Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — MAY 27, 2025

Posted on June 11, 2025 by | Comments Off on COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — MAY 27, 2025

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.

 

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City Council Meeting Minutes – 05/12/2025

Posted on May 29, 2025 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – 05/12/2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 12, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM APRIL 28, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 BUDGET FROM APRIL 28, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE CONTRACTOR IS WAITING ON MATERIALS FOR THE REPAIRS TO THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION FOR KELLI SULLIVAN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION FOR DAVID HURLEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD A MEETING WITH IDOT AND THE CITY AND COUNTY ENGINEERS LAST WEEK.  HE STATED THAT HE WOULD BE BRINGING UPDATES ON UPCOMING PROJECTS TO THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00434 TO DAVE SCHMIDT FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,467.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TESTING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO FORM A LIST OF PEOPLE ELIGIBLE FOR HIRING.  HE STATED THAT WE HAVE TO HAVE A LIST AT ALL TIMES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE POLICE AND FIRE DO THEIR TESTING AT THE SAME TIME IN THE FUTURE AND WOULD LIKE TO SET A DATE FOR THAT LATER ON IN THE FALL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THE MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICERS TO 25 MILES AROUND THE CENTER OF THE CITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD OFFICIALLY RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM INVESTIGATOR KYLE MELVIN.  NO FURTHER ACTION WAS NEEDED ON THIS RESIGNATION. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 9, 2025 IN THE AMOUNT OF $89,738.80 FOR GENERAL FUND AND $24,189.97 FOR WATER AND SEWER FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $113,928.67.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $314,687.81, COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,788.00, AND MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,791.25 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $338,267.06.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PAY THESE BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED DUE TO HAVING A REIMBURSEMENT FOR HIMSELF IN THE BILLS. 

 

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

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD HANDLE THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL RECEIVED A Q & A ABOUT ELECTRIC AGGREGATION IN THEIR PACKET FROM SIMEC.  HE STATED THAT SIMEC SECURED A RATE OF 11.76 CENTS PER KILOWATT-HOUR FOR THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.  HE STATED THAT IF CITIZENS WOULD LIKE TO STAY WITH HOMEFIELD, NO ACTION IS NEEDED, BUT THAT IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO OPT OUT, THEY WILL NEED TO DO SO.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE COPIES AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE IN THE COUNCIL ROOM IF ANYONE IN THE AUDIENCE WOULD LIKE A COPY. 

 

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

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CLOSING THE FIRST STREET RAILROAD CROSS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT FIRE HYDRANT TESTING HAS STARTED.  HE STATED THAT THE AVERAGE AGE OF OUR FIRE HYDRANTS IS FROM 1962 TO 1976, HE STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN APPROXIMATELY 110 HYDRANTS THAT HAVE BEEN TOUCHED AT THIS TIME.  HE STATED THAT A PSA WOULD BE RELEASED THROUGH CITY HALL REGARDING THE TESTING THIS WEEK.  HE STATED THAT THE WATER COLOR COULD BE BROWNISH AND IT MAY AFFECT CLOTHES WASHING. 

 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED THAT CITIZENS BE REMINDED NOT TO BLOW THEIR GRASS IN TO THE STREETS.  HE ALSO 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.

 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, A CITIZEN WHO LIVES AT 307 SOUTH DUQUOIN STATED THAT THERE IS GRASS OUT OF CONTROL AT THE NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE AND THAT A TREE HAS FALLEN ON HIS GARAGE FROM THEIR PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE LOOKED INTO. 

 

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, PAULA ARPASI SPOKE.  MRS. ARPASI STATED THAT SHE HER FAMILY HAS OWNED A REAL ESTATE BUSINESS FOR 33 YEARS AND THAT SHE HAS WORKED THERE HERSELF FOR 22 YEARS.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN SERVING ON THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, BUT THAT SHE RECEIVED AN EMAIL 2 DAYS BEFORE THE LAST SCHEDULED MEETING STATING THAT SHE WAS NO LONGER ON THE BOARD AS HER APPOINTMENT WAS UP.  SHE STATED THAT SHE ALSO RECEIVED A COPY OF ORDINANCE #25-01 REGARDING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE IS A FINANCIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST HAVING A REALTOR WHO IS PROFITING FROM DECISIONS MADE ON THE BOARD TO BE ON THE BOARD.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THIS IS A PROACTIVE PROCESS AND NOT A REACTIVE PROCESS.  EH STATED THAT RECUSAL DOESN’T HAPPEN OFTEN AND THAT 66% OF THE BUSINESS OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER REVOLVES AROUND THE SALE OF REAL ESTATE.  MRS. ARPASI ASKED THE COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER AND TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE. 

 

LAUREN JOHNSON ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  SHE STATED THAT SHE IS A LENDER AND BELIEVES THAT HAVING LENDERS AND REALTORS ON THE BOARD IS A GOOD THING AS THEY BRING KNOWLEDGE TO THE BOARD.  SHE ASKED HOW SURVEYING IS NOT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST.  MRS. JOHNSON ALSO STATED THAT MARION HAS A LENDER ON THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER AND THAT IN ST. LOUIS, THEIR BOARD REQUIRES A REAL ESTATE AGENT TO SIT ON THE BOARD. 

 

THERESA BATES CAME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MS. BATES THAT THAT SHE HAS BEEN SECRETARY FOR THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS.  SHE PASSED OUT A LETTER TO THE COUNCIL AND A COPY OF THE EMAIL THAT SHE RECEIVED FROM ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATING THAT SHE WAS NOT BEING REAPPOINTED TO THE BOARD.  MS. BATES STATED THAT SHE WAS NOT ANGRY THAT SHE HAD NOT BEEN REAPPOINTED, BUT THAT SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED.  SHE STATED THAT SHE FELT LIKE BEING NOTIFIED ON SHORT NOTICE THROUGH EMAIL WAS UNPROFESSIONAL. 

 

PAUL COONS SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL.  HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE COUNCIL WAS NOT RIGHT IN PROHIBITING PROFESSIONAL PEOPLE FROM BEING ON THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER.  MR. COONS ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS WHAT PROVOKED HIM TO SPEARHEAD THIS ORDINANCE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RAN FOR CITY COUNCIL TO COMBAT NEPOTISM AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.  MR. COONS STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER, PAULA ARPASI HAS ABSTAINED WHEN SHE WAS INVOLVED PERSONALLY WITH SITUATIONS.  MR. COONS STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE PASSAGE OF THIS ORDINANCE WAS TOTALLY WRONG AND HE ASKS THAT IT BE REPEALED.  HE SAID THAT IT HURTS HIM VERY DEEPLY BECAUSE THEY FEEL PEOPLE DON’T THINK THEY ARE ETHICAL PEOPLE AND THAT THEY JUST WANT TO SEE THIS COMMUNITY GROW.  MR. COONS STATED THAT HE KNOWS THE CITY RECEIVED MONEY FROM THE EGYPTIAN BOARD OF REALTORS TO HELP WITH MALKOVICH PARK.  HE STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL DOES NOT REPEAL THIS ORDINANCE, HE WILL MAKE SURE THAT THE CITY OF BENTON GETS NO MORE MONEY FROM THE EGYPTIAN BOARD OF REALTORS IN THE FUTURE. 

 

JONATHON NEACE APPROACHED THE COUNCIL.  MR. NEACE STATED THAT HE IS VICE CHAIR OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION.  HE STATED HE WAS AT THE MEETING TO ASK THE BOARD TO CHANGE THIS ORDINANCE.  HE STATED THAT UPON RESEARCH HE FOUND THAT MT. VERNON AND CARBONDALE ILLINOIS BOTH HAVE BOARDS THAT FILL OUT FORMS FOR CONFLICT OF INTERESTS THAT ARE SUBMITTED TO ANOTHER BOARD FOR REVIEW BEFORE MEETINGS HAPPEN.  MR. NEACE ALSO STATED THAT DON BROWNING SERVED AS CHAIR OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION FOR 7-8 YEARS AND THAT HE WAS A REAL ESTATE AGENT DURING THAT TIME. 

 

ON ANOTHER NOTE, MR. NEACE ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM TO CHECK 4TH STREET FOR A SUNKEN SPOT THAT IS 4-6 INCHES DEEP. 

 

MRS. BATES ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL ONE MORE TIME AND STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CHALLENGE PEOPLE TO ATTEND A ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SO THEY CAN SEE WHAT THE BOARD DOES. 

 

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

 

5:43 P.M.

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Minutes of the Public Hearing — April 28, 2025

Posted on May 13, 2025 by | Comments Off on Minutes of the Public Hearing — April 28, 2025

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING TO HEAR COMMENTS FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET HELD MONDAY APRIL 28, 2025 AT 4:15 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ABOUT WHY THE I-57 PROJECT WAS STILL IN THE BUDGET.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE MONIES ARE BEING KEPT IN THAT LINE ITEM FOR A POSSIBLE FUTURE PROJECT. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM UPDATED THE COUNCIL ON UPCOMING PROJECTS IN THE CITY OF BENTON INCLUDING WEST MAIN AND EAST MAIN STREET PROJECTS. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE BUDGET FOR A NEW SQUAD CAR IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS NOT SCHEDULED FOR A NEW VEHICLE THIS YEAR, BUT THAT ALSO THE FUNDS FOR A NEW SQUAD CAR CAN BE TAKEN FROM OTHER AREAS OTHER THAN THE GENERAL FUND. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IN THE BUDGET WAS ENOUGH TO COVER DISPATCH IN THE NEXT YEAR.  POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND HE STATED THAT HE HAD REVIEWED THE BUDGET AS WELL AND THIS AMOUNT WAS SUFFICIENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT OF NOTE HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO BE AWARE THE BUDGET HAS A NUMBER FOR HIGHER COMPENSATION FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.  HE STATED THAT THIS CANNOT GO INTO EFFECT UNTIL A NEW COUNCIL IS SEATED, BUT HE WANTED TO HOLD THE NUMBER IN THE BUDGET. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ADDRESSED THE LINE ITEM FOR A SAFETY STIPEND IN EACH DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INSTEAD OF A YEAREND STIPEND FOR EACH EMPLOYEE, HE WAS PLANNING ON MOVING FORWARD WITH A SAFETY STIPEND.  IF THERE ARE 1½ OR LESS WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIMS CITY WIDE PER QUARTER, EACH EMPLOYEE WILL RECEIVE A $50.00 GIFT CAR FOR A BUSINESS IN TOWN. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE FAÇADE GRANT WILL STAY IN THE BUDGET.  HE STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS HAS BEEN A GOOD THING FOR OUR BUSINESSES. 

 

THERE WERE NO COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE. 

 

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

 

4:45 P.M.

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Council Meeting Minutes — April 28, 2025

Posted on May 13, 2025 by | Comments Off on Council Meeting Minutes — April 28, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 28, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM APRIL 14, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE IS A LEAK AT TWIN OAKS THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.  SHE STATED SHE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH A FEW DIFFERENT PLACES AND THE ONLY QUOTE SHE RECEIVED WAS FROM ANDREW’S ROOFING IN THE AMOUNT OF $480.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING ANDREW’S ROOFING TO FIX THE LEAKS IN THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS FOR $480.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION FOR JASON LEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #30 TO VERNON AND LEANN ROBERTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOTS #60 AND #61 TO JEREMY AND VICTORIA JACKSON AND TERRI JACKSON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00140 TO ZIMMERMAN’S GARAGE FOR A NEW AC COMPRESSOR, AC KIT, REFRIGERANT, AC FLUSH, AND LABOR FOR SQUAD CAR UNIT 13 IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $987.03.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES IN ORDER TO GET THE HYDRANT TESTING DONE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, SUMMER HELP WILL NEED TO BE HIRED IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE 639 HYDRANTS IN THE CITY OF BENTON THAT NEED TO BE TESTED.  HE STATED THAT 2 HYDRANTS WILL BE TESTED AT A TIME.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT WITH ONLY HAVE 2 GUYS ON SHIFT, IT MAKES TESTING THESE HYDRANTS NOT ONLY A VERY LONG PROCESS, BUT ALSO AN UNSAFE SITUATION FOR OUR CITIZENS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED AT THIS TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS BUSIER THAN EVER.  CHIEF COCKRUM PROPOSED THAT THE COUNCIL HIRE 1 PERSON AT $15.00/HOUR AND THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE PERSON HIRED TO BE A PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER.  HE STATED HE COULD HAVE 1 PAID ON CALL AND 1 CAREER FIREFIGHTER DOING TESTING, LEAVING 1 CAREER FIREFIGHTER TO RESPOND TO CALLS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM IF HE BELIEVED A BLOCK OF 300 HOURS (PAYING $15.00/HOUR FOR A TOTAL OF $6,000.00) WOULD BE ENOUGH TO GET THE TESTING DONE.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE THOUGHT IF THEY COULDN’T GET THEM FINISHED, HE WOULD BE CLOSE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE A PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER AT $15.00/HOUR FOR A BLOCK OF 300 HOURS TO TEST FIRE HYDRANTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY NEEDS TO CONSIDER EXTENDING THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A 20-MILE RADIUS AND A 25-MILE RADIUS FOR CONSIDERATION.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED THE COUNCIL TO THINK THIS OVER AND IT COULD BE DECIDED AT A FUTURE MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EXTENDING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICERS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED APRIL 25, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,501.75, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,536.07, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,407.31 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $137,445.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED ORDINANCE #25-01 CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR MEMBERS OF ALL ADVISORY BOARDS AND ELECTED POSITIONS OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED IF EVERYONE HAD HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THROUGH THIS AND HAD NO QUESTIONS OF COMMENTS, HE WAS MAKING A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ORDINANCE AND MAKING IT EFFECTIVE ON MAY 1, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #25-02, FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-07, PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONUNION, NONCONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES GIVING THESE EMPLOYEES A 3% PAY RAISE ON MAY 1, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED A SAFETY STIPEND POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE POLICY STATES THAT IF 1½ WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIMS OR LESS ARE REPORTED IN A QUARTER, THE EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE A $50.00 GIFT CARD TO A LOCAL BUSINESS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SAFETY STIPEND POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY HAVE HAD ADEQUATE TIME TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED IF THE COUNCIL IS IN FAVOR OF THE RATE INCREASE, HE WOULD RECOMMEND 2%.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A 2% INCREASE IN WATER RATES FOR 2025-2026.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A TYPO IN THE CONTRACT.  THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A 3% RAISE ON YEAR 2 AND A 2.5% RAISE ON YEAR 3, BUT THE CONTRACT READ A 3.5% RAISE ON YEAR 2 AND A 2.5% RAISE ON YEAR 3.  THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING STATED THAT THE UNION WOULD RECEIVE A 3.5% RAISE ON YEAR 2 AND A 2% RAISE ON YEAR 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SIGNING THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

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

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD HANDLE THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD FOR A 2-YEAR TERM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD FOR A 3-YEAR TERM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL HAD A HALL OF FAME BANQUET THIS PAST SATURDAY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS COMING WEEK WILL BE THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL, THE CARNIVAL, THE PARADE, AND THE RODEO.  HE URGED CITIZENS TO ATTEND WHAT THEY CAN. 

 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, BRANDON OVERTON ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MR. OVERTON STATED THAT HE HAS RECENTLY TAKEN POSSESSION OF A PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT IS NEED OF CLEAN UP.  MR. OVERTON STATED THAT HE HAS HAD A DUMPSTER, BUT AT THIS POINT IS INTERESTED IN GETTING RESIDENTIAL TRASH THROUGH THE CITY.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ALSO SPOKE UP AND SAID HE IS INTERESTED IN THIS AS WELL FOR PROPERTIES HE IS CLEANING UP.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO POLICY IN PLACE FOR THIS AT THIS TIME AND THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE WATER DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS FURTHER. 

 

THERE WAS A GROUP OF 9 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING WHO WISHED TO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS FOR THE RESIDENCE OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET.  THEY STATED THE PROPERTY IS IN DISARRAY AND EVEN THOUGH THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN CLEANED UP IN THE PAST, IT IS WORSE NOW.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT TICKETS FOR ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS HOMEOWNER AND THEY ARE SCHEDULED FOR A FIRST APPEARANCE ON MAY 13, 2025. 

 

DENNIS LAMPLEY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT HE HAS BEEN VERY IMPRESSED WITH CALEB CAVINS, CODE ENFORCER, DURING THIS ENTIRE PROCESS. 

 

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

 

5:57 P.M.

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Council Meeting Minutes — April 14, 2025

Posted on April 29, 2025 by | Comments Off on Council Meeting Minutes — April 14, 2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 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 MARCH 24, 2025 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS WITH THE CORRECTION OF BAD DEBT TO $5,091.81. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE BENTON RANGLER GIRLS. 

LAST YEAR THE PLACED 2ND AT STATE AND THIS YEAR THE WON THE 2025 AA HIP HOP STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PROVIDED THE BENTON RANGLER GIRLS WITH A PROCLAMATION FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH RECOGNIZED COLE BUCHANAN BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. BUCHANAN MADE THE IHSA ALL STATE ACADEMIC ATHLETIC TEAM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED MR. BUCHANAN WITH A PROCLAMATION FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE GIVING 13 SCHOLARSHIPS OUT THIS YEAR TO GRADUATES. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A PROPOSAL FROM ANDREWS ROOFING FOR THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $480.00.  SHE STATED THAT INSPECTION SHOWS A LEAK AROUND THE FLASHING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED IF THIS WILL FIX THE ISSUE AT TWIN OAKS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ANDREWS ROOFING THINKS THIS WILL FIX THE LEAK.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE THINKS THE ROOF NEEDS REPLACED AND WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDOWS HAVE A ROTTING ISSUE AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AWARDING 2025 MOWING BID, UNTIL AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE BENTON /WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO USE CAPITAL PARK ON APRIL 30TH THROUGH MAY 3RD, 2025 DURING THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  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 THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE VETERAN’S FAIR TO USE CAPITAL PARK ON MAY 3RD, 2025 DURING THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  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 #00715 TO UTILITY PIPE SALES FOR METERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,321.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-04 CLOSING VARIOUS ROADS FOR THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE.  SECOND BY COMMISSION 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 #00139 TO THE HILTON HAMPTON INN AND SUITES FOR TWO (2) HOTEL ROOMS FOR TWO OFFICERS FOR SRO TRAINING WITH A TOTAL COST OF $866.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A COPY OF THIS MOU IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE MOU STATES THAT IF THE CITY FAILS TO PAY FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ON TIME, THE EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE 1.1 TIMES THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE OWED AND THAT THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT MUST BE PAID NO LATER THAN THE NEXT PAYROLL DATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  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 ALLOW THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING TWO (2) FULL-TIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT TESTING WILL BE DONE ON MARY 17, 2025 TO FORM A NEW LIST.  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 HE HAD NO PAYROLL FOR APPROVAL, PURCHASE ORDERS, OR BILLS AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH TWO DIFFERENT FORMS OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE.  AFTER DISCUSSION, THE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM FOR ANOTHER TIME.  MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 CHARGE OFF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,465.17.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH CHANGES TO THE BENTON PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT FOR MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027.  THESE CHANGES INCLUDED A RETROACTIVE PAY RAISE OF 4% FROM MAY 1, 2024 TO PRESENT, A 3% PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE ON MAY 1, 2025, A 2.5% PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2026, AND EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2027 AN INCREASE OF BASE HOURLY WAGE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THIS BARGAINING UNIT BASED ON CPI FOR THAT YEAR.  THERE WAS ALSO A CHANGE IN LONGEVITY WHERE THE FIRST STEP WILL BE TAKEN AT THE START OF YEAR 3 INSTEAD OF THE START OF YEAR 4.  EXTRA COMPENSATION AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES WERE ALSO ADDRESSED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT, LOCAL #318, FOR MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE 2025 ROAD PROGRAM WILL BE STARTING SOON.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF EVENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTING DAVID MITCHELL TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD.  HE STATED THAT MR. MITCHELL PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THIS BOARD AND SINCE RETIRING FROM DELTA AIRLINES, HE IS WILLING TO SERVE AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT DAVID MITCHELL TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD REPLACING REECE RUTLAND, WHO HAS RESIGNED.  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 THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION TO DISCUSS AMENDING ZONING CODE 40-3-95 AND APPENDIX “C” AS IT RELATES TO REBUILDING DWELLINGS IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL DISASTER OR FIRE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO LOOK INTO THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT THE RESIDENCY FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  HE STATED THAT THE CITY IS GOING TO HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF INCENTIVE TO KEEP POLICE OFFICERS HERE.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS TICKETS FOR THE HOSPITAL AXILLARY SCHOLARSHIP DINNER IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THEM.  THE COST OF THE TICKETS IS $40.00 EACH. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, LINDA SMITH ASKED WHEN THE CITY COULD FLUSH THE FIRE HYDRANT IN FRONT OF HER HOME.  SHE STATED THAT HER WATER SMELLS LIKE WET DOG.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE AND THE FIRE CHIEF HAD JUST SPOKE ABOUT THE FLUSHING OF THE HYDRANTS AND HE EXPECTS TO START IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO.  MRS. SMITH STATED THAT SHE IS BATTLING BREAST CANCER AND HER DOCTOR TOLD HER SHE IS NOT TO BE DRINKING TAP WATER. 

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

5:43 P.M.

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

6:04 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO AWARD THE 2025 MOWING BID TO DAVID BOOKER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

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.

6:05 P.M.

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City Council Meeting Minutes — 03/24/2025

Posted on April 21, 2025 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — 03/24/2025

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, MARCH 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 MARCH 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: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00863 TO SAMS CLUB FOR FIVE (5) LIFETIME COMMERCIAL FOLDING CHAIR FOUR (4) PACKS, TWO (2) LIFETIME 60” ROUND STACKING TABLES, AND ONE (1) LIFETIME EIGHT (8) FOOT COMMERCIAL GRADE FOLDING TABLE IN THE AMOUNT OF $949.84.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AWARDING 2025 MOWING BID, UNTIL AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE BENTON /WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO USE CAPITAL PARK ON APRIL 30TH THROUGH MAY 3RD, 2025 DURING THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  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 THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE VETERAN’S FAIR TO USE CAPITAL PARK ON MAY 3RD, 2025 DURING THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  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 #00715 TO UTILITY PIPE SALES FOR METERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,321.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-04 CLOSING VARIOUS ROADS FOR THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE.  SECOND BY COMMISSION 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 #00139 TO THE HILTON HAMPTON INN AND SUITES FOR TWO (2) HOTEL ROOMS FOR TWO OFFICERS FOR SRO TRAINING WITH A TOTAL COST OF $866.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A COPY OF THIS MOU IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE MOU STATES THAT IF THE CITY FAILS TO PAY FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ON TIME, THE EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE 1.1 TIMES THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE OWED AND THAT THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT MUST BE PAID NO LATER THAN THE NEXT PAYROLL DATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  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 ALLOW THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING TWO (2) FULL-TIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT TESTING WILL BE DONE ON MARY 17, 2025 TO FORM A NEW LIST.  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 HE HAD NO PAYROLL FOR APPROVAL, PURCHASE ORDERS, OR BILLS AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH TWO DIFFERENT FORMS OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE.  AFTER DISCUSSION, THE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM FOR ANOTHER TIME.  MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 CHARGE OFF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,091.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH CHANGES TO THE BENTON PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT FOR MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027.  THESE CHANGES INCLUDED A RETROACTIVE PAY RAISE OF 4% FROM MAY 1, 2024 TO PRESENT, A 3% PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE ON MAY 1, 2025, A 2.5% PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2026, AND EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2027 AN INCREASE OF BASE HOURLY WAGE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THIS BARGAINING UNIT BASED ON CPI FOR THAT YEAR.  THERE WAS ALSO A CHANGE IN LONGEVITY WHERE THE FIRST STEP WILL BE TAKEN AT THE START OF YEAR 3 INSTEAD OF THE START OF YEAR 4.  EXTRA COMPENSATION AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES WERE ALSO ADDRESSED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT, LOCAL #318, FOR MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE 2025 ROAD PROGRAM WILL BE STARTING SOON.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF EVENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTING DAVID MITCHELL TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD.  HE STATED THAT MR. MITCHELL PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THIS BOARD AND SINCE RETIRING FROM DELTA AIRLINES, HE IS WILLING TO SERVE AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT DAVID MITCHELL TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD REPLACING REECE RUTLAND, WHO HAS RESIGNED.  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 THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION TO DISCUSS AMENDING ZONING CODE 40-3-95 AND APPENDIX “C” AS IT RELATES TO REBUILDING DWELLINGS IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL DISASTER OR FIRE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO LOOK INTO THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT THE RESIDENCY FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  HE STATED THAT THE CITY IS GOING TO HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF INCENTIVE TO KEEP POLICE OFFICERS HERE.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS TICKETS FOR THE HOSPITAL AXILLARY SCHOLARSHIP DINNER IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THEM.  THE COST OF THE TICKETS IS $40.00 EACH. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, LINDA SMITH ASKED WHEN THE CITY COULD FLUSH THE FIRE HYDRANT IN FRONT OF HER HOME.  SHE STATED THAT HER WATER SMELLS LIKE WET DOG.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE AND THE FIRE CHIEF HAD JUST SPOKE ABOUT THE FLUSHING OF THE HYDRANTS AND HE EXPECTS TO START IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO.  MRS. SMITH STATED THAT SHE IS BATTLING BREAST CANCER AND HER DOCTOR TOLD HER SHE IS NOT TO BE DRINKING TAP WATER. 

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

5:43 P.M.

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

6:04 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO AWARD THE 2025 MOWING BID TO DAVID BOOKER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

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.

6:05 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — 03/24/2025

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City Council Meeting Minutes – 03/10/2025

Posted on March 25, 2025 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – 03/10/2025

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City Council Meeting Minutes — 02/24/2025

Posted on March 14, 2025 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — 02/24/2025

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 28TH, 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 10TH,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.

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City Council Meeting Minutes — February 10, 2025

Posted on February 25, 2025 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — February 10, 2025

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 4TH 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.

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City Council Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2025

Posted on February 11, 2025 by | Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes – January 27, 2025

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.

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