Category Archives: Meeting Agendas

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

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

5.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR WEST MAIN

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

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PAY RESOLUTION

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ADVERTISE AND ACCEPT BIDS TO LEASE THE AIRPORT FARM PROPERTY
13. 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

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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

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:

A quorum was present.

2. 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.

3. 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:

Motion passed unanimously.

4. 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:

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:

Motion passed (3–2).

5. 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:

Motion passed (3–2).

6. Adjournment

Commissioner Cockrum moved to adjourn.
Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

Vote:

Motion passed unanimously. 

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

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS

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

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BILLING SERVICE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO SEND EMPLOYEES TO ANNUAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BEGINNING THE PROCESS OF HIRING A CITY ADMINISTRATOR

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PERFORMING ARTS BOOSTERS TWIN OAKS REQUEST

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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

A G E N D A

THE CITY OF BENTON WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY 01/15/2026 AT 9:30 A.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 FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT

BEC

01/13/2026

 AMENDED AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS

5.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 1 YEAR METER WARRANTY
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SEWER MAIN PROJECT ON CARTER DRIVE
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ASSIGNMENT/EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONNEL

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIR OF STORM SIREN

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MODIFICATION OF INTENT TO RETIRE FOR PERSONNEL

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMIC CON SPONSORSHIP
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY FOR AMERICAN FLAGS

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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                                                                                 BEC/POSTED 01/09/2026 4:30 P.M.

 AGENDA

 BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON

MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2026

5:00 P.M.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS

5.  WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.     APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER(S)
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 1 YEAR METER WARRANTY
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SEWER MAIN PROJECT ON CARTER DRIVE

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIR OF STORM SIREN

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS
10. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMIC CON SPONSORSHIP
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY FOR AMERICAN FLAGS

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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                                                                                 BEC/POSTED 01/08/2026

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS
7.                                                
8. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
10.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
11. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR RESIGNATION
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF 120 DAY TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF INTERIM PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DECORATING COMMITTEE
9. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE FOR E-BIKES, SCOOTERS, AND OTHER LIKE ITEMS

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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 12/18/2025 1 :00 P.M./BC

A G E N D A

THE CITY OF BENTON WILL HOLD A SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING FRIDAY 12/12/2025 AT 9:45 A.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 ACCEPTING THE RESIGNATION/RETIREMENT LETTER OF THE BILLING CLERK IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT
2. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A PART-TIME CLERK FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT

BEC

12/10/2025

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES

4. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT                 COMMISSIONER STOREY
5. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
6. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS
7. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR FASCIA AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

5. STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS                                                          COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
6. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
7.      APPROVAL OF POOL ADJUSTMENTS
8. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS

6. PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
7. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/UPDATES/DEPARTMENT REPORTS 

7. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE REPORT                                 COMMISSIONER KAYS
8. APPROVAL OF PAYROLL
9. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS/MONTHLY BILLS

8. CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH
9. UPDATES

9. PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT                                 MAYOR MESSERSMITH
10. UPDATES
11. APPROVAL OF PURCHASE ORDERS
12. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
13. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL END OF YEAR GIFTS FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES
14. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDING PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS TO THE SAFETY STIPEND PROGRAM
15. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MEETING TIMES FOR 2026
16. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION
17. DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A PROPOSED ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 24 – MANUFACTURED HOUSING CODE TO INITIATE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEVELOPING MANUFATURES HOMES FOR RESALE

10. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

11. OLD BUSINESS

12. NEW BUSINESS

13. MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
15.       DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE                                                  
16. DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS
17. 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 12/03/2025 4:00 P.M./BC