Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 13, 2020 AT 6:00 P.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 PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED MADE A MOTION ON THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CONTINUED MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2019. 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 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 23, 2019. 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 WE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED JACKIE TAYLOR OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND RICK LINTON OF REND LAKE TOURISM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MS. TAYLOR STATED THAT THE NATIONAL ARCHERY TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD AT REND LAKE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS. SHE STATED THAT THIS IS BROUGHT TO OUR AREA BY S3DA ORGANIZATION WHICH STRIVES TO GET YOUTH INTO THE OUTDOORS. MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS TOURNAMENT WILL BRING A PROJECTED $3,000,000.00 TO $5,000,000.00 TO OUR AREA IN ONE WEEKEND WITH AN ESTIMATED 1,500 YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT.

JIM MUIR WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. MUIR TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE. MR. MUIR STATED THAT MOVING FROM THE OLD COURTHOUSE INTO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING HAD STARTED. HE STATED THAT BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2020, THERE WILL BE A NEW AUTOMATED PHONE SYSTEM FOR THE COURT SYSTEM. THE PHONE NUMBER WILL BE 618-435-9800. MR. MUIR ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRST COURT PROCEEDINGS IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING WILL TAKE PLACE ON FEBRUARY 10, 2020.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THE MEETING, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE MAYOR. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE FELT THE MAYOR HAD BEEN A BULLY TO HIS DEPARTMENT AND THAT HE DEMONSTRATED COWARDLY ACTS BY DISCUSSING WHAT HE FELT WERE PROBLEMS IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN A MEETING THAT COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS NOT IN ATTENDANCE. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT IS VERY HARDWORKING AND DID NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED THIS WAY. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED THAT IF, IN THE FUTURE, ANYONE NEEDS TO DISCUSS HIS DEPARTMENT, THEY DO SO WITH HIM FIRST.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001113 TO SANTEE OIL IN SIKESTON, MISSOURI, FOR ONE 55 GALLON BARREL OF OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $640.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DESIGNATE A HANDICAP PARKING SPOT ON THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON AND MAPLE STREETS. 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 DESIGNATE A HANDICAPPED PARKING SPOT ON THE NORTH WEST CORNER OF SOUTH MAIN AT THE INTERSECTION OF CHURCH STREET. 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 DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A FOUR-WAY STOP AT WILLIAMS AND FIRST STREET. THIS IS CURRENTLY JUST A TWO-WAY STOP. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED HE WANTED TO OPEN THE FLOOR FOR THE MERCHANTS ON THE SQUARE THAT WERE IN ATTENDANCE TO SPEAK REGARDING THE PARKING ON THE SQUARE. COUNTY SEAT, WHITE RABBIT, AND JOE’S PIZZA OWNERS WERE ALL IN ATTENDANCE. MR. JOE SPRAGUE SPOKE FOR THE GROUP. MR. SPRAGUE STATED THAT THE BUSINESS OWNERS WERE WANTING TO SEE IF THE CITY COULD MAKE THE PARKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE FOR PATRONS ONLY, NO PEOPLE THAT WORK ON THE SQUARE. MR. JIM MUIR WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND HE STATED THAT THE EMPLOYEES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY WILL BE PARKING ON CHURCH STREET AND SOME OF THE OTHER PARKING SPOTS NOW THAT THE COURTHOUSE IS MOVING INTO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00089 TO CELLBRITE INC. FOR RENEWAL OF THE FORENSIC LICENSE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00007 TO IAMRESPONDING.COM FOR ANNUAL RENEWAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $735.00. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00099 TO PAPER SAVE FOR MAINTENANCE RENEWAL OF THE PAPER SAVE PROGRAM FOR ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,006.02. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00100 TO THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR A TABLE AT THE ANNUAL CHAMBER DINNER IN THE AMOUNT OF$210.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS TO BE PAID ON JANUARY 13, 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $214,648.31. THIS WAS $213,330.03 FROM ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND $1,318.28 FROM OTHER FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT JOHN H. CRAWFORD HAD RETURNED THE CHECK RECEIVED FOR UPDATING OF OUR ENTERPRISE ZONE MAP AFTER THE COUNCIL RESCINDED THE MOTION TO ALLOW THEM TO COMPLETE THIS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,688.84 AND THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,691.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $98,380.55. 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR PAUL POTTS OF 402 SOUTH FIRST STREET, DEBORAH LOUCKS OF 616 JOPLIN STREET, AND LINDSAY MCGUIRE OF 511 NORTH BUCHANAN. 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 DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PREPARING A RESOLUTION REGARDING HAZMAT FUNDS AFTER TERMS WERE PROVIDED TO HIM. 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 BELIEVES HIMSELF TO BE A GENTLEMAN AND HAS NEVER BEEN CALLED A BULLY BEFORE IN HIS LIFE. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS WON TWO MAYORAL ELECTIONS BY LANDSLIDES AND FEELS THIS SHOWS HIS POPULARITY. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE IS DOING THINGS THE WAY HE BELIEVES IS RIGHT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO THEM THIS WAY UNTIL HE IS NO LONGER MAYOR.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT PURCHASE ORDERS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00602 TO RSP FOR CLEANING OF HEATING AND AIR SYSTEMS AT TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $745.92. 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.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00601 FROM JEFF SHURTZ FOR AN ASBESTOS INSPECTION AT 202 EAST MAIN STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $440.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001076 FROM JEFF SHURTZ FOR AN ASBESTOS INSPECTION OF THE NEWHOUSE LUMBAR BUILDING EXCLUDING THE BLOCK BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $560.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. 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 MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY ON EAST MAIN STREET. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA IS WORKING ON A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 202 EAST MAIN STREET. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 202 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.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE WOUNDED WARRIOR PARKING SPOTS DESIGNATED THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THIS BEFORE PROCEEDING. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL FURTHER RESEARCH COULD BE COMPLETED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED ATTACHMENT (G) COST PLUS FIXED PAYMENT INVOICE FROM BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PROJECT #H96-4656 IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,237.82. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PAY THIS INVOICE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED AN ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VENDOR INVOICE FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,270.66. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PAY THIS INVOICE. 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 STOREY STATED THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE THAT THE COUNCIL PASSED THE POLICY OF PURCHASE ORDERS BEING TURNED IN FOR ITEMS OVER $250.00 INSTEAD OF $500.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SHOULD HAVE ASKED THE DEPARTMENT HEADS HOW THEY FELT ABOUT THIS CHANGE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH HIS LEAD MAN REGARDING THIS CHANGE AND FELT THAT IT WAS UP TO EACH COMMISSIONER TO TALK TO THEIR DEPARTMENT HEADS ABOUT THIS CHANGE, NOT UP TO THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY CHANGING THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT TO $250.00 WAS A PROBLEM FOR ANY DEPARTMENT.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED THE POLICE AND FIRE CHIEFS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TALKED TO REGARDING THE CHANGE IN PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNTS BEFORE THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE COUNCIL. MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS THANKFUL TO COMMISSIONER PERKINS FOR BEING AVAILABLE WHEN SHE CALLED HIM AND GETTING BACK TO HER QUICKLY. TOM CARTER STATED THAT PAST COUNCILS HAD LET THE MESS AT THE WATER BARN HAPPEN AND HAD DONE NOTHING TO CLEAN IT UP. RUTH MATYCEK TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THERE WERE MANY SPEEDERS ON FRISCO STREET AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A SPEED BUMP INSTALLED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SOME OF THE SPEED LIMITS SIGNS WERE MISSING. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD BE ASSESSING THE SITUATION.

RACHEL GARTNER STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THE FUNDS USED TO PAY FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE GENERATED FROM DONATIONS AND DO NOT COME FROM THE GENERAL FUND. MS. GARTNER ALSO STATED THAT THE CITY IS WORKING WITH THE S3DA ORGANIZATION FOR THE ARCHERY TOURNAMENT. MS. GARTNER LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT MAJORITY OF 2020 HAS BEEN BOOKED FOR TWIN OAKS. LASTLY MS. GARTNER STATED THAT SHE ATTENDED HER FIRST CENSUS WEBINAR AND THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE TO THE COUNCIL THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A $5,000.00 GRANT TO HELP WITH COLLECTING DATA FOR THE CENSUS.

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 8:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 23, 2019 AT 6:00 P.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 WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 8, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001765 TO DITCH WITCH SALES INC FOR 1 UTILIGUARD ADVANCED LOCATER IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,241.88. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF $20,000.00 FROM THE MOTOR FUEL TAX FUND TO THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX FUND FOR EQUIPMENT TRANSFER FOR THE 2020 MFT PLAN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL BACKHOE PAYMENT OF $24,570.22. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR DECEMBER 13, 2019 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,879.30 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,780.49 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $97,659.79. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SET AT $500.00 AND SHE FELT THAT IN ORDER TO KEEP TRACK OF SPENDING IT WAS NECESSARY TO LOWER THE AMOUNT TO $250.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH HIS DEPARTMENTS ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND HE DID NOT FEEL THAT IT WAS SOMETHING THAT NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO LOWER THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT TO $250.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO REVISE THE CREDIT CARD POLICY. SHE STATED THAT THE FULL POLICY HAD BEEN PLACED IN THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PACKETS FOR REVIEW. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE TIMEFRAME FOR TURNING IN RECEIPTS FOR CREDIT CARD PURCHASES TO BE CHANGED FROM TWO DAYS TO TWO BUSINESS DAYS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CREDIT CARD POLICY WITH THIS CHANGE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN ORDINANCE DRAFTED REGARDING CREDIT CARD USE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER FURTHER BEFORE PROCEEDING. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS MATTER UNTIL A LATER DATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PERSONNEL CODE REVISED. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE THIS DONE. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FEELS AN INVENTORY NEEDS DONE OF EACH DEPARTMENT AND THE MISUSE OR EQUIPMENT AND PROPERTY NEEDS TO BE DISCUSSED. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS TO BE CLEANED UP AS THEY ARE NOT BEING KEPT IN A NEAT MANNER.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY ON A DISPATCH AGREEMENT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CURRENT DISPATCH AGREEMENT EXPIRED AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2019 AND, PER CONTRACT, THE CITY OF BENTON WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL $500.00 PER MONTH WHILE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM CHRIS MENCKOSKI FOR DEMOLITION OF 308 NORTH BUCHANAN AND 208 WEST PARRISH. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THESE PROPERTIES NEED TO BE DEMOLISHED AND MR. MENCKOSKI HAS SUBMITTED A PROPOSAL OF $5,200.00 FOR NORTH BUCHANAN STREET AND $4,700.00 FOR WEST PARRISH STREET. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. MENCKOSKI HAS AGREED TO DEMOLISH THESE HOUSES NOW IF APPROVED AND WILL BE PAID IN JUNE OF 2020. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSALS FROM CHRIS MENCKOSKI FOR DEMOLITION OF 308 NORTH BUCHANAN AND 208 WEST PARRISH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO PASS ORDINANCE #19-17 FOR DRUG FREE EMPLOYEES. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED THE BIDS FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT LOW BID WAS FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $427,600.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF $427,600.00 FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CHARLES AND CATHERINE WIGGS WISHED TO RELINQUISH THEIR LAKE LOT LEASES FOR LOTS #1 AND #4 OF THE NORTH LAKE SUBDIVISION BACK TO THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESCINDING CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES MAPPING APPROVAL PREVIOUSLY APPROVED AT NOVEMBER 2019 MEETING. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT AFTER THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED MOVING FORWARD WITH THIS PROCESS, HE WAS OFFERED A MAP IN COMPARISON TO THIS AT NO CHARGE. MR. GARAVALIA ASKED THE CITY TO RESCIND THE MOTION ALLOWING CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES TO BEGIN THIS PROJECT. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FROM JIM EMBERTON TO REMOVE SPECIFIED ITEMS FROM THE REAL ESTATE OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER OBTAINED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT. MR. GARAVALIA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES OF THE PROPERTY AND AN ORDER FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT ORDERING THAT THE CITY OF BENTON SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE THE ACCUMULATION OF TRASH, JUNK AND DEBRIS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WOOD, METAL, PLASTIC, PALLETS, SHINGLES, SIDING, AND WIRE SPOOL. THE COURT ORDER ALSO ALLOWED THE CITY OF BENTON TO PLACE A LIEN ON THIS PROPERTY. AFTER A DISCUSSION COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL ANOTHER MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED A SCHEDULE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING TIMES FOR 2020. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SETTING OF MEETING TIMES FOR THE YEAR OF 2020. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM JO ELLEN BAUER FROM THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. MRS. BAUER STATED THAT SHE ENJOYED HER TIME ON THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD, BUT SHE HAS RELOCATED FROM THE AREA AND THEREFORE FEELS SHE NEEDS TO RESIGN. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESIGNATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT SHELLEY INGRAM TO THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SHELLEY INGRAM TO THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE IS SOMEONE BURNING GARBAGE ON THE NORTH EAST SIDE OF BENTON. HE STATED THIS IS AGAINST ORDINANCE AND HE IS INVESTIGATING THE SITUATION.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE HUBLER MENTIONED THAT SHE BELIEVES THE STREET BARN NEEDS TO CLEAN UP THE AREA AROUND THEIR BUILDING. TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL HOW MANY CREDIT CARDS THE CITY OF BENTON HAS AND IF THE AIRPORT HAD ITS OWN CREDIT CARD. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ONE CREDIT CARD CURRENTLY AND THE AIRPORT DOES NOT HAVE A CREDIT CARD. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED FOR A COPY OF THE DRUG FREE EMPLOYEE ORDINANCE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AFTER THE ORDINANCE HAD BEEN SIGNED, MR. CARTER COULD PICK UP A COPY. MR. CARTER ALSO TOLD MAYOR KONDRITZ THAT HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO VOLUNTEER AS AN INSPECTOR OF CITY PROPERTIES IF NEEDED.

COMMISSIONER STOREY 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.

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 13, 2019 AT 9:15 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 WAS ABSENT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT IN ATTENDANCE FOR THIS CONTINUED MEETING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS PAYABLE ON DECEMBER 13, 2019 IN THE AMOUNT OF $284,794.48. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THE CITY CREDIT CARD. SHE STATED THAT THE CITY HAS A CREDIT CARD POLICY, BUT THAT NOT ALL EMPLOYEES ARE COMPLIANT WITH THIS POLICY. SHE STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO WORK ON A NEW POLICY AND WOULD LIKE ALL EMPLOYEES WHO MAY USE THE CREDIT CARD TO SIGN THIS POLICY BEFORE USING THE CREDIT CARD. COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF A SECOND CARD COULD BE ORDERED IN CASE THE CARD HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT OF TOWN AND SOMEONE ELSE NEEDS TO USE IT. THERE WAS A DISCUSSION HELD REGARDING THE REWRITING OF THIS POLICY.

THE COUNCIL HELD A DISCUSSION ON REWRITING SOME CODES AND ORDINANCES. EACH COMISSIONER STATE THAT THEY WOULD TAKE TIME TO LOOK THROUGH THE ORDINANCES TO DO WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND BRING ANY ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE REWRITTEN TO THE COUNCIL.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING LOWER THE MINIMUM AMOUNT FOR A PURCHASE ORDER FROM $500.00 TO $250.00. A DISCUSSION WAS ALSO HELD REGARDING WHAT CONSTITUTES AN EMERGENCY. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED “POOR PLANNING ON AN INDIVIDUAL’S ACCOUNT DOES NOT CONSITUTE AN EMERGENCY FOR THE CITY”.

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

9:50 A.M.