Category Archives: Announcements

City Council Meeting Agenda — January 22, 2024

Posted on January 19, 2024 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Agenda — January 22, 2024

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COZY CLUB PARTICIPATION

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                    COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PETROFF ROAD PAY ESTIMATE #1

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESIGNATION OF A POLICE OFFICER

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CATASTROPHIC EVENT POLICY

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY                                                                                         TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION FOR AMERICAN FLAGS
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.      DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 01/18/2024 4:00 P.M./BC

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City Council Meeting Minutes — December 22, 2023

Posted on January 9, 2024 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — December 22, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 2023 AT 10 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 11, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE IS A LEAK OF SOME KIND IN THE WATER SYSTEM AT TWIN OAKS AND SHE IS HAVING THIS LOOKED INTO.  SHE HAS ASKED FOR A REPORT FROM THE EWING INA WATER DEPARTMENT SHOWING THE USAGE AT TWIN OAKS; HOWEVER, SHE WAS TOLD IT WOULD ONLY SHOW 40 DAYS OF USAGE ON THIS REPORT.  SHE STATED SHE WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL UP TO DATE ON HER FINDINGS. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INSTALLATION OF LED LIGHTING AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM J.R. ERWIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,482.00 PENDING PROOF OF INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A NEW DISPATCH AGREEMENT WITH WEST CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY DISPATCH AT A RATE OF $11,500.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITION AND REMOVAL OF FIREFIGHTERS FROM THE PAID ON-CALL LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 12/22/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,365.63.02 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,397.09, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,796.97 FOR A TOTAL OF $111,559.69.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00672 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A 3-FOOT-WIDE FILING CABINET FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $391.43.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00498 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT FOR END OF YEAR GIFT CARDS FOR ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $75.00 PER PERSON FOR A TOTAL PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT OF $3,225.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THESE GIFT CARDS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BOUGHT AND PASSED OUT BEFORE THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD DROPPED THE BALL AND HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE EMPLOYEES RECEIVED THIS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WANTED THE EMPLOYEES TO GET IT, BUT THAT HE FEELS COMMISSIONER KAYS DID THIS IN A DIRTY WAY AND HE WAS SICK OF THE DOG AND PONY SHOW, AS HE SAID COMMISSIONER KAYS HAD STATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT HE NEVER WANTED TO HEAR COMMISSIONER KAYS CALL THIS COUNCIL A DOG AND PONY SHOW EVER AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IF THE MOTION DID NOT PASS, HE WOULD REIMBURSE THE CITY OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A GROUP RATE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON TO JOIN AIR EVAC.  AIR EVAC HAS OFFERED THE CITY A RATE OF $75.00 PER YEAR PER FAMILY AS LONG AS 3 EMPLOYEES SIGN UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 3 EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE CONVEYED INTEREST IN THIS PROGRAM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK REGARDING A LINE OF CREDIT FOR THE ACEI BORE FUNDING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED AND EVERYTHING SHOULD BE READY TO GO AT THE NEXT SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THAT BOTH THE ELKS AND THE LEGION WILL BE HAVING A FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER ON CHRISTMAS DAY FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN GOING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE LOCAL AREA CHURCHES WILL BE HOLDING A CANDLE LIGHT CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BENTON RANGER’S BASKETBALL TEAM IS CURRENTLY 10-0 AND A VERY FUN TEAM TO WATCH PLAY.  HE SAID THAT THERE WILL BE GAMES THIS EVENING AT THE RICH HERRIN GYM AT 4:00 P.M. FOR FRESHMEN, 5:15 P.M. FOR JUNIOR VARSITY, AND 6:30 P.M. FOR VARSITY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (C), (D), (E), (F), AND (G).

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROACHED BY SOMEONE INTERESTED IN BRINGING A SHIPPING CONTAINER TO TOWN FOR STORAGE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE TOLD THE PERSON THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NOT AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE THAT WOULD STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING, BUT THAT HE PLANS ON CREATING ONE.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO CREATE A ZONING ORDINANCE REGULATING SHIPPING CONTAINER USE WITHIN THE ZONING JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE CITY’S PREVIOUS FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM HAD EXPIRED AND HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO RENEW THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-26 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ARTICLE 1, 40-1-2 DEFINITIONS TO DEFINE OFF-SITE SIGNS.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-27 AMENDING CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX E – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-1 ZONING DISTRICT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-28 AMENDING CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX 3 – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-6 ZONING DISTRICT.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BIDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION.  HE STATED THAT THE MARKET IS DOWN AT THIS TIME AND WE ARE HOPING TO LOCK IN A RATE THAT WILL BE LOWER THAN THE RATES WILL BE WHEN OUR CONTRACT IS UP AT THE END OF JUNE OF 2024.  CURRENTLY THE MARKET PRICE AVAILABLE TO OUR CITIZENS FOR THE NEXT CONTRACT IS $0.08100 PER KILOWATT HOUR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS FOR COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION AT A RATE OF $0.065070 FOR A DURATION OF 39 MONTHS.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

IN 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 STOREY ASKED IF THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS WERE NOT GETTING A GIFT CERTIFICATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE PURCHASED GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAD PURCHASED HATS FOR ALL OF THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS.  ALSO UNDER NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME SORT OF ACTIVITY IN THE CITY OF BENTON EVERY MONTH FOR THE NEXT YEAR.  HE MENTIONED THE POSSIBILITY OF AN AMATEUR BBQ COOKOFF WITH FUNDS BEING RAISED FOR THE COMMUNITY PARK.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD ATTENDED THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL BOARD MEETING RECENTLY AND A QUESTION WAS ASKED ABOUT PLACING A CROSSWALK ON COLLEGE STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING WE COULD LOOK INTO.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A NEW TEMPORARY SIGN HAS BEEN PLACED NEXT TO THE STATUE OF MR. A TO HELP IDENTIFY HIM TO VISITS AND THAT A PERMANENT SIGN WILL BE PLACED ONCE THE RENOVATIONS AT MALKOVICH PARK ARE COMPLETED. 

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

10:50 A.M.

 

 

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — JANUARY 8, 2024

Posted on January 3, 2024 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — JANUARY 8, 2024

 

 

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                    COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PERRY RIDGE NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE SERVICE AGREEMENT

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CREATING A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK LINE OF CREDIT RESOLUTION

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY                                                                                         TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY LOCATED IN REED’S 1ST ADDITION
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE AN AUTOMOBILE SALES BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CREATING AN ORDINANCE 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

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.      DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 01/03/2024 4:00 P.M./BC

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — DECEMBER 11, 2023

Posted on January 3, 2024 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — DECEMBER 11, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 11, 2023 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS COUNCIL MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00237 COLEMAN LAWN EQUIPMENT FOR A 12-VOLT HIGH OUTPUT ELECTRIC MOTOR FOR A SNOW EX 8500 SALT SPREADER IN THE AMOUNT OF $567.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000994 TO IPEG FOR A MECHANICAL SEAL, ROTOR, STARTER, AND JOINT KIT FOR THE SLUDGE PRESS IN THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,745.42.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOT #`117 FROM JOHN MCCREERY TO J. WILLIAM MCCREERY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ABOUT NAMING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AFTER PREVIOUS PUBLIC PROPERTIES COMMISSIONER RONNIE BAUMGARTE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. BAUMGARTE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING THIS PLANT BUILT AND HE FELT LIKE THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA TO HONOR HIM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NAME THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT THE BAUMGARTE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS KNOW THAT WASTENA STREET HAS BEEN OPENED BACK UP TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT HE WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE SEWER VACUUM TRUCK IS SCHEDULED TO BE DELIVERED DECEMBER 12, 2023.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ADDED THAT THE TRUCK HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR OVER A YEAR AND THE COMPANY HONORED OUR ORIGINAL BID AMOUNT AND ALSO AGREED TO STILL GIVE US THE SAME AMOUNT FOR TRADE IN AS INITIALLY QUOTED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY DID NOT HAVE TO TAKE A LOAN TO PAY FOR THIS TRUCK AND HE CREDITED THAT TO THE SEWER SURCHARGE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY DID DISBURSE A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO THE COUNCIL.  THE REPORT SHOWED THAT FROM 11/01/2023 TO 11/30/2023 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 13 FIRES, 21 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 4 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WITH NO FIRE, 3 SERVICE CALLS, 4 GOOD INTENT CALLS, 5 FALSE ALARM CALLS, AND 1 SPECIAL INCIDENT TYPE.  THIS TOTAL FOR 51 CALLS IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MERIT BOARD DOING TESTING FOR THE POLICE OFFICER LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO WORK 10-HOUR DAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 12/08/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,043.02 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,048.52 FOR A TOTAL OF $110,091.54.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO PAY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $295,386.02.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BREAKDOWN OF THESE BILLS IS $13,398.59 FROM THE TIF FUND, $27,101.65 FROM THE MFT FUND, AND $254,885.78 FROM THE AP FUND.  SECONDING OF THIS MOTION WAS DONE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 TAX LEVY, ORDINANCE #2023-20.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE LEVY AMOUNT WAS RAISED THE 5% ALLOWED WITHOUT A PUBLIC HEARING OR REFERENDUM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. STREAM ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING AT THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL FOR HIM TO ACQUIRE FUNDING FOR THE ACEI BORING PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK IN THE PAST WITH ABOUT THIS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO THE FUNDING THROUGH THEM AS THE WATER AND SEWER FUNDS ARE KEPT IN THIS BANK AND IT WOULD MAKE TRANSFERS LESS COMPLICATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER KAYS TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING FUNDING FOR THE ACEI BORING PROJECT THROUGH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT A DRAFT VERSION OF THE CITY’S AUDIT HAS BEEN RECEIVED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED OTHER THAN THE AUDITORS STATING OUR WORKFORCE IS TOO SMALL IN THE OFFICE AND WE NEED MORE SEGREGATION OF DUTIES, THE CITY RECEIVED A GLOWING REVIEW. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE, CENTRAL DISPATCH HAS SENT A PROPOSED AMOUNT FOR DISPATCH SERVICES CONTRACT WITH AN INCREASE OF 15%.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IF THE CITY CHOOSES TO STAY WITH CENTRAL DISPATCH THE PAYMENT WILL GO FROM $120,000.00 PER YEAR ($10,000.00 PER MONTH), TO $138,000.00 PER YEAR ($11,500.00 PER MONTH.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH WEST CITY TO SEE IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO OFFER US A BID FOR DISPATCH AS WELL.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE STATE HOW PLEASED HE IS TO SEE THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATING IN EVENTS BEING HELD AROUND TOWN.  HE STATED THAT HE HOPES TO SEE MORE OF THIS IN THE FUTURE AS WELL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00488 TO H&R AGRI-POWER FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEM REPAIR ON THE TRACTOR AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $968.75.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00489 TO FW ELECTRIC FOR REPAIR OF BROKEN HANGAR/PARKING LOT LIGHTS BY CONVERTING TO LED FIXTURES AND ADDING A LIGHT OVER THE FUEL STATION AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,075.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00490 TO WWW.WESTTECHEQUIPMENT.COM FOR ONE (1) AVIATION FUEL NOZZLE REPLACEMENT AND ONE (1) SEALANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $389.01.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDS A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #2023-21 REGARDING THE ILLINOIS PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (D), (E), (F), (G), AND (H). 

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE PROPERTY FORMERLY HOUSING BEN’S LAWN SERVICE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING PURCHASED.  THE BUSINESS THAT IS BEING LOCATED TO THIS PROPERTY WILL BE OPERATING A BUSINESS THAT WILL BE DOING BODY AND FENDER WORK.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION AMENDING DIVISION XX-SCHEDULES OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES ALLOWING BODY AND FENDER WORK BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN THE B3- AND B-6 ZONING DISTRICTS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-22 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ZONING ORDINANCE DIVISION XX- SCHEDULES, SECTION 40-3-95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE PROPERTY HE JUST DESCRIBED ALSO MAY BE SELLING VEHICLES.  THIS WOULD ALSO NEED AN ORDINANCE AMENDED IN ORDER TO ALLOW THIS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION AMENDING DIVISION XX-SCHEDULES OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES ALLOWING AUTOMOBILE, NEW AND USED SALES, BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN THE B3- AND B-6 ZONING DISTRICTS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-23 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ZONING ORDINANCE DIVISION XX- SCHEDULES, SECTION 40-3-95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS A SIMILAR SITUATION TO THE SITUATION ABOVE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 618FIXMYRV WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN SELLING NEW CAMPERS AT HIS BUSINESS IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IN ORDER TO DO THIS AN AMENDMENT NEEDED TO BE MADE TO CHAPTER 40, ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 40-3-117, BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, CAMPERS, ATVS, MOTORCYCLES, BOATS, AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #2023-24 AMENDING SECTION 40-3-117 BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, CAMPERS, ATVS, MOTORCYCLES, BOATS, AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE A 20-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 280 FEET THAT IS SITUATED WEST OF LOTS 1, 2, 3, & 4 AND EAST OF LOTS 5, 6, 7, & 8, ALL IN BLOCK 6 IN LAYMAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BENTON, SITUATED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ALL FEES HAVE BEEN PAID AND IT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-5 VACATING THIS ALLEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE OPEN THE DISCUSSION REGARDING ADULT USE CANNABIS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IT IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO BECOME LEGAL FEDERALLY AND IF WE DO NOT HAVE AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE, IT WILL BE DICTATED TO US ON HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE AGREED WITH MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND WOULD LIKE TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ZONING, PERTAINING TO ADULT-USE CANNABIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO ADULT-USE CANNABIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED INVOICE #2 FROM BROWN AND ROBERTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,301.46 REGARDING THE APRON PROJECT AT THE AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INVOICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,301.46.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT RECENTLY THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A FORM FOR CAPITAL PARK USE.  ON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THIS FORM, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FORM WAS MADE FOR BUSINESS AND NOT FOR NONPROFIT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENTS TO THIS FORM MAKING IT WORK FOR USE BY NONPROFITS AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON YEAREND UPDATES FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.   MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE APRON PROJECT WOULD BE COVERED PARTIALLY WITH A GRANT AND THAT USUALLY THE GRANTS ARE 100% FULLY REIMBURSED TO THE AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE RECENTLY PURCHASED $33,000.00 WORTH OF FUEL FOR THE AIRPORT AND THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A GRANT FOR $26,000.00 REIMBURSING FUEL COSTS FOR THE AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE RUNWAY RODEO WAS A SUCCESS AND HE HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO POTENTIAL FUNDING FOR HAVING MORE EVENTS SUCH AS THIS ON AIRPORT PROPERTY.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TRY AND DRIVE EXPANSION AT THE AIRPORT AT THIS POINT.  HE STATED THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN BUILDING A CORPORATE SIZED HANGAR AT THE AIRPORT AND THIS PROJECT WOULD RUN BETWEEN $1.2 AND $1.3 MILLION.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE DOES HAVE AT LEAST ONE BUSINESS INTERESTED IN COMING TO THE AIRPORT PROPERTY AT THIS TIME AND THAT IF THIS BUSINESS WERE TO LOCATE HERE, PEOPLE COULD TAKE FLYING LESSONS AT OUR AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK WE WOULD EVER BE ABLE TO HAVE AN AIRLINE THROUGH THE BENTON AIRPORT, BUT HE DID BELIEVE THAT WITH THE CORPORATE HANGAR, CHARTER FLIGHTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED WHERE WE WERE WITH REGARDS TO RUNWAY EXPANSION.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE IS NOT EVEN ABLE TO TALK TO THE FAA REGARDING THIS SUBJECT UNTIL THE NEED FOR RUNWAY EXTENSION HAS BEEN SHOWN. 

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS STILL IN NEED OF SWITCHING THEIR LIGHTING TO LED AS THEY ARE HAVING TO REPLACE LOTS OF BALLAST OF LATE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD ADDRESS THIS AS AN AGENDA ITEM AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

 

THERE WAS NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

6:30 P.M.

Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — DECEMBER 11, 2023

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — DECEMBER 11, 2023

Posted on December 22, 2023 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — DECEMBER 11, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 11, 2023 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS COUNCIL MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00237 COLEMAN LAWN EQUIPMENT FOR A 12-VOLT HIGH OUTPUT ELECTRIC MOTOR FOR A SNOW EX 8500 SALT SPREADER IN THE AMOUNT OF $567.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000994 TO IPEG FOR A MECHANICAL SEAL, ROTOR, STARTER, AND JOINT KIT FOR THE SLUDGE PRESS IN THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,745.42.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOT #`117 FROM JOHN MCCREERY TO J. WILLIAM MCCREERY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ABOUT NAMING THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AFTER PREVIOUS PUBLIC PROPERTIES COMMISSIONER RONNIE BAUMGARTE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. BAUMGARTE WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING THIS PLANT BUILT AND HE FELT LIKE THIS WAS A GOOD IDEA TO HONOR HIM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NAME THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT THE BAUMGARTE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL AND THE CITIZENS KNOW THAT WASTENA STREET HAS BEEN OPENED BACK UP TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT HE WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THE SEWER VACUUM TRUCK IS SCHEDULED TO BE DELIVERED DECEMBER 12, 2023.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ADDED THAT THE TRUCK HAS BEEN ORDERED FOR OVER A YEAR AND THE COMPANY HONORED OUR ORIGINAL BID AMOUNT AND ALSO AGREED TO STILL GIVE US THE SAME AMOUNT FOR TRADE IN AS INITIALLY QUOTED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY DID NOT HAVE TO TAKE A LOAN TO PAY FOR THIS TRUCK AND HE CREDITED THAT TO THE SEWER SURCHARGE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY DID DISBURSE A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO THE COUNCIL.  THE REPORT SHOWED THAT FROM 11/01/2023 TO 11/30/2023 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 13 FIRES, 21 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 4 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS WITH NO FIRE, 3 SERVICE CALLS, 4 GOOD INTENT CALLS, 5 FALSE ALARM CALLS, AND 1 SPECIAL INCIDENT TYPE.  THIS TOTAL FOR 51 CALLS IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MERIT BOARD DOING TESTING FOR THE POLICE OFFICER LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT TO WORK 10-HOUR DAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 12/08/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,043.02 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,048.52 FOR A TOTAL OF $110,091.54.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO PAY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $295,386.02.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BREAKDOWN OF THESE BILLS IS $13,398.59 FROM THE TIF FUND, $27,101.65 FROM THE MFT FUND, AND $254,885.78 FROM THE AP FUND.  SECONDING OF THIS MOTION WAS DONE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 TAX LEVY, ORDINANCE #2023-20.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE LEVY AMOUNT WAS RAISED THE 5% ALLOWED WITHOUT A PUBLIC HEARING OR REFERENDUM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. STREAM ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING AT THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL FOR HIM TO ACQUIRE FUNDING FOR THE ACEI BORING PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK IN THE PAST WITH ABOUT THIS AND WOULD LIKE TO DO THE FUNDING THROUGH THEM AS THE WATER AND SEWER FUNDS ARE KEPT IN THIS BANK AND IT WOULD MAKE TRANSFERS LESS COMPLICATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION FOR COMMISSIONER KAYS TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING FUNDING FOR THE ACEI BORING PROJECT THROUGH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT A DRAFT VERSION OF THE CITY’S AUDIT HAS BEEN RECEIVED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED OTHER THAN THE AUDITORS STATING OUR WORKFORCE IS TOO SMALL IN THE OFFICE AND WE NEED MORE SEGREGATION OF DUTIES, THE CITY RECEIVED A GLOWING REVIEW. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE, CENTRAL DISPATCH HAS SENT A PROPOSED AMOUNT FOR DISPATCH SERVICES CONTRACT WITH AN INCREASE OF 15%.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IF THE CITY CHOOSES TO STAY WITH CENTRAL DISPATCH THE PAYMENT WILL GO FROM $120,000.00 PER YEAR ($10,000.00 PER MONTH), TO $138,000.00 PER YEAR ($11,500.00 PER MONTH.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH WEST CITY TO SEE IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO OFFER US A BID FOR DISPATCH AS WELL.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE STATE HOW PLEASED HE IS TO SEE THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATING IN EVENTS BEING HELD AROUND TOWN.  HE STATED THAT HE HOPES TO SEE MORE OF THIS IN THE FUTURE AS WELL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00488 TO H&R AGRI-POWER FOR HYDRAULIC SYSTEM REPAIR ON THE TRACTOR AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $968.75.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00489 TO FW ELECTRIC FOR REPAIR OF BROKEN HANGAR/PARKING LOT LIGHTS BY CONVERTING TO LED FIXTURES AND ADDING A LIGHT OVER THE FUEL STATION AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,075.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00490 TO WWW.WESTTECHEQUIPMENT.COM FOR ONE (1) AVIATION FUEL NOZZLE REPLACEMENT AND ONE (1) SEALANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $389.01.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDS A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #2023-21 REGARDING THE ILLINOIS PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (D), (E), (F), (G), AND (H). 

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE PROPERTY FORMERLY HOUSING BEN’S LAWN SERVICE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING PURCHASED.  THE BUSINESS THAT IS BEING LOCATED TO THIS PROPERTY WILL BE OPERATING A BUSINESS THAT WILL BE DOING BODY AND FENDER WORK.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION AMENDING DIVISION XX-SCHEDULES OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES ALLOWING BODY AND FENDER WORK BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN THE B3- AND B-6 ZONING DISTRICTS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-22 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ZONING ORDINANCE DIVISION XX- SCHEDULES, SECTION 40-3-95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE PROPERTY HE JUST DESCRIBED ALSO MAY BE SELLING VEHICLES.  THIS WOULD ALSO NEED AN ORDINANCE AMENDED IN ORDER TO ALLOW THIS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION AMENDING DIVISION XX-SCHEDULES OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES ALLOWING AUTOMOBILE, NEW AND USED SALES, BY SPECIAL USE PERMIT IN THE B3- AND B-6 ZONING DISTRICTS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-23 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ZONING ORDINANCE DIVISION XX- SCHEDULES, SECTION 40-3-95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS A SIMILAR SITUATION TO THE SITUATION ABOVE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 618FIXMYRV WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN SELLING NEW CAMPERS AT HIS BUSINESS IN THE INDUSTRIAL PARK.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IN ORDER TO DO THIS AN AMENDMENT NEEDED TO BE MADE TO CHAPTER 40, ZONING ORDINANCE, SECTION 40-3-117, BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, CAMPERS, ATVS, MOTORCYCLES, BOATS, AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION APPROVING ORDINANCE #2023-24 AMENDING SECTION 40-3-117 BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE RECREATIONAL VEHICLES, CAMPERS, ATVS, MOTORCYCLES, BOATS, AND PERSONAL WATERCRAFT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE A 20-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 280 FEET THAT IS SITUATED WEST OF LOTS 1, 2, 3, & 4 AND EAST OF LOTS 5, 6, 7, & 8, ALL IN BLOCK 6 IN LAYMAN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BENTON, SITUATED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ALL FEES HAVE BEEN PAID AND IT HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-5 VACATING THIS ALLEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE OPEN THE DISCUSSION REGARDING ADULT USE CANNABIS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IT IS EVENTUALLY GOING TO BECOME LEGAL FEDERALLY AND IF WE DO NOT HAVE AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE, IT WILL BE DICTATED TO US ON HOW TO HANDLE THE SITUATION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE AGREED WITH MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND WOULD LIKE TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ZONING, PERTAINING TO ADULT-USE CANNABIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO ADULT-USE CANNABIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED INVOICE #2 FROM BROWN AND ROBERTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,301.46 REGARDING THE APRON PROJECT AT THE AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INVOICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,301.46.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT RECENTLY THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A FORM FOR CAPITAL PARK USE.  ON FURTHER INSPECTION OF THIS FORM, IT WAS NOTED THAT THE FORM WAS MADE FOR BUSINESS AND NOT FOR NONPROFIT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENTS TO THIS FORM MAKING IT WORK FOR USE BY NONPROFITS AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON YEAREND UPDATES FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.   MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE APRON PROJECT WOULD BE COVERED PARTIALLY WITH A GRANT AND THAT USUALLY THE GRANTS ARE 100% FULLY REIMBURSED TO THE AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE RECENTLY PURCHASED $33,000.00 WORTH OF FUEL FOR THE AIRPORT AND THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A GRANT FOR $26,000.00 REIMBURSING FUEL COSTS FOR THE AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE RUNWAY RODEO WAS A SUCCESS AND HE HAS BEEN LOOKING INTO POTENTIAL FUNDING FOR HAVING MORE EVENTS SUCH AS THIS ON AIRPORT PROPERTY.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TRY AND DRIVE EXPANSION AT THE AIRPORT AT THIS POINT.  HE STATED THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN BUILDING A CORPORATE SIZED HANGAR AT THE AIRPORT AND THIS PROJECT WOULD RUN BETWEEN $1.2 AND $1.3 MILLION.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE DOES HAVE AT LEAST ONE BUSINESS INTERESTED IN COMING TO THE AIRPORT PROPERTY AT THIS TIME AND THAT IF THIS BUSINESS WERE TO LOCATE HERE, PEOPLE COULD TAKE FLYING LESSONS AT OUR AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK WE WOULD EVER BE ABLE TO HAVE AN AIRLINE THROUGH THE BENTON AIRPORT, BUT HE DID BELIEVE THAT WITH THE CORPORATE HANGAR, CHARTER FLIGHTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED WHERE WE WERE WITH REGARDS TO RUNWAY EXPANSION.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE IS NOT EVEN ABLE TO TALK TO THE FAA REGARDING THIS SUBJECT UNTIL THE NEED FOR RUNWAY EXTENSION HAS BEEN SHOWN. 

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS STILL IN NEED OF SWITCHING THEIR LIGHTING TO LED AS THEY ARE HAVING TO REPLACE LOTS OF BALLAST OF LATE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD ADDRESS THIS AS AN AGENDA ITEM AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

 

THERE WAS NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

6:30 P.M.

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Free Meal on Christmas – Benton Elks

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Benton City Council Agenda — December 22 10 a.m.

Posted on December 19, 2023 by | Comments Off on Benton City Council Agenda — December 22 10 a.m.

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023

10:00 A.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                               COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INSTALLATION OF LED LIGHTING AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPATCH AGREEMENT
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL AND REMOVAL OF THE POC LIST

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIR EVAC MEMBERSHIP
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACEI BORE FUNDING UPDATE

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO CREATE A ZONING ORDINANCE REGULATING SHIPPING CONTAINER USE WITHIN THE ZONING JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF BENTON
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO RENEW THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND CHAPTER 40, ARTICLE I, 40-1-2 DEFINITIONS TO DEFINE OFF-SITE SIGNS
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX E – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-1 ZONING DISTRICT
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX E – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-6 ZONING DISTRICT
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING BIDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION
  10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING BIDS FOR COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

  1. EXECUTIVE SESSION
  2.     DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
  3. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
  4. 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.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 12/19/2023 2:00 P.M./BC

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2024 – 2025 Tax Levy

Posted on December 15, 2023 by | Comments Off on 2024 – 2025 Tax Levy

2024 – 2025 Tax Levy

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 27, 2023

Posted on December 12, 2023 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 27, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2023 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PAUL TART, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY, TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. TART STATED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY IS OPENING A WARMING AND RESOURCE CENTER IN WHAT USED TO BE THE EDISON ROOM.  THE CENTER WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AS A RESOURCE CENTER AND WARMING CENTER.  THE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. AND THEN REOPEN AT 7 P.M. UNTIL 7 A.M.  PEOPLE WILL BE SCREENED AND A BACKGROUND CHECK WILL BE DONE BEFORE ENTRY IS ALLOWED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE IS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA REGARDING A POSSIBLE DONATION TO THIS PROGRAM.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.    

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS ORDERED SOME CHEMICALS TO SPRAY AROUND THE CITY OWNED BUILDINGS TO HELP WITH BUGS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PUT TOGETHER A QUESTIONNAIRE AND PORTFOLIO FOR EACH CITY OWNED BUILDING TO HELP KEEP UP MAINTENANCE AND SUCH. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000996 TO RESSLER ASSOCIATES FOR A CLARIFIER GEAR BOX AND MOTOR FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,187.26.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT BACKFILLING AND DIRT WORK IS CURRENTLY BEING DONE ON WASTENA STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THE ROAD IS ANTICIPATED TO BE OPENING BACK UP SOON. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/22/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,827.56 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,762.50 FOR A TOTAL OF $105,554.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO STREAM ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING AT THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ACTUARIAL FOR POLICE AND FIRE PENSIONS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT THE FUNDS ARE FUNDED APPROPRIATELY.  THE ACTUARIAL WERE DONE BY THE STATE THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO LAUTERBACH AND AMEN AS IN THE PAST.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THE CITY’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND HAS INCREASED FROM 7.84% TO 8.70%. 

 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS, AND THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS FOR ALL THE HELP THEY PROVIDED WITH PUTTING ON THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT ON THE SQUARE.  THIS SENTIMENT WAS ECHOED BY THE COUNCIL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00496 TO THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE FOR 25 ROLLS OF FOREVER STAMPS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,650.00.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THIS PURCHASE WAS DUE TO POSTAGE INCREASING IN 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE IDENTIFYING HOME RULE CONFLICTS WITH CERTAIN STATE LAW REGARDING PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION APPROVING THE CREATION OF THIS ORDINANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE IDENTIFYING HOME RULE CONFLICTS WITH CERTAIN STATE LAWS REGARDING PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION XI – ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY AMENDMENT TO THIS ORDINANCE IS MAKING BOTH POSITIONS FULLTIME POSITIONS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE ##2023-19 AMENDING DIVISION XI-ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY CURRENTLY DONATES $2,400.00 A YEAR TO RECYCLING AND HE BELIEVES THAT IS A GREAT THING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO DONATE $2,400.00 TO THE WARMING CENTER TAKE ACTION TODAY IS OPENING AND OPERATING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WILL BE SOLVING A PROBLEM THAT WE, AS A CITY, HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT USING FUNDS FROM THE OPIOID ACCOUNT TO PAY FOR THIS INITIAL $2,400.00 DONATION.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND SAID THERE ARE CERTAIN RULES AS TO WHAT THE FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR AND HE WILL LOOK INTO IT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF $2,400.00 TO THE TAKE ACTION TODAY WARMING CENTER FROM THE OPIOID ACCOUNT PENDING ANY RESTRICTIONS PREVENTING THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING 29-1-20 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WILL BE AMENDING THE PRICING OF INSPECTIONS DONE BY THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION DIRECTION ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 29-1-20 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

THERE WAS NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

THERE WAS NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

5:38 P.M.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Posted on November 28, 2023 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 13, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2023 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

THERE WAS NO BUSINESS FOR PUBLIC PROPERTIES THIS EVENING. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 23-19 FOR STREET CLOSURE FOR THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON 11/25/2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT HAS MADE GOOD STRIDES DUE TO THE NICE WEATHER WE HAVE HAD AND HE EXPECTS THE ROAD TO BE REOPENED SOON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE MILL AND OVERLAY PROJECT ON WHISPER WAY HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THAT CONCRETE HAS BEEN POURED AT THE SPILLWAY ON BENTON LAKE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE PATCHING ON EAST MAIN STREET HAS BEEN DONE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00397 TO MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR 6 FIRE HELMETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $368.00 A PIECE FOR A TOTAL OF $2,208.00.  THIS REPLACES 6 OUT OF DATE HELMETS AND IS ORDER 2 OF 3.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00119 TO CELLEBRITE INC. FOR CELL PHONE FORENSICS TRAINING IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,915.00.  THIS IS TO BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF SHANE COCKRUM FROM THE WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD BECAUSE CHIEF COCKRUM CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETINGS ON THE DAYS THEY ARE SCHEDULED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO THE WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD AS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO SUPPLY A CELL PHONE TO THE OFFICER THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ON THE DRUG TASK FORCE FOR WORK USE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW DISPATCH SERVICE AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH AND THE CITY OF BENTON IS SET TO EXPIRE THIS MONTH.  HE ASKED FOR A MOTION ALLOWING CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AND COMMISSIONER DON STOREY TO NEGOTIATE A NEW SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR 2 YEARS WITH A LOCKED IN PRICE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/27/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,047.18 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,179.71 FOR A TOTAL OF $100,226.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/09/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,028.32 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,637.20 FOR A TOTAL OF $97,665.52.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 11/13/2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $952,902.62.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BILLS BROKE DOWN AS SUCH: I-57 INTERCHANGE $32,436.01, TIF $160,907.82, MFT $67,367.46, AND AP FUND $691,891.33.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRST FINANCIAL POSITIVE PAY SYSTEM TO FIGHT CHECK FRAUD ON OUR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $40.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED TO LOOK INTO ESTABLISHING A TOBACCO TAX ORDINANCE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT DURING RESEARCH IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CITY OF BENTON IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS UNDER HOME RULE. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES FOR 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 10.54% IN OUR RATE, BUT THAT THIS WAS NOT A BAD INCREASE COMPARED TO WHAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE AND TREASURER LISA MENO ARE WORKING ON A PURCHASE ORDER POLICY AS WHAT THE CITY CURRENTLY FOLLOWS IS NOT IN WRITING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS URGED COMMISSIONERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS TO MAKE SURE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE BEING FILLED OUT AS HE IS SEEING MORE AND MORE BILLS WITHOUT PURCHASE ORDERS THAT ARE OVER THE CURRENT $500.00 THRESHOLD REQUIRED FOR A PURCHASE ORDER. 

 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00493 TO ALVERSON SOUND INC FOR A 32 FOOT BY 24-FOOT MOBILE STAGE WITH LIGHTS AND SOUND FOR THE 2024 ECLIPSE CONCERT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5495.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00492 TO ACTION ENTERTAINMENT AS A DEPOSIT FOR CONFEDERATE RAILROAD TO PLAY A CONCERT FOR THE 2024 ECLIPSE WEEKEND.  THIS DEPOSIT WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE HOSTING A HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 25, 2023 AND HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00495 TO KENNETH AND RUTH MATEYCAK FOR A SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS APPEARANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $125.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00494 TO ASCENT AVIATION FOR 7,937 GALLONS OF AVIATION GASOLINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,936.73 FOR RESALE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND 12-1-5 (A) OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES, DEFINITION OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD CLEAN UP THIS SECTION OF ORDINANCES BY DEFINING EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-17 AMENDING 12-1-5 (A) OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES, DEFINITION OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE LIST OF 2024 MEETING TIMES AS PRESENTED IN THE COMMISSIONER’S PACKETS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SOME OF THE DATE CHANGES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SAW NO REASON TO CHANGE THE MEETING DATES OF JANUARY 22, 2024 AND OCTOBER 14, 2024 AND THAT HE HOPED THEY WERE NOT BEING DONE DUE TO ONE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT MOVING THESE MEETINGS WOULD GIVE THE PUBLIC A BETTER CHANCE TO ATTEND.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INSTEAD OF MOVING THE MEETINGS HE WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN STREAMING THE MEETINGS ON FACEBOOK LIVE SO PEOPLE THAT GET OFF WORK AT 4:30 P.M. OR 5 P.M. COULD ATTEND VIRTUALLY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING TIMES AS INITIALLY PRESENTED.  NO SECOND WAS RECEIVED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS FINE WITH NOT MOVING THE JANUARY AND OCTOBER MEETINGS IN QUESTION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING TIMES WITH THE AMENDMENT OF JANUARY AND OCTOBER MEETINGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED A LIST OF HOLIDAYS THAT CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED IN 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 2024 HOLIDAYS FOR CITY HALL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (F).   ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CODY WILLIFORD HAS BEEN HIRED FULL TIME BY THE BENTON WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE LEAVING AN OPENING AS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE FEELS THIS POSITION SHOULD BE MADE FULL TIME.  MR. CALCATERRA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH FIGURES SHOWING HOW IF HOME INSPECTIONS WERE DONE ON EVERY NEW WATER HOOK UP, THE ADDITION OF A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE ALONG WITH WHAT WE WERE PAYING MR. WILLIFORD COULD BE A WASH.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WAS AWARE THAT ADDING A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE NOT ONLY ADDED MORE SALARY, BUT A BENEFIT PACKAGE AS WELL INCLUDING HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

THERE WAS NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR ILLEGAL BURNS THIS FALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NO PENALTY TO THIS, BUT HE WOULD LIKE TO WORK TOWARDS POSSIBLY WRITING TICKETS AFTER BEING CALLED TO THE SAME RESIDENCE MORE THAN 2 TIMES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RECALLED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA DISCUSSING THIS A FEW MEETINGS BACK. 

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

 

 

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

 

6:00 P.M.

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