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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2025 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0 ABSTAINS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING. UNDER UPDATES COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MENTIONED SHE HAD RECEIVED A FEW PHONE CALLS REGARDING SIGNATURE BRICKS FOR THE PARK.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOTS 6, 113 & 114 FROM THE WIGGS FAMILY TO THE SHEETZ FAMILY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION FOR KEVIN SAMPLE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT WAS OUT WORKING ON PATCHING HEAVILY THIS WEEK WITH THE WEATHER BEING NICE, HE ALSO MENTIONED THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL BE OUT WORKING ON METERS AS WELL.

COMMISSIONER STOREY GAVE THANKS TO COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA FOR COVERING HIS DUTIES IN HIS ABSENCE. HE ALSO GAVE THANKS TO THE COUNCIL FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO PRESENT ITEM 6B SINCE HE HAD MORE DIRECT KNOWLEDGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS EXPLAINED THAT WITH FIREMAN PALMER LEAVING FOR TRAINING THERE WOULD BE A TEMPORARY VACANCY THAT TYLER JENNINGS WOULD FILL. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MR. JENNINGS AS A TEMPORARY FIREMAN FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES OF THE TEMPORARY FIREMEN BEFORE HIM. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PAYROLL DATED FOR FEBRUARY 28^TH, 2025 TOTALING $109,166.22 WITH $84,237.15 FROM THE GENERAL FUND AND $24,929.07 FROM THE REVENUE FUND. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-01, RESTRICTING THE $50,000.00 INSURANCE PAYMENT FROM THE MOLD CLAIM AT 1403 S MAIN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED RESOLUTION 2025-02, RESTRICTING THE AECI INFRASTRUCTURE PAYMENT OF $100,000.00 WITH THE INTENTION OF USING IT FOR PURCHASING LARGER METERS AND GRANT MATCHING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-02. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS SPOKE ABOUT THE UPCOMING BUDGET STATING ALL NUMBERS HAVE BEEN TURNED IN FROM EACH DEPARTMENT WITH THE EXPECTATION OF SOME MFT NUMBERS, BUT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH THE CITY ENGINEER AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REGARDING THESE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED IT IS HIS HOPE TO HAVE THE BUDGET ON DISPLAY BY MID-MARCH FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.

UNDER UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH WANTED TO CONGRATULATE PARKER JOHNSON ON HIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN THE STATE SPEECH MEETING. UNFORTUNATELY, MR. JOHNSON HAD ALREADY MOVED ONTO HIS NEXT PROJECT AND WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING, BUT HE SHOULD BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OF MARCH 10^TH,2025. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT REGIONAL BASKETBALL STARTS THIS WEEK. MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAS BEEN WORKING WITH MR. CALCATERRA AND GREATER EGYPT PLANNING COMMITTEE TO GET A COMPREHENSIVE CITY PLAN TOGETHER, AS WELL AS LOOKING AT GRANTS FOR AIRPORT EXTENSION AND MAIN STREET LIGHTINGS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH WAS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT MOST OF THE SUPPLIES FOR MALKOVICH PARK ARE IN AND THE HOPE IS TO HAVE THE CONCRETE SEALED BY THE WATER FESTIVAL TO ALLOW THE ITEMS TO BE PLACED.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAD ONE PURCHASE ORDER FOR A NEW AIRPORT CREW CAR SINCE THE CURRENT ONE DOES NOT RUN. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #504 IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,080.70. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK ON ITEM 9C. MR. CALCATERRA EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS A SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT UNDER A MR. FINKY BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO CLOSE ON THE PROPERTY. MR. EDWARDS HAS COME FORWARD AS AN INTERESTED BUYER AND IN THE INTEREST OF ———–

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT BRANDTLEE BROWN TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR TERM OF FOUR YEARS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WAS ASKED ABOUT A LEAGUE SPONSORSHIP FROM THE BENTON COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THE CITY DID NOT NEED TO DO A SPONSORSHIP FOR A TEAM SO MUCH AS HE WOULD LIKE TO DONATE FOR THE PARK DISTRICT TO USE IT AS THEY NEED FOR THE LEAGUE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO THE BENTON PARK DISTRICT AS A DONATION FOR THE LEAGUE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN FOR LEASING SPACE AT $3,000.00 A MONTH STARTING JANUARY 1, 2025. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO DISCUSS ITEM 9G. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT FOR APPOINTING TO THE AIRPORT BOARD SPECIFICALLY BUT MORE FOR CREATING A PORTAL TO ALLOW INTERESTED PEOPLE TO SUBMIT THEIR INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION TO THE VARIOUS BOARD WE HAVE WITHIN THE CITY. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE WORK TO CREATE A ADVISORY BOARD PORTAL. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED BOTH PAYROLLS IN MARCH WILL USE A BLEND OF THE PHYSICAL PAPER AND THE DIGITAL ADP APP FOR TRACKING. THIS REDUNDANCY IS TO HELP CATCH ANY ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE AIRPORT MANAGER MATHEW HARRISON STATED HE HAD MANAGED TO SECURE OVER $100,000.00 WORTH OF GRANT FUNDING THAT HAD BEEN AWARDED BUT NEVER CLAIMED. MR. HARRISON MENTIONED THAT THE AIRPORT IS STILL ON TRACK TO BUILD THE HANGER AND THE RUNWAY LIGHT PROJECT IS MOVING SMOOTHLY.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JANUARY 27, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO SEND A NOTICE OUT THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL BE ACCEPTING MOWING BIDS FOR CITY PROPERTY, NUISANCE YARDS, TWIN OAKS, AIRPORT, ETC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT FOR COMMISSIONER STOREY IN HIS ABSENCE. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00713 TO BI-STATE COMPRESSOR FOR OIL AND FILTER ELEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,860.10.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00429 TO MID-AMERICA FIRE AND SAFETY FOR TEN (10) 100-FOOT SECTIONS OF 5” SUPPLY HOUSE AND 2 ADAPTORS FOR 4” TO 5” IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,444.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00428 TO SENTINEL EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS FOR ANNUAL SCBA FLOW TESTING AND REPAIR OF 1 SCBA IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,729.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00430 TO LEO ELLEBRACHT COMPANY FOR 3 SETS OF GEAR REPLACING EXPIRED GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,006.52.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00427 TO ESO FOR ANNUAL FIRE REPORTING MODULE AND ANNUAL EMS REPORTING MODULE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,021.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PAY A PORTION OF THE ESO PURCHASE ORDER FROM THE AMBULANCE FUND.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE COUNCIL WAS AWARE THAT PURCHASE ORDER #00713 TO BI-STATE COMPRESSOR WAS ACTUALLY FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND NOT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO REGRETFULLY ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER MICHAEL CAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE MEMBERSHIP WITH THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DRUG TASKFORCE FOR $8,000.00 A YEAR.  SHE STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT BE REPLACING OFFICER CAIN’S POSITION ON THE DRUG TASK FOR AT THIS TIME AND THAT IS WHY SHE IS RECOMMENDING MEMBERSHIP AGAIN.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR THIS THROUGH THE OPIOID FUND.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED FEBRUARY 14, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,434.43 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,745.06 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $101,179.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2025 FOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $299,604.87 AND THIS INCLUDED $14,528.20 FROM THE IJRL TIF FUND AND $3,000.00 FROM THE DOWNTOWN TIF FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SETTING RESTRICTED FUNDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AECI INFRASTRUCTURE PAYMENT RESOLUTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO DISCUSS THE APPROVAL OF NEW WATER AND TRASH RATES.  THE TRASH RATES ARE ALREADY APPROVED TO INCREASE, BUT THE COUNCIL HAS NOT SET NEW WATER RATES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HOLD OFF ON THIS UNTIL WE SEE IF ANYTHING CHANGES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS UNTIL THE SECOND MEETING IN MARCH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS IS CLOSE TO A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THEIR UNION CONTRACT.  

NO UPDATES OR ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION UNDER THE CITY ATTORNEY.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AN APPRAISAL HAS BEEN DONE ON 1403 SOUTH MAIN AND THAT WE ARE IN TALKS FOR AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY FOR THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE STILL AWAITING THE FEASIBILITY STUDY BEING COMPLETED BY ARCHITECHNIQUES. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE USE OF CAPITAL PARK MADE BY BRANDON OVERTON FOR THE BILL CULKIN MEMORIAL EVENT ON MAY 24, 2025.  THIS APPLICATION HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MR. CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY JASON DREW TO BUILD 2 FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS LOCATED AT 325 WEST 4^TH STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS SET TO BE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT $900/MONTH PER UNIT.  THERE WILL BE 12 DUPLEXES BUILT, 24 RESIDENCES.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE WAS ONE OPPOSITION AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT IS HIS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:26 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 27, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUIDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JANUARY 13, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  AS AN UPDATE COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES WILL BE MEETING WITH ENGINEERS ON THE WEST MAIN PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IDOT HAS BEGUN GETTING RIGHT OF WAY AGREEMENTS SIGNED FOR THIS PROJECT.   

THERE WERE NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PORTION OF THE AGENDA. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,866.20 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,373.55 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $120,239.75.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 31, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $76,392.45 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,157.47 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,549.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ROLLOUT OF ADP WILL HAPPEN IN FEBRUARY. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS STARTED WORKING ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE IS 70% FINISHED AND IS WAITING FOR INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS IN ORDER TO FINISH.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL IS STILL NAVIGATING WHAT TO DO ABOUT 1403 SOUTH MAIN.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNTY AND THE CITY ARE WORKING ON AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY HALL TO REMAIN TEMPORARILY HOUSED IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CHANGING INSURANCE COVERAGE PROVIDER FROM BLISS MCKIGHT TO ICRMT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH BOB REA AND HILLIARY REMM AT S.C.D. REA.  THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THE CITY A SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS BY SWITCHING PROVIDERS.  THE LIABILITY INSURANCE IS UP FOR RENEWAL IN FEBRUARY AND THE WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE IS UP FOR RENEWAL IN MAY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO SWITCH INSURANCE PROVIDERS TO ICRMT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO A SPONSORSHIP FOR S.I. COMIC CON.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT LAST YEAR THE COUNCIL DID A TIER III SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO COMMIT TO A TIER III SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.     

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE RANGLER GIRLS WILL BE HEADING TO IHSA STATE FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS COMING WEEKEND AND HE STATED THAT THERE ARE 3 MEMBERS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL WHO WILL BE SINGING IN THE IMEC ALL STATE CHOIR IN PEORIA THIS WEEKEND AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT LAST WEEK WAS A GOOD ONE FOR THE BENTON INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A GREAT CROWD ALL WEEK. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:07 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR THE ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER STOREY AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WERE ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 23, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

THERE WERE NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION OR REVIEW WITHIN THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT SECTION OF THE AGENDA.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS, OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARD WORK THE GUYS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAVE PUT IN WHILE TRYING TO CLEAN THE STREETS OF ALL THE ICE AND SNOW.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00135 TO ZIMMERMAN’S GARAGE FOR STRUTS, AXLES, AND LABOR ON A SQUAD CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,143.88. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00136 TO NOVACOM FOR SIX

(6) MOTOROLA RADIOS WITH PROGRAMMING INCLUDED FOR A TOTAL OF $5,070.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00426 TO THE AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,169.00.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00138 TO NOVACOM FOR 15 MOTOROLA MOBILE RADIOS FOR IN CAR USE IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,449.85. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL, FOR JANUARY 3, 2025, AS PRESENTED. PAYROLL TOTALS FOR THE GENERAL FUND WERE $76,681.70 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER WERE

$24,630.63 FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF $104,312.33. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE

WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO PAY MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $406,256.22 WITH

$396,215.30 COMING FROM THE AP FUND, $625.81 COMING FROM THE COMMUNITY EVENTS FUND,

$7,915.11 FROM MFT, AND $1,500.00 COMING FROM THE TIF FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDING THE PAY RESOLUTION WITH AN INCREASE FOR CALEB CAVINS FROM $32,500.00 TO $35,000.00 AND FOR JOHN DAUGHERTY WITH AN INCREASE FROM $47,500.00 TO $52,500.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT SYDNEY HENSON WILL BE RECEIVING A BUMP IN PAY ON THE NEXT RESOLUTION DUE IN MAY. THIS RESOLUTION NUMBER IS #2025-01. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO COMMEND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR

GETTING THE TOWN MOVING AFTER ALL THE INCLEMENT WEATHER THAT WE HAD RECEIVED. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE CHEER TEAM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GETTING 3^rd AT THEIR STATE COMPETITION. ALSO, AS AN UPDATE, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY STILL WAITING ON THE FEASIBILITY STUDYTO DECIDE HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CITY HALL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA IS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING AN APPRAISAL ON 1403 SOUTH MAIN AS IT SITS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KANA FINKE TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1204 EAST ANNA STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS MOBILE HOME HAS PASSED AN OCCUPANCY INSPECTION BY CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS. MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON THIS MATTER WITH THE PLANNING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATION. HE STATED THAT ONLY ONE (1) PERSON SHOWED UP WITH COMPLAINT AGAINST GRANTING THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT IS HIS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE APPROVAL TO CONTRACT AN OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT TO ESTABLISH JOB PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION METRICS. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADETHIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL TO SUPPORT TAKE ACTION TODAY WITH A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT LAST YEAR WE PROVIDED THE ORGANIZATION WITH $2,400.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION OF $2,400.00 TO BE TAKEN FROM OPIOID FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS HAS BEEN DOING ALL THAT THEY CAN TO CLEAR THE ROADS AND HE APPRECIATES THAT. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO COMMEND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR ALL THEACCIDENTS THEY HAVE CONTROLLED THROUGH THIS STORM.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

5:18 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR THE ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

IN UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD SOME CITIZENS INTERESTED IN PLACING PERSONALIZED BRICKS AT CAPITAL PARK.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN RESEARCHING THIS TOPIC. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00860 TO AMAZON FOR A POST MOUNT MAILBOX AND A POST MOUNT FOR THE MAILBOX IN THE AMOUNT OF $224.98 TO BE USED AS A DROP BOX FOR WATER PAYMENTS AT THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED RECEIVED A WRITTEN SET OF STANDARDS OF OPERATION GUIDELINES ON THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAVING A FACILITY ANIMAL.  THESE GUIDELINES INCLUDED DISCUSSION OF INSURANCE, GROOMING, STATION UPKEEP, FOOD PURCHASING, AND VET BILLS.  THE GUIDELINES STATED THAT THE CITY AND ITS ANNUAL BUDGET WILL INCUR NO COST FOR MAINTENANCE, UPKEEP, OR MEDICAL OF THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE ANIMAL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ALLOWING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOUSE A FACILITY ANIMAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO ADDRESS THE FLOCK CAMERA SYSTEM PRESENTATION.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE SYSTEM WOULD BE INSTALLED ON DUQUOIN AND WEST MAIN, ROUTE 37 AND ILLINOIS AVENUE, BAILEY LANE AND NORTH MAIN, AND EAST MAIN AND MCLEANSBORO STREETS.  THE CAMERAS WOULD BE USED TO IDENTIFY LICENSE PLATES AND CARS THAT HAVE BEEN UPLOADED INTO THE SYSTEM AS BEING SEARCHED FOR.  A CAMERA WILL ALSO BE PLACED AT CERTAIN CITY PROPERTIES.  THE SYSTEM WILL COST $21,235.50 INITIALLY AND THEN ANOTHER $15,000.00 AT A LATER DATE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE FLOCK CAMERA SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR ALL THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL, FOR DECEMBER 20, 2024, AS PRESENTED.  PAYROLL TOTALS FOR THE GENERAL FUND WERE $89,315.44 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER WERE $25,015.19 FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF $114,330.63.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE GOAL TO GET EVERYONE ONBOARDED TO ADP IS FEBRUARY 1, 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT TIME IN THE TREASURER’S OFFICE WILL BE BETTER UTILIZED WITH THIS TRANSITION. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CONCRETE AT MALKOVICH PARK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED A PURCHASE ORDER TO N.O.F. INC, FOR 3 PEDESTAL TABLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,110.00 FOR MALKOVICH PARK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN EXTENSION OF THE FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ONE 1 BUSINESS TOOK PART IN THE PROGRAM LAST YEAR, HART AND CANTRELL LAW.  THERE HAS BEEN $40,000.00 SET ASIDE IN THE DOWNTOWN TIF FOR 2024 WITH ONLY $5,000.00 BEING USED SO HIS SUGGESTION WAS TO ROLL THE REMAINING $35,000.00 OVER FOR 2025.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.   

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IF YOU HAVEN’T, YOU SHOULD GO SEE THE RANGERS PLAY BASKETBALL.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A HIGHLIGHT REEL THAT RUNS ON THE COURT AND IS VERY IMPRESSIVE TO SEE.  HE STATED THAT GIRLS ARE HOSTING A CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT AND THE BOYS WILL BE PLAYING IN THE DUSTER THOMAS CLASSIC AT PINCKNEYVILLE. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

8:46 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS WITH THE CHANGE OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE GOING UP FROM $650.00 TO $700.00 INSTEAD OF $600.00 TO $700.00. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

UNDER UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT MALKOVICH PARK HAS CONCRETE POURING GOING ON.  SHE ALSO STATED THAT AN ELECTRICIAN IS CHECKING THE LIGHTS AROUND THE SQUARE TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALL IN WORKING ORDER BEFORE THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED JENNIE REN TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL TO GIVE HER PRESENTATION.  MISS REN PRESENTED A PLAN TO PLACE FREE MINI LIBRARIES IN 3 PLACES AROUND TOWN.  SHE STATED THAT SHE WAS NOT ASKING FOR FUNDING, BUT FOR PERMISSION FOR THE FIRST FREE MINI LIBRARY TO BE PLACED AT MALKOVICH PARK.  MISS REN STATED THAT SHE HAD 1,000 BOOKS TO DONATE TO THE PROJECT AND WAS HAPPY TO FUND THE BUILDING OF EACH MINI LIBRARY ON HER OWN AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $150.00 PER LIBRARY.  SHE STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO DO THIS PROJECT BECAUSE UPON RESEARCH SHE LEARNED THAT READING PROFICIENCY IN OUR AREA IS 2 TIMES LOWER THAN STATE LEVELS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS TOLD MISS REN THAT THE CITY WOULD LIKE TO FUND HER FIRST LIBRARY AND THEN SHE CAN FUND THE NEXT.  A MOTION TO PAY FOR THE BUILDING OF ONE MINI LIBRARY AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $150.00 WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SKIP ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR THE CDBG WATER MAIN PROJECT UNTIL LATER IN THE MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW BRIAN CALCATERRA AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PROCEED WITH AMENDING THE ORDINANCE FOR SEWER BILL ADJUSTMENTS DUE TO LEAKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00424 TO RURAL KING FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN AIR COMPRESSOR FOR THE ENGINE BAY AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,903.96.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE EXISTING ONE HOUSED AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD THE MOTOR SEIZE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKEN NO ACTION ON PURCHASE ORDER #00423 TO THE EPSON STORE FOR A PROJECTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,430.63 AS THE CITY OWNS A PROJECTOR ALREADY.  HE ASKED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TRY OUT THE CITY’S PROJECTOR BEFORE BUYING ONE.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS MATTER AT THIS MEETING. 

IN UPDATES, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ENGINE 801 IS BACK IN SERVICE.  HE STATED THAT THE REAR AIRBAGS ARE OUT THOUGH AND THIS IS NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AT THIS TIME, 100% OF FIRE DEPARTMENT UNITS ARE BACK IN SERVICE AGAIN. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 22, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,844.17 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,391.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,235.27.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THIS TOTAL CONTAINS A PAY PERIOD FOR PAID ON CALL FIRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,630.44.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS NO BILLS FOR APPROVAL FOR THIS MEETING. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS VERY PROUD OF THE RANGER FOOTBALL TEAM FOR MAKING IT TO THE ELITE 8.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A RECOGNITION OF A NUMBER OF ATHLETES TO COME IN THE FUTURE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO REMINDED EVERYONE THAT HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS IS SLATED FOR SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2024 FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH INVITED PARKER JOHNSON TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. JOHNSON STATED THAT HE IS THE YOUTH GOVERNOR AND IS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING REPRESENTING THE ILLINOIS YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT.  MR. JOHNSON STATED THAT IT COSTS AN AVERAGE OF $430.00 PER STUDENT TO ATTEND THE EVENTS INCLUDING THEIR MEALS AND ATTIRE.  MR. JOHNSON STATED THAT HE IS REQUESTING A SPONSORSHIP OF $500.00 FROM THE CITY COUNCIL TO HELP SEND A STUDENT TO THE EVENTS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO SPONSOR THE ILLINOIS YMCA YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/0R APPROVAL OF REMOVING ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR ABSENTEEISM.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WAS VERBALLY GIVEN A RESIGNATION FROM MS. MASON, BUT HAD ASKED HER TO PUT IT IN WRITING SO THE BOARD COULD APPROVE IT.  AT THIS TIME, MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER RECEIVED A WRITTEN RESIGNATION AND SHE HAS NOT ATTENDED ANOTHER MEETING.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE HAS ACTUALLY MOVED FROM THE AREA.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE ADRIENNE MASON FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MR. CALCATERRA TO ALSO HANDLE ITEM (E) OPENING SEALED BIDS FOR DEMOLITIONS IDENTIFIED BY THE CITY AND DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING THE LOW BID.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ONLY ONE BID WAS RECEIVED AND IT WAS FROM CHRIS MENCOWSKI.  THE BID WAS FOR $5,800.00 FOR TAYLOR STREET, $3,800.00 FOR MADISON STREET, AND $5,950.00 FOR NORTH MCLEANSBORO.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS BID.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ENTERING INTO A ONE-YEAR AGREEMENT WITH DARBY BEASLEY-PIATEK FOR GRANT WRITING SERVICES AS HE HAS NOT HAD A CHANCE TO REVIEW THE PROPOSAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FOR THREE FEASIBILITY STUDIES FROM ARCHITECHNIQUES LIMITED IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN OVERSIGHT IN ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA’S CONTRACT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BRIAN SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECEIVING MORE VACATION TIME THAN HE CURRENTLY IS AND HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THIS AMENDED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO AMEND MR. CALCATERRA’S CONTRACT TO READ AS THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET CONTRACT DOES FOR VACATION TIME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN RESEARCHING INTO THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE TAX LEVY AND WILL HAVE IT READY FOR INSPECTION AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO PAUSE THE MEETING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO A PUBLIC HEARING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:30 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:31 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-10 AS A COMMITMENT OF LOCAL FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $391,131.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:34 P.M.