Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 8, 2017 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. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

MAYOR KONDRITZ WELCOMED JUDGE ERIC DIRNBECK. JUDGE DIRNBECK SWORE IN PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONER DON STOREY. THE OATH OF OFFICE WAS SIGNED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY, JUDGE DIRNBECK, MAYOR KONDRITZ, AND CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE APRIL 24, 2017 REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001790 TO HD SUPPLY FOR A HAND METER READER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,600.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #17-06 FOR A NO PARKING/TOW AWAY ZONE ON SOUTH MAIN FROM EAST CHURCH TO THE SQUARE ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE ROAD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #17-07 FOR A NO PARKING/TOW AWAY ZONE ON SOUTH MAPLE FROM WEST MAIN TO THE ALLEY ON THE WEST SIDE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FROM SESSER PAVE AND SEAL FOR RESURFACING OF THE TENNIS COURT AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,437.56. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID OUT OF THE $0.02 GAS TAX FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TREATMENT OF JOPLIN STREET FROM FRISCO STREET TO NORTH MCLEANSBORO IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,700.00. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THIS WOULD EXTEND THE LIFE OF THE ROAD SURFACE. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR OUT OF THE ROAD AND BRIDGE FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000947 TO BOUND TREE MEDICAL FOR BASIC LIFE SUPPORT INITIAL ISSUANCE OF AMBULANCE SUPPLIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,497.59. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER MILLER ABSTAINED .

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001973 TO K&K STORAGE BARNS FOR A 10 X 10 DOG KENNEL WITH PARTIAL ENCLOSURE AND FULL ROOF IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,895.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FUNDS TO COVER THIS PURCHASE WOULD COME FROM THE POLICE ASSET FORFEITURE FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001974 TO THE CITY OF CHARLESTON, ILLINOIS FOR K9 HANDLER TRAINING COURSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,300.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FUNDS FOR THIS EXPENSE WOULD COME FROM THE POLICE ASSET FORFEITURE FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE HE WILL BE REQUESTING AT LEAST ONE, AND POSSIBLY TWO FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICERS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING JEREMY YOUNG AS A TEMPORARY FULL-TIME OFFICER FOR A 60-DAY APPOINTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001046 TO SCI BOX LLC FOR 277 CARDBOARD TRASH CONTAINERS TO BE USED DURING COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $909.28. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR 05/08/2017 IN THE AMOUNT OF $213,105.50. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 5, 2017 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,873.72 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,316.12 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $102,189.84. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR JANIS THOMAS OF 1352 WHISPERWAY, JAMIE TUCKER OF 115 MCFALL, ROBERT WEIR OF 1401 NORTH MAIN, AND JAY SUEDMEYER OF 512 NORTH EIGHTH STREET AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION TO SELL SURPLUS REAL ESTATE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SATISFACTION OF LIENS AND JUDGMENT OF DEMOLITION ON REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1503 NORTH MAIN IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PERSONAL PROPERTY DONATION OF OFFICE FURNITURE FROM THE OLD CITY HALL BUILDING TO THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ MADE A PRESENTATION REGARDING DUTIES OF THE MAYOR. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE MAYOR HAS MAYORAL POWERS, THE MAYOR IS A SUPERINTENDENT, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, AND LIQUOR COMMISSIONER. THE MAYOR STATED THAT HE ATTENDS CUB SCOUT MEETINGS, GRADUATIONS, ETC. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT “THE MAYOR” IS MENTIONED IN THE LIQUOR ORDINANCE 71 TIMES.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT NO ONE GETS A BREAK AND NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO NOT FOLLOW RULES UNDER THE MAYOR. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE IS A WORKING MAYOR WHO SPENDS TIME PULLING WEEDS, PAINTING GUARD RAILS, ETC.

MAYOR KONDRITZ’ S PRESENTATION ALSO INCLUDED A CHART THAT SHOWED PROJECTED REVENUE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IF PARLOR GAMING LICENSES WERE TO BE APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL. THE MAYOR STATED THAT IF THREE LICENSES WERE APPROVED THE CITY WOULD HAVE PROJECTED REVENUE OF $240,000.00 OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD, FOUR LICENSES WOULD HAVE PROJECTED REVENUE OF $450,000.00 OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD, AND FIVE LICENSES WOULD HAVE A PROJECTED REVENUE OF $700,000.00 OVER A FIVE YEAR PERIOD. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL DOES NOT ALLOW THE ADDED LICENSES, THEY WOULD BE IMPEDING HIM FROM DOING HIS JOB.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE MAYOR’S SALARY TO $28,000.00 PER YEAR STARTING WITH THE NEWLY ELECTED MAYOR IN 2019. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE CURRENTLY IS WORKING FOR $2.38 AN HOUR. HE STATED THAT THE MAYOR OF MARION HAS A SALARY OF NEARLY $50,000.00 AND THE MAYOR OF HERRIN AS A SALARY OF NEARLY $40,000.00. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HIS SALARY PAYS FOR HIS GAS, HIS TIRES FOR HIS VEHICLE AND HIS MEALS. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO TABLE INCREASING THE MAYOR’S SALARY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. NAYS: 1. MAYOR KONDRITZ.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO PROVIDE THE CURRENT MAYOR WITH AN ATTRACTIVE SUV OR COMPARABLE LATE MODEL CAR TO CONDUCT CITY BUSINESS IN. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THERE IS CURRENTLY A CITY VEHICLE AVAILABLE FOR USE. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE MOTION TO PROVIDE THE CURRENT MAYOR WITH AN ATTRACTIVE SUV OR COMPARABLE LATE MODEL CAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. NAYS: 1. MAYOR KONDRITZ.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME REMODELING DONE AT TWIN OAKS INCLUDING PAVING OF THE UNLOADING AREA BY THE BACK DOOR. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC PROPERTY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE TO GET ESTIMATES FOR REMODELING AT TWIN OAKS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A FLOATING DOCK PLACED AT LAKE HAMILTON FOR KAYAKS TO ENTER AND EXIT THE WATER. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO CHECK ON THE PRICE OF THIS AS WELL AS THE LIABILITY INSURANCE NEEDED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE SPILLWAY AT LAKE BENTON. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT ONE SIDE HAS ALREADY BEEN REPLACED. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER WYANT TO RESEARCH THE POSSIBILITY OF REPLACING THE SPILLWAY AT LAKE BENTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE OUTDATED ROAD SIGNS AT LAKE HAMILTON AND LAKE BENTON TO BE REPLACED. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT SOME OF THE SIGNS HAD BEEN REPLACED, BUT THAT HE WOULD LOOK FURTHER INTO REPLACING THOSE THAT HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER WYANT TO RESEARCH REPLACING OF OUTDATED SIGNS AT LAKE BENTON AND LAKE HAMILTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALL BOULEVARDS IN TOWN MOWED AND MAINTAINED. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE THE AUTHORITY TO CHECK WITH THE UNION REGARDING HIRING TEMPORARY SEASONAL HELP TO MOW AND MAINTAIN THE BOULEVARDS IN THE CITY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON WEED SPRAYING ALL STREET SIGNS IN BENTON AND ALSO SPRAYING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE SIGNS TO PREVENT WEED GROWTH.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE SHOULD HAVE FLAT SCREEN TELEVISIONS IN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE, THE HALLWAY ON THE MAIN FLOOR, AND ONE IN THE COUNCIL MEETING BOARD ROOM. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THEY SHOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPING TO BE DONE AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT M&M LANDSCAPING HAS RESEEDED THE ENTIRE LAWN AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO THE CITY. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO STRIKE ITEM (N) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RECULTIVATING AND SEEDING THE LAWN OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE PARKING LOT AT THE CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN TO BE REPAVED. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THIS IS ALREADY A PROJECT BEING WORKED ON. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER WYANT TO RESEARCH MORE INTO THE REPAVING OF THE PARKING LOT AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ALL UNUSED JUNK REMOVED FROM ALL DEPARTMENTS AND CITY BUILDINGS. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT AN AUCTION IS BEING PLANNED AND THIS WILL TAKE CARE OF THESE ISSUES.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WITH 500 WEST MAIN REAL ESTATE, HE BELIEVES WE SHOULD HAVE THE SHRUBS CUT AND TRIMMED TO MAKE THE BUILDING LOOK PRESENTABLE. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE AND JOHN GIPSON HAD WORKED ON THE SHRUBS PREVIOUSLY AND THAT HE WOULD COORDINATE HIS SCHEDULE WITH MR. GIPSON TO SEE THIS GETS DONE AGAIN.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ALL BROKEN SIDEWALKS IN THE CITY OF BENTON REPLACED. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT CURRENTLY A CITIZEN PAYS FOR ½ OF THE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT AND THE CITY PAYS FOR THE OTHER HALF. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ITEM (S) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A WINDOW CLEANER OR DESIGNATING A PERSON TO CLEAN ALL CITY OWNED WINDOWS WEEKLY AND ITEM (T) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF STRAIGHTENING ALL STREET SIGNS, BOTH HAD NO ACTION TAKEN.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE ALL STREET SIGNS THAT HAVE BEEN STOLEN OR DESTROYED TO BE REPLACED. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THE SIGNS ARE REPLACED AS THE STREET DEPARTMENT SEES THEY ARE MISSING OR IF THEY ARE NOTIFIED THEY ARE MISSING.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE CITY VEHICLES TO BE WASHED ON A REGULAR BASIS. COMMISSIONER WYANT AND COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE BOTH STATED THAT THEY WASH THE VEHICLES WHEN THEY CAN GET TO THEM. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT VEHICLES WILL BE UNDERGOING AN INSPECTION PER THE CHIEF OF POLICE ON 05/21/2017.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE CITY EMPLOYEES TO EMPTY TRASH CONTAINERS AROUND TOWN THAT ARE OVERFLOWING IF REPUBLIC HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO PICK THEM UP YET. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WILL BE KEEPING AN EYE ON THIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE IS A LOT OF UNDERGROWTH AND VINES GROWING ON THE RAILING OF THE DUQUOIN STREET BRIDGE. COMMISSIONER WYANT AND COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THEIR DEPARTMENTS WILL LOOK INTO THIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A DIGITAL SIGN PLACED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ON WASHINGTON STREET. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE IS AGAINST THIS AS HE BELIEVES MONEY THAT WOULD BE SPENT ON A DIGITAL SIGN COULD BE ALLOCATED FOR A NEW POLICE OFFICER IN THE FUTURE. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED HE DID NOT BELIEVE A DIGITAL SIGN WAS NEEDED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. NO ACTION TAKEN.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY OF BENTON POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS COULD USE A DRONE. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT A DRONE IS AVAILABLE THROUGH FRANKLIN COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY AND THAT THEY WILL SEND SOMEONE TO OPERATE THE DRONE AS WELL.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO A TINY HOME PROJECT FOR HOMELESS VETERANS IN OUR AREA.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A GOOD WAY TO GENERATE REVENUE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD BE TO SELL THE SURPLUS PROPERTIES THE CITY OF BENTON CURRENTLY OWNS. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT COMBINED APPRAISED VALUES OF THESE PROPERTIES ARE $451,250.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO STATED THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ HAD BEEN QUOTED AS SAYING WEST CITY AND WEST FRANKFORT ARE “EATING OUR LUNCH” WHEN IT COMES TO GAMING. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT IN MARCH OF 2017, THE CITY OF BENTON RECEIVED $9,576.74 FROM 56 MACHINES, THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY RECEIVED $3,461.57 FROM 10 MACHINES, AND THE CITY OF WEST FRANKFORT RECEIVED $5,999.10 FROM 29 MACHINES. HE STATED HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THIS WOULD EQUATE TO SOMEONE “EATING OUR LUNCH”.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW UP COMMISSIONER MILLER’S STATEMENT BY STATING THAT IN FEBRUARY OF 2017 MAC 1 IN HERRIN, ILLINOIS, ON ITS OWN, BROUGHT IN $3,471.00 TO THE CITY.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TAMMI SHEPARD STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE FIXED. MS. SHEPARD STATED THAT SHE IS IN A WHEELCHAIR AND THAT THE SIDEWALKS HAVE MANY CRACKS THAT MAKE IT HARD FOR HER TO BE PUSHED AROUND THE SQUARE. MR. BILL SHEPARD STATED THAT THE CRACKS ON THE SIDEWALKS ON THE SQUARE ARE DESTROYING THE WHEELS ON HIS WIFE’S WHEELCHAIR.

JULIE PAYNE-HUBLER STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ONE OR TWO ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS ADDED TO THE CITY OF BENTON POLICE FORCE. MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE A PART-TIME CODE ENFORCER HIRED FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.

NELSON HENRIETTO REQUESTED MORE REMODELING AT TWIN OAKS. WILLIAM MCPHERSON OF THE GAZETTE QUESTIONED IF THE RUMOR HE HEARD OF TWIN OAKS BEING FOR SALE WAS TRUTHFUL.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED A PROCLAMATION DECLARING MAY OF 2017 TO BE MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ABOVE THIS PROCLAMATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER.
VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER
WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

8:05 P.M.