Category Archives: Announcements

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.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, MAY 12, 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 APRIL 28, 2014 PUBLIC HEARING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 28, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FROM ARTHUR CARROLL TO SHAWN CARROLL PENDING APPROPRIATE SIGNATURES. 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 THE COUNCIL HAD TRUCK BIDS TO OPEN. THERE WERE FIVE SEALED BIDS SUBMITTED AND THEREFORE EACH MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL WAS GIVEN A BID TO OPEN. MAYOR KRAFT OPENED A BID FROM SCHMIDT CHEVROLET IN MT. VERNON WITH A TOTAL COST OF $22,143.81 FOR A 2014 FLEET MODEL CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 2 WHEEL DRIVE REGULAR CAB. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE OPENED A BID FROM WEEKS FOR A MODEL YEAR 2014 LONG BED, VINYL SEATS FOR $22,677.71. HE STATED THIS HAD ALL OPTIONS THAT THE BID HAD REQUESTED. COMMISSIONER WYANT OPENED A BID FROM FORD SQUARE IN MT. VERNON FOR A 2014 F150 4 X 2 WITH A 145 INCH WHEEL BASE, OXFORD WHITE, VINYL SEATS, STEEL GRADE LINING, AM/FM RADIO, ELECTRIC 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC, 26 GALLON TANK FOR $17,222.40. COMMISSIONER BURNETT OPENED A BID FROM MARION FORD HYUNDAI FOR A 2014 F150 WITH THE SAME ACCESSORIES AS THE PREVIOUS TRUCK BID OPENED FOR $17,439.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER OPENED A BID FROM MARION CHEVROLET GMC CADILLAC FOR A 2014 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 FOUR WHEEL DRIVE REGULAR CAB WITH A SALE PRICE OF $25,053.71. MAYOR KRAFT ASKED IF THE BID SPECIFIED TWO WHEEL OR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE LOOKED THE BID SPECIFICATIONS OVER AND STATED THAT THEY DID NOT SPECIFY TWO WHEEL OR FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT FORD SQUARE OF MT. VERNON HAD THE LOW BID WITH A PRICE OF $17,222.40. HE STATED THAT AFTER REVIEW OF THE BIDS HE WILL NAME THE BID WINNER.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAY ESTIMATE #16 TO E.T. SIMMONDS CONSTRUCTION FOR PETROFF ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,094.16. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE RAIN THEY ARE BEHIND SCHEDULE ON THE ROADS. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE IS PLANNING TO GET THE MFT PROGRAM STARTED BY THE MIDDLE OF JUNE AND THAT THE MADISON STREET PROJECT IS SET TO START UP ON JULY 7, 2014.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002289 FOR $1080.00 FOR ANNUAL DUES FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING FOR 2014. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. 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 APRIL 24, 2014 THROUGH MAY 7, 2014 THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 189 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE INCLUDING 9 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, 34 TRAFFIC STOPS, 10 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 6 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 7 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 59 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 11 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT SEVERAL MONTHS AGO CHIEF ANDREWS HAD UPDATED THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK AT COMMISSIONER BURNETT’S REQUEST. IN THE PAST THE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THOSE REPORTS. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RULES AND REGULATIONS HANDBOOK FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. 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. DURING THE PERIOD OF APRIL 14, 2014 THROUGH APRIL 28, 2014 THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 1 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALL, 2 FALSE ALARMS, 2 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENTS, 3 STRUCTURE FIRES, AND 2 ILLEGAL BURNS FOR A TOTAL OF 10 CALLS. ALL ENGINES ARE IN SERVICE AT THIS TIME. STORM SIRENS ARE UP AND RUNNING. A NUMBER OF FIRE HOSES FAILED TESTING AND AFTER TESTING IS COMPLETED WE WILL GET A LIST OF WHAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD HAS EXTENDED AN INVITATION FOR A MOST EXPENSES PAID CRUDE OIL RESPONSE TRAINING IN COLORADO FOR UP TO 5 FIREFIGHTERS. THE EXPENSES COVERED BY THE RAILROAD INCLUDE TUITION, LODGING, AND MOST MEALS. AFTER THE FIREFIGHTERS HAVE REGISTERED FOR THE TRAINING THE RAILROAD WILL SEND A SCHEDULE FOR TRAVEL AND LODGING TO ATTEND THE 3 DAY CLASS. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT CHIEF FAIRES HAS SUBMITTED THE NAMES OF 3 CAREER FIREFIGHTERS AND 2 PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS TO ATTEND THIS TRAINING WITH ONLY 1 CAREER FIREFIGHTER GONE AT A TIME. THE ESTIMATED SAVINGS TO THE CITY FOR THIS TRAINING IS APPROXIMATELY $25,000.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT LAST FRIDAY HE HAD A VISITOR FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE MARSHAL, LOUIS HERTTER. HE IS A STORAGE TANK SPECIALIST. HE REQUESTED THAT WE APPOINT A CITY EMPLOYEE TO THE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANK. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED HE HAD SPOKEN WITH COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ON THIS MATTER AND THEY HAD DECIDED THAT A FIREMAN WOULD BE THE APPROPRIATE PERSON TO APPOINT. CHIEF FAIRES SPOKE WITH HIS FIREFIGHTERS AND HE REPORTED TO COMMISSIONER BURNETT THAT HE WOULD RECOMMEND APPOINTING JEFF SHEW TO THIS POSITION BECAUSE HE HAS DONE THIS WORK BEFORE. MR. HERTTER STATED THAT IN 2012 THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PASSED A LAW STATING THAT ALL COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE THESE UNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKS MUST HAVE AN OPERATOR THAT TAKES A CLASS ON THIS EVER 2 YEARS. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT JEFF SHEW AS THE OFFICIAL UNDERGROUND FUEL TANK STORAGE OPERATOR. 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 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO UPDATED THEIR EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK. THE LAST HANDBOOK WAS DONE IN 1973. CHIEF FAIRES HAS UPDATED THIS HANDBOOK. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE UPDATED FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #000979 TO WTI FOR OUR ANNUAL CLIENT CARE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2241.00. THIS IS FOR SOFTWARE UPGRADE AND MAINTENANCE ON AN ANNUAL BASIS. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT AS A PART OF OUR ONGOING OPERATION AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT, THE CITY OF BENTON HAS BEEN PAYING FOR THE LICENSE FOR THE HEAD OPERATOR. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO PAY FOR STEVE RICHARDSON’S LICENSING IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00. 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 PAYING CLOTHING ALLOWANCES THAT ARE IN THE CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE STREET, WATER, AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,600.00 PAYABLE ON MAY 1, 2014. 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 PAYROLL DATED 05/09/2014 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,091.95 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,998.97 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,090.42. 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 SWIMMING POOLS FOR ANGIE TONN OF 306 N EIGHTH, MICHAEL CRITES OF 210 W SIXTH, KELLY DAWSON OF 703 N MADISON, JAMES MARTIN OF 1002 N FAIRLAND, AND DIANA DILLARD OF 1011 ELECTION CIRCLE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT THE MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT PREVIOUSLY APPROVED HAS BEEN APPROVED BY WEST CITY. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH THE WEST CITY ATTORNEY AND HE WILL PROVIDE THE CITY WITH A SIGNED COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE CITY DID RECEIVE ITS CHANGE ORDER FOR THE CORNER OF CENTRAL STREET AND MINE 24 ROAD. AS SOON AS WEATHER PERMITS THE TILE WILL BE LAID SO THAT WE CAN LANDSCAPE THE CORNER LOT. MAYOR KRAFT SAYS THIS SHOULD TAKE CARE OF THIS PROJECT.

MAYOR KRAFT REPORTED THAT THE HEATING AND AIR IS IN AT THE SCOUT CABIN. THE LIGHTING IS ALSO ALL DONE. HE STATED THAT THE FLOORING WILL BE THE NEXT THING TO LOOK AT. THE TILE COULD BE COVERED AND HE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL COULD GO OVER AND LOOK AROUND AND SUBMIT IDEAS FOR FLOORING TO THE MAYOR. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE FINAL PORTION OF THE SCOUT CABIN PROJECT WILL BE TO STRAIGHTEN UP THE EAST WALL. HE WILL BE ORDERING SOME TIMBER TO DO THIS. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE UP AND ABLE TO RENT THE SCOUT CABIN AGAIN BY THIS FALL.

MAYOR KRAFT PRESENTED THE PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE PROCLAMATION FOR RELAY FOR LIFE. MAYOR KRAFT PROCLAIMED THAT JUNE 1ST THROUGH JUNE 7TH 2014 WILL BE PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE WEEK. MAYOR KRAFT ENCOURAGED CITIZENS TO HELP FINISH THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER BY PARTICIPATING IN PAINT THE TOWN PURPLE ACTIVITIES.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO RESCHEDULE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING TO TUESDAY MAY 27, 2014 DUE TO MONDAY MAY 26, 2014 BEING THE MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CHANGE THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING TO TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 AT 7 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KRAFT PRESENTED RESOLUTION 14-06 FOR THE CITY TO APPLY TO DECO FOR A HOUSING REHABILITATION GRANT. THE AREA SELECTED FOR THIS GRANT WILL BE BAILEY LANE GOING SOUTH ON 8TH, 9TH , AND 10TH STREETS. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT RESOLUTION 14-06 FOR SUPPORT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014, CONGRESSMAN ENYART’S AIDES WILL BE AT CITY HALL FROM 11 A.M. TO 1:30 P.M. THERE WILL BE TWO AIDES HERE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014 HE WOULD BE ACCOMPANYING MIKE WYANT TO COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS. THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT HAS BEEN SELECTED AS ILLINOIS’ #1 AIRPORT THIS YEAR.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT LAST FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014 WAS THE LAST DAY FOR PEOPLE TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR THE PART-TIME POSITION AT CITY HALL. THE CITY RECEIVED 7 APPLICATIONS AND THEY HAVE SPOKEN WITH A COUPLE OF INDIVIDUALS. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THEY WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL UPDATED AS SOON AS THEY HAD MORE INFORMATION TO SHARE.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT WOULD LIKE TO HIRE A MAN FOR 20 HOURS A WEEK FOR THE MOWING. THIS WOULD BE A TEMPORARY POSITION. THEY GENTLEMAN HE HAS BEEN SPEAKING WITH HAS EXPERIENCE WITH BRUSH HOGGING. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THE HOURS FOR THIS POSITION WOULD BE 7:30 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. THE GENTLEMAN INTERESTED IN THE POSITION IS JOHN MOCABY. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE WILL HAVE A BACKGROUND CHECK DONE ON THIS INDIVIDUAL AND HE STATED THAT THE POSSIBLE EMPLOYEE KNOWS HE WILL HAVE TO PASS A DRUG TEST. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE NEW EMPLOYEE START NEXT MONDAY. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT WE WOULD DISCUSS THIS AT A SPECIAL CALLED MEETING ON FRIDAY.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HIS LEAD MAN IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS RESIGNED FROM THE LEAD MAN POSITION AND THAT HE WILL BE LOOKING FOR A NEW PERSON TO FILL THIS POSITION.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE BOARD AT THE COMMUNITY BUILDING. THE FLAG POLE THERE HAS BLOWN OVER. THEY HAVE PURCHASED A FLAG POLE AND ARE ASKING FOR HELP IN INSTALLING THE NEW POLE.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY CITIZENS THAT ARE AVAILABLE TO COME TO MEET CONGRESSMAN ENYART’S AIDES TO DISCUSS OUR SEWER SYSTEM. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT HE WOULD ASK THE NEWSPAPER TO REPORT ON THIS.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING TO FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2014 AT 8:30 A.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. 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 PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD MONDAY APRIL 28, 2014, AT 6:45 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

COMMISSIONER MILLER DECLARED THE HEARING OPEN AND ASKED FOR ROLL CALL. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE WAS NOT PRESENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE HEARING WAS TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015.

THERE WERE NO COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE.

BEING NO FURTHER QUESTIONS, COMMISSIONER MILLER DECLARED THE HEARING COULD CLOSE. MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

TIME 6:55 P.M.