Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 18, 2021 AT 8:30 A.M.   MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT BRIAN CALCATERRA FOR THE ZONGIN ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION.  DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT HE WOULD BE RETIRING ON JANUARY 4, 2022 AND MR. CALCATERRA WOULD BE STARTING ON NOVEMBER 1, 2021.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED WHAT THE STARTING PAY WOULD BE FOR MR. CALCATERRA.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE STARTING PAY WOULD BE $38,500.00 AND BENEFITS WOULD BE PRORATED FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND A 2% RAISE WILL BE GIVEN ON May 1, 2022.   MR. GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT MR. CALCATERRA CURRENTLY LIVES IN WEST FRANKFORT AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT WITHIN 180 DAYS.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. CALCATERRA WOULD RECEIVE A 2 YEAR CONTRACT FOR THIS POSITION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF BRIAN CALCATERRA FOR THE POSITION OF ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TATKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ .  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:40 A.M.   

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 11, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE AS WELL AS IN PERSON.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ATTENDED VIA ZOOM AND ALL OTHER MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED DAVID HARP TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP GAVE AN UPDATE ON THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  MR. HARP STATED THAT THE PROJECT IS STILL MOVING FORWARD. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001774 TO IMCO FOR 1 REPLACEMENT FIRE HYDRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,020.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT THE BID AWARD FOR THE HIGH SERVICE PUMP PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THREE BIDS WERE RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM F.W. PLUMBING AND HEARING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS FOR $526,787.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS FOR $471,410.00.  THE THIRD BID WAS FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS FOR $447,800.00.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT HE HAS WORKED WITH MIDWEST PETROLEUM IN THE PAST AND IS WELL SATISFIED WITH HIS WORK AND THEREFORE BASED UPON PAST EXPERIENCES AND LOW BID, HE RECOMMENDED THE CITY AWARD THE PUMP HOUSE RENOVATION BID TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT RESURFACING OF NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET AND JOPLIN STREET WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 12, 2021.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT ON 10/30/2021 A “CHALK BENTON” EVENT WILL HAPPEN ON THE SQUARE.  THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED AT A COUNCIL MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00359 TO THE FIRE STORE FOR TWO PAIRS OF GLOBE FIREFIGHTING BOOTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,028.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00360 TO AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,137.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00361 TO MID-AMERICA FIRE FOR THREE 100-FOOT SECTIONS OF SUPPLY HOSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,052.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WILL BE LEAVING ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A 6^TH FIREMAN ON THE AGENDA EVERY TIME.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM THIS EVENING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE POLICE UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPATCH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY DISCUSSED MANDATORY COVID-19 TESTING AND/OR MANDATORY VACCINATIONS.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AIRPORT FUEL TO SELL.  THE FUEL IS $3.62 PER GALLON AND WILL BE SOLD FOR $4.19 PER GALLON.  THE AMOUNT PURCHASED IS 7,916 GALLONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $337,392.68.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR OCTOBER 1, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,106.06 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,133.12 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $85,239.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR OCTOBER 15, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,988.64 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,379.51 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,378.15.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT FOR THE ARPA (AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT) FUNDS TO BE DEPOSITED IN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #21-07 FOR CAFETERIA PLAN FOR INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING ENTRY OF INDIVIDUALS INTO CITY HALL IN REGARDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CDC INCLUDING IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO COVID-19 DO NOT COME INTO CITY HALL UNTIL YOU HAVE TESTED NEGATIVE OR BEEN IN QUARANTINE FOR THE ALLOTTED NUMBER OF DAYS. 

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

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF STRIPING OF THE NORTH EAST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT OFF THE SQUARE. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING MODIFICATION TO THE REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT WITH 618FIXMYRV, LLC BY CHANGING THE NAME TO 5 HINMAN HOLDINGS, LLC.  MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS MODIFICATION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A 2022 FLEETWOOD 28 X 64 MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1399 BAILEY LANE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE #21-08 AMENDING THE I-57 ENTERPRISE ZONE TERRITORY.  MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE ENTRANCE TO THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE SEMIS HAULING SLUDGE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT HAS STATED THE ADOPT A LIGHT POLE PROJECT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT VOLUNTEERS ARE WHAT MAKE BENTON SPECIAL. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM’S CARTER STATED THAT HE HAS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WATER PLANT ROAD AND QUESTIONED WORKER’S COMPENSATION AND COVID-19 PAY. 

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

7:05 P.M.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY IN PERSON AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ATTENDED VIA ZOOM CONNECTION AND COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ATTENDED THE MEETING IN PERSON. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENT ITEM (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLEY CLOSING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AT 5:45 P.M. REGARDING A PETITION RECEIVED FROM KIMBERLY A. LARSEN FOR AN ALLEY TO BE VACATED LYING WEST OF THE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND LYING EAST OF GRAND STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VACATION OF THIS ALLEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001773 TO THE TRAFFIC SAFETY STORE FOR 40 FOLDING BARRICADES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,977.20.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR FROM THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND SAFETY GRANT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS UNTIL MORE DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD ON THIS LEASE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO HIRE COLE LEVANTI FOR A FULL-TIME POSITION IN THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CONTINGENT ON POST OFFER, PREEMPLOYMENT TESTING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COUNCIL NOW THERE IS CURRENTLY A PROBLEM WITH THE ELEVATOR AT CITY HALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAVE FORMED A COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX THE SITUATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AT THIS TIME THE ELEVATOR IS CLOSED FOR SERVICE AND HE STATED THAT HE WILL UPDATE THE COUNCIL AS THE PROBLEM IS REMEDIED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #21-06 CLOSING VARIOUS ROADS FOR THE BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE ON OCTOBER 1, 2021 FROM 1:15 P.M. TO 2:45 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF ACTIVITIES OVER THE PREVIOUS WEEKEND IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TRAFFIC FLOW WAS GOOD AND HE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH HOW OUR EMPLOYEES KEPT THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC THROUGH THE CITY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BOAT FOR SURPLUS TO CLINTON COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE UNION CONTRACT AND ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPATCH NEGOTIATIONS/CONTRACT WOULD BOTH BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $559,302.03.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH ERICK CHRISTY REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF A CYBERSECURITY INSURANCE POLICY.  MR. CHRISTY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD BENEFIT FROM HAVING THIS TYPE OF POLICY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE A CYBERSECURITY INSURANCE POLICY IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,895.00 FOR A ONE-YEAR TIMEFRAME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD SOME ITEMS TO DISCUSS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THE MEETING AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF VIDEO GAMING PUSH TAX ORDINANCE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION FROM ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD MEMBER KYLE NEAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO ACCEPT A RESIGNATION FROM ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD MEMBER COY COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN MOHR TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT ADRIENNE MASON TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SET TRICK OR TREAT HOURS FOR OCTOBER 30, 2021 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M. IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON HOW GREAT THE LARGE FLAG HUNG BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT CAPITAL PARK AND THE FOOTBALL GAME ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 LOOKED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HOW NICE IT WAS TO SEE EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE ALL THE EVENTS HAPPEN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK LISA MENO, MELISSA HUNGATE, AND BROOK CRAIG FOR THE WORK THEY PUT IN ON THE PHOTO COLLAGE THAT WAS PLACED AT CAPITAL PARK FOR THE VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO THANKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA FOR ALL THE WORK SHE DID IN PUTTING THE 9/11 MEMORIAL PROGRAM TOGETHER. 

ALSO, UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL CONSIDER SAYING A PRAYER BEFORE BEGINNING COUNCIL MEETINGS.  HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE PASTORS FROM THE COMMUNITY TO LEAD THIS PRAYER BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEETINGS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD DO SOME RESEARCH ON THIS TOPIC AND GET BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH WHAT COULD LEGALLY BE DONE. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE RECENTLY ATTENDED A BACK TO BUSINESS GRANT WORKSHOP THROUGH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.  HE STATED THAT THIS WAS LED BY JASON SIGLER OF THE SIU OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH HAD MENTIONED TO MR. SIGLER THAT THIS WAS A GREAT PROGRAM, HOWEVER, HE WISHED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE EVENING WHERE THERE COULD BE GREATER ATTENDANCE.  MR. SIGLER HAS AGREED TO DO ANOTHER WORKSHOP ON SEPTEMBER 28^TH AT 6 P.M.  THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE BUZZ IN BENTON AND IT WILL BE HOSTED BY THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE IS NO CHARGE TO THE CITY FOR THIS EVENT.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE EDGE CLASS, WHICH CONSISTS OF STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS FRANKLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS AND IS TAUGHT BY HIM, WILL BE HOLDING A FALL FESTIVAL AND WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO USE THE NORTH EAST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT.  THIS WOULD BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON OCTOBER 23, 2021.  ALSO, DURING THIS TIME, A GROUP THAT CALLS THEMSELVES “CHALK BENTON” WOULD LIKE TO DO HALLOWEEN THEMED CHALK PORTRAITS AROUND THE SQUARE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD NEED TO BE PLACED ON THE NEXT AGENDA AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE EDGE PROGRAM WOULD ALSO HAVE TO FOLLOW ALL THE RULES OTHER GROUPS HAVE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO USE THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT FOR THE FESTIVAL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE MURAL ON THE SIDE OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER BUILDING WAS TOUCHED UP OVER THE WEEKEND.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ENCOURAGED PEOPLE TO GO AND SEE HOW NICE THE MURAL LOOKS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE NEW HIRE FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT HAS ELECTRICAL EXPERIENCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WAS NOT SURE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT IF THE NEW HIRE NEEDED SOME HELP WITH IT, MR. CARTER WOULD VOLUNTEER TO TEACH HIM.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WHY THE NEW HIRES ARE HAPPENING AFTER THE VERBAL AGREEMENT WAS MADE TO NOT HIRE ANYONE IN EXCHANGE FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE OF RETIREES.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL THIS WAS RIGHT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE RESPECTED MR. CARTER’S OPINION. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR (B) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS AND (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

6:45 P.M.

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

7:50 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE POLICE UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE DISPATCH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #21-07 FOR A VIDEO GAMING PUSH TAX ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  ABSTAINED:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

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

7:55 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY AUGUST 13, 2021 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS PAYABLE ON AUGUST 13, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,867.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:32 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 9, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY IN -PERSON AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER STOREY ATTENDED VIA ZOOM CONNECTION AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ATTENDED THE MEETING IN PERSON. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 26, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION LETTER FROM COMMISSIONER IAN PERKINS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS ACCEPTED THIS RESIGNATION. 

NOTHING FURTHER WAS DISCUSSED REGARDING PUBLIC PROPERTIES. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DID WANT TO THANK THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE CITY FOR STEPPING UP TO HELP WITH WHAT HIS DEPARTMENT NEEDED AS THEY WERE SHORT STAFFED DUE TO COVID-19. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #21-5 FOR CLOSURE OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER CAR SHOW.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INVOICE TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE 1-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,985.60.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL TO FURNISH MATERIALS FROM ILLINI ASPHALT CORPORATION FOR THE MFT ROAD PROGRAM ON MCLEANSBORO STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,485.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00357 TO FIRE APPARATUS & SUPPLY TEAM FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,158.55.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS BLADES, SYNDER, AND WARREN FROM THE ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE A SIDE BY SIDE FROM WEEK’S IN BENTON WITH THE PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE SURPLUS BOAT IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  THE FOREIGN FIRE FUND WILL PROVIDE THE REST OF THE FUNDS NEEDED FOR THIS PURCHASE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ALL DEPARTMENTS IN THE CITY WILL BE ABLE TO USE THIS SIDE BY SIDE WHEN THEY NEED TO.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED IF THIS PURCHASE WOULD BE MADE BEFORE OR AFTER THE BOAT WAS SOLD.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS PURCHASE WOULD NOT BE MADE UNTIL AFTER THE SURPLUS ITEM WAS SOLD.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RENEWAL OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH BCHS FOR STANDBY AMBULANCE SERVICES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE HAD NOTHING NEW TO REPORT ON REGARDING UNION NEGOTIATIONS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD A MEETING SCHEDULED TO DISCUSSION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE POLICE UNION ON 08/10/2021. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT THE MEETING WOULD NEED TO BE CONTINUED FOR THE PAYMENT OF BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 08/06/2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,638.25 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,390.23 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $100,028.48.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH AND A CITY EMPLOYEE TO ATTEND THE FALL TIF CONFERENCE HELD IN CHICAGO DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THE MEETING AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS ON THE AGENDA. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 (ARPA) AWARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 (ARPA) ASSURANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE VI OF THE CIVIC RIGHTS ACT OF 1964.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE CITY WAS STILL GOING TO HONOR THE HIRING FREEZE THAT WAS AGREED UPON DURING CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD GET BACK TO MR. CARTER REGARDING THIS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2021 AT 8:30 A.M. TO PAY BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

6:19 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 26, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY IN -PERSON ATTENDANCE ONLY.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JULY 12, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED GREG KIMMEL, A RESIDENT AT LAKE BENTON, TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. KIMMEL STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH IDNR REGARDING STOCKING LAKE BENTON WITH ALGAE EATING CARP THAT DO NOT REPRODUCE AND WILL HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF APPROXIMATELY 30 YEARS.  MR. KIMMEL STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RAISE MONEY FOR THESE FISH AND THAT IT WOULD BE AT NO COST TO THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. KIMMEL STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED THE CITY’S PERMISSION IN THE FORM OF A LETTER TO IDNR TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS.  MR. KIMMEL ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TELL THE COUNCIL THAT LAKE BENTON HAS NOT LOOKED AS GOOD AS IT DOES CURRENTLY IN A LONG TIME AND HE ATTRIBUTES THAT TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND THEIR WORK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW GREG KIMMEL TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF STOCKING LAKE BENTON WITH ALGAE EATING CARP AT NO COST TO THE CITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVID SEVERIN WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF HE WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ANYTHING.  REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN SPOKE REGARDING THE STATUE THAT WILL BE PLACED ON A BENCH AT MALKOVICH PARK FOR MR. ALEXANDER AND THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021 FUNDS THAT ARE EARMARKED FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $931,353.78. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001772 TO CLINTON ELECTRIC FOR A VFD PUMP FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT WITH A 6-YEAR WARRANTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,487.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BEGINNING THE PROCESS FOR HIRING OF A MAINTENANCE POSITION IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BEGINNING THE PROCESS FOR HIRING OF A MAINTENANCE POSITION IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00044 TO NEWMAN’S GUN CLUB FOR AMMO IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,456.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00045 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR THREE INTEL CORE COMPUTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,380.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00098 TO SICJTP-MTU 15 FOR MEMBERSHIP DUES IN THE AMOUNT OF $960.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN NEGOTIATING ENTERING INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH BCHS FOR STANDBY AMBULANCE SERVICES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY REPORTED THAT UNION NEGOTIATIONS ARE STILL GOING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,805.78 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,932.01 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,737.79.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING A WATER CLERK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF A CYBERSECURITY INSURANCE POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO LOOK INTO ADA COMPLIANT DOORS FOR THE FRONT OF CITY HALL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS WITNESSED MANY CITIZENS HAVE TROUBLE WITH THE HEAVINESS OF THESE DOORS AND ALSO BELIEVES THIS IS A GOOD IDEA. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE CITY PLANS TO DO WITH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT OF 2021.  CRAIG MILES STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE USED FOR WATER AND SEWER INFRASTRUCTURE. 

ALAN STEWART TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT CHRISTIAN SINGER JOSH WILSON WILL BE PERFORMING A “BACKYARD CONCERT” AT NORTH BENTON BAPTIST CHURCH ON AUGUST 26, 2021.  MR. STEWART STATED THAT THEY WILL BE EXPECTING A LARGE CROWD AND WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST THAT THE CITY CLOSE HIGHLAND STREET FROM JOPLIN TO GARDNER STREET FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M. FOR THIS CONCERT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED TO HAVE THE COUNCIL APPROVE THIS AT A FUTURE MEETING AS IT WAS NOT ON THE AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING. 

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

6:30 P.M.