Category Archives: Announcements

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 14, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 23, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT PRESENTED PURCHASES ORDERS FOR THE SEWER DEPARTMENT IN COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE’S ABSENCE.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002241 TO USA BLUE BOOK FOR A BOD INCUBATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,960.06. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002240 TO HACH FOR LAB SUPPLIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,775.53. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002239 TO FISHER SCIENTIFIC FOR LAB SUPPLIES IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,137.31. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002268 TO HACK FOR TRANSITION ASSEMBLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,155.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAY #18, FINAL PAYMENT, TO E.T. SIMONDS CONSTRUCTION FOR PETROFF AND VARIOUS ROADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $150,779.50. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LOTS NO. 143 AND 144 FROM CLESTINA COZART EGGERTSEN TO MARY JANE AND GARY GRAHAM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LOT NO. 27 FROM MONICA AND RYAN KIRKPATRICK TO SCOTT AND STEPHANIE HALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 14-03 TO CLOSE THE ALLEY FROM DAKOTA TO SHORT STREET IN THE NORTH PARK ADDITION PENDING PAYMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE REPORT FOR JUNE 18, 2014 THROUGH JULY 8, 2014. THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 286 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDED 19 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND 33 TRAFFIC STOPS, 13 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 7 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 88 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 23 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR JUNE 9, 2014 THROUGH JULY 14, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 29 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 9 FIRST RESPONDERS, 6 SERVICE CALLS, 3 FALSE ALARMS, 2 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT/FIRES, 3 STRUCTURE FIRES, 2 BRUSH FIRES, 3 ILLEGAL BURNS, AND 1 HAZMAT CALL. THEY HAD 2000 GALLONS OF WATER USAGE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT STATED THAT ENGINE 801 IS IN SERVICE AND HAD THE AIR LEAK ON THE SUSPENSION WORKED ON, ENGINE 803 IS IN SERVICE AND THE EMERGENCY LIGHT ROTATOR MOTOR IS FAULTY AND ON ORDER, AND ENGINE 805 IS IN SERVICE BUT THE TRANSMISSION TEMP RELAY IS FAULTY AND ON ORDER. FIRE INSPECTIONS ARE ON STANDBY WHILE HYDRANT MAPPING AND TESTING IS CONDUCTED. EMERGENCY STORM NOTIFICATION SYSTEM IS 100% OPERATIONAL. JULY 14, 2014 THROUGH JULY 27, 2014 FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW WILL BE ACTING CHIEF WHILE CHIEF FAIRES IS IN TRAINING IN ALABAMA FOR FIRE OFFICER 3 AND 4. CHIEF FAIRES IS USING HIS OWN TIME AND PAID HIS OWN EXPENSES TO GET THE TRAINING. WHEN HE COMPLETES FIRE OFFICER III AND IV, COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THERE WERE NO HIGHER CLASSIFICATIONS IN FIRE SCIENCE THAT CAN BE OBTAINED. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THIS WOULD MAKE HIM ONE OF THE MOST QUALIFIED FIRE CHIEFS IN ILLINOIS.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW AS ACTING CHIEF WHILE CHIEF FAIRES IS IN TRAINING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN WILL BE ATTENDING UNION PACIFIC RAIL CAR FIRE TRAINING JULY 22-26, 2014. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED MOST EXPENSES WILL BE PAID BY UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT HE HAD APPROXIMATELY 4 ORDINANCES THAT NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIM, CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH, AND FIRE CHIEF FAIRES TO UPDATE FIRE DEPARTMENT CITY ORDINANCES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT THE FIRE CHIEF, THE POLICE CHIEF, AND HIMSELF WOULD LIKE TO HAVE JEFF SHEW SENT TO TRAINING TO BE AN ARSON INVESTIGATOR. THE CITY HAS ALREADY INVESTED 120 HOURS INTO THIS TRAINING FOR FIREFIGHTER SHEW AND COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT THIS TRAINING WOULD COST $4,183.00 AND OF THIS AMOUNT THE TUITION IS $2,283.00. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED TWO CHECKS, ONE FOR $1,755.00 AND ANOTHER $1,723.00. COMMISSIONER BURNETT SAID THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE RECEIVING ANOTHER $1,500.00 FOR A GRATITUDE GRANT. WITH THESE FUNDS BEING AVAILABLE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THIS WOULD NOT ALL BE COMING OUT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ARSON INVESTIGATOR TRAINING REQUEST FOR FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO PAY MONTHLY BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,831.37, WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $139,678.90, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,796.56 FOR A TOTAL OF $298,306.83. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JULY 3, 2014, FOR GENERAL FUND, WATER & SEWER, AUXILIARY POLICE & FIRE, AND AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,375.81. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JULY 18, 2014, FOR GENERAL FUND, WATER & SEWER, AUXILIARY POLICE & FIRE, AND AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $89,722.61. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR JAMES HOUSE AT 209 CARLTON, BENTON KOA AT 1500 N DUQUOIN, ROD JOPLIN AT 407 STONEBROOK, ASHLEY CHAFFIN AT 1001 E WEBSTER, JULIE HAMMOND OF 902 E WEBSTER, JACK THOMAS AT 603 E WEBSTER, DONALD EDGIN AT 515 E SMITH, LINDA ALVAREZ AT 1212 E GRAYSON, TROY KNIGHT AT 806 N MCLEANSBORO, ROBIN FOSTER AT 210 COLLEGE, DOLORES OYLER AT 209 W WEBSTER, SUE DIRKS AT 401 E BOND, RICHARD YUNKUS AT 108 BAILEY LANE, MARK DYEL AT 503 N MAIN, ROBERT A. SMITH AT 302 EAST BOND, CHRIS JERRELLS AT 403 E BOND, MICHELLE GULLEY AT 203 N 7TH, ROBERTA WATKINS AT 1207 N MAPLE, DAVID LUNDELL AT 716 GRAND, ANGELA SMITH AT 428 W CHURCH, GREG CIMA AT 137 W WEBSTER, RICHARD PENDERGAST AT 211 ELECTION, KYLE BACON AT 513 CLEARVIEW PLACE, STEVEN JOHNSON AT 1209 WHISPER WAY, AND TRENTON WILLIAMS AT 1207 WHISPER WAY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DENY SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR JOEY SIMPSON AT 419 MCFALL AND KELLEY WHITE AT 105 N WARD FOR NOT BEING IN COMPLIANCE WITH ORDINANCE 98-03, SECTION 517.0. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED A SEWER ADJUSTMENT REQUEST BY SHIRLEY ROGERS THAT THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY DENIED. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT ATTACHED TO THE REQUEST IS THE ORDINANCE AND THIS REQUEST DOES FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES IN THE ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED HE CONFERRED WITH LEGAL COUNSEL AND HE AGREES. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SEWER ADJUSTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

MAYOR KRAFT DISCUSSED THE COUNCIL HEARING A PRESENTATION FROM NOVACARE LOCATED IN WEST CITY AND WORKSTEPS LOCATED IN CARTERVILLE AT RECENT MEETINGS. HE STATED THAT HOURLY RATES AND RATES FOR DIFFERENT TESTING ARE VERY SIMILAR. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT IF THE CITY CHOOSES TO GO WITH NOVACARE, THEY WILL DRUG TEST HERE IN TOWN. IF THE CITY CHOOSES TO GO WITH WORKSTEPS, DRUG TESTING WILL HAVE TO BE DONE THROUGH THE CAPE GIRARDEAU LOCATION. MAYOR KRAFT STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO USE NOVACARE TO KEEP OUR BUSINESS IN OUR AREA. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT NOVACARE PENDING CONTRACT AGREEMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT WE HAVE BEEN DEALING WITH A GAS TANK ISSUE AT THE FIRE STATION. THERE IS AN UNDERGROUND TANK THAT CONTAINS 500 GALLONS OF GAS THAT HAS GONE BAD. MAYOR KRAFT SAYS HE HAS CONTACTED MANY COMPANIES AND HAS ENDED UP AT EARTH SERVICES. THEY WILL COME AND DO CORE SAMPLING AROUND THE TANKS. IF THEY FIND CONTAMINATION THEY WILL APPLY TO THE LUST FUND, WHICH IS AN ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT AND OUR LIABILITY WILL BE $5,000.00. IF THEY DO NOT FIND CONTAMINATION, EARTH WORKS THINKS THEY CAN REMOVE THE TANKS AND CLEAN IT UP FOR AROUND $5,000.00. IF THEY DO NOT FIND CONTAMINATION AND WE SEND OUR WORKERS OUT TO FILL IT IN AND POUR CONCRETE, WE CAN SAVE MONEY. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW EARTH SERVICES TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING THESE TANKS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE IML AND TIF CONFERENCE IS COMING UP IN SEPTEMBER. THE TIF STARTS SEPTEMBER 17TH AND IML STARTS THE 18TH. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE FOR ATTORNEY MALKOVICH AND HIMSELF TO ATTEND THIS CONFERENCE. HE STATED THAT HE WAS TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT IN CHICAGO ONE AFTERNOON AT THE EDA ADMINISTRATION TO TALK ABOUT THE SEWER GRANT. COMMISSIONER MILLER ASKED IF THIS CONFERENCE WAS AVAILABLE FOR OTHER COMMISSIONER AS WELL AND MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT IT WAS. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MAYOR, CITY ATTORNEY, AND ANY COMMISSIONERS THAT WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THIS CONFERENCE TO REGISTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC: JULIE PAYNE-HUBLER ASKED WHERE AN ARSON INVESTIGATOR FITS IN WITH HAVING A STATE FIRE MARSHAL. SHE QUESTIONED WHO WAS CALLED IN FIRST. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THE CLOSEST STATE FIRE INVESTIGATOR IS IN SALEM AND SO HE WOULD NOT BE HERE EVERY DAY LIKE FIREFIGHTER SHEW IS. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT FIREFIGHTER SHEW WOULD BE WORKING IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS CLOSING EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 7:40 P.M.

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

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FROM JANUARY 9, 2012 TO APRIL 29, 2013. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER BURNETT ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FROM MAY 14, 2013 TO JUNE 23, 2014. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

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

TIME: 7:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

MAYOR KRAFT INTRODUCED LORI DAINE FROM REHAB UNLIMITED. MS. DAINE GAVE A PRESENTATION ON THE AVAILABLE SERVICES PROVIDED BY REHAB UNLIMITED. SHE LEFT PAMPHLETS AND BUSINESS CARDS WITH THE COUNCIL THAT INCLUDED PRICING FOR THE SERVICES.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 9, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 13, 2014 CONTINUED MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER WYANT ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE PRESENTED TWO SEALED BIDS FOR REPAIR OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 205 WEST WEBSTER. THIS DRIVEWAY WAS DAMAGED DURING REPAIR OF A WATER LINE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE OPENED THE FIRST BID. THIS BID WAS FROM CURT ERWIN CONSTRUCTION AND WAS FOR $4,810.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER OPENED THE SECOND BID. THIS BID WAS FROM SRW INC. AND WAS FOR $2,360.00. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF $2,360.00 FROM SRW INC. PROVIDED PROOF OF INSURANCE AND PREVAILING WAGE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTARY ADJUSTMENT TO THE 2014 MFT PROGRAM. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT $60,000.00 DUE TO THE LAKE PROJECT COSTING MORE THAN ANTICIPATED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATING THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED 1 BID ON THE MADISON STREET PROJECT AND IT WAS FROM ET SIMONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $77,640.82. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FROM ET SIMONDS FOR THE MADISON STREET PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT. DURING THE PERIOD OF JUNE 5, 2014 THROUGH JUNE 17, 2014. THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 170 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDED 7 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, 20 TRAFFIC STOPS, 12 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 5 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 50 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 19 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS ALL ENGINES IN SERVICE AND HYDRANT TESTING IS ONGOING. COMMISSIONER BURNETT ALSO STATED THAT CHIEF SEAN FAIRES WOULD BE GOING TO ALABAMA FOR TRAINING IN JULY. DURING THAT TIME, FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW WILL BE ACTING FIRE CHIEF.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/20/2014 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,313.14, WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,454.30, AND AIRPORT CARETAKERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $850.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,617.44. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR DEBBIE WILLIAMS OF 112 SCOTT STREET AND TWO ADJUSTMENTS FOR MOHAMMED ARDEHALI AT 712 SHERIDAN AND ALSO 724 TAYLOR STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SEWER ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS FOR SHIRLEY ROGERS OF 702 E BLAKE AND CHARLES TAFT OF 604 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET FOR NOT MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PREVAILING WAGE ORDINANCE, #14-02. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING INTO A NEW EMPLOYEE FOR THE SEWER PLANT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL UPDATED ON THE PROGRESS.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THE CITY EMPLOYEES HAVE IN THE PAST BEEN TRAINED TO USE THE PORTABLE DEFIBRILLATORS. HE STATED THAT HE ALSO THOUGHT THAT IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO TRAIN CITY EMPLOYEES ON CPR. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN TO THE FIRE HOUSE TO TALK TO CHIEF FAIRES ABOUT ASKING FIREFIGHTER JEFF COLEMAN TO LEAD THESE CLASSES. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD THINK ABOUT THIS AND HE WOULD REVISIT IT AT THE NEXT MEETING.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THERE IS A LARGE TREE WITH BRANCHES FALLING ON MALLARD DRIVE OUT AT LAKE BENTON. COMMISSIONER WYANT HAS BEEN IN TOUCH WITH STEVE IRVIN ABOUT POSSIBLY CUTTING THIS TREE DOWN FOR THE CITY. MR. IRVIN HAS OFFERED TO CUT THIS TREE DOWN FOR $700.00. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO HIRE TREE TRIMMER STEVE IRVIN TO CUT THIS TREE DOWN ON MALLARD DRIVE AT LAKE BENTON. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT MR. IRVIN IS INSURED AND PAYS PREVAILING WAGE. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT WE HAD USED MR. IRVIN’S SERVICES IN THE PAST. COMMISSIONER WYANT SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

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

7:40 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014 AT 8:30 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER WYANT WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO PAY BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,663.33, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,821.28, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,296.51 FOR A TOTAL OF $179,791.12 TO BE PAID JUNE 13, 2014. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT MELISSA HUNGATE IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAD SPOKEN WITH THE LAND OWNER OF 707 N FAIRLAND. THE LAND OWNER STATED THAT A WATER PIPE HAD BROKEN UNDER THE HOME. COMMISSIONER MILLER THEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SEWER APPLICATION FOR MICHELLE PHILIPS OF 707 N FAIRLAND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

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

8:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 27, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAY ESTIMATE #17 TO ET SIMONDS FOR PETROFF AND VARIOUS ROADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,666.18. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO SET A PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED ALLEY CLOSINGS AT 104 W PARK AND 202 E WEBSTER ON JULY 14, 2014 AT 6:45 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR MAY 23, 2014 TO JUNE 9, 2014. THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD 2 FIRST RESPONDER CALLS, 2 SERVICE CALLS, 1 FALSE ALARM, 2 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, AND 1 ILLEGAL BURN FOR A TOTAL OF 8 CALLS. ALL ENGINES ARE IN SERVICE. FIRE INSPECTIONS ARE ONGOING. HYDRANT TESTING IS ONGOING. THERE ARE NO ITEMS TO REPORT AT THIS TIME.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT. DURING THE PERIOD OF MAY 21, 2014 THROUGH JUNE 4, 2014 THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 229 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDED 1 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT, 23 TRAFFIC STOPS, 11 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 13 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 82 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 23 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT CHIEF ANDREWS IS REQUESTING THAT WE HIRE DONALD T. RICHARDSON AS A PART TIME POLICE OFFICER TO START ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 11, 2014. THERE ARE 2 OFFICERS OFF WORK AT THE PRESENT TIME AND IT IS CAUSING THE DEPARTMENT TO COVER 30 HOURS OF OVERTIME EACH WEEK. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED HE HAD MR. RICHARDSON’S RESUME. HE IS A BENTON RESIDENT AND HAS 23 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT AS A DEPUTY AND HAS BEEN THE CHIEF OF POLICE IN SESSER. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO HIRE DONALD T. RICHARDSON AS A PART TIME POLICE OFFICER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/06/2014 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,070.17, WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,780.25, AND AUXILIARY OF $1,676.90 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,527.32. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANDREW FREEMAN OF 1301 WHISPERWAY, JULIE OWENS OF 716 OLD ORCHARD DRIVE, TAMMY VARGAS OF 630 N. BUCHANAN, JANIS THOMAS OF 1352 WHISPERWAY, AND SCOTT BLACKMAN OF 503 S. FIRST. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR MENDI ALDERSON OF 521 E. LAWRENCE FOR NONCOMPLIANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED A SEWER ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION FOR MICHELLE PHILIPS OF 707 N FAIRLAND. COMMISSIONER MILLER TABLED THIS APPLICATION UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION COULD BE HELD WITH CUSTOMER OVER THE LOSS.

MAYOR KRAFT ASKED THE COUNCIL’S THOUGHTS ON THE NOVACARE PRESENTATION FROM MAY 27, 2014. THE COUNCIL STATED THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HEARING A QUOTE ON THE AVAILABLE SERVICES. MAYOR KRAFT STATED HE WOULD GET A QUOTE ON SERVICES FROM NOVACARE AND PRESENT THIS TO THE COUNCIL.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE MARS HOUSING GRANT THAT HAS BEEN USED BY MANY LOW INCOME FAMILIES IN OUR AREA HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY THE GOVERNMENT. HE STATED THAT THERE IS STILL A LITTLE MONEY LEFT IN THE IDHA ACCOUNT AND HE WOULD LIKE TO USE THIS MONEY TO HELP SENIOR CITIZENS IN OUR AREA. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KRAFT TO RESEARCH A SENIOR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE GOV PAY NET COMPANY ABOUT A CONTRACT OR AGREEMENT. HE STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SIGN A 5 YEAR CONTRACT, BUT THIS CONTRACT CAN BE TERMINATED WITH 30 DAYS’ NOTICE. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW GOV PAY NET TO SEND OVER THEIR CONTRACT TO BE LOOKED OVER BY THE COUNCIL AND LEGAL COUNSEL ALLOWING US TO ACCEPT PAYMENT IN THE FORM OF A CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LET PEOPLE KNOW UNDER OLD BUSINESS THAT IF WE HAD CONCERNED CITIZENS PRESENT DURING OPEN MEETINGS THEY WOULD HAVE UNDERSTOOD WHAT HE WAS EXPLAINING TONIGHT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN JULIE HUBBLER THIS PAST WEEK AND SHE HAD SOME QUESTIONS ABOUT THE CITY THAT SHE WOULD LIKE ANSWERED. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON PUBLIC RECORD THAT HE WILL NOT GET INTO A LETTER WRITING WAR IN THE NEWSPAPER DEFENDING WHAT HE DOES WHEN THE PEOPLE WHO WRITE THE LETTERS DO NOT EVEN COME TO A MEETING TO FIND OUT WHAT IS GOING ON. HE STATED HE WAS NOT AGAINST OPINIONS IN THE PAPER; HOWEVER, INSTEAD OF SPENDING TIME AND MONEY ON FOIA’S AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR , THEY COULD COME TO A MEETING OR HE WOULD COME TO THEIR HOUSE 7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE WILL TALK TO PEOPLE FACE TO FACE.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT A LADY WAS WORRIED ABOUT $400.00 AND HE WILL EXPLAIN THAT THE $400.00 WAS FOR REPAIRS TO A CUSTOMER’S WATER LINE AFTER DAMAGE THAT WAS INCURRED BY A CONTRACTOR THE CITY OF BENTON HAD HIRED TO INSTALL NEW WATER LINES.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT WHEN CONGRESSMAN ENYART’S AIDES WERE HERE AT CITY HALL HE HAD MADE THE COMMENT THAT HE WAS SICK AND TIRED OF POLITICIANS PATTING HIM ON THE BACK. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THERE IS NO $1,000,000.00 MORE THAN WHAT WE GOT OVER THE INTERCEPTOR LINE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT WHEN HE DID THE INTERVIEW WITH THE BENTON EVENING NEWS HE HAD MADE THE STATEMENT THAT HE DID NOT TRUST POLITICIANS AND HE TOLD THE CITIZENS TO CALL PEOPLE. HE SAID THE ARTICLE DID NOT STATE THE ONLY MONEY WE GOT WAS ON OUR SEWER INTERCEPTOR PROJECT WAS $750,000 FROM SENATOR FORBY. THE CITY OF BENTON DID NOT RECEIVE ANOTHER $1,000,000.00 FROM GARY FORBY. THE $750,000 WAS RECEIVED 4 YEARS AGO.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT IF CITIZENS HAVE THE TIME TO RUN THROUGH RECORDS AND WRITE THESE LETTERS, THEN WORK FOR THE CITY, NOT AGAINST US. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK PEOPLE IN THE EYE AND TALK TO THEM LIKE A MAN. HE STATED THAT ANYONE WHO WANTED TO TALK TO ANY OF THE COUNCIL SHOULD COME TO CITY HALL AND DO IT.

MAYOR KRAFT OPENED THE FLOOR FOR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. JULIE HUBBLER STATED THAT SHE AGREED WITH COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD AGREEING WITH COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE 100%. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS GOING THROUGH AND THAT HE ACTUALLY CANCELED HIS SUBSCRIPTION TO THE BENTON EVENING NEWS BECAUSE OF THE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT WHEN THE NEWSPAPER STOPS ALL THESE LETTERS HE WILL CONSIDER RESUBSCRIBING. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAS INVITED INDIVIDUALS THAT WRITE NUMEROUS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR TO COME TO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS AND HE HAS NOT SEEN THEM AT A MEETING YET. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT HE HAS OFFERED TO PICK THESE INDIVIDUALS UP OR TO PAY THEIR TAXI FARE. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT IF THESE INDIVIDUALS COME TO A MEETING AND ASK QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT ADEQUATELY ANSWERED, THEN A FOIA REQUEST IS APPROPRIATE. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT ALL THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE OPEN TO ANSWERING QUESTIONS AT ANY TIME.

AN AUDIENCE MEMBER INQUIRED ABOUT RAIN DAMAGE TO THE CITY ROADS. COMMISSIONER WYANT AGREED TO MEET THIS CITIZEN AT HIS HOME TO SEE WHAT DAMAGE THERE IS. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THE SUMMER ROAD WORK IS SET TO BEGIN ON JULY 7, 2014.

 
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY JUNE 13, 2014, AT 8:30 A.M. TO PAY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

7:37 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD GO OUT OF ORDER AND ALLOW THE NOVACARE REPRESENTATIVES TO GIVE THEIR PRESENTATION. A POWER POINT PRESENTATION REGARDING AVAILABLE SERVICES WAS GIVEN TO THE COUNCIL.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 12, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 16, 2014 CONTINUED MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 16, 2014 SPECIAL MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT WE HAVE A CDAP GRANT FOR WATER MAINS AND WIGGS EXCAVATING CAME IN WITH THE LOW BID OF $423,832.00. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT IF THERE WAS NO DISCUSSION HE WOULD MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF WIGGS EXCAVATING OF $423,832.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FROM MARK GALVONONI TO GRETCHEN RICE JENKINS. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE HAS GIVEN THE MAPS FOR THE OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION. HE STATED THAT IT SHOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO GET THE MAPS FINALIZED.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT ON JUNE 18, 2014, THERE WOULD BE AN OPENING OF BIDS FOR THE MADISON STREET PROJECT AND THE BID LETTING APPROVAL WOULD BE ON JUNE 23, 2014. WORK IS SET TO BEGIN ON JULY 7, 2014.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT. DURING THE PERIOD OF MAY 8, 2014, MAY 20, 2014 THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 145 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE INCLUDING 10 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, 25 TRAFFIC STOPS, 9 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 2 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 88 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 9 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT. DURING THE PERIOD OF APRIL 29, 2014 THROUGH MAY 22, 2014 THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 3 FIRST RESPONDERS, 7 SERVICE CALLS, 4 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, 2 STRUCTURE FIRES, FOR A TOTAL OF 16 CALLS. ALL OF THE VEHICLES ARE IN SERVICE AT THIS TIME. THEY DID HAVE TROUBLE WITH ENGINE 801 DUE TO A SENSOR TRANSMISSION ISSUE. IT IS NOW UP AND RUNNING AGAIN.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #0025027 TO FIRE TEXT RESPONSE LLC FOR SOFTWARE AND LICENSE AND SUPPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002025 TO AFFILIATED COMPUTER SERVICES FOR SOFTWARE LICENSE AND SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $895.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY OF BENTON FOR 19 YEARS AND HIS CONTRACT EXPIRES IN JUNE. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT MICHAEL ANDREWS TO POLICE CHIEF FOR 1 YEAR EFFECTIVE JUNE 30, 2014. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT ON CHIEF ANDREWS’ PROPOSED CONTRACT THERE WERE 4 CHANGES. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT THE MAYOR AND HIMSELF HAD MET AND DISCUSSED THE 4 CHANGES TO THIS CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS REQUESTED COMP TIME, THE SAME AS THE FIRE CHIEF AND THE WATER AND SEWER SUPERINTENDENT. THE SECOND CHANGE IN THE CONTRACT IS FOR THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE TO BE INCREASED $100, THE SAME AS THE FIRE CHIEF AND WATER AND SEWER SUPERINTENDENT. THE THIRD CHANGE IS REQUESTING THE ABILITY TO ACCUMULATE 40 DAYS OF SICK TIME. THE FOURTH CHANGE IS GOING FROM HAVING FOUR WEEKS’ VACATION AND BEING ALLOWED TO CARRY OVER 2 WEEKS TO HAVING 5 WEEKS’ VACATION AND ALLOWING HIM TO CARRY OVER THREE WEEKS. DISCUSSION WAS HELD BY THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ONE YEAR CONTRACT FOR CHIEF OF POLICE MICHAEL ANDREWS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MILLER.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT HE HAD A REQUEST FROM CHIEF SEAN FAIRES TO NAME MICHAEL J. FRAULINI TO THE BENTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT IF THIS IS APPROVED THE ROSTER WILL NOW BE AT 18. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO ADD MICHAEL J. FRAULINI TO THE BENTON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ROSTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO PAYROLL DATED 05/23/2014 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,662.91 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,709.66, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER OF $850.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $109,222.57. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR ANN HARGAN OF 207 E CHURCH AND CAROL LAKE OF 508 E WEBSTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR MICHELLE CZUPRYNSKI OF 607 ELECTION, RODNEY BURNETT OF 1207 S POPE, RICK SEDDON OF 600 S MCLEANSBORO, ANDREW GREEN OF 218 N MCLEANSBORO, GEORGE RUSH OF 501 E MCKINLEY, AMY PRESUTTI OF 603 N HICKMAN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE CHAMBER IS REQUESTING FOR A DONATION FOR THE REND LAKE FIREWORKS AT THE DAM. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT LAST YEAR THE CITY DONATED $3000.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO MAKE A DONATION OF $3,000.00 TO THE BENTON WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE REND LAKE FIREWORKS TO BE HELD AT THE REND LAKE DAM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A FEW WEEKS AGO HE HAD PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH SOME INFORMATION ON GOV PAY NET ALLOWING THE CITY TO ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR FINES, PAYMENTS, ETC. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT IT IS HIS UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE WILL BE NO COST TO THE CITY AS ALL COSTS WOULD BE PASSED ON TO THE CUSTOMER. COMMISSIONER MILLER REQUESTED APPROVAL TO GET A COPY OF THE CONTRACT AND AGREEMENT WE WOULD SIGN WITH THEM. HE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL COULD REVIEW THIS AS WELL AS LEGAL COUNSEL.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAD GIVEN THE COUNCIL AN ITEM FROM WTI SYSTEMS THAT IS A CONTINUING PROGRESSION OF THE XP OPERATING SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED A PURCHASE ORDER FOR $2,480.00 FOR THE MIGRATION OF FUNDWARE IN THE TREASURER’S OFFICE. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS QUOTE FROM WTI SYSTEMS FOR MIGRATION OF FUNDWARE IN THE TREASURER’S OFFICE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAD ONE ITEM. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CITY TREASURER HAD PUT TOGETHER PER DIEM RATES AND REGULATIONS ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENT. HE STATED THE COUNCIL COULD DISCUSS THIS AT A LATER DATE.

MAYOR KRAFT OPENED THE FLOOR FOR COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. TOM CARTER QUESTIONED THE REASONING BEHIND THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISORS RECEIVING TWO RAISES IN ONE YEAR. COMMISSIONER MILLER SUGGESTED THAT TOM CARTER SUBMIT A FOIA REQUEST FOR THE DEPARTMENT SUPERVISOR’S CONTRACT INFORMATION. COMMISSIONER BURNETT INFORMED TOM CARTER THAT THE PAY RAISES WOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER SEPARATE CONTRACTS. TOM CARTER SAID HE WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH DIFFERENT CONTRACTS, BUT WAS CONCERNED WITH TWO PAY RAISES IN THE SAME YEAR AND DIDN’T THINK THAT WAS FAIR. ADDITIONALLY, JULIE HUBBLER PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH HANDOUTS LISTING POORLY KEPT PROPERTIES THAT SHE BELIEVES THE CITY NEEDS TO CHECK.

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

8:10 P.M.