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City Council Meeting Minutes — August 28, 2023

Posted on September 12, 2023 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — August 28, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 28, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PAUL TART AND TESSA LEECH WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED THEM WITH A PROCLAMATION DECLARING SEPTEMBER 2023 TO BE OVERDOSE AWARENESS MONTH IN THE CITY OF BENTON. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY AUGUST 14, 2023. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00480 FROM MENARDS FOR AN 18 CUBIC FOOT WHITE REFRIGERATOR FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $678.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00479 FROM MARION GLASS FOR REPAIRS TO THE FRONT DOOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $935.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR TERRY AND DEBBIE MCGUIRE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR JOHN WILSON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SETTING UP A WATER CONNECTION BETWEEN THE VILLAGE OF WEST CITY AND THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-10 AMENDING THE ORDINANCE REQUIRING BACKFLOW DEVICES ON SEWER HOOK UPS TO ALSO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS REPORT.  HE STATED THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS THIS EVENING.

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-15 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE DURING THE 2023 BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 FROM 1:30 PM TO 2:15 PM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00396 FROM FAST FOR REPLACEMENT OF OUT-OF-DATE HOSE WITH LEAKS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $925.00.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POLICE AND FIRE CHIEF (S) CONTRACTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TINTING OF THE SQUAD CARS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SHE STATED THAT THERE ARE 10 CARS AND IT IS $80.00 PER VEHICLE TOTALING $800.00 FOR ALL CARS TO BE TINTED.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER PROVIDED PICTURES SHOWING THE DAMAGE CAUSED TO THE SQUAD CARS FROM THE SUN AND HEAT COMING IN THROUGH THE TINTED WINDOWS.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD BE PAYING FOR THIS FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED A SQUAD CAR WAS DAMAGED DURING A CALL AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO GET THE DENT FIXED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RAISE IMPOUND FEES BY $50.00 PER STEP. CURRENTLY THE IMPOUND FEES ARE $200.00, $400.00, AND $600.00 AND THIS WOULD MAKE THE NEW FEES $250.00 FOR THE FIRST INCIDENT, $450.00 FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT, AND $650.00 FOR THE THIRD INCIDENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HER TO SPEAK WITH THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER TO NEGOTIATE A PRICE FOR HOLDING THE POLICE AND FIREMEN BALL AT THE CIVIC CENTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMBULANCE AGREEMENT WITH BCHS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM PROVIDED A DEPARTMENT REPORT TO THE COUNCIL STATING THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO 70 CALLS IN JULY.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD RUN A CAR DETAIL WITH THE COUNTY LAST WEEK THAT LED TO 3 ARRESTS AND 2 IMPOUNDMENTS. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL TOTALING $104,063.10 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $79,209.22 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $24,853.88. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE FMLA TRAINING FOR DEPARTMENT HEADS AND OTHER EMPLOYEES IN THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO SPECIFICS FOR TRAINING AND WILL GET BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH THE SPECIFICS. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WRITE OF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,399.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO A CO-OP WITH BCHS FOR A HIGH SCHOOL WORK PROGRAM.  HE STATED THIS IS AN UNPAID POSITION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAS BEEN WORKING ON A CADET PROGRAM FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THAT THIS STUDENT WORKER PROGRAM WILL WORK WITH THIS CADET PROGRAM IN THE FUTURE. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2023-11 AMENDING THE TRASH RATE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-16 AMENDING THE TRASH RATE SCHEDULE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED ABOUT THE CREATION OF A BAD DEBT WRITE-OFF DEPOSIT ORDINANCE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK THIS WAS NECESSARY AT THIS POINT. 

 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN CONTACTED BY THE HIGH SCHOOL REGARDING CHALKING THE SIDEWALKS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL AND THROUGH DOWNTOWN AREA FOR HOMECOMING WEEK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THEY MAY SEE THIS HAPPENING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS EVENING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION APPROVING TRICK OR TREATING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON OCTOBER 28, 2023 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE MR. TONY LANG ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A TREE IN THE DRAINAGE DITCH BEHIND HIS HOUSE HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO LOOK INTO.  HE STATED THE TREE IS ABOUT TO FALL INTO THE DITCH AND THIS WILL CAUSE BACK UP TO HAPPEN ONCE AGAIN.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STAT5ED THAT HE WOULD HAVE SOMEONE LOOK INTO THE MATTER. 

 

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

 

5:50 P.M.

 

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

Posted on September 7, 2023 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA — SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

AMENDED AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RAISING TAP FEES
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING BID FOR 8” WATER MAIN ON PETROFF RD

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                               COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE CHIEF/FIRE CHIEF CONTRACT(S)
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10-8

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CREATING A CIGARETTE/NICOTINE TAX
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CREATING A BED TAX

 

  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 APPLICATION FOR A VARIANCE FOR BUILDING SETBACK LINE FOR THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1204 NORTH MAIN STREET
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION TO RE-ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 624 AND 634 WEST MAIN STREET AND 447 WEST CHURCH STREET ALSO KNOWN AS THE JRN SUBDIVISION FROM B-6 AND R-3 TO B-2
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE RESOLUTION OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE OSLAD GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE RENOVATION OF MALKOVICH PARK
  7. PROCLAMATION DECLARING NATIONAL RAIL SAFETY WEEK
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT PROPERTY USE BY FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM

 

  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.

 

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City Council Meeting Minutes — August 14, 2023

Posted on August 29, 2023 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — August 14, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 14, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, 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 CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, JULY 24, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN VERY BUSY FIXING LEAKS ALL OVER TOWN. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE OVERLAY BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,601.82.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 AND CHANGE ORDER TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $200,452.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE WITH SOUTHEASTERN ELECTRIC FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00115 TO GALLS, INC FOR AN INTOXIMETER IN THE AMOUNT OF $597.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00114 TO BERLA FOR 1 AUTOMOBILE FORENSICS LICENSING RENEWAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00113 TO THE INSTITUTE OF POLICE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT (IPTM) FOR 2 CRIME SCENE PROCESSING TUITIONS AND LODGING IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,487.76.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POLICE CHIEF/FIRE CHIEF CONTRACT(S) WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BENTON HIGH SCHOOL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION TRAINING AGREEMENT.  A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING HOURS, PAY, JOB DESCRIPTION, AND AGE REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT.   COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER MEETING.  SECOND 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 WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A RECONSIDERATION REGARDING HER TO ATTEND THE IML CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO.  SHE STATED THAT THIS IS A GOOD CHEERLEADING TIME FOR DEPARTMENTS AND SHE WOULD LIKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RUB ELBOWS WITH OTHER POLICE AND FIRE COMMISSIONERS FROM AROUND THE STATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ACCORDING TO ORDINANCE, RECONSIDERATIONS ON MOTIONS MUST BE MADE AT THE SAME MEETING A MOTION HAS BEEN MADE OR THE MEETING FOLLOWING THE MOTION BEING MADE.  IT WAS STATED THAT IN ORDER TO FOLLOW ORDINANCE, THE RECONSIDERATION WOULD HAVE NEEDED TO TAKE PLACE NO LATER THAN THE MEETING ON JULY 24, 2023.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS MATTER. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY WAS A SUCCESS AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS ANNUALLY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF FORMING A BOARD TO PUT ON A POLICE AND FIRE BALL TO TAKE PLACE ON JANUARY 13, 2024.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS INCLUDED IN THE COMMISSIONER’S FOLDERS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED AS A FINAL PART TO HER REPORT FOR THIS MEETING, THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAD TYPED COMMENDATIONS FOR OFFICER MICHAEL CAIN, OFFICER JEREMY WATKINS, OFFICER JUSTICE PURDIE, AND OFFICER TYLER ORE FOR RECEIVING CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR DUI ENFORCEMENT FROM ALLIANCE AGAINST INTOXICATED MOTORISTS (AAIM). 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $654,393.38 FOR THIS MEETING.  THIS TOTAL INCLUDED I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,050.44, IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $767.50, DOWNTOWN TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $767.50, POLICE PENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00, FIRE PENSION IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00, HOME RULE GAS TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $200.00, AND MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,038.05.  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 PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,609.52 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,298.29 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,907.81.  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 WOULD LIKE TO REPEAL THE SEWER RATE ORDINANCE THAT WAS PASSED AT THE LAST MEETING AS IT WAS NOT DONE WITH A RATE STUDY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  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 THE BAD DEBT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY UPDATE HE HAS FOR THIS MEETING IS REGARDING THE SERGEANT PAY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO INTEREST IN THIS POSITION AT A RATE OF PAY OF $3,000.00 TO THE BASE.  HE STATED THAT THIS WILL BE FURTHER ADDRESSED WITH THE NEW UNION CONTRACT.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN AWARDED A $2.8 MILLION GRANT AND THAT IDOT WILL BE HAVING A MEETING SOON DISCUSSING THE REPAIRS TO BE MADE TO EAST MAIN STREET FROM THE WATER LEAKS. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY ZELLA RONE TO OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 EAST ANNA STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS MOBILE HOME IS IN GOOD CONDITION AND HE BELIEVES THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT SHOULD BE GRANTED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A 90-DAY EXTENSION WITH REGARD TO THE FAÇADE GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND DAVID B. GARAVALIA.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE IS A TIMEFRAME THAT THE FAÇADE WORK HAS TO BE COMPLETED BETWEEN APPLICATION APPROVAL AND COMPLETION.  MR. GARAVALIA HAS PAID MONEY TOWARDS THE PROJECT, BUT THE CONTRACTORS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO START ON THE PROJECT.  MR. CALCATERRA SAID HE HAD NO ISSUES WITH GIVING MR. GARAVALIA AND EXTENSION ON THIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A 90-DAY EXTENSION TO DAVID GARAVALIA ON HIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZING CITY FUNDS TO REMOVE JUNK AND DEBRIS FROM 1312 EAST ANNA STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE TWO DUMPSTERS TO CLEAN UP THE AREA REFERENCED ABOVE.  THE COSTS OF THIS IS $1,200.00 FOR THE 2 DUMPSTERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING BACKFLOW PREVENTER ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WE HAVE THIS ORDINANCE FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES AND THIS WOULD JUST BE ADDING COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES TO THIS.  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. 

 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE CITY USING A FIRETRUCK TO PUMP WATER FOR KIDS TO PLAY IN AT CAPITAL PARK FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY OR AT THE FIREHOUSE FOR THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS VERY HARD ON THE PUMP IN THE FIRE TRUCK AND COULD CAUSE UNNECESSARY DAMAGE AS WELL AS THE COST TO THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE UNDERSTOOD DON’S COMPLAINT ABOUT THE PUMP, BUT THAT THE COSTS WERE COVERED WITH COMMUNITY EVENT FUNDS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PUMP WAS ONLY USED AT THE CHRISTMAS IN JULY AS THE HOSE WAS HOOKED DIRECTLY INTO A FIRE HYDRANT FOR THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY. 

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, THE OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY AT 1312 EAST ANNA STREET ASKED THE COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER THE CITY CLEANING UP HER PROPERTY.  THEY STATED THAT THE WEATHER HAS STOPPED THEM FROM BEING ABLE TO CLEAN UP.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN 4 SEASONS TO DO THIS CLEAN UP AS THE COURT ORDER WAS NOT JUST PASSED. 

 

TOM CARTER STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN 5 YEARS SINCE THE DISBANDING OF THE AIRPORT BOARD.  HE ASKED THE COUNCIL WHY NO ONE IS GOING TO THE AIRPORT TIP MEETING IN SPRINGFIELD.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE FAA HAS CHOSEN TO HOLD THIS MEETING VIA ZOOM IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND THAT CITY OFFICIALS HAVE ATTENDED THAT WAY. 

 

LYNETTE ING STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR CLEANING UP THE CITY.  SHE ALSO ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER POSSIBLY DONATING EMPTY CITY OWNED LOTS FOR TINY HOMES OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:07 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

7:25 P.M. 

 

NO ACTION TAKEN AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

 

 

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

 

 

7:26 P.M.

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Agenda – City Council Meeting August 28, 2023

Posted on August 24, 2023 by | Comments Off on Agenda – City Council Meeting August 28, 2023

AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2023 

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WATER CONNECTION BETWEEN WEST CITY AND BENTON
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BACKFLOW ORDINANCE AMENDMENT

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR RESOLUTION FOR ROAD CLOSURE FOR BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS 
  3. DISCUSSION OF POLICE AND FIRE CHIEF(S) CONTRACTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TINTING WINDOWS FOR SQUAD CARS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIXING DAMAGED SQUAD CAR
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RAISING IMPOUND FEES
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE AND FIREMEN BALL
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMBULANCE AGREEMENT WITH BCHS

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS & MONTHLY BILLS
  3. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FMLA TRAINING
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BAD DEBT WRITE OFF
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CO-OP WITH HIGH SCHOOL WORK PROGRAM
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING TRASH RATE ORDINANCE
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING TRASH RATE RESOLUTION
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BAD DEBT WRITE-OFF DEPOSIT ORDINANCE

 

  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 OVERDOSE AWARENESS PROCLAMATION
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SETTING TRICK OR TREAT HOURS

 

  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 PROBABLE 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 08/24/23 AT 4:00 P.M./BC

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City Council Meeting Minutes — June 26, 2023

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — June 26, 2023

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ 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 JUNE 12, 2023. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000991 FROM BLUE RIDGE TRACTOR FOR 55 GALLONS OF OIL, TOTALING $1480.42. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00483 FROM LOYD ELECTRIC FOR A GENERATOR AT THE WATER TOWER TO POWER THE POLICE AND FIRE REPEATER, TOTALING $8820.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000992 FORM SCHAEFFER’S SPECIALIZED LUBRICANTS FOR VARIOUS GREASES, TOTALING $922.30. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT 150 FROM MR. THOMAS MCAFOOS TO MR. ROBERT C. WAGNON AND MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY DISCUSSED ITEM 4C, STATING THAT THE PART-TIME CODES EMPLOYEE HADN’T PUT A BID IN FOR FULL-TIME AND THAT COMMISSIONER STOREY FELT SPLITTING THE TIME WAS A WASTE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO START THE PROCESS TO HIRE A FULL-TINE WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. AFTER THE VOTE COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF WE TAKE APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION AND ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THE COUNCIL MUST FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES WITHIN THE BARGAINING UNIT’S CONTRACT.

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS THIS EVENING.

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED A RESOLUTION TO FOR ROAD CLOSURE DURING THE CELEBRATION & CAR SHOW PUT ON BY THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2023, WITH A RAIN DATE OF SEPTEMBER 23, 2023, FROM 12:00 PM TO 6:00 PM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION, SUBJECT TO A CORRECT RESOLUTION NUMBER. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00110 FROM GALLS, FOR EQUIPMENT FOR NEW HIRE, TOTALING $719.15. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THE PAID-ON CALL LIST FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NEEDING TO BE ADDED TO. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE REMOVING THE APPROPRIATE PEOPLE FROM THE LIST WITH THE STATE LAW ALLOTTING 40 HOURS OF PTO TO ALL EMPLOYEES, PART-TIME OR OTHERWISE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED MS. MENO HAS INFORMATION OF THE SUBJECT AND HAS APPROACHED HIM ABOUT THIS BEFORE. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR ADDING TO THE PAID-ON CALL LIST. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WAS APPROACHED BY BILL ‘SCOOTER’ NELMS ABOUT THE CURRENT DONATED SQUAD CAR, STATING IT IS IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO SPEAK ON THE MATTER OF THE SURPLUS PROPERTY. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER EXPLAINED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS AN UNMARKED CAR WITH 70,XXX MILES ON IT. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED IT DOES NEED A POWER STEERING PUMP BUT IT STARTS AND HAS AC. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DECLARE THIS SQUAD CAR AS SURPLUS PROPERTY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DONATE THE SURPLUS SQUAD CAR TO THE BENTON COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THE COUNCIL MAY NEED TO ADDRESS AND CLARIFY THE BURN ORDINANCE BECAUSE THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME CONFUSION OF WHEN AND WHEN THERE IS NOT A BURN BAN IN EFFECT. SHE ALSO STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WAS EXPECTING MONDAY JUNE 26, 2023 TO BE A NO BURN DAY BUT HAD NEVER HEARD ANYTHING. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE WAS AT THE FIRE STATION WHEN THE CALL CAME IN AND THAT THERE WAS A BURN BAN PUT IN EFFECT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH RECOMMENDED PERHAPS THE COUNCIL LOOK INTO RELIABLE METHOD OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE BURN BAN NOTICE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT CHIEF COCKRUM HAS POSTED IT TO THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT’S FACEBOOK PAGE AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SUGGESTED USING THE LOCAL RADIO STATION.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS THIS EVENING.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL TOTALING $104,982.99 WITH THE GENERAL FUND PORTION BEING $79,027.98 AND THE WATER & SEWER PORTION BEING $25,2955.01. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE MATTER 7C INTO CLOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO START WORKING ON THE PERSONAL CODE FOR NEPOTISM IN THE CITY OF BENTON, SAYING HE WISHED TO BE PROACTIVE TO THE POTENTIAL PROBLEMS AND NOT REACTIVE LIKE SOME OF THE OTHER SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS TO WRITE/DEFINE THE POLICY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD NO UPDATES THIS EVENING.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD TWO PURCHASE ORDERS TONIGHT FOR THE CLEAN UP OF DEBRIS AT 406 W. WEBSTER, 408 W. WEBSTER, AND 301 E. WEBSTER INDIVIDUALLY. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK ON THE SUBJECT. MR. CALCATERRA EXPLAINED THAT HE AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD WORKED THROUGH THE ORDINANCE VIOLATION COURT SYSTEM TO ACQUIRE A JUDGEMENT AGAINST THESE PROPERTIES. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHILE THIS WOULD BE CLEANING UP SOMEONE ELSE’S MESS, THIS WOULD NOT BE LIKE HAULING SCRAP FROM A YARD THAT WILL LOOK THE SAME WAY AGAIN IN A MONTH, AND THAT THE MONEY USED WOULD COME FROM THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IHDA) GRANT WHICH IS ALREADY ALLOCATED TO DEMOS. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF REPAYMENT ON THESE PROPERTIES MR. CALCATERRA STATED A LIEN CAN BE FILED AND WOULD MOST LIKELY RECOUP TWO OF THE THREE EXPENSES. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR 406 & 408 W WEBSTER, TOTALING $3675.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR 301 E WEBSTER, TOTALING $4500.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WANTED TO INFORM THE COUNCIL THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH WEST CITY, SESSER, AND THE REND LAKE CORE OF ENGINEERS REGARDING PUTTING ON FIREWORKS SHOW FOR 2024. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WILL CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THESE GROUPS TO PUT ON A SHOW AND MAKE IT CLEAR IT IS NOT A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EVENT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID IT WAS SADDENING TO SEE THE LIST OF PLACES PUTTING ON FIREWORKS SHOW THIS YEAR AND TO NOT HAVE SEEN BENTON ON THAT LIST. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT RICK LINTON HAS AGREED TO HELP WITH THE ADVERTISEMENT OF THIS AND ALSO THE CITY’S ECLIPSE PLANS AS WELL.

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

IN MATTERS OF NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WITH THE COUNCIL’S RECENT VOTE TO ALLOW LEADMEN TO TAKE HOME THEIR WORK VEHICLES THE CITY OWNED VEHICLES POLICY WAS GOING TO NEED TO BE WORKED ON. IT WILL INVOLVE USING THE IRS MILAGE RATE FROM THE RESIDENCE TO THE BASE OF OPERATION. FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR BASE WOULD BE CITY HALL, FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT LEADMAN BASE WOULD BE THE STREET BARN, AND FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT LEADMAN BASE WOULD BE THE WATER BARN.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BAD DEBT POLICY HAS BEEN ISSUED TO THE FAA AND WE ARE NOW WAITING ON THEIR FEEDBACK TO PRESENT IT TO THE COUNCIL.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS SPOKE ABOUT NEEDING TO PUT IN A BULK WATER PURCHASE POLICY. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED WE WOULD NEED A WAY TO VERIFY THE AMOUNT OF WATER BEING PURCHASED, AND IT WAS SUGGESTED PUTTING A METER ON OUT AT THE WATER BARN. COMMISSIONER STOREY SPOKE ABOUT WANTING TO BRING BACK THE SEWER REDUCTION FOR POOL FILL-UPS.

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF IT HAD BEEN THOUGHT ABOUT OR THOUGHT FAIR TO ALLOW FOR POOL ADJUSTMENTS ON THE SEWER BILL WHEN SOMEONE WATERING THEIR GARDEN THROUGH THE SUMMER WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE SEWER BY THE WATER GOING THROUGH THE METER. COMMISSIONER KAYS SUGGESTED MAYBE IT COULD BE INCLUDING IN THE POLICY FOR ADJUSTMENTS.

 

  1. CARTER EXPRESSED HIS PLEASURE IN HEARING THE ABOUT THE REVIEW FOR THE CITY OWNED VEHICLE POLICY AND HAD ASKED IF THE COUNCIL HAD REVIEWED THE REASON THE VEHICLES WERE TAKEN AWAY YEARS AGO. PERSONNEL WAS CAUGHT ABUSING THE CITY TRUCKS FOR PERSONAL USE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE PERSONNEL USING THE TRUCKS WOULD SIGN A WAIVER STATING IT IS FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY AND THIS IS WHY THE OPTION IS ONLY BEING OFFERED TO THE HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENTS.

 

  1. CARTER ASKED IF THE SEWER DEPARTMENT HAD ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PURCHASE ANY AMOUNTS OF VEGETABLE OIL, AS THE PUMPS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE EMPTIED AND CLEANED REGULARLY. HE SATED THAT DURING HIS TIME THEY WERE SWITCHING FROM A FULL SYNTHETIC OIL TO MORE NATURAL OILS AND HE WOULD BE INTERESTED TO KNOW IF THEY SEALS HAD BEEN CHECKED WHEN THEY CLEANED THE OLD OIL OUT.

 

  1. CARTER ASKED ABOUT THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE PERRY RIDGE LANDFILL CONTRACT. STATING IT WAS PUBLISHED IN AN ARTICLE THAT NEW TESTING IS COMING OUT FOR “FOREVER CHEMICALS” AND THAT SOMEWHERE ELSE HAD BEEN RECEIVING LEACHATE AND THAT IT WAS FOUND THEY HAD CONTAMINATED THEIR WHOLE SEWER PLANT. MR. CARTER LATER CIRCLED AROUND LATER TO INCLUDE THAT 3M HAD TO PAY OUT A MULTI-BILLION-DOLLAR LAWSUIT OVER THIS EXACT ISSUE.

 

  1. CARTER STATED THAT AFTER 20 YEARS OF TODD THOMAS BEING ON THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY BOARD, HE FEELS IT IS TIME FOR A NEW FACE.

 

  1. CARTER STATED HE IS GLAD THAT THE COUNCIL BROUGHT UP NEPOTISM. HE READ OFF A LIST THAT HE HAD CREATED WITH NAMES OF PREVIOUS AND CURRENT CITY EMPLOYEES THAT ARE RELATED TO EACH OTHER IN SOME FORM OR FASHION. MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A LOT OF FAVORITISM AND NEPOTISM HAPPENING IN THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER KAYS SATED THAT THE CITY IS NOT AS BAD AS SOME AND THAT HE HOPES TO GET ON THE UP AND UP IN REGARDS TO PREVENTION AND POLICING IT. MR. CARTER EXPRESSED HIS CONCERN WITH GIVING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, CRAIG MILES, HEALTH INSURANCE. HE SAID IT WAS A DIRECT SHOW OF FAVORITISM AND HE WANTED TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE CONTRACT NEGOTIATION FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE CHIEFS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH REPLIED THAT THIS CONTRACT IS THE ONLY ONE THE INSURANCE IS CURRENTLY NEGOTIATED INTO. MR. CARTER SAID IT WAS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR’S CONTRACT TO BE ABLE TO GO BACK INTO THE UNION TO RECEIVE THE SAME BENEFITS AS THE UNION AND THAT COUNCIL DID NOT NEED TO ADD IT TO HIS CONTRACT EXPECT TO SHOW THE DIRECTOR FAVORITISM.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO TO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM 7C ON THE AGENDA. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

5:31 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RETURN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

6:05 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GIVE A RETIREMENT INCENTIVE BONUS OF $12,500.00 FOR TIER 1, NON-UNION, CURRENTLY EMPLOYED EMPLOYEES. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. NAYS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.

 

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

 

6:10 P.M.

 

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — June 26, 2023

Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes, Uncategorized

City Council Meeting Minutes — June 12, 2023

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — June 12, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 12, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED GAVIN GENISIO TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH READ A PROCLAMATION FOR MR. GENISIO RECOGNIZING HIM ON HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE TRACK TEAM AND HIS RECENT 1ST PLACE CHAMPIONSHIP IN STATE IN THE 1600 METER RUN. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 22, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED MR. BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FEE INCREASE TO $250.00 FOR THE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES TO ACCOMMODATE FRANKLIN COUNTY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNTY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FILE OUR TRANSFERS WITHOUT ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK BEING COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY THE CITY AND THEREFORE HE FELT AN ADDITIONAL FEE SHOULD BE ADDED TO COVER THE WORK BEING COMPLETED. HE ALSO STATED THAT THIS FEE HAS NOT BEEN INCREASED AT ALL OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FEE TO $250.00 PER LOT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN THE SEALED JANITORIAL BIDS THAT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE CITY FOR THE CLEANING OF CITY HALL, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, TWIN OAKS, AND THE AIRPORT.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT TWO BIDS HAD BEEN RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM KEENER’S CLEANERS AND WAS FOR $143.75 WEEKLY FOR THE CITY HALL, $143.75 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, $143.75 MONTHLY FOR THE BENTON AIRPORT, AND $150.00 WEEKLY FOR THE TWIN OAKS LODGE.  THE SECOND BID WAS RECEIVED FROM PRIZM SERVICES AND WAS FOR $600.00 A MONTH AT CITY HALL UPSTAIRS, $115.00 PER MONTH FOR CITY HALL DOWNSTAIRS, $585.00 MONTHLY FOR THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, $90.00 PER MONTH AT THE AIRPORT, AND $145.00 AS NEEDED AT THE TWIN OAKS LODGE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO STAY WITH KEENER’S CLEANERS WHO HAS PREVIOULSY DONE THE JANITORIAL WORK, IS A LOCAL VENDOR, AND HAD THE LOWER BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS BE ABLE TO DRIVE THEIR CITY VEHICLES HOME FROM WORK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THEY ARE CALLED OUT, THIS COULD SAVE TIME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LETTING THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENTS DRIVE THEIR CITY ISSUED VEHICLES HOME FROM WORK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT SHOULD BE STARTING ANY DAY NOW.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN ON THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM SOON.    

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00106 TO ZURCHER TIRE, INC. FOR 4 GOODYEAR EAGLE TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $594.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00109 TO LARRY FREERICKS, LLC FOR 1 POINT BLANK LEVEL II B-5 BALLISTIC VEST FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $690.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00105 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,406.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-05 AMENDING RANK OF ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BICYCLE RODEO AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE BENTON CUB SCOUT PACK 7028 AND THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 AT 6-7:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 1-YEAR NOTIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT PER BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,732.17 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,952.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,684.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED WORD FROM REG ANKROM WITH SIMEC, THE BROKER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM.  THE MARKET RATE THE CITY HAS BEEN LOCKED IN WITH IS $0.0866.  THIS RATE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MADE TO CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING WHAT THE CHANGES WERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THE CHANGES TOOK EMPLOYEES AWAY FROM ONE COMMISSIONER AND PUT OVER HALF OF THE EMPLOYEES UNDER JUST 1 COMMISSIONER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THAT WAS TOO MUCH ON 1 COMMISSIONER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WOULD CHANGE SUPERVISORS WOULD BE THE CITY CLERK, THE WATER CLERK, AND BILLING CLERK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING THAT THE WATER CLERK AND THE BILLING CLERK DO IS IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE THEY SHOULD ANSWER TO THE WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCE THAT ALSO NEED TO BE WORKED ON AND CLEANED UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON OF ALL THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE A VOTE IS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AGREED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  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 WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF LAND FOR CJ LANDS – FRANKLIN, LLC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS FOR BEN’S LAWN SERVICE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PETITION FOR ANNEXATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO APPOINT A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSIONER.  HE STATED THAT FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS’ PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN ON THIS COMMISSIONER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE THE MEMBER THAT IS APPOINTED AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MAYOR LEE MESSERSMITH AS A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE TERMITES, RUST, AND IN GENERAL FALLING IN OF THE BUILDING CALLED THE WATER BARN.  HE STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS MOLD AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION OF BUILDING NEW BUILDINGS AT BOTH OF THESE PLACES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEIR WORK VEHICLES HOME.  HE SAID IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THESE MEN ARE CALLED OUT, THEY HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE BARN AND RETRIEVE THEIR VEHICLE BEFORE THEY CAN GET TO THE EMERGENCY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS SOUNDED LOGICAL TO HIM. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT IS UP FOR RENEWAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WILL BE ON THE NEXT AGENDA.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAD QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING BORROWING MONEY FROM WATER FUNDS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF A FIREMAN WILL BE HIRED BEFORE THE YEAR FOR COLEMAN IS OVER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES CODY WILLIFORD SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN BENTON OR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE CITY LIMITS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COMMISSIONER OVER PUBLIC WORKS WOULD JUST BEFORE CRAIG MILES OR IF THE EMPLOYEES WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED HIS EMPLOYEES.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT CRAIG MILES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NONUNION WITH NO CLAUSE AND BE ON EQUAL GROUND. 

 

KAREN FREEMEN ASKED THE COUNCIL ABOUT A CROSSWALK FOR KOA.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH THE CITY ENGINEER IN REGARDS TO THIS REQUEST.   

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

5:55 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:29 P.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

 

6:32 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — June 12, 2023

Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes

City Council Meeting Minutes — May 22, 2023

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — May 22, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 22, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED CODY WILLIFORD TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORE IN CODY WILLIFORD AS THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023, WITH THE AMENDMENT OF ONE SENTENCE UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE POSITION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MIKE TYSON OF TAKE ACTION TODAY TO DISCUSS THEIR PROGRAM WITH THE COUNCIL.  IT WAS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO COST ASSOCIATED WITH ENTERING INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY.  THE AGENCY WOULD PROVIDE NON-CLINICAL PEER SUPPORT SERVICES, AID WITH RESOURCE LOCATION AND UTILIZATION, RESPOND TO OPIOID OVERDOSE SCENES, ASSIST WITH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS(S), AND ASSIST WITH LOCATING TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS ENCOUNTERED BY THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00501 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A BROTHER PRINTER IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT OFFICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $629.59.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WATER CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WAS INCREASING RATES AND THAT WE HAD A CHOICE OF A 1-YEAR CONTRACT OR A 3-YEAR CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER AND THE TREASURER, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE CITY WOULD BE ABLE TO ABSORB THE RATE INCREASE FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND NOT HAVE TO RAISE RATES FOR THE CITIZENS OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A CALL FROM A BOARD MEMBER OF THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WHILE ON HIS WAY TO THE COUNCIL MEETING THAT SUGGESTED WE SHOULD ONLY DO THE 1-YEAR CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT THINKS THEY MAY HAVE ESTIMATED HIGH AND THE RATE AFTER THE FIRST YEAR MAY NOT NEED TO BE AS MUCH OF AN INCREASE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS THEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SIGNING A 1-YEAR CONTRACT WITH REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE WOULD NEED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF CA6/CA10 FROM BEELMAN TRUCKING IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,760.00 FOR 500 TONS OF CA/10 AND 1500 TONS OF CA/6.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO REJECT ALL THE BAM BIDS AND ASK FOR CONTRACTORS TO REBID BASED UPON CLARIFICATIONS DUE TO SOME CONFUSION IN THE PREVIOUS BID PROCESS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NAME PSC ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING AS THE WEST MAIN PROJECT ENGINEER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO ATTAIN PETROFF ROAD EASEMENTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PUTTING THE WHISPER WAY OVERLAY PROJECT OUT FOR BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00395 TO ROGERS TOWING FOR TOWING OF FIRE TRUCK #803 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCKING DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $725.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00393 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,780.00 FOR REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN LIGHT BAR ON ENGINE #803.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00394 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,804.66.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00395 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP FOR ONE PAIR OF FIREFIGHTER BOOTS AND 1 FIREFIGHTER RESCUE BELT IN THE AMOUNT OF $830.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BICYCLE RODEO AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE BENTON CUB SCOUT PACK 7028 AND THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 AT 6-7:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 1-YEAR NOTIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT PER BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,732.17 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,952.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,684.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED WORD FROM REG ANKROM WITH SIMEC, THE BROKER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM.  THE MARKET RATE THE CITY HAS BEEN LOCKED IN WITH IS $0.0866.  THIS RATE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MADE TO CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING WHAT THE CHANGES WERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THE CHANGES TOOK EMPLOYEES AWAY FROM ONE COMMISSIONER AND PUT OVER HALF OF THE EMPLOYEES UNDER JUST 1 COMMISSIONER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THAT WAS TOO MUCH ON 1 COMMISSIONER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WOULD CHANGE SUPERVISORS WOULD BE THE CITY CLERK, THE WATER CLERK, AND BILLING CLERK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING THAT THE WATER CLERK AND THE BILLING CLERK DO IS IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE THEY SHOULD ANSWER TO THE WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCE THAT ALSO NEED TO BE WORKED ON AND CLEANED UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON OF ALL THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE A VOTE IS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AGREED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  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 WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF LAND FOR CJ LANDS – FRANKLIN, LLC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS FOR BEN’S LAWN SERVICE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PETITION FOR ANNEXATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO APPOINT A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSIONER.  HE STATED THAT FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS’ PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN ON THIS COMMISSIONER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE THE MEMBER THAT IS APPOINTED AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MAYOR LEE MESSERSMITH AS A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE TERMITES, RUST, AND IN GENERAL FALLING IN OF THE BUILDING CALLED THE WATER BARN.  HE STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS MOLD AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION OF BUILDING NEW BUILDINGS AT BOTH OF THESE PLACES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEIR WORK VEHICLES HOME.  HE SAID IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THESE MEN ARE CALLED OUT, THEY HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE BARN AND RETRIEVE THEIR VEHICLE BEFORE THEY CAN GET TO THE EMERGENCY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS SOUNDED LOGICAL TO HIM. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT IS UP FOR RENEWAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WILL BE ON THE NEXT AGENDA.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAD QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING BORROWING MONEY FROM WATER FUNDS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF A FIREMAN WILL BE HIRED BEFORE THE YEAR FOR COLEMAN IS OVER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES CODY WILLIFORD SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN BENTON OR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE CITY LIMITS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COMMISSIONER OVER PUBLIC WORKS WOULD JUST BEFORE CRAIG MILES OR IF THE EMPLOYEES WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED HIS EMPLOYEES.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT CRAIG MILES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NONUNION WITH NO CLAUSE AND BE ON EQUAL GROUND. 

 

KAREN FREEMEN ASKED THE COUNCIL ABOUT A CROSSWALK FOR KOA.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH THE CITY ENGINEER IN REGARDS TO THIS REQUEST.   

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

5:55 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:29 P.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

 

6:32 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — May 22, 2023

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City Council Meeting Minutes — 05/22/2023

Posted on August 21, 2023 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — 05/22/2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 22, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED CODY WILLIFORD TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORE IN CODY WILLIFORD AS THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MAY 8, 2023, WITH THE AMENDMENT OF ONE SENTENCE UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE POSITION OF THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MIKE TYSON OF TAKE ACTION TODAY TO DISCUSS THEIR PROGRAM WITH THE COUNCIL.  IT WAS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO COST ASSOCIATED WITH ENTERING INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY.  THE AGENCY WOULD PROVIDE NON-CLINICAL PEER SUPPORT SERVICES, AID WITH RESOURCE LOCATION AND UTILIZATION, RESPOND TO OPIOID OVERDOSE SCENES, ASSIST WITH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS(S), AND ASSIST WITH LOCATING TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS ENCOUNTERED BY THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00501 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A BROTHER PRINTER IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT OFFICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $629.59.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WATER CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WAS INCREASING RATES AND THAT WE HAD A CHOICE OF A 1-YEAR CONTRACT OR A 3-YEAR CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER AND THE TREASURER, IT WAS DECIDED THAT THE CITY WOULD BE ABLE TO ABSORB THE RATE INCREASE FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND NOT HAVE TO RAISE RATES FOR THE CITIZENS OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A CALL FROM A BOARD MEMBER OF THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT WHILE ON HIS WAY TO THE COUNCIL MEETING THAT SUGGESTED WE SHOULD ONLY DO THE 1-YEAR CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT THINKS THEY MAY HAVE ESTIMATED HIGH AND THE RATE AFTER THE FIRST YEAR MAY NOT NEED TO BE AS MUCH OF AN INCREASE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS THEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SIGNING A 1-YEAR CONTRACT WITH REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE WOULD NEED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF CA6/CA10 FROM BEELMAN TRUCKING IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,760.00 FOR 500 TONS OF CA/10 AND 1500 TONS OF CA/6.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO REJECT ALL THE BAM BIDS AND ASK FOR CONTRACTORS TO REBID BASED UPON CLARIFICATIONS DUE TO SOME CONFUSION IN THE PREVIOUS BID PROCESS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NAME PSC ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING AS THE WEST MAIN PROJECT ENGINEER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO ATTAIN PETROFF ROAD EASEMENTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PUTTING THE WHISPER WAY OVERLAY PROJECT OUT FOR BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00395 TO ROGERS TOWING FOR TOWING OF FIRE TRUCK #803 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCKING DUE TO TRANSMISSION FAILURE IN THE AMOUNT OF $725.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00393 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,780.00 FOR REPLACEMENT OF BROKEN LIGHT BAR ON ENGINE #803.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00394 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICE TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION IN ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,804.66.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00395 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP FOR ONE PAIR OF FIREFIGHTER BOOTS AND 1 FIREFIGHTER RESCUE BELT IN THE AMOUNT OF $830.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BICYCLE RODEO AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF THE BENTON CUB SCOUT PACK 7028 AND THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PLACE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2023 AT 6-7:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 1-YEAR NOTIFICATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT PER BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,732.17 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,952.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,684.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED WORD FROM REG ANKROM WITH SIMEC, THE BROKER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM.  THE MARKET RATE THE CITY HAS BEEN LOCKED IN WITH IS $0.0866.  THIS RATE WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS MADE TO CHAPTER 1 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING WHAT THE CHANGES WERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THE CHANGES TOOK EMPLOYEES AWAY FROM ONE COMMISSIONER AND PUT OVER HALF OF THE EMPLOYEES UNDER JUST 1 COMMISSIONER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE THAT WAS TOO MUCH ON 1 COMMISSIONER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WOULD CHANGE SUPERVISORS WOULD BE THE CITY CLERK, THE WATER CLERK, AND BILLING CLERK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING THAT THE WATER CLERK AND THE BILLING CLERK DO IS IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE THEY SHOULD ANSWER TO THE WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE OTHER ARTICLES IN THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCE THAT ALSO NEED TO BE WORKED ON AND CLEANED UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON OF ALL THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE A VOTE IS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AGREED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SEE A SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES #19-02.  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 WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION FOR ANNEXATION OF LAND FOR CJ LANDS – FRANKLIN, LLC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS FOR BEN’S LAWN SERVICE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PETITION FOR ANNEXATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO APPOINT A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSIONER.  HE STATED THAT FOR THE PAST FEW YEARS’ PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS BEEN ON THIS COMMISSIONER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE THE MEMBER THAT IS APPOINTED AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MAYOR LEE MESSERSMITH AS A MEMBER TO THE GREATER EGYPT REGION COMMISSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE TERMITES, RUST, AND IN GENERAL FALLING IN OF THE BUILDING CALLED THE WATER BARN.  HE STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS MOLD AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE CONVERSATION OF BUILDING NEW BUILDINGS AT BOTH OF THESE PLACES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEAD MEN IN THE WATER AND STREET DEPARTMENT BE ALLOWED TO DRIVE THEIR WORK VEHICLES HOME.  HE SAID IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY AND THESE MEN ARE CALLED OUT, THEY HAVE TO DRIVE TO THE BARN AND RETRIEVE THEIR VEHICLE BEFORE THEY CAN GET TO THE EMERGENCY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS SOUNDED LOGICAL TO HIM. 

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ON THE REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT IS UP FOR RENEWAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WILL BE ON THE NEXT AGENDA.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAD QUESTIONS FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE REGARDING BORROWING MONEY FROM WATER FUNDS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF A FIREMAN WILL BE HIRED BEFORE THE YEAR FOR COLEMAN IS OVER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WILL BE THE CASE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES CODY WILLIFORD SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN BENTON OR SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE CITY LIMITS.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COMMISSIONER OVER PUBLIC WORKS WOULD JUST BEFORE CRAIG MILES OR IF THE EMPLOYEES WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED HIS EMPLOYEES.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT CRAIG MILES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED NONUNION WITH NO CLAUSE AND BE ON EQUAL GROUND. 

 

KAREN FREEMEN ASKED THE COUNCIL ABOUT A CROSSWALK FOR KOA.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL BE IN CONTACT WITH THE CITY ENGINEER IN REGARDS TO THIS REQUEST.   

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

5:55 P.M.

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:29 P.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

 

6:32 P.M.

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Posted in Announcements

Posted on August 11, 2023 by | Comments Off on

AMENDED AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 2023

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. DEPARTMENT REPORT
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                               COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF OVERLAY BID
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAY ESTIMATE AND CHANGE ORDER FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCEMAIN
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRIC SERVICE

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION OF POLICE CHIEF/FIRE CHIEF CONTRACT(S)
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BENTON HIGH SCHOOL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION

TRAINING AGREEMENT

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLOWING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMISSIONER TO ATTEND THE IML CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REVISING OR REPEALING SEWER RATE ORDINANCE
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BAD DEBT 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 THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY ZELLA RONE TO OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 EAST ANNA STREET
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A 90-DAY EXTENSION WITH REGARD TO THE FAÇADE GRANT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND DAVID B. GARAVALIA
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZING CITY FUNDS TO REMOVE JUNK AND DEBRIS FROM 1312 EAST ANNA STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING BACKFLOW PREVENTER ORDINANCE TO INCLUDE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROPERTIES

 

  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 08/11/2023 10:00 A.M./BC

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Posted in Alerts, Announcements, Meeting Agendas

CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED MINUTES OF JULY 14, 2023

Posted on August 10, 2023 by | Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL CONTINUED MINUTES OF JULY 14, 2023

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2023, AT 8:30 A.M. AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS

 

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

 

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

 

ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH DISCUSSED THE BIG PACKETS THAT WERE RECEIVED FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S RESIDENTIAL TRASH AND RECOMMENDED TO MAKE A MOTION ACCEPTING ONE OF THE TWO BIDS PRESENTED.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE TRASH BID FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THE BID LETTING PROCESS FOR THE UPCOMING WATER MAIN PROJECT. MR. CALCATERRA EXPLAINED THAT THE CITY HAD NOT RECEIVED THE NOTICE TO PROCEED FROM DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY, BUT THAT HE HAS HAD DISCUSSION WITH CARRY MINIS AND THE CITY COULD APPROVE STARTING THE PROCESSES PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE TAKE NOTICE.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO START THE BID LETTING PENDING THE APPROVAL OF THE NOTICE TO PROCEED FROM DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

 

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

 

8:31 a.m.

 

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Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes, Uncategorized