Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 MARCH 25, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000995 TO C AND C PUMPS AND SUPPLY FOR A VERTICAL MULTISTAGE PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,769.97.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00238 TO BUMPER AND BUMPER FOR AN AIRCAT IMPACT WRENCH WITH 8” EXTENDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $511.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00708 TO SCHAEFFER’S FOR SYNTHETIC OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $737.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR REBECCA REED OF 910 EAST WEBSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #30 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO HUTCHINS PROPERTIES II, LLC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO HUTCINS PROPERTIES II, LLC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2024 MFT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $785,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00408 TO EVAPAR FOR REPAIR OF EMERGENCY GENERATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $757.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00409 TO LEO ELLEBRACHT COMPANY FOR 2 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR TO REPLACE EXPIRED SETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,673.13.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS JUST ASKING FOR APPROVAL, BUT WILL NOT PURCHASE UNTIL THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF ROGER MABRY, TYLER CARROL, WARREN SMOTHERS, AND DANIEL HOLLOWAY FROM THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADD JACOB KINSMAN TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW JR ERWIN TO INSTALL ALL NEW LIGHT FIXTURES AND REMOVE BALLASTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,482.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MR. ERWIN HAS PRODUCED HIS INSURANCE FOR THIS PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING A $200,000.00 BID ON A 2020 FORD F-550 MINI PUMPER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PAYROLL OR BILLS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS IN CHAPTER 1 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALIGN WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET UNION CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE WRITING OFF OF BAD DEBT FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET ON DISPLAY ON APRIL 12, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH THANKED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS, AND EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLVED IN PUTTING ON THE “PARTY IN THE PATH” ECLIPSE EVENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024.  AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT 43 PLANES LANDED AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE AND THAT DAY THERE WAS $3,700.00 OF FUEL SALES MADE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00685 TO BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL FOR A $500.00 SPONSORSHIP FOR THE HALL OF FAME EVENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE REPAIRS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE THROUGH BRANDON SMITH IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,249.36.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS IS INVESTIGATING ANY UPDATES AND PLANS TO DO WITH THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  HE STATED THAT THIS PROJECT IS CURRENTLY UNOFFICIALLY PAUSED. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT 8 CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF TREASURER. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT ZACK ANDREWS IS IN THE PROCESS OF TESTING AND HIS HIRING IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING ALL THE TESTING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO 04/15/2024 AT 9:30 A.M. FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 26^TH, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 FEBRUARY 12^TH, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS PENDING ONE CORRECTION OF “DECAPITATED HOUSE TO DILAPIDATED HOUSE” UNDER ITEM E OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. ABSTAINS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL TO TAKE ON ITEM G UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS FIRST. MAYOR MESSERSMITH WISHED TO CONGRATULATE AND RECOGNIZE GAVIN GENISIO AND MASON TIEFFEL FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE AT THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SPORTS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO ADDRESSED THE BOYS BCHS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM AND COACHES FOR BEING STATE RUNNER UP IN CROSS COUNTRY THIS YEAR. COMMISSIONER KAYS SPOKE UP STATING THAT MASON TIEFFEL HAD ALSO RECEIVED THE TITLE OF ACADEMIC ALL AMERICAN THIS YEAR, BECOMING THE 3^RD EVER IN BCHS HISTORY. PROCLAMATIONS WERE MADE AND GIVEN TO MR. GENISIO AND MR. TIEFFEL FOR THEIR CHAMPIONSHIP AND RECEIVED BY MR. BUCHANAN ON BEHALF OF THE CROSS-COUNTRY TEAM AFTER SPEAKING ABOUT THE TEAMS RECORD THIS YEAR.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED FOR THE COUNCIL’S PERMISSION IN ALLOWING THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS (BAV) TO PROVIDE AN ICE-SKATING RINK FOR THE 2024 HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS. COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF THE BAV WOULD BE HOLDING THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE POLICY AND TAKE CARE OF THE FUNDING FOR THE RINK.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASSURED HIM THAT THEY WOULD HAVE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE AND TAKE CARE OF THE FUNDING. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED IF THE RINK WOULD BE IN THE SAME LOCATION IT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY, BETWEEN THE KNEE-WALL AND BATHROOMS AT CAPITAL PARK, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA CONFIRMED. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO ALLOW THE BAV TO PROVIDE THE ICE-SKATING RINK. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A MOWING CONTRACT FROM DAVID BOOKER AND EXPLAINED THE CITY HAD BEEN USING HIM SINCE 2018 FOR THE LISTED PROPERTIES AND THAT THE AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON WAS THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED WITH MR. BOOKER’S PERFORMANCE. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED TO NOT SEE THIS ITEM ON THE AGENDA FOR APPROVAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH SAID HE HAD IT LISTED AS IT IS BECAUSE HE WAS UNSURE IF THE CITY HAD AN OBLIGATION TO BID OUT THIS SERVICE AND BECAUSE HE DID NOT LIKE THE TWO-YEAR COMMITMENT. CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED IT WAS UNDER THE QUALIFYING AMOUNT TO HAVE TO BE BID OUT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ALSO STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE APPROVING PUBLIC FUNDS WITHOUT GIVING THE PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY TO BID FOR IT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FELT BECAUSE MR. BOOKER’S PRICES HAD BEEN EXPOSED PUBLICLY IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO BID THE 2024 MOWING BUT THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD TAKE ACTION AT THE NEXT MEETING TO APPROVE MR. BOOKER’S MOWING FOR 2024 AND TO START THE BID PROCESS FOR THE 2025 SEASON. BELOW ARE MR. BOOKER’S PRICES ON THE PRESENTED CONTRACT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED TO TABLE ITEM D UNDER THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT STATING THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES AND THE STREET DEPARTMENT LEADMAN DALE WATKINS DO NOT THINK THE LOTS WILL BE READY IN TIME. IT WAS STATED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE RUBLE AND DEBRIS BUT IT WOULD LIKELY LEAVE THE LOTS IN QUESTION IN A MUDDY MESS UNLESS IT REMAINED VERY DRY OVER THE NEXT MONTH. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD ONE PURCHASE ORDER FOR THE EVENING. PURCHASE ORDER #00674 FOR 10, TYPE-3 BARRICADES AT $272.95 TOTALING $2,729.50. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THESE BARRICADES WOULD BE PAID FOR OUT OF THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND GRANT AND WOULD BE USED FOR THINGS LIKE CLOSING OFF THE SQUARE FOR EVENTS TO REDUCE THE NEED FOR OVERTIME. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00674. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASES FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD TWO RESOLUTIONS FOR THIS MEETING, ONE TO CLOSE THE SQUARE FOR THE ECLIPSE EVENT ON APRIL 6^TH FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 9:00 P.M. AND ANOTHER TO CLOSE THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE ON MAY 4^TH FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-02 TO CLOSE THE SQUARE APRIL 6^TH, 2024 FROM 11:00 A.M. TO 9:00 P.M. SECONDED 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 #24-03 TO CLOSE THE SQUARE MAY 4^TH, 2024 FROM 9:00 A.M. TO 1:00 P.M. SECONDED 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 THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM FEBRUARY 1^ST TO FEBRUARY 26^TH HAD RESPONDED TO 446 CALLS AND THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO 58 CALLS IN JANUARY.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE HAD TWO CONTRACTS FOR THE MEETING, BOTH WITH AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. ONE CONTRACT IS FOR BODYCAM SERVICES AND THE OTHER FOR REVAMPING THE INTERROGATION ROOMS AT THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY INVITED POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AND COMMISSIONER KAYS TO SPEAK ABOUT THESE SINCE THEY WERE PRESENT FOR THE DEMONSTRATIONS. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER EXPLAINED THAT THE AGREEMENT FOR THE BODYCAMS WOULD BE A 5-YEAR AGREEMENT TOTALING $69,227.10, WHICH IS ROUGHLY $13,000 A YEAR AFTER THE FIRST PAYMENT OF 5% DUE MARCH 1^ST.  HE STATED THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WITH AXON FOR THEIR BODYCAMS FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE CAMS AND SOFTWARE ARE EASY FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE DEPARTMENT TO USE AND EVERYONE SEEMS TO LIKE THEM. HE STATED THAT TO SWITCH TO MOTOROLA WOULD COST UPWARDS OF $150,000, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THE CITY WOULD ALSO HAVE TO INCUR THE COST OF STORING THE BODYCAM DATA THAT AXON IS STORING CURRENTLY, AS AXON WOULD LIKELY NOT KEEP STORING IT AFTER TERMINATING THE AGREEMENT. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT AXON HAD PUT TOGETHER A PROPOSAL FOR UPGRADING THE HARDWARE IN THE INTERVIEW ROOMS, INCLUDING CAMERAS, CLOUD STORAGE, OTHER HARDWARE AND THE SOFTWARE TO USE THESE ITEMS. THE COST OF THIS PROJECT WOULD BE $48,844.40 AND THE FIRST PAYMENT WOULD NOT NEED TO BE MADE UNTIL THE BUILD STARTS IN LATE AUGUST OR EARLY SEPTEMBER. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THESE EXPENSES WOULD ALSO BE COVERED BY THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND GRANT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE OVER THE AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BID OUT THESE SERVICES BUT BECAUSE THE CITY OF BENTON IS HOME RULE BY ORDINANCE IF AT LEAST FOUR FIFTHS OF THE COUNCIL VOTED IN FAVOR THEY COULD BYPASS THAT PROCESS.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BYPASS THE BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPT THE CONTRACT FROM AXON ENTERPRISES, LLC FOR THE BODYCAMS. SECONDED 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 BYPASS THE BIDDING PROCESS AND ACCEPT THE CONTRACT FROM AXON FOR THE INTERVIEW ROOM UPGRADE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED PAYROLL TOTALING $100,009.22 WITH $73,685.03 BEING GENERAL FUND AND $26,324.19 BEING WATER AND SEWER. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PAYROLL AS PRESENTED FOR FEBRUARY 16^TH. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WANTED TO TAKE ITEM (C) UNDER ACCOUNTS & FINANCE INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR DISCUSSION.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH WANTED TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE ECLIPSE EVENT PLANNING. HE STATED THAT ORIGINALLY, IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL BAND WOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY ON THAT SATURDAY BUT BECAUSE OF PROM THE BAND HAD TO BACK OUT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH SAID THAT THEY HAVE TALKED TO THE PRODUCER OF THE EVENT AND IT LOOKS LIKE THE BAND WILL BE ABLE TO PERFORM FRIDAY NIGHT INSTEAD AT CAPITAL PARK ON THE STAGE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAS AMBITIOUS HOPES FOR MALKOVICH PARK TO BE OPEN BY MOTHER’S DAY AND THAT THE MAJOR HOLD UP AT THIS TIME IS NEEDING A NOTICE TO PROCEED. MAYOR MALKOVICH INVITED THE PUBLIC AND COUNCIL TO ATTEND THE OPEN HOUSE FOR THE MASTER BIKE PLAN. COMMISSIONER STOREY VOICED CONCERN FOR WHERE ONE OF THE DRAFTED PATHS WOULD GO.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS EVENING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO SPEAK ON ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN THE ABSENCE OF ZONING ADMINISTRATOR MR. CALCATERRA. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED FOR ITEM (C) THAT THE DOXSIE’S LIVE ON NORTH STUYVESANT AT WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS 602 AND 604. HE ALSO STATED THAT IT WAS MR. CALCATERRA’S RECOMMENDATION TO ACCEPT THE ANNEXATION AGREEMENT. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ANNEXATION AGREEMENT FOR THE DOXSIE FAMILY. SECONDED 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 HART CANTRELL AND THOMPSON LLC HAD MET THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION AND THAT THEY WOULD BE THE 6^TH BUSINESS TO MAKE USE OF THIS PROGRAM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION FROM HART CANTRELL AND THOMPSON LLC FOR THE WORK AT 602 PUBLIC SQUARE. SECONDED 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 WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ITEM E UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE S3DA ARCHERY TOURNAMENT REPRESENTATIVES HAD APPROACHED THE CITY AND ASKED FOR A DONATION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO APPROVE A $1,000 DONATION AND THAT ALONG WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE CITY OF SESSER WE WOULD BE LISTED AS A HOST CITY FOR THIS DONATION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO DONATE $1,000 TO THE S3DA TOURNAMENT. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS COMMISSIONER STOREY WANTED TO THANK THE COUNCIL FOR HANDLING HIS AFFAIRS AT THE CITY WHILE HE WAS AWAY FOR THREE MEETINGS. HE STATED HE GREATLY APPRECIATED IT.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THE HIGH SCHOOL WOULD BE HAVING A LARGE EVENT THIS WEEK WITH THE BASKETBALL GAMES COMING UP AND THAT IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COME OUT AND SHOW SUPPORT YOU SHOULD. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IF YOU HAVEN’T BEEN TO A BASKETBALL GAME RECENTLY TO SEE THE DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AND EVENT THEY DO THERE, YOU ARE REALLY MISSING OUT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ITEM C UNDER ACCOUNTS & FINANCE AND ITEM E UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

5:44

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

6:38

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO EXIT EXECUTIVE SESSION. SECONDED 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 ENTER BACK INTO REGULAR SESSION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION.

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

6:40 PM

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RICK LINTON TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT FREDCO IS DISSOLVING.  MR. LINTON HANDED THE COUNCIL A LIST OF FREDCO ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS WELL AS A FRANKLIN COUNTY BUSINESS DIRECTORY.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT HE WAS HERE TO BRING A CHECK BACK TO THE CITY FROM SEED MONEY USED TO START FREDCO.  MR. LINTON PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A CHECK FOR $6,000.00 AND HE ASKED THAT THE CITY CONSIDER GIVING MONEY TOWARDS THE S3DA TOURNAMENT BEING HELD IN JUNE. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024, HELD AT 5 P.M.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 5, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR OTHER BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOTS 46 AND 47 FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE TO LEMUEL GAGE AND CHARLOTTE GAGE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE UPDATES OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00398 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO CLOUD PCR FOR EMS REPORTING SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,188.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00399 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO IAMRESPONDING FOR ANNUAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $660.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00400 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO LEO ELLEBRECT FOR 3 SETS OF REPLACEMENT BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,402.01.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  IT WAS NOTED THAT THIS BILL WAS FROM DECEMBER.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00401 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO SCBAS INC. FOR REPAIR OF SCBA COMPRESSOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $593.08.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION, BUT NOTED THAT THIS BILL IS FROM AUGUST 24, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER KAYS.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00402 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO IFSI FOR COMPANY FIRE OFFICER CLASSES FOR FIREFIGHTER WARREN AND FIREFIGHTER NEFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION, BUT NOTED THAT THESE CLASSES WERE STARTED IN OCTOBER AND THE INVOICE IS FROM DECEMBER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00403 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,136.00.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00404 FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO NOVACOM FOR 7 MOTOROLA RADIOS, 7 SPEAKER MICS, AND 7 LEATHER CASES IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,092.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION, BUT NOTED THAT THIS INVOICE WAS FROM DECEMBER AS WELL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD NEED TO MAKE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF SURPLUS BICYCLES TO BCHS AND THAT THEY WOULD FIND A LETTER FROM BOB HAGERMAN REQUESTING THE SURPLUS BICYCLES IN THEIR PACKETS.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF SURPLUS BICYCLES TO BCHS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 02/02/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,434.66 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,170.69 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $107,605.35.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 02/12/2024 IN THE AMOUNT OF $558,348.70 WHICH INCLUDED BILLS FORM IJRL TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,822.34 AND MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,888.46.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THE I5 BIKE PLAN RECOMMENDATION.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WILL BE AN OPEN HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 27, 2024 AT CAFÉ BLOOM FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M.  HE STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE PROPOSED BIKE PLAN IN THEIR FOLDERS TO LOOK OVER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE OSLAD GRANT THAT WAS APPLIED FOR BY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,720.00 HAS BEEN APPROVED AND WORK WILL BEGIN ON MALKOVICH PARK ONCE WE GET THE NOTICE TO PROCEED.  AS A FINAL UPDATE, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE DATES ON THE PURCHASE ORDERS APPROVED TONIGHT ARE VERY FRUSTRATING AND THIS NEEDS SOME WORK. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT BY CHARLES AND SHIRLENE CAPPS TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 ANNA STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD ACTUALLY APPROVED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT ON THIS PROPERTY A FEW MONTHS BACK, BUT THE SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH.  HE STATED THAT IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM HAD A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT BY CHARLES AND SHIRLENE CAPPS TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1210 ANNA STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY MATT WAYMAN REGARDING A SPONSORSHIP FOR THE SI COMIC CON COMING TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER ON APRIL 27, 2024.  MR. WAYMAN HAS REQUESTED A SPONSORSHIP OF $500.00.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THIS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BUDGET HAS A LINE ITEM OF $500.00 PER MONTH THAT COULD BE USED FOR DONATIONS SUCH AS THIS AND IT HAS NOT BEEN USED UP TO THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DO A SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,000.00.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF HE WAS SURE HE WANTED TO GIVE $1,000.00 AS THEY HAD ONLY REQUESTED $500.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WITHDREW HIS MOTION OF DONATING $1,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO SI COMIC CON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO RELEASE LIEN ON REAL ESTATE LOCATED ON BEATRICE STREET.   ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONTACTED REGARDING THIS HOME.  HE STATED THAT THE OWNERS WILL TEAR DOWN THIS HOME IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CITY RELEASING ALL LIENS ON THE REAL ESTATE.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NORMALLY WOULD NOT BE FOR RELEASING A LIEN, HOWEVER, IT IS WORTH DOING IN EXCHANGE FOR THE CITY NOT BEING OUT THE EXPENSE OF TEARING THIS HOME DOWN ITSELF.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO RELEASE THE LIEN ON REAL ESTATE LOCATED ON BEATRICE STREET CONTINGENT UPON CLEANUP OF THE DELAPIDATED HOUSE. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO REMIND THE COUNCIL THAT THE BODYCAMS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SECURITY CAMERAS BOTH WILL NEED NEW CONTRACTS SOON.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:30 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 5, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS MEETING HAD BEEN CALLED FOR THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING

ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS THIS. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE

INTERVIEWED PEOPLE ALONGSIDE MAYOR MESSERSMITH AND ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH. MR.

CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NARROWED THE POOL TO TWO INDIVIDUALS AND HAD CITY CLERK

BROOK CRAIG AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES INTERVIEW THEM BOTH AS WELL. MR.

CALCATERRA PRESENTED CALEB CAVINS FOR THIS POSITION. HE SAID MR. CAVINS HAD MOXY AND HE BELIEVES WITH HIS PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT IN REPOSSESSING PROPERTY, HE WILL DO GREAT IN THIS POSITION AS HE WILL KNOW HOW TO HANDLE SITUATIONS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE

FELT THIS POSITION WAS GREATLY NEEDED. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS NOTHING

PERSONAL AGAINST MR. CAVINS, BUT DOES NOT SEE THE NEED IN HIRING FOR THIS POSITION.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HOPES IN A YEAR HE CAN PUBLICLY SAY HE WAS WRONG AND

THAT THIS POSITION IS NEEDED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE CALEB CAVINS AS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY PENDING THE OUTCOME OF DRUG AND FIT FOR WORK TESTING WITH A

SALARY OF $32,500.00 PER YEAR ON A PAY RESOLUTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.

VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR

MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER KAYS.

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.

9:45 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024, HELD AT 5 P.M.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVED THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTICIPATION IN THE COZY CLUB PROGRAM THROUGH RSP HEATING AND COOLING FOR THE CITY HALL AND TWIN OAKS BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $24.95/MONTH PER SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #1 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE 8” WATER MAIN PROJECT ON PETROFF ROAD IN THE AMOUNT OF $290,005.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM OFFICER ROGER BRENT ERTHALL THAT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED TO CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION, WITH REGRET, TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER ROGER BRENT ERTHALL EFFECTIVE MAY 24, 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 01/19/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $83,976.68 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,949.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $111,925.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CATASTROPHIC EVENT POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.  THIS POLICY ESTABLISHES UNIFORM GUIDELINES FOR PROVIDING PAID TIME OFF TO EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR ABSENCES RELATED TO A CATASTROPHIC CASUALTY LOSS SUFFERED DUE TO A FIRE, NATURAL DISASTER, OR TERRORIST ATTACK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

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

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HANDLED THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00673 TO ALLEGION FOR A 5-YEAR SERVICE CONTRACT FOR THE AUTOMATIC DOORS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $116.00 PER YEAR FOR A TOTAL OF $1,160.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE MAYOR WOULD LIKE TO AMEND THE SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH WOULD LIKE TO ALLOW TWO OPTIONS FOR SUNDAY LIQUOR PERMITS.  FIRST OPTION WILL BE TO PAY $1,200.00 AND BE ALLOWED TO BE OPEN EVERY SUNDAY.  THE SECOND OPTION IS TO PAY $50.00 PER SUNDAY YOU WISH TO BE OPEN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND THE SUNDAY LICENSE OPTIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A LETTER FROM THE LADY’S AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE LADY’S AUXILIARY HAS ASKED FOR A DONATION OF $500.00 OR WHATEVER PLEASES THE COUNCIL TO PURCHASE NEW FLAGS TO PLACE AROUND TOWN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO THE LADY’S AUXILIARY OF THE AMERICAN LEGION FOR THE PURCHASE OR FLAGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE DONATING TWO GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR WEEKDAY RENTALS TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THEIR ANNUAL DINNER SILENT AUCTION.   

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A GOOD CROWD AT THE BENTON INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WAS GOOD FOR OUR COMMUNITY IN GENERAL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING ON MULTIPLE LEAKS AROUND TOWN. 

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

5:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $269,717.68, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,413.91, AND TIF FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,845.85 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID ON JANUARY 12, 2024 OF $564,977.44.

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

TIME 9:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 8, 2024 AT 10 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2023, HELD AT 10 A.M.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAD RECEIVED THE WATER USAGE REPORT FOR TWIN OAKS AND THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF USAGE.  SHE STATED THAT THERE APPEARS TO BE A LEAK, BUT WE HAVE NOW TURNED OFF THE WATER FOR THE WINTER AND WILL BEGIN LOOKING FOR THE ISSUE ONCE SPRING GETS HERE. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERRY RIDGE NON-HAZARDOUS WASTE SERVICE AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THIS IS A STANDARD AGREEMENT AND NOTHING HAS BEEN MODIFIED SINCE THE LAST TIME THE CITY ENTERED INTO THIS AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM REGARDING CREATING A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A LATERAL TRANSFER ORDINANCE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 5, 2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,973.17 AND THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,168.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $107,141.61.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING AND THAT THE MEETING WILL NEED TO BE CONTINUED FOR THE PAYMENT OF BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-01 FOR THE LINE OF CREDIT WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK FOR THE WATER MAIN PROJECT TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE MEETING. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER KAYS HANDLED THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THERE WERE NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (C), (D), (E), AND (F).

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY LOCATED IN 1^ST ADDITION.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HE AND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS ALLEY VACATION.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-01 VACATING AN ALLEY LOCATED IN REED’S 1^ST ADDITION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD BE HAND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA MENTIONED THAT HE DID RECEIVE 1 LETTER IN OPPOSITION OF THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE A BODY AND FENDER WORKS BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HE AND THE ZONING BOARD’S RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY APRIL WILKINS TO OPERATE AND AUTOMOBILE SALES BUSINESS LOCATED AT 605 NORTH MAIN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WAS HIS RECOMMENDATION THAT THE CITY MAKE A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE #24-02 DEFINING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS A PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY BUILDING, STORAGE BUILDING, GARAGE, LIVING UNIT, OR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD VOTED 2-2 ON THIS SUBJECT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-02 DEFINING SHIPPING CONTAINERS AND PROHIBITING THE USE OF SHIPPING CONTAINERS AS A PRIMARY OR PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY BUILDING, STORAGE BUILDING, GARAGE, LIVING UNIT, OR OTHER SIMILAR PURPOSE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS., ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD SCHEDULED 6 INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY, 2 OF THE INTERVIEWEES WERE NO CALL, NO SHOW. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SAT IN ON A MEETING WITH AXON REGARDING BODY CAMERAS AND RENEWING OUR CONTRACT WITH THEM.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE CAMERAS IN THE INTERVIEW ROOM NEEDED TO BE UPDATED AS WELL.  MORE INFORMATION WILL COME AT A LATER MEETING REGARDING THESE ITEMS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE CITY WOULD SEE A SAVINGS ON A LATERAL HIRE IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THEY DO STILL HAVE TO GO TO THE FIRE ACADEMY, BUT HE SAID WE WOULD SEE A SAVING BY HAVING LESS OVERTIME BECAUSE THE LATERAL TRANSFER WOULD NOT HAVE TO BE ON A SHIFT WITH ANOTHER FIREMAN FOR AS LONG.  MR. CARTER ALSO QUESTIONED WHERE THE LEAK AT TWIN OAKS IS AND IF IT IS GOING INTO THE STOOL.  HE SAID THAT IF IT IS RUNNING A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER THROUGH THE SEPTIC TANK, IT WILL KILL ALL THE GOOD BUGS OFF.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IT DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE STOOLS.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE PERRY RIDGE AGREEMENT STATED WHETHER OR NOT THEY WOULD BE USING FOREVER CHEMICALS AND IF THEY ARE PERIODICALLY TESTING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AS FAR AS HE KNOWS THEY ARE NO USING FOREVER CHEMICALS, BUT THAT HE WILL TALK WITH SHANNON TOIGO AND CRAIG MILES ABOUT THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SET UP A TIME TO MEET WITH MR. CARTER AFTER GETTING THESE ANSWERS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY JANUARY 12, 2024 AT 9:30 A.M. TO PAY BILLS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS: 0.  

5:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY DECEMBER 22, 2023 AT 10 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, 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 DECEMBER 11, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE IS A LEAK OF SOME KIND IN THE WATER SYSTEM AT TWIN OAKS AND SHE IS HAVING THIS LOOKED INTO.  SHE HAS ASKED FOR A REPORT FROM THE EWING INA WATER DEPARTMENT SHOWING THE USAGE AT TWIN OAKS; HOWEVER, SHE WAS TOLD IT WOULD ONLY SHOW 40 DAYS OF USAGE ON THIS REPORT.  SHE STATED SHE WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL UP TO DATE ON HER FINDINGS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING WITH NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR UPDATES. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INSTALLATION OF LED LIGHTING AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM J.R. ERWIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,482.00 PENDING PROOF OF INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A NEW DISPATCH AGREEMENT WITH WEST CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY DISPATCH AT A RATE OF $11,500.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITION AND REMOVAL OF FIREFIGHTERS FROM THE PAID ON-CALL LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 12/22/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,365.63.02 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,397.09, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,796.97 FOR A TOTAL OF $111,559.69.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00672 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A 3-FOOT-WIDE FILING CABINET FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $391.43.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00498 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT FOR END OF YEAR GIFT CARDS FOR ALL FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $75.00 PER PERSON FOR A TOTAL PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT OF $3,225.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THESE GIFT CARDS SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN BOUGHT AND PASSED OUT BEFORE THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD DROPPED THE BALL AND HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE EMPLOYEES RECEIVED THIS BEFORE THE HOLIDAY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WANTED THE EMPLOYEES TO GET IT, BUT THAT HE FEELS COMMISSIONER KAYS DID THIS IN A DIRTY WAY AND HE WAS SICK OF THE DOG AND PONY SHOW, AS HE SAID COMMISSIONER KAYS HAD STATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT HE NEVER WANTED TO HEAR COMMISSIONER KAYS CALL THIS COUNCIL A DOG AND PONY SHOW EVER AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IF THE MOTION DID NOT PASS, HE WOULD REIMBURSE THE CITY OUT OF HIS OWN POCKET.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A GROUP RATE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON TO JOIN AIR EVAC.  AIR EVAC HAS OFFERED THE CITY A RATE OF $75.00 PER YEAR PER FAMILY AS LONG AS 3 EMPLOYEES SIGN UP.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THERE HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 3 EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE CONVEYED INTEREST IN THIS PROGRAM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH PEOPLE’S NATIONAL BANK REGARDING A LINE OF CREDIT FOR THE ACEI BORE FUNDING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INFORMATION HAS BEEN COLLECTED AND EVERYTHING SHOULD BE READY TO GO AT THE NEXT SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE THAT BOTH THE ELKS AND THE LEGION WILL BE HAVING A FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER ON CHRISTMAS DAY FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN GOING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE LOCAL AREA CHURCHES WILL BE HOLDING A CANDLE LIGHT CEREMONY ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2023.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BENTON RANGER’S BASKETBALL TEAM IS CURRENTLY 10-0 AND A VERY FUN TEAM TO WATCH PLAY.  HE SAID THAT THERE WILL BE GAMES THIS EVENING AT THE RICH HERRIN GYM AT 4:00 P.M. FOR FRESHMEN, 5:15 P.M. FOR JUNIOR VARSITY, AND 6:30 P.M. FOR VARSITY.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEMS (C), (D), (E), (F), AND (G).

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY BEEN APPROACHED BY SOMEONE INTERESTED IN BRINGING A SHIPPING CONTAINER TO TOWN FOR STORAGE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE TOLD THE PERSON THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NOT AN ORDINANCE IN PLACE THAT WOULD STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING, BUT THAT HE PLANS ON CREATING ONE.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO CREATE A ZONING ORDINANCE REGULATING SHIPPING CONTAINER USE WITHIN THE ZONING JURISDICTION OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE CITY’S PREVIOUS FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM HAD EXPIRED AND HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO RENEW THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-26 AMENDING CHAPTER 40, ARTICLE 1, 40-1-2 DEFINITIONS TO DEFINE OFF-SITE SIGNS.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-27 AMENDING CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX E – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-1 ZONING DISTRICT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-28 AMENDING CHAPTER 40 APPENDIX 3 – SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT SIGN REGULATIONS RELATING TO FLUSH WALL SIGNS IN THE B-6 ZONING DISTRICT.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING BIDS FOR RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION.  HE STATED THAT THE MARKET IS DOWN AT THIS TIME AND WE ARE HOPING TO LOCK IN A RATE THAT WILL BE LOWER THAN THE RATES WILL BE WHEN OUR CONTRACT IS UP AT THE END OF JUNE OF 2024.  CURRENTLY THE MARKET PRICE AVAILABLE TO OUR CITIZENS FOR THE NEXT CONTRACT IS $0.08100 PER KILOWATT HOUR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS FOR COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC AGGREGATION AT A RATE OF $0.065070 FOR A DURATION OF 39 MONTHS.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD SCHEDULED 6 INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY, 2 OF THE INTERVIEWEES WERE NO CALL, NO SHOW. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS WERE NOT GETTING A GIFT CERTIFICATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE PURCHASED GIFT CERTIFICATES FOR FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM HAD PURCHASED HATS FOR ALL OF THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTERS.  ALSO UNDER NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SOME SORT OF ACTIVITY IN THE CITY OF BENTON EVERY MONTH FOR THE NEXT YEAR.  HE MENTIONED THE POSSIBILITY OF AN AMATEUR BBQ COOKOFF WITH FUNDS BEING RAISED FOR THE COMMUNITY PARK.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD ATTENDED THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL BOARD MEETING RECENTLY AND A QUESTION WAS ASKED ABOUT PLACING A CROSSWALK ON COLLEGE STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING WE COULD LOOK INTO.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A NEW TEMPORARY SIGN HAS BEEN PLACED NEXT TO THE STATUE OF MR. A TO HELP IDENTIFY HIM TO VISITS AND THAT A PERMANENT SIGN WILL BE PLACED ONCE THE RENOVATIONS AT MALKOVICH PARK ARE COMPLETED. 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

10:50 A.M.