Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

City Council Meeting Minutes — February 12, 2024

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 City Council Meeting — February 5, 2024

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.

City Council Meeting Minutes — January 22, 2024

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.

Continued City Council Meeting Minutes — January 12, 2024

 

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.

City Council Meeting Minutes — January 8, 2024

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 1ST 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 1ST 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.

City Council Meeting Minutes — December 22, 2023

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.

 

 

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 27, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 27, 2023 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED PAUL TART, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY, TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. TART STATED THAT TAKE ACTION TODAY IS OPENING A WARMING AND RESOURCE CENTER IN WHAT USED TO BE THE EDISON ROOM.  THE CENTER WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 A.M. TO 5 P.M. AS A RESOURCE CENTER AND WARMING CENTER.  THE CENTER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. AND THEN REOPEN AT 7 P.M. UNTIL 7 A.M.  PEOPLE WILL BE SCREENED AND A BACKGROUND CHECK WILL BE DONE BEFORE ENTRY IS ALLOWED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE IS AN ITEM ON THE AGENDA REGARDING A POSSIBLE DONATION TO THIS PROGRAM.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  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 HAS ORDERED SOME CHEMICALS TO SPRAY AROUND THE CITY OWNED BUILDINGS TO HELP WITH BUGS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PUT TOGETHER A QUESTIONNAIRE AND PORTFOLIO FOR EACH CITY OWNED BUILDING TO HELP KEEP UP MAINTENANCE AND SUCH. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000996 TO RESSLER ASSOCIATES FOR A CLARIFIER GEAR BOX AND MOTOR FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,187.26.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT BACKFILLING AND DIRT WORK IS CURRENTLY BEING DONE ON WASTENA STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SAID THE ROAD IS ANTICIPATED TO BE OPENING BACK UP SOON. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/22/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,827.56 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,762.50 FOR A TOTAL OF $105,554.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO STREAM ALL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING AT THE FIRST MEETING IN JANUARY 2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ACTUARIAL FOR POLICE AND FIRE PENSIONS HAVE BEEN RETURNED TO THE CITY.  HE STATED THAT THE FUNDS ARE FUNDED APPROPRIATELY.  THE ACTUARIAL WERE DONE BY THE STATE THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO LAUTERBACH AND AMEN AS IN THE PAST.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THE CITY’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND HAS INCREASED FROM 7.84% TO 8.70%. 

 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS, AND THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS FOR ALL THE HELP THEY PROVIDED WITH PUTTING ON THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS EVENT ON THE SQUARE.  THIS SENTIMENT WAS ECHOED BY THE COUNCIL. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00496 TO THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE FOR 25 ROLLS OF FOREVER STAMPS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,650.00.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THIS PURCHASE WAS DUE TO POSTAGE INCREASING IN 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE IDENTIFYING HOME RULE CONFLICTS WITH CERTAIN STATE LAW REGARDING PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET A MOTION APPROVING THE CREATION OF THIS ORDINANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE IDENTIFYING HOME RULE CONFLICTS WITH CERTAIN STATE LAWS REGARDING PAID LEAVE FOR ALL WORKERS ACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE AMENDING DIVISION XI – ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE ONLY AMENDMENT TO THIS ORDINANCE IS MAKING BOTH POSITIONS FULLTIME POSITIONS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE ##2023-19 AMENDING DIVISION XI-ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 2.  COMMISSIONER KAYS AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY CURRENTLY DONATES $2,400.00 A YEAR TO RECYCLING AND HE BELIEVES THAT IS A GREAT THING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO DONATE $2,400.00 TO THE WARMING CENTER TAKE ACTION TODAY IS OPENING AND OPERATING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WILL BE SOLVING A PROBLEM THAT WE, AS A CITY, HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SOLVE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT USING FUNDS FROM THE OPIOID ACCOUNT TO PAY FOR THIS INITIAL $2,400.00 DONATION.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND SAID THERE ARE CERTAIN RULES AS TO WHAT THE FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR AND HE WILL LOOK INTO IT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF $2,400.00 TO THE TAKE ACTION TODAY WARMING CENTER FROM THE OPIOID ACCOUNT PENDING ANY RESTRICTIONS PREVENTING THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING 29-1-20 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WILL BE AMENDING THE PRICING OF INSPECTIONS DONE BY THE CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION DIRECTION ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING 29-1-20 OF THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

THERE WAS NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

THERE WAS NO NEW BUSINESS.

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

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

 

5:38 P.M.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — NOVEMBER 13, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2023 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

THERE WAS NO BUSINESS FOR PUBLIC PROPERTIES THIS EVENING. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 23-19 FOR STREET CLOSURE FOR THE HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION ON 11/25/2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT HAS MADE GOOD STRIDES DUE TO THE NICE WEATHER WE HAVE HAD AND HE EXPECTS THE ROAD TO BE REOPENED SOON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE MILL AND OVERLAY PROJECT ON WHISPER WAY HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND THAT CONCRETE HAS BEEN POURED AT THE SPILLWAY ON BENTON LAKE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE PATCHING ON EAST MAIN STREET HAS BEEN DONE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00397 TO MUNICIPAL EMERGENCY SERVICES FOR 6 FIRE HELMETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $368.00 A PIECE FOR A TOTAL OF $2,208.00.  THIS REPLACES 6 OUT OF DATE HELMETS AND IS ORDER 2 OF 3.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00119 TO CELLEBRITE INC. FOR CELL PHONE FORENSICS TRAINING IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,915.00.  THIS IS TO BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF SHANE COCKRUM FROM THE WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD BECAUSE CHIEF COCKRUM CANNOT ATTEND THE MEETINGS ON THE DAYS THEY ARE SCHEDULED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO THE WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD AS A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO SUPPLY A CELL PHONE TO THE OFFICER THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ON THE DRUG TASK FORCE FOR WORK USE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW DISPATCH SERVICE AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WEST FRANKLIN COUNTY CENTRAL DISPATCH AND THE CITY OF BENTON IS SET TO EXPIRE THIS MONTH.  HE ASKED FOR A MOTION ALLOWING CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AND COMMISSIONER DON STOREY TO NEGOTIATE A NEW SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR 2 YEARS WITH A LOCKED IN PRICE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THAT MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/27/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,047.18 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,179.71 FOR A TOTAL OF $100,226.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/09/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,028.32 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,637.20 FOR A TOTAL OF $97,665.52.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON 11/13/2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $952,902.62.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BILLS BROKE DOWN AS SUCH: I-57 INTERCHANGE $32,436.01, TIF $160,907.82, MFT $67,367.46, AND AP FUND $691,891.33.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRST FINANCIAL POSITIVE PAY SYSTEM TO FIGHT CHECK FRAUD ON OUR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $40.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY ASKED TO LOOK INTO ESTABLISHING A TOBACCO TAX ORDINANCE IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT DURING RESEARCH IT WAS FOUND THAT THE CITY OF BENTON IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THIS UNDER HOME RULE. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HEALTH INSURANCE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES FOR 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 10.54% IN OUR RATE, BUT THAT THIS WAS NOT A BAD INCREASE COMPARED TO WHAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE AND TREASURER LISA MENO ARE WORKING ON A PURCHASE ORDER POLICY AS WHAT THE CITY CURRENTLY FOLLOWS IS NOT IN WRITING.  COMMISSIONER KAYS URGED COMMISSIONERS AND DEPARTMENT HEADS TO MAKE SURE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE BEING FILLED OUT AS HE IS SEEING MORE AND MORE BILLS WITHOUT PURCHASE ORDERS THAT ARE OVER THE CURRENT $500.00 THRESHOLD REQUIRED FOR A PURCHASE ORDER. 

 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00493 TO ALVERSON SOUND INC FOR A 32 FOOT BY 24-FOOT MOBILE STAGE WITH LIGHTS AND SOUND FOR THE 2024 ECLIPSE CONCERT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5495.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00492 TO ACTION ENTERTAINMENT AS A DEPOSIT FOR CONFEDERATE RAILROAD TO PLAY A CONCERT FOR THE 2024 ECLIPSE WEEKEND.  THIS DEPOSIT WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE HOSTING A HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 25, 2023 AND HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00495 TO KENNETH AND RUTH MATEYCAK FOR A SANTA AND MRS. CLAUS APPEARANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $125.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00494 TO ASCENT AVIATION FOR 7,937 GALLONS OF AVIATION GASOLINE IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,936.73 FOR RESALE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL TO AMEND 12-1-5 (A) OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES, DEFINITION OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD CLEAN UP THIS SECTION OF ORDINANCES BY DEFINING EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #23-17 AMENDING 12-1-5 (A) OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES, DEFINITION OF PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE LIST OF 2024 MEETING TIMES AS PRESENTED IN THE COMMISSIONER’S PACKETS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAS A FEW QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SOME OF THE DATE CHANGES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE SAW NO REASON TO CHANGE THE MEETING DATES OF JANUARY 22, 2024 AND OCTOBER 14, 2024 AND THAT HE HOPED THEY WERE NOT BEING DONE DUE TO ONE MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT MOVING THESE MEETINGS WOULD GIVE THE PUBLIC A BETTER CHANCE TO ATTEND.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT INSTEAD OF MOVING THE MEETINGS HE WOULD LIKE TO ENTERTAIN STREAMING THE MEETINGS ON FACEBOOK LIVE SO PEOPLE THAT GET OFF WORK AT 4:30 P.M. OR 5 P.M. COULD ATTEND VIRTUALLY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING TIMES AS INITIALLY PRESENTED.  NO SECOND WAS RECEIVED.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS FINE WITH NOT MOVING THE JANUARY AND OCTOBER MEETINGS IN QUESTION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MEETING TIMES WITH THE AMENDMENT OF JANUARY AND OCTOBER MEETINGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED A LIST OF HOLIDAYS THAT CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED IN 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE 2024 HOLIDAYS FOR CITY HALL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (F).   ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CODY WILLIFORD HAS BEEN HIRED FULL TIME BY THE BENTON WATER DEPARTMENT AND THEREFORE LEAVING AN OPENING AS CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE FEELS THIS POSITION SHOULD BE MADE FULL TIME.  MR. CALCATERRA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH FIGURES SHOWING HOW IF HOME INSPECTIONS WERE DONE ON EVERY NEW WATER HOOK UP, THE ADDITION OF A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE ALONG WITH WHAT WE WERE PAYING MR. WILLIFORD COULD BE A WASH.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WAS AWARE THAT ADDING A FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE NOT ONLY ADDED MORE SALARY, BUT A BENEFIT PACKAGE AS WELL INCLUDING HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

THERE WAS NO OLD BUSINESS.

 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR ILLEGAL BURNS THIS FALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CURRENTLY THERE IS NO PENALTY TO THIS, BUT HE WOULD LIKE TO WORK TOWARDS POSSIBLY WRITING TICKETS AFTER BEING CALLED TO THE SAME RESIDENCE MORE THAN 2 TIMES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE RECALLED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA DISCUSSING THIS A FEW MEETINGS BACK. 

 

NO MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

 

 

 

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

 

6:00 P.M.

City Council Meeting Minutes — October 23, 2023

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 23, 2023 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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS¸ COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND 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 OCTOBER 9, 2023, HELD AT 5 P.M.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF MONDAY OCTOBER 16, 2023, HELD AT 8:30 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING, INC. FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCE MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,242.40.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  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 FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO MIDWEST EXCAVATING FOR PUMP HOUSE RENOVATIONS IN THE AMOUNT OF $306,860.16.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE RENOVATIONS ARE STATE OF THE ART AND WILL ALLOW PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES TO BE ABLE TO RUN IT FROM AN APPLICATION ON HIS TELEPHONE. 

 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WHISPER WAY MILLING AND OVERLAY PROJECT IS SET TO BEGIN IN THE FIRST OR SECOND WEEKS OF NOVEMBER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT IS ON TRACK. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00117 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY FOR 1 CUSTOM SIGNALS RAPTOR RP-1 POLICE RADAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,555.38.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR THE DATES OF 09/01/2023 TO 09/30/2023.  DURING THIS TIME THERE WERE 538 TOTAL DISPATCHED CALLS WHICH INCLUDED 21 ALARM CALLS, 3 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ASSAULT AND BATTERY CALL, 28 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 16 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 3 FIGHTS IN PROGRESS, 11 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 1 MISSING JUVENILE, 1 PROWLER CALL, 17 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 18 THEFT CALLS, 14 WELFARE CHECKS, AND 414 OTHER CALLS.  THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE 13 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 32 TRAFFIC STOPS, AND 7 TRAFFIC CITATIONS ISSUES.  THERE WERE ALSO 38 CRIMINAL ARRESTS. 

 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE DATES OF 09/01/2023 TO 09/30/2023.  THE REPORT INDICATED THAT THERE WERE 60 TOTAL CALLS.  THESE CALLS INCLUDED 18 FIRES, 33 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 6 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, 3 SERVICE CALLS, 6 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 3 FALSE ALARM AND FALL CALLS. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/13/2023 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,895.47 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,576.10 FOR A TOTAL OF $100,471.57.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME RESEARCH INTO THE AMOUNT PER MONTH USING POSITIVE PAY SERVICES FOR ACCOUNTS PAYABLE WOULD BE AND THEN RETURN TO THE COUNCIL FOR A VOTE ON USING THIS SERVICE.  HE STATED THIS IS AN EXTRA LAYER OF PROTECTION IF THE CITY’S CHECKING ACCOUNTS WERE TO BE HACKED INTO.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WILL PROBABLY BE SOMEWHERE BETWEEN $80.00 AND $120.00 A MONTH. 

 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE EVENT ON THE SQUARE, FALL-O-WEEN, WENT VERY WELL.  HE STATED THAT THIS WAS A TRUE COMMUNITY EVENT.  HE STATED THAT PARTICIPATION FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WAS PHENOMENAL AND HE BELIEVES THIS HELPED THE EVENT TO SUCCEED. 

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C) AND (D). 

 

ITEM (C):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS CHRIS SCROGGINS HAS COMPLETED THE CITY’S ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS, BUT THIS YEAR DID NOT FEEL LIKE HE WAS ABLE TO DO SOME DUE TO SOME NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IN THE PAST MR. SCROGGINS HAS CHARGED THE CITY $600.00 TO FILE THESE REPORTS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO COMPLETE THE 2022-2023 FY ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STATED THAT THEY THINK THE COST FOR PREPARING THESE REPORTS WILL BE $1,500.00.   COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO COMPLETE THE ANNUAL COMPTROLLER’S TIF REPORTS FOR FY 2022-2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.  

ITEM (D):  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF CREATING AN ORDINANCE REGULATING BILLBOARDS WITHIN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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.  

 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS/DUTIES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE A FEW MONTHS IN TO THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION AND HE FEELS THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE A SHIFT AT THIS TIME.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COMMISSIONERS OVER PUBLIC PROPERTIES AND PUBLIC SAFETY TO SWITCH DEPARTMENTS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION AND COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE FELT LIKE COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY SHOULD ABSTAIN FROM THIS MOTION AS IT IS OVER THEIR DEPARTMENTS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.  NAYS: 1.   COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

 

THERE WAS NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THERE WAS A SUDDEN CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATION DUTIES.  HE STATED THAT AGAIN, NOTHING HAD BEEN DONE ILLEGAL, BUT THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ASK THE COUNCIL TO KEEP THEIR HANDS ON THE TABLE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT MAYBE WE SHOULD SWITCH EACH COMMISSIONER TO A NEW DEPARTMENT EVERY 6 MONTHS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT TONIGHT’S MOVE MADE THE COUNCIL LOOK INEPT AND THAT TONIGHT IS THE FIRST TIME HE HAS FELT KIND OF EMBARRASSED OF THE CITY COUNCIL SINCE BECOMING A MEMBER. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

IN MATTERS OF FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THE POLICY FOR KEEPING EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS IS THE SAME AS WHEN HE WORKED HERE.  AT THAT TIME, MR. CARTER STATED, APPLICATIONS WERE KEPT FOR 6 MONTHS.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE THINKS BENTON RESIDENTS SHOULD ALWAYS GET THE FIRST SHOT AT JOB OPENINGS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT BECAUSE OF UNION RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS, THAT ISN’T THE CASE.  MR. CARTER THANKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG FOR LOOKING UP THE “OPT OUT” POLICY FOR RESIDENTIAL TRASH.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WAS PLANNING ON MAKING THE SIZE OF BILLBOARDS DIFFERENT IN THE NEW ORDINANCE OR ELIMINATING BILLBOARDS COMPLETELY. 

 

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

 

5:30 P.M.

CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — OCTOBER 16, 2023

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 16, 2023 AT 8:35 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 $337,729.88, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,902.75, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,648.12 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID ON OCTOBER 16, 2023 OF $455,280.75.

 

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

 

TIME 8:36 A.M.