PROCESS. 

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

7:10 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO GO OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

8:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOR ALL UNIONS.  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 CONTINUE THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET UNION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CRAIG MILES AS THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT – DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION.  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 CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ABSTAINED. 

8:05 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2020 AT 11:00 A.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.  THOSE PRESENT WERE GARAVALIA, STOREY, PERKINS, MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2020-02 IN SUPPORT OF CAMP MANITOWA APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT.  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 RESOLUTION #2020-03 IN SUPPORT OF VALVOLINE APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT.  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 #2020-04 IN SUPPORT OF ALL STARS –N- STITCHES APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER PUBLIC COMMENTS, DAVE SEVERIN STATED THAT HE APPRECIATES THE CITY HELPING WITH THIS PROCESS.  ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE DID NOT LIKE THE WAY THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN HANDLED REGARDING COVID-19 AND THINKS THE CITY COULD DO A BETTER JOB IN THE FUTURE. 

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

TIME 11:10 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2020 AT 10:00 A.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 DECLARED THE HEARING OPEN AND ASKED FOR ROLL CALL. THOSE PRESENT WERE GARAVALIA, STOREY, PERKINS, MESSERSMITH, AND  MAYOR KONDRITZ.  TAMMY CAMPBELL OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD, DAN GRAVEL OF CAMP MANITOWA, SARAH WIGGS OF VALVOLINE, DAVE SEVERIN OF ALL STARS –N- STITCHES, THOMAS MALKOVICH, DAVE GARAVALIA, BROOK CRAIG, LISA MENO, AND RICHARD HARP WERE ALSO PRESENT. 

TAMMY CAMPBELL STATED THAT THIS PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED TO DISCUSS THE DOWNSTATE SMALL BUSINESS STABILIZATION GRANT.  MS. CAMPBELL STATED THAT EACH GRANT WOULD BE FOR $25,000.00 TO THE BUSINESSES THAT WERE AWARDED.  THE BUSINESS WOULD HAVE 2 MONTHS TO SPEND THE MONIES OVER A 12-MONTH TIME PERIOD. 

NO QUESTIONS WERE ASKED.  DAVE SEVERIN, DAN GRABEL, AND SARAH WIGGS ALL THANKED THE CITY AND JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR HELPINGTHEIR BUSINESSES APPLY FOR THIS GRANT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE HEARING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

TIME 10:10 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 27, 2020 AT 9:00 A.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 MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS JOINED THE CALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER ROLL WAS CALLED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2020.  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 AT THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING A PURCHASE ORDER WAS APPROVED TO DAVIS AUTO FOR REPAIRS TO THE COURTESY CAR FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS WERE CONTACTED AND DAVIS AUTO WAS THE LOWEST PRICE FOR THE REPAIRS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF $19,596.00 TO JOHN H. CRAWFORD FOR 100% OF THE DESIGN FOR THE SIDEWALK GRANT.  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 ORDINANCE #2020-04 FOR PATRON ONLY PARKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-05 DESIGNATING 15 MINUTE PICK UP AND DROP-OFF PARKING FOR ONE SPOT IN FRONT OF 601 PUBLIC SQUARE, ONE SPOT IN FRONT OF 506 PUBLIC SQUARE, AND

TWO SPOTS IN FRONT OF 205 EAST MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW.  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 AMENDING THE ORDINANCE SETTING IMPOUND FEES BY INCREASING THE FEES FROM $100 FOR FIRST OFFENSE, $200.00 FOR SECOND OFFENSE, AND $500.00 FOR THIRD OFFENSE TO $200.00 FOR FIRST OFFENSE, $400.00 FOR SECOND OFFENSE, AND $600.00 FOR THIRD OFFENSE.  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 THE DISPATCH AGREEMENT WITH WEST CITY FOR A FEE OF $9,146.04 FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2019, $9,320.32 PER MONTH FROM MAY 1, 2020 TO MAY 1, 2021, AND $9,530.70 FROM MAY 1, 2021 TO OCTOBER 30, 2021.  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 FOR 04/17/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,806.48, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,509.02, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,475.68.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 PLACE THE FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 CITY OF BENTON BUDGET ON DISPLAY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE BUDGET BEFORE FINAL APPROVAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-06 DISCONTINUING SEWER ADJUSTMENTS UNLESS THE CITY IS FOUND TO BE AT FAULT.  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 RESOLUTION #2020-05 FOR A “MOW TO OWN” PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF BENTON REGARDING CITY OWNED VACANT PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED TO HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE RETURN OF ALL EMPLOYEES TO WORK IMMEDIATELY UNLESS ON FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT, VACATION, PERSONAL, OR SICK TIME.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING HOW TO BRING ALL EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK WHILE MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCE. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD MASKS AVAILABLE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG HAD MASKS AVAILABLE IN HER OFFICE AS WELL. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE BARGAINING UNITS WERE STILL IN NEGOTIATION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, WOULD NEED TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSSION ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING REAL PROPERTY FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TAX AGENT AT 511 EAST SMITH STREET.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN MOWING THIS PROPERTY AND WE CAN PURCHASE THE PROPERTY AT THIS TIME FOR $815.00.  MR. GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE ASBESTOS REMOVED, THE STREET DEPARTMENT COULD DEMOLISH THIS HOME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE 511 EAST SMITH STREET FOR $815.00 AND PROCEED WITH ASBESTOS REMOVAL OF THIS PROPERTY BEFORE DEMOLITION BY THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  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 HAD RECEIVED COMMUNICATION FROM THE ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION STATING THAT ALL STATE LIQUOR LICENSE SET TO EXPIRE IN MARCH, APRIL AND MAY OF 2020 WOULD BE EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 1, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW THE STATE GUIDANCE.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND CITY LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL DATES TO JULY OF 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHERE THE BUDGET WOULD BE ON DISPLAY.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THIS POSTED ON THE CITY WEBSITE.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CITY GET AN EMA PLAN TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH SOMETHING IN THE NATURE OF THE COVID-10 PANDEMIC.  JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED SHE HATED TO SEE A WORKFORCE REDUCTION AT THE CITY, BUT UNDERSTOOD THAT IT MAY BE NECESSARY.  MS. HUBLER STATED SHE THOUGHT THE “MOW TO OWN’ PROGRAM WAS A GREAT IDEA AND WANTED TO COMMEND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ON THIS IDEA. MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WAY THE STREET DEPARTMENT WAS HANDLED DURING THIS PANDEMIC. 

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. 

10:35 A.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO GO OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

11:40

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND CRAIG MILES TO EXPLORE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS POSITION AND REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON 05/11/2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

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

TIME 11:40 A.M.