Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, JULY 27, 2015 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ROLL WAS TAKEN. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED JULY 13, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 17, 2015 CONTINUED COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ALLOW MICHAEL MCGUIRE AND GAIL WHITE FROM WHITE AND BORGONONI ARCHITECTS TO PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS ON THEIR INSPECTION OF THE CITY HALL BUILDING. MR. MCGUIRE AND MR. WHITE USED SLIDES TO PROJECT THE REPORT FOR THE AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER ASKED IF FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WOULD PRESENT HIS FINDINGS FROM DOING AN INSPECTION ON CITY HALL THIS MONTH. CHIEF COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE REPRESENTATIVE, JEFF BENNETT, FROM WEEKS POLARIS TO GIVE HIS PRESENTATION TO THE COUNCIL. THE REPRESENTATIVE STATED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL CITIES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS THAT ALLOW UTV/GOLF CARTS ON THE STREETS. HE STATED THAT THE MAIN COMPONENTS TO BE STREET READY ARE WINDSHIELD, REAR VIEW MIRROR, HORN, BLINKERS, TAIL LIGHTS AND HEAD LIGHTS. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH WEST FRANKFORT ON THEIR POLICY. THE CITY OF WEST FRANKFORT STATED TO THE WEEK’S REPRESENTATIVE THAT THEY HAVE NEVER EVEN GIVEN A TICKET TO ANYONE ON AN UTV/GOLF CART. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED HE HAD BEEN REVIEIWING THE STATE STATUTES REGARDING UTV/GOLF CART USAGE.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002257 FOR THE DIAL STREET PUMP STATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,434.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002258 FOR LAB TESTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $510.40. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION UNRESTRICTING $193,000.00 FROM THE CITY HALL BUILDING PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MILLER.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION RESTRICTING $193,000.00 TO THE EAST WEBSTER STREET ROAD IMPROVEMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MILLER.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A 35 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON PETROFF ROAD FROM NORTH MAIN TO SUGAR CREEK ROAD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:   4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A 40 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON SUGAR CREEK ROAD FROM PETROFF ROAD TO OLD BEN 24 ROAD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:   4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A 35 MPH SPEED LIMIT ON SKYLANE DRIVE FROM SUGAR CREEK ROAD TO OLD BEN 24 ROADS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:   4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING ON AUGUST 24, 2015 FOR POSSIBLE CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF ESPY STREET FROM NORTH STOTLAR WEST TO DEAD END. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:   4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MOORE STATED HE HAD NOTHING FOR DISCUSSION THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED PAYROLL DATED 07/17/2015 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,229.22 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,784.01 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,863.23. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PAYROLL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS FOR TOM TRURAN OF 402 SOUTH DUQUOIN, DOLORES OYLER OF 209 WEST WEBSTER, LINDA ALVAREZ OF 1212 E GRAYSON, JOSH KINSMAN OF 406 MCCALL, AND MARY WYANT OF 412 SOUTH STOTLAR. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THESE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR POOLS MET THE CRITERIA OF THE ORDINANCE AND MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THEM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR SWIMMING POOLS FOR MATTHEW HOPKINS OF 905 NORTH MCLEANSBORO. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DENY THIS ADJUSTMENT AS IT DID NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR AN ADJUSTMENT ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR JESSICA MCCONNELL OF 506 NORTH WARD AND PATRICIA WINKLER OF 701 FORREST. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THESE ADJUSTMENTS AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA OF THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT AT AN EARLIER COUNCIL MEETING HE HAD DISCUSSED IMRF PARTICIPATIONS FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS. HE STATED THAT THIS IS STILL BEING WORKED ON AND IT WILL NEED TO BE REVISITED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT AT THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING HE PROVIDED EVERYONE A COPY OF THE IML CONFERENCE REGISTRATION. HE STATED THAT IF ANYONE WANTED TO GO, THEY NEED TO LET THE MAYOR KNOW SO RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT ITEM (F) WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO A REPRESENTATIVE FROM IPRF CAME IN TO GO OVER ISSUES WITH TRAINING. CHIEF COCKRUM, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH, AND SUPERINTENDENT STEVE SHOULTZ SET IN ON THE MEETING. HE STATED WE WOULD BE MOVING FORWARD WITH THESE PROGRAMS IN AN EFFORT TO GET OUR WORKER’S COMPENSATION PREMIUMS REDUCED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A FEW WEEKS AGO BOB REA WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM CAME TO THE COUNCIL MEETING TO ASK WITH HELP IN FUNDING. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO GIVE $500.00 A MONTH TO HELP WITH FUNDING OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM UNTIL THE END OF THE FISCAL YEAR AND THEN AT THAT TIME REEVALUATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.   VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT IN THE PAST FEW WEEKS WE HAVE RECEIVED A LOT OF REQUESTS FOR DONATIONS. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS BUDGETING FOR THIS SO WE WOULD KNOW ON AN ANNUAL BASIS WHAT WE WOULD HAVE TO SPEND.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED THE CONTRACT FOR NOVACARE CONCERNING EMPLOYEE TESTING. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED A MOTION ALLOWING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THIS CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KONDRITZ TO SIGN THE CONTRACT CONCERNING EMPLOYEE TESTING WITH NOVACARE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE RESIDENTIAL TRASH CONTRACT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES. HE STATED WE NEEDED A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KONDRITZ TO SIGN THE RESIDENTIAL TRASH CONTRACT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KONDRITZ TO SIGN THE RESIDENTIAL TRASH CONTRACT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INTRODUCED FREDA BROADWAY, PRESIDENT OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY FOR AMERICAN LEGION POST 280. MRS. BROADWAY ALSO BROUGHT SOME OF THE LADIES AUXILIARY WITH HER TO THE MEETING. THEY STATED THEY WERE TRYING TO RAISE MONEY FOR A MONUMENT TO BE PLACED AT THE MASONIC AND ODD FELLOW’S CEMETERY IN HONOR OF OUR VETERANS. THE LADIES AUXILIARY STATED THEY NEEDED $2,600.00 FOR THE PROJECT AND HAD ALREADY RECEIVED $1,300.00 FROM AMERICAN LEGION POST #280. THEY ASKED FOR A DONATION OF $1,300.00 FROM THE CITY TO HELP FUND THE REST OF THE MONUMENT. MAYOR KONDRITZ SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A CDAP HOUSING REHABILITATION GRANT, GRANT #14-243003. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THE CITY OF BENTON WILL RECEIVE $400,000.00 IN CDAP HOUSING REHABILITATION GRANT FUNDS TO REHABILITATE TEN (10) HOMES. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CDAP HOUSING REHABILITATION GRANT #14-243003. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE HAD BEEN CONTACTED BY CHRIS JERRELLS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL. MR. JERRELLS WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO HAVE THE STUDENTS IN THE HISTORY CLUB PAINT MURALS ON THE BUILDING ADJACENT TO CAPITAL PARK. THE COUNCIL STATED THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND SEE IF IT WAS POSSIBLE WITH THE BUILDING’S OWNER.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MOORE STATED COMMISSIONER MOORE STATED THAT THE DISPATCH CONTRACT IS BEING WORKED ON CURRENTLY.

COMMISSIONER MOORE ALSO STATED THAT ALEX MELVIN HAD ONE FINAL TEST TO PASS BEFORE HIS SCREENING FOR THE POSITION OF PROBATIONARY FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER COULD BE GIVEN.

ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE A BID LETTING FOR THE OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM ON 08/05/15.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, NELSON ENRIETTO ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THERE WOULD BE ANY DIFFERENCE IN THE TYPE OF GARBAGE AND WASTE REPUBLIC SERVICES WILL PICK UP COMPARED TO WHAT BULLDOG SERVICES PICKED UP. THE COUNCIL REASSURED HIM THAT PICKUP SHOULD BE THE SAME.

COMMISSIONER MILLER 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 MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN.

YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER

MILLER AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 9:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 9:55 P.M.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CHANGE THE CURRENT ZONING DEPARTMENT POSITION TO TWO POSITIONS; ONE OF ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT WORKING 35-40 HOURS A WEEK WITH AN ANNUAL SALARY OF $28,000.00 – $35,000.00 WITH BENEFITS. THIS POSITION WILL BE ADVERTISED IN THE LOCAL PUBLIC NEWSPAPERS; THE SECOND POSITION WOULD BE A DEPUTY CITY CLERK/CITY HALL ASSISTANT POSITION TO WORK 30 HOURS PER WEEK WITH AN ANNUAL SALARY OF $25,000.00 WITH BENEFITS. THIS POSITION WOULD BE OFFERED TO CURRENT EMPLOYEE, PAULA GALLOWAY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 10:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED COUNCIL MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, JULY 17, 2015 AT 8:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ROLL WAS TAKEN. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH MICHELLE MADARAS FROM WSIL TV 3 FOR AN INTERVIEW EARLIER IN THE WEEK. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE IS AWARE OF THE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THE BUILDING HERE AT CITY HALL AND IT WOULD BE HIS RECOMMENDATION TO BUILD A NEW CITY HALL BUILDING. COMMISSIONER MOORE STATED HE THOUGHT WE WERE MOVING A LITTLE FAST WITH THIS PROJECT AND WOULD LIKE TO SLOW THE PROCESS DOWN. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THIS PROJECT ACTUALLY WAS BEGUN BY PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION. ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH SUGGESTED HAVING ENGINEERS FROM WHITE AND BORGONONI AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING TO PRESENT THE BUILDING PLANS AS WELL AS ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS THAT MAY ARISE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED BILLS PAYABLE JULY 17, 2015 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,198.92, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $138,973.08, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,718.87 FOR A TOTAL TO BE PAID OF $332,890.87. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO PAY THESE BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

8:20 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY, JULY 13, 2015 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND ROLL WAS TAKEN. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ALLOW JENNIFER PARKHILL WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MS. PARKHILL STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS ON SCHEDULE TO BEGIN COLLECTING TRASH FOR THE CITY OF BENTON AUGUST 1, 2015. SHE STATED THAT THE COLLECTION TOTES WILL BE DELIVERED TO CUSTOMERS THE LAST WEEK OF JULY. MS. PARKHILL ALSO STATED THAT THE CUSTOMERS WILL SOON BEGIN RECEIVING MAILINGS FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED JUNE 22, 2015 COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE JUNE 26, 2015 CONTINUED COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED HIS ITEMS FROM THE AGENDA. COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002256 TO VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING FOR AN F-9299 GRINDER, PUMP, IMPELLER, AND SHREDDING RING IN THE AMOUNT OF $896.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO PRESENTED THE WATER & SEWER SUPERINTENDENT EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR STEVE SHOULTZ. MR. SHOULTZ’ S CONTRACT IS FOR FOUR (4) YEARS. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE WATER & SEWER SUPERINTENDENT STEVE SHOULTZ’S FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #15-13 CORRECTING THE SPEED LIMIT ON HUDELSON STREET FROM SOUTH MAIN STREET SOUTH DUQUOIN STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:   4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO HAVE “A CUT ABOVE TREE SERVICE” REMOVE A TREE IN THE ALLEY BEHIND 313 SOUTH POPE STREET FOR THE AMOUNT OF $650.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:   4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MOORE PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002301 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR PATROL AND INVESTIGATOR SUV EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00. COMMISSIONER MOORE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MOORE PRESENTED THE POLICE CHIEF CONTRACT FOR MICHAEL ANDREWS. CHIEF ANDREWS’ CONTRACT IS FOR FOUR (4) YEARS. COMMISSIONER MOORE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS’ FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MOORE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATIONS OF PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER KENNETH WROBLEWSKI AND AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER JESSE YOUNG. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MOORE MADE A MOTION TO ADD JAMES NEFF TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED PAYROLL DATED 07/03/2015 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,980.44 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,814.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $81,795.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PAYROLL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS FOR TROY KNIGHT OF 806 NORTH MCLEANSBORO, JANICE HICKS OF 207 WEST FOURTH, JAMES HOUSE OF 209 CARLTON, KYLE BACON OF 513 CLEARVIEW, CHRIS JERRELLS OF 403 EAST BOND, JANIS THOMAS OF 1352 WHISPERWAY, JACK THOMAS OF 603 EAST WEBSTER, TRACY BONSACK OF 304 NORTH EIGHTH, JULIE HAMMOND OF 902 EAST WEBSTER, DAVID LUNDELL OF 716 GRAND, SHERRY TINDALL OF 719 EAST BURKETT, RONALD OZBOURN OF 715 SHERIDAN DRIVE, BARB MAUE OF 404 NORTH STOTLAR, ROD JOPLIN OF 407 STONEBROOK, MARILYN HUNDLEY OF 906 FOREST, JOE RIZOR OF 1105 SOUTH POPE, AND STEVE WILBURN OF 314 SOUTH POPE. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THESE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR POOLS MET THE CRITERIA OF THE ORDINANCE AND MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THEM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR SWIMMING POOLS FOR JOANNA MCCLINTOCK OF 408 NORTH TENTH, JAMES JOY OF 305 EAST BOND, AND CHRIS AND BRITTANI KNEEZLE OF 206 MITCHELL. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DENY THESE ADJUSTMENTS AS THEY DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR AN ADJUSTMENT ACCORDING TO THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR MARVIN GATES OF 709 GLENDALE, FIRST FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF 1208 EAST BOND, RODNEY CRAIN OF 708 SOUTH COMMERCIAL, ALAN ALEXANDER OF 505 EAST WEBSTER, AND LLOYD JOHNSTON OF 708 NORTH NINTH. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THESE ADJUSTMENTS AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA OF THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #15-10 UNRESTRICTING FUNDS FOR A NEW CITY HALL OR EXISTING CITY HALL RENOVATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #15-11 RESTRICTING FUNDS FOR A NEW CITY HALL OR EXISTING CITY HALL RENOVATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED ORDINANCE #15-14 STATING PREVAILING WAGE FOR FRANKLIN COUNTY FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 2015. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE WAS A RECEPTION FOR FATHER JOSEPH TRAPP’S RETIREMENT SUNDAY, JULY 12, 2015. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE READ A PROCLAMATION AT THE RECEPTION. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO RETROACTIVELY PROCLAIM JULY 12, 2015, AS FATHER JOSEPH TRAPP DAY IN THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ DISCUSSED RESTRICTED USE OF GOLF CARTS ON CITY ROADWAYS. AFTER A SHORT DISCUSSION, THIS ITEM WAS TABLED FOR THE TIME BEING.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED HE HAD BEEN CONTACTED BY ATTORNEY MURPHY HART FOR A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT JAMES PAGE WOULD LIKE TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEASES 12, 13, 13A, AND 73 TO JVCC REVOCABLE TRUST. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER THESE LAKE LOTS TO JVCC REVOCABLE TRUST. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE CABLE FRANCHISE EXTENSION WITH NEW WAVE COMMUNICATIONS FOR FIVE (5) YEARS. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KONDRITZ TO SIGN THE NEWWAVE CABLE FRANCHISE EXTENSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MOORE BROUGHT UP THE RECENTLY FINISHED CONTRACT FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER MOORE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS MAYOR KONDRITZ MENTIONED THE FREE BOOKLET ON BENTON PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL BY RICK LINTON FROM FREDCO AT A PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT FREDCO NOW HAS A DRONE WITH VIDEO. COMMISSIONER MOORE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PRODUCTION OF A BENTON BOOKLET CONTAINING PICTURES OF THE CITY FROM THE DRONE UPON COUNCIL APPROVAL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ DISCUSSED THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE AJR (ACCESS JUSTIFICATION REPORT) FOR THE I57/PETROFF INTERCHANGE APPROVAL.

COMMISSIONER MOORE STATED THAT THE DISPATCH CONTRACT IS BEING WORKED ON CURRENTLY.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE SEWER ADJUSTMENT PREVIOUSLY TURNED IN BY FLOWERS BY DAVE HAD BEEN WITHDRAWN.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS INTERESTED IN POSSIBLY TELEVISING FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS IN AN EFFORT TO ALLOW MORE RESIDENTS TO KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS THIS WITH NEWWAVE COMMUNICATIONS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, DEBORAH SCHAFFER ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE ORDINANCE INVOLVING CHICKENS NOT BEING ALLOWED IN THE CITY LIMITS.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO

8:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015 TO PAY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER

MOORE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MOORE, COMMISSIONER

WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 8:15 P.M.