Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9:00 A.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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH OUR INSURANCE AGENTS AND THERE ARE STILL QUESTIONS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ANSWERED REGARDING THE INSURANCE PLAN PRESENTED TO THE CITY AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF HEALTH INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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. 

9:02 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.   

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM OCTOBER 27, 2025 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE TYPO IN THE OLD BUSINESS SECTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.   

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE WITH PRESENTATIONS AND THEREFORE HE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED JUSTIN MILLER, CPRS, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. MILLER HANDED OUT A FOLDER TO EVERYONE AT THE COUNCIL TABLE AND IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL.  THE FOLDER CONTAINED A REPORT ON THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER, WARMING CENTER GUIDELINES, AND A PROGRAM GUIDELINE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER IN WEST CITY WAS OPEN A TOTAL NUMBER OF 90 NIGHTS WITH A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,080 HOURS OPEN.  THERE WERE 59 UNIQUE GUESTS AND A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,332 VISITS.  THERE WERE 2,637 MEALS SERVED, 45 REFERRALS MADE, 169 SHOWERS TAKEN, LAUNDRY SERVICES WERE USED 26 TIMES, AND 48 PEOPLE HAD CLOTHING DISTRIBUTED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE OPIOID FUNDS HAVE STRICT GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR.  HE STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY COULD DONATE $2,400.00 FROM THE OPIOID FUND TO HELP THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER OPERATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS THE AMOUNT THAT THE CITY DONATED LAST YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BROOKLYN WITHROW AND CLAIRE GULLEY WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE LADIES DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM AS AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM THAT HELPS STUDENTS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY BEGIN BUSINESSES.  IN ORDER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY WILL BE HOLDING A FUNDRAISER TO GET FUNDS TO START FROM.  THIS YEAR’S FUNDRAISER IS A “HOOPS & HOLLY TOURNAMENT & WINTER FESTIVAL”.  THIS WILL CONSIST OF A 3 ON  3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH 3 AGE GROUPS.  THERE WILL ALSO BE VENDORS FOR THE WINTER FESTIVAL.  THE LADIES STATED THERE ARE MULTIPLE SUPPORTER LEVELS AND ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER DONATING AT ONE OF THE LEVELS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM, WHICH IS A CANDY CANE CONTRIBUTOR.  THIS INCLUDES A LARGE COMPANY LOGO ON THE FLYER, SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION, SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT, COMPANY NAME AND LOGO LISTED ON EVENT PROGRAM, AND COMPANY NAME ON T-SHIRT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0.   MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED AS HE IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RANDY HOUSE TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT HE WAS ASKED BY THE CITY’S INSURANCE AGENT, BOB REA, TO LOOK INTO SOME HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. HOUSE STATED THAT THE CITY WAS LOOKING FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR THE EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO ADD FAMILY IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO.  MR. HOUSE FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM SEVERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE AUDIENCE REGARDING COVERAGE WITH THE PROPOSED PLAN FROM CLEARWATER INSURANCE.  AFTER THE PRESENTATION COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING REGARDING SWITCHING HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE AT 9 A.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AFTER GETTING ANSWERS TO MANY POSED QUESTIONS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00242 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 1999 DUMP TRUCK IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1646.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00241 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 2007 DUMP TRUCK FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $763.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  THE POLICY STATES THAT CUSTOMERS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS THAT DO NOT WISH TO HAVE WATER SERVICE SERVICES, THE CITY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRASH SERVICES TO THE RESIDENCE.  CUSTOMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTACT A TRASH COLLECTION AGENCY FOR SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION POLICY.  THIS POLICY STATES THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A LETTER WITH THE SAMPLING KIT TO INSTRUCT CUSTOMERS THAT IF THEY COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SAMPLE KITS WITHIN 14 DAYS, THEY WILL RECEIVE A $25.00 CREDIT ON THEIR WATER BILL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT DAMIEN WILBURN WILL BE MOVING INTO A GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION.  BECAUSE OF THIS NEW POSITION, A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WILL NEED TO BE HIRED FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED HOW MANY GRANTS PER YEAR MR. WILBURN WILL BE DOING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT CAN VARY.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF MR. WILBURN COULD START BILLING FOR HAZMAT SERVICES SINCE HE WOULD BE DEALING WITH MONEY FOR THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY IS NOT READY FOR THAT CONVERSATION AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR A PART-TIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15.00 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE APPLYING FOR PERMITS AND OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR THE SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-12 FOR ROAD CLOSURE OF THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00148 TO NOVACOM FOR 1 PHOENIX LIGHT BAR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,899.84.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00441 TO IFSI FOR ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES NEFF AND MATT WARREN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00442 TO LEO ELBRECHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,310.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PROVIDED CALL REPORTS FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL.  THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 604 CALLS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD A TOTAL OF 58 INCIDENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE FRANKLIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT GOES INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 2025.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THERE WILL BE A 3% INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL COST EVERY YEAR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT YEAR 1 IS $135,473.84, YEAR 2 IS $139,538.05, AND YEAR 3 IS $143,724.19. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF WARREN ALLEN SMOTHERS TO THE BENTON PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,572.22 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,460.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,032.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00874 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,150.00 FOR QUARTER 2 SAFETY STIPENDS FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $733,238.63, FROM TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,579.23, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,071.20, AND FROM MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $217,042.07 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $990,931.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE #25-09.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE INCREASE ON THIS TAX LEVY OF 0.987% AND IS THE LOWEST TAX LEVEL HE HAS SEEN BY THE CITY IN MULTIPLE YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION #25-13 ADDING POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KARASTIN SHEEDY TO THE RESOLUTION AT A BASE OF $36,400.00 AND AMENDING THE SALARY OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS AT A BASE SALARY OF $37,440.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WITH THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

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

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT VETERAN’S DAY CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING AROUND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL HAVE A SERVICE AT MASONIC & ODDFELLOWS CEMETERY AT 11AM. AFTER THE SERVICE THEY WILL FIRE THE GUNS AND PLAY TAPS AT THE CEMETERY BEHIND THE POST. AFTER THIS EVERYONE IS INVITED INSIDE THE POST FOR CHILI AND HOTDOGS

THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE SERVING A FREE BRUNCH TO ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THIS EVENT ARE MR. AND MRS. TROY WILLIAMS OF THE 3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT, “THE OLD GUARD”.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRET COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT VICTOR SHOCKLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA, STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS HAS BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT HE IS GOING TO BE ATTENDING SOME TRAINING TO ADD MORE TOOLS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MR. CAVINS IS GOING TO BE CERTIFIED WITH IPMC AND WILL BE ABLE TO BE STRICTER IN ENFORCING CODES AFTER THIS. 

ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE RECENTLY HAD A FAMILY MEMBER SEEN AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HIS FAMILY RECEIVED WONDERFUL CARE WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL AND HE FEELS THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BETTER CARE ANYWHERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL ALSO HAS A WONDERFUL LADIES AUXILIARY. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION WILL BE BEGINNING ANY TIME.  CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE AT THE NORTH MAIN DOLLAR GENERAL ON DECEMBER 3, 2025 COLLECTING FOR TOYS FOR TOTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT SHOP WITH A COP WILL BE HAPPENING ON DECEMBER 19, 2025. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

6:45 P.M.

___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM AUGUST 25, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WANTED TO GO AHEAD AND LET RICK AND BARB LINTON PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME.  MR. AND MRS. LINTON SHOWED A COMMERCIAL FEATURING ALL OF THE RESTAURANTS AROUND OUR HISTORIC SQUARE.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS IS BEING SHOWN AT A COUPLE OF REST AREAS AND IS ACTIVE ON THE INTERNET AT THIS TIME.  THIS COMMERCIAL WILL ALSO HAVE A QR CODE IN THE RL ADVENTURES ISSUE AND THE 2026 VISITOR GUIDE.  LONGTERM, THIS WILL BE ABLE TO BE VIEWED ON ENJOYILLINOIS.COM AND THE HISTORIC MAIN STREETS STATE TOURISM SITE.  MRS. LINTON STATED THAT THIS COMMERCIAL WAS PAID FOR THROUGH TOURISM DOLLARS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR PUBLIC PROPERTY USE PERMITS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.   

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WAS AWAITING CALL BACKS ON REPAIRS TO THE DOOR AT THE ANTIQUE CAR MUSEUM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) ‘DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO THE DOOR ON THE ANTIQUE GARAGE MUSEUM’ UNTIL A LATER DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00699 TO WIGG’S EXCAVATING FOR PAY ESTIMATE #4 IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,523.08.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00344 TO T & T RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $875.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR 501 CARLTON STREET AND 209 CARLTON STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR 200 EAST BLAKE STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 25-11 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 3, 2025 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00436 TO FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR A VOLTAGE REGULATOR AND A SIREN BRAKE REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,804.45.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 12, 2025 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $81,652.77 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,093.20 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,745.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $330,130.33, FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,045.50, FOR TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,710.03. AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $181,342.52 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $550,228.38.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CAR SHOW WENT VERY WELL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE KUDOS TO JIMMY WELLS FOR ALL OF HIS WORK ON THE RC DRAG RACING.  HE STATED THAT THIS EVENT WENT VERY WELL. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00698 TO THE TREASURER OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR THE RUNWAY LIGHTING PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,828.46.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AN INSPECTION HAS BEEN DONE ON THE PROPERTY AT 105 NORTH MAIN STREET THAT THE CITY WAS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE INSPECTION FINDINGS, THE CITY WILL NO LONGER BE PURSUING THIS PROPERTY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS COUNCIL POSITION/RESPONSIBILITY REASSIGNMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MOVED FROM THE COUNCIL TABLE TO THE PODIUM TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT HE DID TO CAUSE THIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO ASKED IF THIS IS OVER THE FIRE CHIEF.  HE THEN PROCEEDED TO HAND OUT TIME SHEETS TO THE COUNCIL THAT SHOWED TIME WORKED AND PTO FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED TO THE COUNCIL THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS WILL NOT ANSWER THE PHONE WHEN CHIEF COCKRUM CALLS THEM.  HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVES ANY COUNCIL MEMBER SHOULD ANSWER THE PHONE WHENEVER ANY DEPARTMENT HEAD CALLS THEM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE STANDS BEHIND CHIEF COCKRUM 100%.  HE ALSO STATED THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH ARE CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE KNOWS HE IS ALSO CREATING A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT BECAUSE “HE IS ON SHANE ALL THE TIME”.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SAID HE DOES GET VERY MAD AT SHANE AND WANTS TO FIRE HIM, BUT HE HAS BEEN HERE 25 YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER KAYS ARE “BOTH SNAKES”.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH READ THE FOLLOWING STATE STATUTE. 

65 ILCS 5/4-5-3) (FROM CH. 24, PAR. 4-5-3).

  SEC. 4-5-3. EXCEPT WHERE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER ARE REQUIRED TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, THE COUNCIL, AT THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING AFTER AN ELECTION OF A MEMBER OR MEMBERS, SHALL DESIGNATE BY A MAJORITY VOTE ONE COMMISSIONER TO BE COMMISSIONER OF ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY, ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS, WHO EX OFFICIO SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS, AND ONE TO BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC PROPERTY. THIS DESIGNATION MAY BE CHANGED BY THE COUNCIL WHENEVER IT APPEARS THAT THE PUBLIC SERVICE WOULD BE BENEFITED THEREBY. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF EACH DEPARTMENT SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THAT DEPARTMENT.
    IF THE MUNICIPALITY HAS VOTED, AS PROVIDED IN SECTION 4-3-19, TO REQUIRE CANDIDATES FOR COMMISSIONER TO RUN FOR A SPECIFIC OFFICE, EACH COMMISSIONER SHALL BE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE DEPARTMENT BEARING THE SAME DESIGNATION AS THE OFFICE TO WHICH HE WAS ELECTED. THE MAYOR SHALL BE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. THE COMMISSIONER OF STREETS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS SHALL BE, EX-OFFICIO, COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS.
(SOURCE: LAWS 1965, P. 2677.)

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED “WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?”.  HE ASKED IF HE IS SUPPOSED TO REPRIMAND, FIRE, OR WRITE UP SHANE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT NO ONE HAS SAID THIS IS IN REGARDS TO CHIEF COCKRUM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT DOING THE THINGS HE HAD ASKED OF HIM AND THAT IS WHY HE IS RECOMMENDING THE CHANGE IN RESPONSIBILITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF ANYONE CAN WRITE UP ANY EMPLOYEE OR IF IT HAS TO BE THE COMMISSIONER OF THAT CERTAIN DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE REASON WE ARE HAVING THIS MEETING IS TO DISCUSS THE SWITCHING OF COMMISSIONERS BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM TO SPEAK.  CHIEF COCKRUM ASKED WHAT HE HAS DONE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS IS A SITUATION WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY THAT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR A YEAR AND A HALF AT THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE SWITCH THAT HAPPENED ALMOST TWO YEARS AGO SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDS SWITCHING COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY AND COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PUBLIC PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.  ABSTAIN:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED DUE TO BEING SO CLOSELY INVOLVED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF BRANDTLEE BROWN FROM THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION DUE TO HIM ACCEPTING A JOB WHERE HE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF HE COULD GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  THE COUNCIL SAID THEY HAD NO REASON TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY REMOVED HIMSELF FROM THE TABLE AND SAT IN THE AUDIENCE WITH CHIEF COCKRUM STATING HE STANDS WITH THE CHIEF. 

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:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

5:28 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 14, 2025 AT 5:05 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 23, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 26, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE WERE STARTING THE MEETING WITH ITEM 9 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DONATION TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ANDY LAMONT OF DO YOUR PART RECYCLING TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM KASEY AND LUCAS KONNEKER ON THIS DAY ASKING HOW LUCAS (WHO IS 7 YEARS OLD) COULD GET MORE INVOLVED IN RECYCLING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED IT WAS A VERY FITTING LETTER TO RECEIVE WITH MR. LAMONT SCHEDULED TO SPEAK THIS EVENING.  MR. LAMONT THANKED THE COUNCIL FOR THE DONATIONS THEY HAVE GIVEN TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING OVER THE PAST 6 YEARS.  HE DESCRIBED HOW HIS BUSINESS HAS GROWN AND THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE WITHOUT DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TOLD MR. LAMONT THAT HE KEEPS HIS BUSINESS PRISTINE AND SHE REALLY APPRECIATES THAT.  MR. LAMONT THANKS HER AND HE ALSO STATED THAT HE IS ABLE TO KEEP SOME COSTS DOWN BECAUSE HE HAS EARN FARE WORKER’S FROM THE TOWNSHIP THAT COME AND HELP WITH THE WORK AND KEEPING EVERYTHING IN ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED MR. LAMONT WHICH COMMUNITIES HE HAS RECEIVED DONATIONS FROM.  MR. LAMONT SAID THAT THE BENTON TOWNSHIP HAS BEEN MATCHING WHAT THE CITY GAVE FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY HAD DONATED $1,200.00 AND THEN BUMPED TO $2,400.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY WAS ABLE TO DONATE $4,800.00 THIS YEAR AND THAT HE WAS SENDING OUT A CHALLENGE TO THE COUNTY AND WEST CITY TO NOT NECESSARILY MATCH THE CITY’S DONATION, BUT TO DONATE TO THE CAUSE AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $4,800.00 TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE  A BID FROM BAKERS PRESSURE WASHING FOR PRESSURE WASHING TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $600.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING THE BUILDING, $150.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING THE ROOF, AND $100.00 FOR PRESSURE WASHING SIDEWALKS FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $850.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WAS A LITTLE CONCERNED ABOUT PRESSURE WASHING THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS KNOWING WE JUST HAD SOME LEAKING ISSUES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY A SOFT WASH WITH CHEMICALS AND WILL NOT CAUSE ANY DAMAGE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS LOOKED INTO WHAT IT WOULD TAKE TO REMODEL THE CAPITOL PARK RESTROOMS AND ADDITION OF A POTTING SHED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS LOOKED INTO PRICES AND BELIEVES A POTTING SHED COULD BE PURCHASED FOR $1,552.00 AND THE REMODEL DONE FOR $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REMODELING THE CAPITAL PARK BATHROOMS AND THE ADDITION OF A POTTING SHED NOT TO EXCEED SPENDING $4,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00721 TO H&R AGRI-POWER FOR A STI G5461 16 STEEL SAW IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00691 TO LOWE’S FOR 52” BROWN PLASTIC EDGING BORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $658.98 FOR MALKOVICH PARK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR REBECCA MAYBERRY, VINCE KELLEY, TERESA BAYLESS, DOROTHY VOICE, MICHELLE CUPREMIA, ELIZABETH CARNEY, AND TONYA THIELE AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

THE ADJUSTMENT FOR SHELIA TAYLOR WAS NOT APPROVED AS IT DID NOT MEET THE CRITERIA.   

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FROM RICHARD AND AVA DARE TO JACOB AND ABBEY PARNELL FOR LOT #108B.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $270,748.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MFT ROCK BID FROM BEELMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,140.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MFT OIL AND CHIP BID FROM ILLINOIS ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $170,796.14.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE STREET RESURFACING BID FOR 2025 TO ET SIMONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $222,094.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MFT BAM BID TO ILLINI ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,380.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00141 TO NEWMANS FOR AMMO IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,362.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING 3 POLICE OFFICERS FROM THE ELIGIBILITY ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE FACEBOOK LIVE HE DID FOR THE CITY TO ANSWER QUESTIONS REGARDING THE 1% HOME RULE SALES TAX INCREASE WAS VERY WELL RECEIVED.  HE BELIEVES IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO DO ANOTHER IN THE FUTURE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JULY 3, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,914.93 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $14,648.64 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,212.42.  SECOND BY STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,719.60, FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,284.84, AND FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,072,399.22 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $1,092,403.66.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HALF OF THAT AMOUNT IS TO BE PAID TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE WATER LINE REPLACEMENT AND THAT THE CITY HAS ALREADY RECEIVED THE CHECK TO COVER THIS FROM THE STATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED COMMISSIONER KAYS’ MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE HOME RULE SALES TAX BY 1% TO BE RESTRICTED TO INFRASTRUCTURE WITH NO SUNSET ON THE TAX.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER BEEN FOR RAISING TAXES, BUT HE WOULD BE A “YES” VOTE ON THIS MOTION AS HE BELIEVES THAT THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO PAY FOR THESE PROJECTS THAT HAVE TO BE DONE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT THEY AGREED TO A 2% INCREASE IN WATER RATES AT THE APRIL 28, 2025 MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COMPLETED ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE #25-06, FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE NEW MINIMUM WATER BILLS WILL BE $60.35 AND $58.25 FOR SENIORS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #25-06 INCREASING WATER RATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.   

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE RANGER RODEO 2026 TO BE HELD AS A 2 DAY EVENT ON JULY 3 AND 4, 2026.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S RODEO WENT VERY WELL AND HE FEELS LIKE IT WILL BE EVEN BETTER NEXT YEAR BY SCHEDULING THE DATE A BIT FURTHER INTO SUMMER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RANGER RODEO 2026 TO BE HELD ON JULY 3 AND 4, 2026 AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  PEGGY PAGE AND JUDY COURTER CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THEY STATED THAT THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS WILL BE PUTTING ON A BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY AGAIN THIS YEAR.  THEY STATED THAT THIS IS THEIR BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR AND EVERYONE HAS A GREAT TIME.  THEY SAID THAT THIS YEAR THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO RAISE A LOT OF FUNDS AND WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER DONATING TO THIS EVENT.  MS. COURTER STATED THAT SHE HAS PUT TOGETHER AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT IT WOULD COST TO PUT THIS EVENT ON AND IT COMES TO SOMEWHERE AROUND $3,500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE THEM THE $3,500.00 FOR THE EVENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS EXPLAINED THAT THE CITY ONLY BUDGETED $5,000.00 FOR THE WHOLE YEAR FOR THIS LINE ITEM AND WOULD HATE TO USE IT ON JUST ONE EVENT.  AFTER DISCUSSION, THE COUNCIL AGREED TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS FOR THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS THAT IF THEY HAVE ANOTHER EVENT, TO COME BACK AND PETITION FOR ANOTHER DONATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 502 NORTH MCLEANS BORO STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS A PROPERTY HE HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET DEMOLISHED FOR A WHILE NOW.  HE STATED THAT THE FAMILY WHO OWNS THIS PROPERTY DECIDED THEY WOULD RATHER DONATE IT TO THE CITY THAN TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF DEMOLITION THEMSELVES.  MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THIS PROPERTY IS ZONED FOR BUSINESS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE DONATION OF THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 502 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BIDS TO REPAIR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHEN WE PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, WE KNEW THERE WERE SOME COSMETIC ISSUES THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.  HE STATED THAT BIDS WERE OBTAINED FROM WILKINS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,325.05 AND FROM WEEKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,426.26.  MR. CALCATERRA RECOMENDED THAT THE CITY ACCEPT THE LOW BID FROM WEEKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,426.26.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KASSIE LYNCH TO OPERATE A HAIR SALON IN HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 511 W. 6^TH STEET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE ZONING BOARD AND HE ALSO PERSONALLY RECOMMENDS THAT THIS BE APPROVED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KASSIE LYNCH TO OPERATE A HAIR SALON IN HER RESIDENCE LOCATED AT 511 WEST SIXTH STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND SCHIRM U.S.A., INC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH RECOMMEND AN AGREEMENT WITH 85% REIMBURSEMENT TO SCHIRM U.S.A., INC.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (J) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND SECTION 40-3-95 BUSINESS ACTIVITY /USE SCHEDULE OF THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WAS APPROACHED BY SOMEONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE OLD CAR WASH ON THE CORNER OF BAILEY LANE AND FRISCO STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THE PROPOSED BUYER WANTED TO PLACE STORAGE UNITS ON THIS PIECE OF PROPERTY.  UPON INVESTIGATING THE ORDINANCE ABOUT STORAGE UNITS, MR. CALCATERRA FOUND THAT THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED IN THIS AREA.  UPON EVEN FURTHER INVESTIGATION MR. CALCATERRA FOUND THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE STORAGE UNIT LOCATIONS IN THE CITY THAT ARE NOT ALLOWED BY ORDINANCE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THE ZONING BOARD AND DISCUSS CHANGING THE ZONING CODE TO ALLOW THESE STORAGE UNITS TO BE IN COMPLIANCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MR. CALCATERRA TO BEGIN EXPLORING AMENDING SECTION 40-3-95 BUSINESS ACTIVITY/USE SCHEDULE OF THE ZONING CODE AS IT RELATES TO MOVING AND STORAGE OPERATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS DRIVING BY 1106 HIGHLAND STREET TO CHECK THE PROCESS SINCE THE CITY HAS HIRED SOMEONE TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN CLEANED UP AND IS LOOKING SO MUCH BETTER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS CONDEMNED A HOUSE LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF JOPLIN AND MADISON AS IT WAS NOT SAFE FOR THEM TO ENTER ON A RECENT CALL.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WERE GOING TO UNRESTRICT THE FUNDS FROM THE 1% SALES TAX AND USE IT FOR OTHER THINGS.  HE SAYS HE KNOWS THIS HAS HAPPENED BEFORE AT OTHER ENTITIES. 

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

6:17 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD THURSDAY JUNE 26, 2025 AT 9:00 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-09, A RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE IN THE AMOUNT OF $475,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

9:02 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 23, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JUNE 9, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BACK 2 SCHOOL BLOCK PARTY TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 2, 2025 FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM ON WASHINGTON STREET BETWEEN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00719 TO FENCE FORCE AND MORE FOR A FENCE TO BE PLACED AROUND THE CITY’S PROPANE TANK ON THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,908.61.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FOR THROUGH TIF FUNDS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00718 TO MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT CO. FOR 3 BOXES OF 30 UV BULBS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,100.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00720 TO SUPER CARS FOR A 2014 FORD UTILITY TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,750.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS TRUCK WILL BE PAID FOR THROUGH THE LEACHATE FUND. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00690 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 FOR PROPOSED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,449.64.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR KAYE KONDRITZ, ALICE DONALDSON, LYNDSEY ODAM, JANIS THOMAS, BRITTANIE SKAGGS, BRANDON HAST, DAVID ORE, SAMANTHA WILLIAMS, AND MICHELLE EUBANKS AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A FULLTIME WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT CLARK AS A PARTTIME STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE FOR A BLOCK OF 720 HOURS A YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO GO OVER THE CHANGES TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NOTABLE CHANGES WERE IN RESIDENCY, FIREFIGHTERS MUST RESIDE IN THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT; FIREFIGHTERS SHALL BE COMPENSATED 24 HOURS OF COMP TIME IN LIEU OF OVERTIME FOR EVERY 40 HOURS SPENT IN A CERTIFICATION LEVEL TRAINING CONSISTING OF 40 HOURS OR MORE OF COURSEWORK; EDUCATIONAL BONUS WILL BE $250 FOR ADVANCED FIRE OFFICER (FIRE OFFICER 2) AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN B (EMT- BASIC) WILL BE $500.00; AND WAGE INCREASES WILL BE GIVEN AS 2025-26 3%, 2026-27 3%, AND 2027-28 AND 2028-29 WILL BE 2.5%.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LIUNA #773 UNION CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JUNE 20, 2025 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,988.06 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,236.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,016.07.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STARTED A DISCUSSION ON RAISING PROPERTY OR SALES TAX.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FEELS THE SALE TAX WOULD BE FAIRER TO OUR CITIZENS AS PROVED BY THE SALES TAX THE COUNTY USED TO BUILD THE NEW COURTHOUSE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THERE SHOULD BE NO SUNSET ON THIS SALES TAX.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS TAX WOULD BE SPECIFICALLY TO REPAIR AND UPDATE THE CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF PREPARING LEGISLATION TO ENACT A 1% SALES TAX ON GENERAL MERCHANDISE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE TO VOTE “YES” ON ANY TAX INCREASE, BUT HE UNDERSTANDS THAT THIS IS NEEDED TO UPDATE AND IMPROVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE IN TOWN.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00679 TO GREG WEEKS IN BENTON FOR A 2016 RAM 1500 FOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,094.70.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BEFORE THE VEHICLE FOR CODES WAS FOUND BY WEEKS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAD MADE A BID ON A 2014 FORD F150 FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,500.00.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WON THIS BID AND HE NEEDED A MOTION TO BE MADE TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IT WILL BE USED AS A VEHICLE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00688 TO EPLANTERS.COM FOR 8 GARDEN PLANTERS TO BE PLACED AT MALKOVICH PARK IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,055.38.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE TO APPROVE AMENDING CHAPTER 40 ZONING CODE TO ALLOW FOR DWELLINGS TO BE RECONSTRUCTED IN BUSINESS ZONED DISTRICTS IN THE EVENT OF DESTRUCTION DUE TO NATURAL DISASTERS OR FIRES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PROPOSED BIDS TO CLEAN UP NUISANCE LOCATED AT 1107 HIGHLAND STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THREE BIDS WERE RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM MENCKOWSKI EXCAVATING AND DEMOLITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,500.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM BRITTON’S LAWN CARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,700.00.  THE THIRD BID RECEIVED WAS FROM EARTH SERVICES IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,900.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF $6,700.00 FROM BRITTON’S LAWN CARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

THE COUNCIL ALL WANTED TO COMMEND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS FOR THE WORK HE PUT IN TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY AT 1107 HIGHLAND STREET. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE AGENDA TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO SPEAK BEFORE AND AFTER THE COUNCIL VOTES ON ITEMS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO PURCHASING A LED BULLETIN BOARD FOR INFORMATION TO BE RELAYED TO THE PUBLIC. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE MIKE TYSON COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS AND JUSTIN MILLER FROM TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  THE GENTLEMEN EXPLAINED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY’S CRISIS WARMING CENTER PROGRAM IS A SHORT-TERM, LOW-BARRIER SHELTER DESIGNED TO OPERATE WHEN WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUCH AS HIGH TEMPERATURES, PRECIPITATION, AND WIND CHILL COMBINE TO CREATE A HAZARDOUS SITUATION FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIMITED ACCESS TO A STABLE, VIABLE SHELTER DURING THESE TIMES.  THEY STATED THAT THIS IS A “HAND UP” AND NOT JUST A “HAND OUT”.  THE GENTLEMEN EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS IS TO IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS THE IMMEDIATE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THROUGH COLLABORATION, RESOURCE SHARING, AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS WITH THE AIM TO REDUCE HOMELESSNESS, IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE, AND EMPOWER INDIVIDUALS TO ACHIEVE STABILITY AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY.  MR. TYSON STATED THAT HE IS A RECOVERING ADDICT, BUT HE IS ALSO A HUSBAND, A FATHER, AND HOLDS A MASTER’S DEGREE.  MR. MILLER STATED THAT HE IS A RECOVERING ADDICT WHO WAS HOMELESS AND IS NOW A HUSBAND, FATHER, AND PASTOR.  BOTH GENTLEMEN STATED THAT RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER IS HELPING TO GET A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH UP AND GOING IN CERTAIN NEIGHBORHOODS. 

IN MATTERS FORM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, THE NEIGHBORS FROM THE AREA OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET WANTED TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR TAKING ACTION.  THEY SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO THANK ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS FOR THE HARD WORK THEY PUT IN ON THIS PROCESS.  A GENTLEMAN ALSO APPROACHED THE COUNCIL STATING THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN OPENING A SOBER LIVING HOUSE.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THIS GENTLEMAN TO CONNECT WITH ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER. 

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

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY MAY 27, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM MAY 12, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE CONTRACTOR HAS ALMOST COMPLETED ALL THE REPAIRS TO THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR DONALD RAYMER, DAMIAN DAWSON, DUSTIN COCKE, STACY NEAL, AND LAURIE SMITH AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR ONE FULL TIME WATER DEPARTMENT LABORER, ONE PART TIME LABORER IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT, AND ONE PART TIME LABORER IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS PRESENTED A DIAGRAM TO THE COUNCIL SHOWING THE PROPOSED LINE PLACEMENT FOR NEW WATER AND SEWER LINE ON THE WEST MAIN PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THE CITY’S PORTION OF THE WEST MAIN PROJECT WILL BE $3,000,000.00.  MR. POTTS ALSO STATED THAT THE ELECTRICITY WILL NOT BE BURIED ON THIS PROJECT UNLESS THE CITY IS WILLING TO PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT IT WILL COST TO DO SO.  MR. POTTS ALSO STATED THAT IDOT WILL BE HAVING A BID LETTING FOR THEIR PORTION OF THE WEST MAIN PROJECT ON JANUARY 16, 2026. 

1. POTTS STATED THAT THE 2025 MFT PROGRAM HAS BEEN APPROVED. HE STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A BID FOR BAM, OIL AND CHIP, AND MILLING AND ASPHALT COMING UP. MR. POTTS STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE DOING MCKENZIE STREET, MCLEANSBORO STREET, AND DUQUOIN STREET ON THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL FLOCK CAMERA AT THE REQUEST OF THE BENTON PARK DISTRICT.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY SHERIFF KYLE BACON, WHO ALSO SITS ON THE BENTON PARK DISTRICT BOARD, REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF A FLOCK CAMERA AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE PARK.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT IF APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, THE PARK DISTRICT WILL COVER ALL EXPENSES INCURRED WITH THE PLACEMENT OF THIS CAMERA.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PLACEMENT OF A FLOCK CAMERA AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE BENTON PARK AT THE REQUEST OF THE BENTON PARK DISTRICT WITH ALL EXPENSES BEING COVERED BY THE PARK DISTRICT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FROM THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL REPRESENTING THE POLICE OFFICERS OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ADDRESSES RESIDENCY FOR THE OFFICERS ALLOWING THEM TO RESIDE WITHIN A 25 MILE RADIUS OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURT HOUSE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LANGUAGE “AS THE CROW FLIES” TO BE REPLACED WITH “STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCE”.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FROM THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL WITH THE CHANGE OF “AS THE CROW FLIES” TO “STRAIGHT LINE DISTANCE”.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 23, 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $116,404.62 FOR THE GENERAL FUND AND $25,655.63 FOR WATER AND SEWER FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $142,060.25.  COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THE PAYOUT TO KYLE MELVIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,033.34 IS INCLUDED IN THIS TOTAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00864 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR 19 NEW EMAILS AND MIGRATION OF OLD EMAILS IN THE AMOUNT OF $912.00 WITH AN ANNUAL BILLING OF $48.00 PER ACCOUNT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSSION ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LIUNA 773 CONTRACT IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION AMENDING THE PAY RESOLUTION FOR THE NONCONTRACTUAL, NONUNION EMPLOYEES CORRECTING AN ERROR.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT ONE OF THE CELLS IN THE SPREADSHEET GAVE A LARGE THAN AGREED UPON RAISE TO ONE EMPLOYEE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND THIS RESOLUTION CORRECTING THE ERROR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IN UPDATES, HE WOULD LIKE THE CITIZENS TO KNOW THAT THE COUNCIL EXPLORING WHERE THE NEW HOME FOR CITY HALL WILL BE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL TO BEGIN THE DISCUSSION OF CLOSING THE FIRST STREET RAILROAD CROSSING.  HE STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY THE ICC REGARDING CLOSURE OF THIS RAILROAD CROSSING.  THIS IS A SIX TO NINE MONTH PROCESS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE RAILROAD IS WILLING TO PAY UP TO $200,000.00 TO CLOSE THIS CROSSING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS MONEY WILL BE USED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND THAT THE CONTRACT EVEN SPECIFIED THAT A LARGE PORTION OF THIS MONEY HAS TO BE USED FOR PUBLIC WORKS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BEGINNING THE DISCUSSION OF CLOSING THE FIRST STREET RAILROAD CROSSING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH ARCHITECHNIQUE ENGINEER STEVE SIMS REGARDING THE POSSIBILITIES OF A NEW HOME FOR CITY HALL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ENGINEER WAS GIVEN FOUR OPTIONS FOR POSSIBLE RELOCATION.  IN THE OPINION OF MR. SIMS, THE FIRST CHOICE WOULD BE THE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER, THE SECOND CHOICE WOULD BE THE TROUT, POPPIT, AND WARNER LAW OFFICES, THIRD WOULD BE AN ADDITION TO THE POLICE STATION, AND FOURTH WOULD BE A NEW BUILD.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE COULD NOT AFFORD THE NEW BUILDING AS IT WOULD COME IN OVER $3,000.000.00 WITHOUT THE COST OF ACQUIRING LAND TO BUILD ON.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE ADDITION TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT REALLY A FEASIBLE PLAN.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT MR. SIMS WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO DO A MORE EXTENSIVE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER AND THE TROUT, POPPIT, AND WARNER LAW OFFICES TO SEE WHICH WOULD BE THE BEST OPTION FOR MOVING FORWARD.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE DOES NOT WANT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS AS HE FEELS THAT “WE ARE HOME” IN OUR CURRENT LOCATION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO DESIGNATING APPROXIMATELY 3.3 ACRES OF LAND ADJACENT TO LAKE BENTON AS SURPLUS PROPERTY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS NOT LAKE FRONT PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE A LOT OF GENERATORS IN USE IN TOWN WHERE THERE IS NO POWER OR WATER AT A HOME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED HE IS SEEING MORE AND MORE CAMPERS BEING LIVED IN IN THE CITY LIMITS.  HE SAID THERE SEEMS TO BE AN ACCUMULATION OF JUNK AND IT IS JUST PITIFUL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE IS SEEING AN UPTICK IN ILLEGAL BURNS AND WOULD LIKE US TO START WRITING MORE TICKETS FOR THINGS LIKE THIS.  ALSO IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE IN THE NEAR FUTURE AS HE WAS NOT AT THE MEETING WHERE THE ORDINANCE WAS PASSED. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED THE IDOT PROJECT LIST.  HE STATED THAT RESURFACING OF ROUTE 14 FROM ROUTE 37 TO HAMILTON COUNTY WILL BE THE FIRST PROJECT IN OUR AREA FOLLOWED BY THE START OF THE WEST MAIN PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE WORK ON THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE WILL BEGIN IN MARCH.  THE ADDITION OF A BIKE LANE ON ROUTE 37 IS SLATED TO BEGIN IN 2028 AND REPAIRS OF EAST MAIN FROM THE PUBLIC SQUARE TO BROWN STREET IS SLATED TO BEGIN IN 2029.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE FUNDING OF THE CITY’S PORTION OF THESE PROJECTS WILL NEED TO COME THROUGH A SALES TAX GEARED TOWARD INFRASTRUCTURE.   

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, LOUIS GIROUX SPOKE BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  HE STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER LIVES AT 406 SOUTH COMMERCIAL STREET.  HE STATED THAT SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT 404 NORTH COMMERCIAL.  MR. GIROUX STATED THAT THE HOME HAS NO WINDOWS, HAS HAD A FIRE, THERE IS GARBAGE EVERYWHERE, AND HE BELIEVES THERE IS DRUG ACTION IN THE HOUSE TOO.  MR. GIROUX STATED THAT BENTON IS TURNING INTO SEATTLE. 

BARBRA FREELS SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL.  SHE STATED THAT SHE IS ALSO A RESIDENT OF 400 BLOCK OF SOUTH COMMERCIAL.  SHE STATED THAT HER HOME HAS BEEN BROKEN INTO AND THAT SHE WAS TOLD THAT SHE NEEDED TO GET AN ORDER OF PROTECTION SO THAT SOMETHING COULD BE DONE IF IT HAPPENED IN THE FUTURE.  MRS. FREELS TOLD THE COUNCIL SHE IS SCARED WHILE IN HER HOME BECAUSE OF THE NEIGHBORS.  MS. FREELS STATED THAT SHE WILL BE BACK AT MEETINGS IN THE FUTURE UNTIL THE COUNCIL CAN GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THESE ISSUES. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) 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.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THERE WILL BE NO ACTION TAKEN AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION THIS EVENING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

6:16 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

6:34 P.M. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN. 

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

6:35 P.M.