Category Archives: Meeting Agendas

Benton City Council Meeting Agenda — April 13, 2026

 

 

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2026

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPLICATION FOR USE OF CAPITAL PARK
  4. UPDATES
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR FASCIA REPAIRS AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CITY STREET USE FOR RC DRAG RACING
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CASH RENT BIDS TO LEASE THE AIRPORT FARM FOR A TERM OF 5 YEARS

 

  1.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED WATER LINE LOCATED AT 13815 ROBIN ROAD
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING FOR FULL TIME WATER MAINTENANCE POSITION
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING FOR PART TIME WATER CLERK
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR HIRING OF SEASONAL PUBLIC WORKS EMPLOYEES
  9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL AUTHORIZING THE CITY ENGINEER TO PERMIT, DESIGN, AND BID THE BAILEY LANE LIFT STATION
  10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR CARTER DRIVE SEWER

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAID ON CALL COMPENSATION SHEET
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DIRECTING THE MERIT BOARD TO SET A TESTING DATE FOR CREATION OF POLICE AND FIRE CANDIDATE LISTS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH WEST CITY FOR FIRE SERVICE

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SETTING DATE FOR BUDGET HEARING
  5. POSTING OF 2026/2027 DRAFT BUDGET ON DISPLAY

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTIONS AUTHORZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY RAYMOND NEWBURY TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 806 HICKMAN STREET
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER 21 LIQUOR CODE PERTAINING TO “CIGARETTE VENDING MACHINES”
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR BENTON SQUARE RECONSTRUCTION
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CITY’S SHARE OF BENTON SQUARE RECONSTRUCTION
  9. DISCUCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HARD DRIVE STORAGE POLICY

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS
  2. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

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

DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE

PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING

TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC

BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE

ITS VALIDITY.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 04/10/2026 1:30 P.M./DW

SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING

NOTICE

 

SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

APRIL 6, 2026

 

 

AGENDA

 

BENTON CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY, APRIL 6, 2025 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MOWING BIDS
  2. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR THE FIRE CHIEF, PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSIONER, AND CITY ATTORNEY TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS FOR AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE FIRE SERVICES TO THE VILLAGE WEST CITY 

 

 

BEC

POSTED AT 9:30 A.M.

04/02/26

City Council Meeting Agenda — March 23, 2026

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. UPDATES
  4. OPENING OF MOWING BIDS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSAL FOR FASCIA REPAIRS AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

  1.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 2026 MFT RESOLUTION
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INTERNAL POSTING OF WATER MAINTENANCE POSITION

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAID ON CALL COMPENSATION SHEET
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF P.D. ADMIN ASSISTANT PAY INCREASE
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH MACQUEEN FOR A NEW   

                FIRE TRUCK

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ROAD CLOSURE FOR REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPONSORSHIP FOR WIT & WISDOM
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ACCEPT BIDS TO LEASE THE AIRPORT FARM PROPERTY
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO REMOVE JUNK, DEBRIS AND TIRES FROM THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 404 SOUTH COMMERCIAL STREET

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

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

DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE

PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING

TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC

BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE

ITS VALIDITY.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 03/19/2026 3:00 P.M./BC

 

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY MARCH 9, 2026

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. UPDATES
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING MOWING BIDS FOR CITY PROPERTY, NUISANCE YARDS, ETC.
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MOSQUITO ABATEMENT AGREEMENT
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DECORATIVE STREET LIGHT REPAIR/REPLACEMENT
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW STREET LIGHTS

 

  1.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF STARTING A STORM WATER STUDY
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF GIS MAPPING QUOTE       

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TRAVEL TO FIRETRUCK ASSEMBLY PLANT
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF P.D. ADMIN ASSISTANT COMPENSATION

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EXTENDING THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY RICKY CLARK TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 414 W. TAYLOR ST.

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

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

DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE

PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING

TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC

BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE

ITS VALIDITY.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 3:00 P.M. 3/5/2026 BY DW

Special Meeting Agenda — February 27, 2026

NOTICE

 

SPECIAL MEETING

BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING

FEBRUARY 27, 2026

 

 

AGENDA

 

BENTON CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING   FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ROOM LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

  • DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING BIDS FOR CARTER DRIVE SEWER PROJECT
  • DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR ACCEPTING BIDS FOR SPANI STREET PROJECT
  • DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL FOR ACCEPTING BIDS FOR WEST MAIN STREET PROJECT
  • DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ESTIMATES FOR 2 FIRE HYDRANTS ON BAILEY LANE
  • DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ESTIMATE FOR ROUTE 37 HORIZONTAL BORING TO REPAIR A LEAK

 

BEC

POSTED AT 12:00 P.M.

02/24/26

City Council Meeting Agenda — February 23, 2026

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RC DRAG RACING ON A CITY OWNED STREET

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A PART-TIME WATER CLERK
  6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING EXECESSIVE WATER USE ADJUSTMENT POLICY
  7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING BIDS FOR CARTER DRIVE SEWER
  8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR WEST MAIN STREET PROJECT

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO FIRE DEPARTMENT AGREEMENT WITH BROWNING TOWNSHIP

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. TAKE ACTION TODAY UPDATE
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPONSORSHIP REQUEST FROM B.A.L.L.

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. PUBLIC COMMENT

 

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

DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE

PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING

TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC

BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE

ITS VALIDITY.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    POSTED 02/19/2026 4:00 P.M./BC

City Council Meeting Agenda – February 9th, 2026

 

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026

5:00 P.M.

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. UPDATES
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING MOWING BIDS FOR CITY PROPERTY, NUISANCE YARDS, ETC.
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WATER BARN DEMOLITION

 

  1.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR WEST MAIN

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MODIFICATIONS TO THE PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER LIST
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BEGINNING THE PROCESS OF ACQUIRING A NEW PUMPER TRUCK

 

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

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE AND ACCEPT BIDS TO LEASE THE AIRPORT FARM PROPERTY
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY ABBY REIGER TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1204 ANNA STREET

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

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

DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE

PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING

TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC

BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE

ITS VALIDITY.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                 POSTED 3:00 P.M. 2/5/2026 BY DW

Special Meeting Minutes – January 21, 2026

City of Benton

901 Public Square, Benton, IL

Special City Council Meeting
January 23, 2026 – 3:00 PM

  1. Call to Order

Mayor Messersmith called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.

Roll Call:

Official

Present

Commissioner Cockrum

Yes

Commissioner Storey

Yes

Commissioner Garavalia

Yes

Commissioner Kays

Yes

Mayor Messersmith

Yes

A quorum was present.

  1. Agenda Item 1 – Hiring Committee Update

Commissioner Cockrum reported on behalf of the hiring committee that five candidates had been interviewed for an open position. The committee’s selected candidate declined the job offer.

Action:
No action was taken. The committee will reconvene to determine next steps.

  1. Agenda Item 2 – Approval of City Auditors

Commissioner Kays presented a proposal to replace the City’s current auditor (Atlas) with Lauterbach & Amen LLP, a municipal auditing firm based in Naperville, Illinois.

Key points included:

  • Atlas has repeatedly failed to deliver audits on time, causing issues with grant compliance and revenue receipts.
  • Lauterbach & Amen specializes in municipal audits and already serves the City’s police and fire pension funds.
  • Proposed three-year audit contract:
    • FY 2026: $57,100
    • FY 2027: $60,000
    • FY 2028: $63,000
  • The City paid Atlas $145,815 over the previous two years for late and not as thorough audits.

Council members and staff emphasized the importance of accurate, timely, and thorough audits, especially as the City pursues more grant funding.

Motion:
Commissioner Kays moved to approve Lauterbach & Amen LLP as City Auditors for the term April 30, 2026 – April 30, 2029.
Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

Vote:

Member

Vote

Cockrum

Yes

Storey

Yes

Garavalia

Yes

Kays

Yes

Mayor Messersmith

Yes

Motion passed unanimously.

  1. Agenda Item 3 – Fire Pension Fund Accounting Services

Commissioner Kays and City Treasurer John Dougherty presented a proposal for Lauterbach & Amen to provide accounting and pension administration services for the Benton Fire Pension Fund.

Services include:

  • Online pension portals for retirees and active members
  • Monthly account tracking
  • Compliance and reporting to the Illinois Department of Insurance
  • Ongoing verification to prevent improper payments
  • Direct support for pensioners

It was noted that the City (not the pension fund) would pay for the service. Pension funding levels were discussed, with the City being above the statewide average and on track for required funding targets.

Some concern was raised regarding whether the pension boards had approved the change. Legal counsel had advised that City approval must occur first before pension boards ratify the agreement.

Motion to Table

Commissioner Garavalia moved to table the item to allow further discussion with department members.
Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote on Motion to Table:

Member

Vote

Cockrum

No

Storey

Yes

Garavalia

Yes

Kays

No

Mayor Messersmith

No

Motion to table failed.

Final Motion

Commissioner Kays moved to approve Lauterbach & Amen for accounting services for the Benton Fire Pension Fund.
Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Member

Vote

Cockrum

Yes

Storey

No

Garavalia

No

Kays

Yes

Mayor Messersmith

Yes

Motion passed (3–2).

  1. Agenda Item 4 – Police Pension Fund Accounting Services

Commissioner Kays moved to approve Lauterbach & Amen for accounting services for the Benton Police Pension Fund.
Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Member

Vote

Cockrum

Yes

Storey

No

Garavalia

No

Kays

Yes

Mayor Messersmith

Yes

Motion passed (3–2).

  1. Adjournment

Commissioner Cockrum moved to adjourn.
Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

Vote:

Member

Vote

Cockrum

Yes

Storey

Yes

Garavalia

Yes

Kays

Yes

Mayor Messersmith

Yes

Motion passed unanimously. 

The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:26 p.m.

 

City Council Meeting Agenda – January 26, 2026

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER

 

  1. ROLL CALL

 

  1. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

  1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS

 

  1. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  3.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULL-TIME BILLING CLERK IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT

 

  1. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
  2. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BILLING SERVICE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

 

  1. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
  2. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO SEND EMPLOYEES TO ANNUAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO
  5. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BEGINNING THE PROCESS OF HIRING A CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

  1. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
  2. UPDATES

 

  1. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
  2. UPDATES
  3. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS BOOSTERS TWIN OAKS REQUEST

 

  1. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

 

  1. OLD BUSINESS

 

  1. NEW BUSINESS

 

  1. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

 

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

DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE

PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING

TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC

BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE

ITS VALIDITY.

 

ADJOURNMENT                                                                                    POSTED 01/22/2026 4:00 P.M./BC

Special Agenda — Wednesday, January 21, 2026

A G E N D A

THE CITY OF BENTON WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING WEDNESDAY 01/21/2026 AT 3:00 P.M. AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS 62812.

 

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE ON THE AGENDA FOR CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE ACTION CONCERNING:

 

  1. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULL-TIME BILLING CLERK IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT
  2. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING LAUTERBACH & AMEN, LLP AS THE CITY FINANCIAL AUDITOR.
  3. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING LAUTERBACH & AMEN, LLP FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR THE BENTON FIRE PENSION FUND
  4. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING LAUTERBACH & AMEN, LLP FOR ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR THE BENTON POLICE PENSION FUND

 

BEC

01/19/2026