Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RICK LINTON TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT FREDCO IS DISSOLVING.  MR. LINTON HANDED THE COUNCIL A LIST OF FREDCO ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS WELL AS A FRANKLIN COUNTY BUSINESS DIRECTORY.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT HE WAS HERE TO BRING A CHECK BACK TO THE CITY FROM SEED MONEY USED TO START FREDCO.  MR. LINTON PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A CHECK FOR $6,000.00 AND HE ASKED THAT THE CITY CONSIDER GIVING MONEY TOWARDS THE S3DA TOURNAMENT BEING HELD IN JUNE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024, HELD AT 5 P.M.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR OTHER BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOTS 46 AND 47 FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE TO LEMUEL GAGE AND CHARLOTTE GAGE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE UPDATES OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00398 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO CLOUD PCR FOR EMS REPORTING SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,188.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00399 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO IAMRESPONDING FOR ANNUAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $660.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00400 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO LEO ELLEBRECT FOR 3 SETS OF REPLACEMENT BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,402.01.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  IT WAS NOTED THAT THIS BILL WAS FROM DECEMBER.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00401 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO SCBAS INC. FOR REPAIR OF SCBA COMPRESSOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $593.08.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION, BUT NOTED THAT THIS BILL IS FROM AUGUST 24, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER KAYS.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00402 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO IFSI FOR COMPANY FIRE OFFICER CLASSES FOR FIREFIGHTER WARREN AND FIREFIGHTER NEFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION, BUT NOTED THAT THESE CLASSES WERE STARTED IN OCTOBER AND THE INVOICE IS FROM DECEMBER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00403 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,136.00.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00404 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO NOVACOM FOR 7 MOTOROLA RADIOS, 7 SPEAKER MICS, AND 7 LEATHER CASES IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,092.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION, BUT NOTED THAT THIS INVOICE WAS FROM DECEMBER AS WELL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD NEED TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF SURPLUS BICYCLES TO BCHS AND THAT THEY WOULD FIND A LETTER FROM BOB HAGERMAN REQUESTING THE SURPLUS BICYCLES IN THEIR PACKETS.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF SURPLUS BICYCLES TO BCHS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 02/02/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,434.66 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,170.69 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $107,605.35.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 02/12/2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $558,348.70 WHICH INCLUDED BILLS FORM IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,822.34 AND MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,888.46.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THE I5 BIKE PLAN RECOMMENDATION.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WILL BE AN OPEN HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2024 AT CAFÉ BLOOM FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M.  HE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE PROPOSED BIKE PLAN IN THEIR FOLDERS TO LOOK OVER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE OSLAD GRANT THAT WAS APPLIED FOR BY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,720.00 HAS BEEN APPROVED AND WORK WILL BEGIN ON MALKOVICH PARK ONCE WE GET THE NOTICE TO PROCEED.  AS A FINAL UPDATE, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE DATES ON THE PURCHASE ORDERS APPROVED TONIGHT ARE VERY FRUSTRATING AND THIS NEEDS SOME WORK. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT BY CHARLES AND SHIRLENE CAPPS TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 ANNA STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD ACTUALLY APPROVED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT ON THIS PROPERTY A FEW MONTHS BACK, BUT THE SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH.  HE STATED THAT IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM HAD A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT BY CHARLES AND SHIRLENE CAPPS TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 ANNA STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY MATT WAYMAN REGARDING A SPONSORSHIP FOR THE SI COMIC CON COMING TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER ON APRIL 27, 2024.  MR. WAYMAN HAS REQUESTED A SPONSORSHIP OF $500.00.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THIS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BUDGET HAS A LINE ITEM OF $500.00 PER MONTH THAT COULD BE USED FOR DONATIONS SUCH AS THIS AND IT HAS NOT BEEN USED UP TO THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DO A SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF HE WAS SURE HE WANTED TO GIVE $1,000.00 AS THEY HAD ONLY REQUESTED $500.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WITHDREW HIS MOTION OF DONATING $1,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO SI COMIC CON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO RELEASE LIEN ON REAL ESTATE LOCATED ON BEATRICE STREET.   ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING THIS HOME.  HE STATED THAT THE OWNERS WILL TEAR DOWN THIS HOME IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CITY RELEASING ALL LIENS ON THE REAL ESTATE.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NORMALLY WOULD NOT BE FOR RELEASING A LIEN, HOWEVER, IT IS WORTH DOING IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CITY NOT BEING OUT THE EXPENSE OF TEARING THIS HOME DOWN ITSELF.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO RELEASE THE LIEN ON REAL ESTATE LOCATED ON BEATRICE STREET CONTINGENT UPON CLEANUP OF THE DELAPIDATED HOUSE. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO REMIND THE COUNCIL THAT THE BODYCAMS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SECURITY CAMERAS BOTH WILL NEED NEW CONTRACTS SOON.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:30 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS MEETING HAD BEEN CALLED FOR THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING

ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THIS. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE

INTERVIEWED PEOPLE ALONGSIDE MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH. MR.

CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NARROWED THE POOL TO TWO INDIVIDUALS AND HAD CITY CLERK

BROOK CRAIG AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES INTERVIEW THEM BOTH AS WELL. MR.

CALCATERRA PRESENTED CALEB CAVINS FOR THIS POSITION. HE SAID MR. CAVINS HAD MOXY AND HE BELIEVES WITH HIS PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT IN REPOSSESSING PROPERTY, HE WILL DO GREAT IN THIS POSITION AS HE WILL KNOW HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE

FELT THIS POSITION WAS GREATLY NEEDED. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS NOTHING

PERSONAL AGAINST MR. CAVINS, BUT DOES NOT SEE THE NEED IN HIRING FOR THIS POSITION.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HOPES IN A YEAR HE CAN PUBLICLY SAY HE WAS WRONG AND

THAT THIS POSITION IS NEEDED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE CALEB CAVINS AS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY PENDING THE OUTCOME OF DRUG AND FIT FOR WORK TESTING WITH A

SALARY OF $32,500.00 PER YEAR ON A PAY RESOLUTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.

VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR

MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER KAYS.

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

9:45 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024, HELD AT 5 P.M.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVED THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE COZY CLUB PROGRAM THROUGH RSP HEATING AND COOLING FOR THE CITY HALL AND TWIN OAKS BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $24.95/MONTH PER SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE 8” WATER MAIN PROJECT ON PETROFF ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $290,005.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM OFFICER ROGER BRENT ERTHALL THAT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION, WITH REGRET, TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER ROGER BRENT ERTHALL EFFECTIVE MAY 24, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 01/19/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,976.68 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,949.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $111,925.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CATASTROPHIC EVENT POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.  THIS POLICY ESTABLISHES UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR PROVIDING PAID TIME OFF TO EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR ABSENCES RELATED TO A CATASTROPHIC CASUALTY LOSS SUFFERED DUE TO A FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER, OR TERRORIST ATTACK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00673 TO ALLEGION FOR A 5-YEAR SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE AUTOMATIC DOORS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $116.00 PER YEAR FOR A TOTAL OF $1,160.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE MAYOR WOULD LIKE TO AMEND THE SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH WOULD LIKE TO ALLOW TWO OPTIONS FOR SUNDAY LIQUOR PERMITS.  FIRST OPTION WILL BE TO PAY $1,200.00 AND BE ALLOWED TO BE OPEN EVERY SUNDAY.  THE SECOND OPTION IS TO PAY $50.00 PER SUNDAY YOU WISH TO BE OPEN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND THE SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A LETTER FROM THE LADY’S AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE LADY’S AUXILIARY HAS ASKED FOR A DONATION OF $500.00 OR WHATEVER PLEASES THE COUNCIL TO PURCHASE NEW FLAGS TO PLACE AROUND TOWN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO THE LADY’S AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION FOR THE PURCHASE OR FLAGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE DONATING TWO GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR WEEKDAY RENTALS TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THEIR ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION.   

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A GOOD CROWD AT THE BENTON INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WAS GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING ON MULTIPLE LEAKS AROUND TOWN. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.   SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  

5:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $269,717.68, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,413.91, AND TIF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,845.85 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID ON JANUARY 12, 2024 OF $564,977.44.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

TIME 9:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 8, 2024 AT 10 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023, HELD AT 10 A.M.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED THE WATER USAGE REPORT FOR TWIN OAKS AND THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF USAGE.  SHE STATED THAT THERE APPEARS TO BE A LEAK, BUT WE HAVE NOW TURNED OFF THE WATER FOR THE WINTER AND WILL BEGIN LOOKING FOR THE ISSUE ONCE SPRING GETS HERE. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERRY RIDGE NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE SERVICE AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THIS IS A STANDARD AGREEMENT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN MODIFIED SINCE THE LAST TIME THE CITY ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM REGARDING CREATING A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 5, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,973.17 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,168.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,141.61.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING AND THAT THE MEETING WILL NEED TO BE CONTINUED FOR THE PAYMENT OF BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-01 FOR THE LINE OF CREDIT WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK FOR THE WATER MAIN PROJECT TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE MEETING. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER KAYS HANDLED THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THERE WERE NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (C), (D), (E), AND (F).

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY LOCATED IN 1^ST ADDITION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HE AND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS ALLEY VACATION.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-01 VACATING AN ALLEY LOCATED IN REED’S 1^ST ADDITION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD BE HAND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA MENTIONED THAT HE DID RECEIVE 1 LETTER IN OPPOSITION OF THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HE AND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE AND AUTOMOBILE SALES BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE CITY MAKE A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE #24-02 DEFINING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS A PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY BUILDING, STORAGE BUILDING, GARAGE, LIVING UNIT, OR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD VOTED 2-2 ON THIS SUBJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-02 DEFINING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS A PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY BUILDING, STORAGE BUILDING, GARAGE, LIVING UNIT, OR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS., ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD SCHEDULED 6 INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY, 2 OF THE INTERVIEWEES WERE NO CALL, NO SHOW. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SAT IN ON A MEETING WITH AXON REGARDING BODY CAMERAS AND RENEWING OUR CONTRACT WITH THEM.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE CAMERAS IN THE INTERVIEW ROOM NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AS WELL.  MORE INFORMATION WILL COME AT A LATER MEETING REGARDING THESE ITEMS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE CITY WOULD SEE A SAVINGS ON A LATERAL HIRE IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THEY DO STILL HAVE TO GO TO THE FIRE ACADEMY, BUT HE SAID WE WOULD SEE A SAVING BY HAVING LESS OVERTIME BECAUSE THE LATERAL TRANSFER WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ON A SHIFT WITH ANOTHER FIREMAN FOR AS LONG.  MR. CARTER ALSO QUESTIONED WHERE THE LEAK AT TWIN OAKS IS AND IF IT IS GOING INTO THE STOOL.  HE SAID THAT IF IT IS RUNNING A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER THROUGH THE SEPTIC TANK, IT WILL KILL ALL THE GOOD BUGS OFF.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STOOLS.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE PERRY RIDGE AGREEMENT STATED WHETHER OR NOT THEY WOULD BE USING FOREVER CHEMICALS AND IF THEY ARE PERIODICALLY TESTING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AS FAR AS HE KNOWS THEY ARE NO USING FOREVER CHEMICALS, BUT THAT HE WILL TALK WITH SHANNON TOIGO AND CRAIG MILES ABOUT THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SET UP A TIME TO MEET WITH MR. CARTER AFTER GETTING THESE ANSWERS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. TO PAY BILLS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  

5:35 P.M.