Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 22, 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.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR KONDRITZ.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE NOT IN ATTENDANCE.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON MONDAY MARCH 8, 2021 AT 5:45 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON MONDAY, MARCH 8, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED MR. BOB REA TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM.  MR. REA STATED THAT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM HAS LOTS OF VISITORS EVERY YEAR AND BRINGS PEOPLE IN TO TOWN OFF THE INTERSTATE.  MR. REA STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY COUNCIL HAS GIVEN THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM A MONTHLY STIPEND OF $500.00 TO HELP WITH OPERATING COSTS, BUT IT WAS PULLED FROM THE CITY’S BUDGET LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL HARDSHIPS.  MR. REA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CITY PUT THIS BACK IN THIS NEXT BUDGET.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN PAYING THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM A MONTHLY STIPEND OF $500.00 A MONTH BEGINNING IN MAY OF 2021.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT ON THIS AND LET THE COUNCIL THINK IT OVER AND THAT SHE WOULD LIKE FOR COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ TO BE PRESENT WHEN THIS APPROVED.  THIS MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION FOR BAIN AND ASSOCIATES, LLC, AT 314 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE WORK TO BE DONE WOULD BE AROUND $5,000.00 AND THEREFORE THE CITY WOULD REIMBURSE $2,500.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION FOR BAIN AND ASSOCIATES, LLC AT 314 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION FOR KIMMEL INSURANCE, 104-106 WEST WASHINGTON STREET.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE WORK WILL ACTUALLY BE AROUND $36,000.00, BUT THE REIMBURSEMENT WILL ONLY BE ON UP TO $10,000.00 SO THIS REIMBURSEMENT WILL BE $5,000.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT APPLICATION FOR KIMMEL INSURANCE AT 104-106 WEST WASHINGTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ADVERTISING THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS FOR MOWING AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO GIVE A REPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GET FUEL ORDERED FOR SALE AT THE AIRPORT.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THE 2^ND SATURDAY FLY INS ARE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN ON APRIL 10, 2021.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK OVER THE BIDS FOR THE AIRPORT MOWING BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE BY THE COUNCIL. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE TWO 2021 1500 SIERRA CREW CAB SHORT BED TRUCKS FROM WEEKS CHEVROLET BUICK GMC IN BENTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,100.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ONE OF THESE TRUCKS WILL BE FOR PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES AND THE OTHER TRUCK WILL BE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THESE TRUCKS WILL BE PAID FOR OUT OF THE HOME RULE GAS TAX FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00091 TO CUSTOM CAGE FOR TWO SINGLE-CELL PARTITIONS FOR SQUAD VEHICLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,210.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00094 TO TASER ACCREDITED SECURITY FOR TWO YELLOW TASERS AND 2 CARTRIDGE CASES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,277.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 03/19/2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,258.88 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,557.57 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $94,816.45.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT THE INSTALLATION OF A WALK-UP WINDOW IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO FINDING A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE ROUTE FOR INSTALLATION.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER PERKINS TO LOOK INTO THIS PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF 4,000 GALLONS OF FUEL FOR RESALE AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $15,000.00.  AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT WE NEED TO MAKE THE PURCHASE BEFORE THE COST OF FUEL RISES AGAIN AS IT HAS GONE UP $0.50 SINCE WE INITIALLY LOOKED INTO THE PURCHASE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS IN DISCUSSION WITH MIDWEST TIRE ABOUT HAVING A RESIDENTIAL TIRE COLLECTION. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF WE WILL BREAK EVEN ON THE FUEL.  MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT WE SHOULD SEE A PROFIT.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL BE USED FOR THE MOWING OF THE AIRPORT PROPERTY AND MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE WINNING BIDDER WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE THEIR OWN EQUIPMENT.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT IF THE CITY IS CONSIDERING A WALK-UP WINDOW, THEY SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER AN AWNING. 

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

7:05 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY MARCH 12, 2021 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS MEETING WAS CALLED FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPENING BIDS RECEIVED FOR MOSQUITO ABATEMENT IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN THE BIDS THAT WERE RECEIVED. 

CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT ONLY ONE BID WAS RECEIVED.  THE BID WAS FROM LITTLE EGYPT MOSQUITO COMPANY, LLC.  THIS COMPANY IS BASED IN JONESBORO, ILLINOIS.  THERE WERE TWO PROPOSALS INSIDE THIS BID.  THE FIRST PROPOSAL WAS FOR THE USE OF LARVICIDE TO BE USED TO TREAT DESIRED ZONES, CULVERTS, DITCHES, ETC. IN THE BENTON CITY LIMITS AT $2,300.00 PER MONTH FOR A SEASON OF SIX (6) MONTHS WITH A TOTAL OF $13,800.00 FOR MOSQUITO ABATEMENT FOR THE YEAR OF 2021.  THE SECOND PROPOSAL WAS FOR THE USE OF COMMERCIAL FOGGING.  IT WAS NOTED THAT COMMERCIAL FOGGING IS EFFECTIVE, BUT TIME CONSUMING AS CITY RESIDENTS WILL NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF TIME WHEN THE FOGGING WILL TAKE PLACE AND A BACKUP DAY WOULD NEED TO BE PLANNED IN CASE OF RAIN.  THE COST OF COMMERCIAL FOGGING WOULD BE $4,500.00 PER MONTH WITH A TOTAL OF $27,000.00 FOR THE SIX (6) MONTH SEASON. 

A SHORT DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BOTH PROPOSALS.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE FIRST PROPOSAL SUBMITTED BY LITTLE EGYPT MOSQUITO COMPANY, LLC FOR THE USE OF LARVICIDE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,300.00 PER MONTH FOR A TOTAL COST OF $13,800.00 FOR MOSQUITO ABATEMENT IN THE CITY LIMITS OF BENTON FOR THE 2021 SEASON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.   

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

9:15 A.M.                          

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.  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 GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ONLINE AND COMMISSIONERS MESSERSMITH, PERKINS, STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ATTENDED THIS COUNCIL MEETING IN PERSON. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF

THE FEBRUARY 8, 2021 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF

THE FEBRUARY 12, 2021 CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO GIVE KUDOS TO COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AND HIS DEPARTMENT FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THEY HAVE BEEN DOING WITH THE WINTER WEATHER AND KEEPING THE STREETS PLOWED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED HE WANTED TO THANK PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES FOR HIS WORK COORDINATING THE SNOW PLOWING AND ALL THE REPAIRS OF WATER MAIN BREAKS.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS ADDED THAT THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN BUSY DURING THIS TIME AS WELL AND WOULD LIKE TO THANK THOSE RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTS.   

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS COUNCIL MEETING, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ECHO THE THOUGHTS OF COMMISSIONER PERKINS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK WITH THE NUMEROUS WATER LEAKS AS WELL AS THANK THE STREET DEPARTMENT FOR THE JOB THEY DID ON KEEPING THE ROADS PLOWED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS THE BEST HE HAS SEEN THE ROADS LOOK DURING A WINTER STORM IN MANY YEARS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE ENTIRE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 02/19/2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $36,906.83 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,957.07 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $83,763.90.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENTS, BUT ALSO WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE CITY CLERK, WATER DEPARTMENT CLERKS, TREASURER, AND ZONING/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MOST TIMES THESE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT ANSWER THE TELEPHONES, TAKE ALL COMPLAINTS, AND DISPATCH THE CORRECT PERSONNEL TO ISSUES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS NOTICED ALL THE HARD WORK BEING DONE IN CITY HALL AND WOULD LIKE THOSE WORKERS TO KNOW THEY ARE APPRECIATED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS COUNCIL MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALE OF 411 NORTH COMMERCIAL, A CITY OWNED PROPERTY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT PAM DORRIS HAS PURCHASED AN ADJACENT PIECE OF PROPERTY AND APPROACHED THE CITY REGARDING THE PROPERTY AT 411 NORTH COMMERCIAL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MS. DORRIS HAS AGREED TO PAY $500.00 FOR THIS PROPERTY, WHICH IS THE APPRAISED VALUE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF 411 NORTH COMMERCIAL STREET TO PAM DORRIS FOR $500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

6:13 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 AT 9:00 A.M.  PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE, COMPUTER ATTENDANCE, AND IN PERSON. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS ABSENT.  EVERYONE WAS PRESENT IN PERSON FOR THIS CONTINUED MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $430,792,74.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 8, 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, COMPUTER ATTENDANCE, AND IN PERSON.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 25, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR PURCHASE ORDERS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AN AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY OF BENTON.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A MOTION NEEDED TO BE MADE ALLOWING THE MAYOR TO SIGN THIS CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MAYOR KONDRITZ TO EXECUTE HIS SIGNATURE ON THE UNION CONTRACT FOR WATER, SEWER, AND STREETS FOR THE TERM OF 2020-2024.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER/ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL AND CONSULTING SERVICES FOR GRANT APPLICATION FOR ABANDONED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MUNICIPAL RELIEF PROGRAM.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT IF APPROVED, THE CITY WOULD BE ABLE TO GET A MAXIMUM OF $50,000.00 THAT WOULD BE USED TO REIMBURSE FOR HOMES DEMOLISHED WITHIN THE LAST YEAR OR TO DEMOLISH HOMES THIS YEAR.  IN ORDER TO FILE THE APPLICATION FOR THIS GRANT, IT WILL COST THE CITY OF BENTON $1,900.00 AT A MAXIMUM IF WE WERE DENIED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED WHERE THE MONEY FOR THE APPLICATION WOULD COME FROM AND MR. GARAVALIA STATED HE COULD FIND IT IN HIS BUDGET, POSSIBLY FROM THE MOWING LINE ITEM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH APPLICATION FOR THIS GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVID HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE A PROJECT STATUS REPORT FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE.  MR. HARP STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH CARRIE NELSON AT IDOT THIS AFTERNOON AND THAT THEY WERE GIVEN THE GREENLIGHT TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ON THE PROJECT.  MR. HARP ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD BE PROCEEDING WITH A PLANNING PROJECT MEETING WITHIN THE WEEK.   

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH ADVERTISING FOR TAKING BIDS ON MOSQUITO ABATEMENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON FOR 2021.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FEBRUARY 5, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $85,601.74.  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 ALLOW CITY EMPLOYEES TO BE PAID FOR TIME OFF TO TAKE THE COVID-19 VACCINE.  A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING HOW LONG OF A PERIOD OF TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED OFF FOR GETTING THE VACCINE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA REVISED HER MOTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA’S NEW MOTION WAS TO ALLOW CITY EMPLOYEES TO HAVE ONE HOUR OF PAID TIME OFF TO OBTAIN A COVID VACCINE IN THE CITY OF BENTON AND TWO HOURS TO OBTAIN A COVID VACCINE OUT OF THE CITY OF BENTON AND THIS IS FOR BOTH DOSES OF THE VACCINE.  MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY LEFT THE MEETING BEFORE THE VOTE WAS TAKEN TO GO TO WORK.  

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED WHAT WAS HAPPENING WITH THE EXPIRED CONTRACT FOR CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER/ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW AS WELL BECAUSE A LOT OF CITIZENS HAVE ASKED HIM IF THE POSITION WILL BE OPEN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MR. GARAVALIA WILL BE RETIRING, BUT HE HAS SOME PROJECTS TO SEE THROUGH BEFORE DOING SO.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THEY WILL BE SEARCHING FOR A REPLACEMENT IN APPROXIMATELY 60 DAYS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THIS MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2021 FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 25, 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, COMPUTER ATTENDANCE, AS WELL AS IN PERSON.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2021 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00651 FOR A CHANGE ORDER AND RELEASE OF RETAINER ON THE ROUTE 37 WATERMAIN RELOCATION PROJECT TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,134.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON AIRPORT EVENTS AND PURCHASE REQUESTS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE TERMINAL CONSTRUCTION IS COMING TO A CLOSE AND INSTALLATION OF THE SELF-SERVE PUMP IS VERY NEAR.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THE CURRENT INTERNET SERVICE AT THE AIRPORT IS NOT OPTIMAL AND WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO USE CLEARWAVE FIBER OPTIC BUSINESS INTERNET FOR THE PRICE AT $299.00 MONTHLY.  MR. HARRISON ALSO STATED THAT THE TERMINAL WILL NEED A SECURITY CAMERA, A WIRELESS ROUTER TO SERVICE 2500 SQ FT TERMINAL WITH MULTIPLE USERS, A COMPUTER, A PRINTER/COPIER, A COFFEE MACHINE, A TELEVISION, AND A TELEPHONE.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE TERMINAL WILL NEED TO BE FURNISHED AND THAT HE PLANS ON SEEKING DONATIONS TO HELP WITH THIS.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MOVING FORWARD WITH THESE PURCHASES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE DESIGN PHASE ON THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,938.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR FINAL PAYMENT FOR PLANNING AND SPECIAL SERVICES ON THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $926.04.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT IDOT HELD A BID LETTING FOR REMARKING OF THE RUNWAY AT THE AIRPORT.  FOUR BIDS WERE SUBMITTED, ROADSAFE TRAFFIC SYSTEMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,000.00, RIGHT WAY TRAFFIC CONTROL, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,375.00, STF, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,100.00, AND AXTELL’S, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,900.00.  THE LOW BID OF $34,900.00 FROM AXTELL’S, INC. WAS THE WINNING BID. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00625 TO G.L. DOWNS FOR ROOT KILLER, STREET SIGNS, AND HARDWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,917.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #21-01 FOR A TWO WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF PUTNAM AND NORTH BROWN STREET FOR EAST AND WEST BOUND TRAFFIC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR FINAL PAYMENT FOR THE DESIGN PHASE ON THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,938.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CAMP MANITOWA HAS APPROACHED HIM SEEKING APPROVAL TO TAKE DOWN AND REMOVE A TREE ON THE NORTH BENTON ROAD TO AID IN MOVING FORWARD WITH AN INSTALLATION PROJECT FOR SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC CO-OP.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE GAVE CAMP MANITOWA PERMISSION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THIS AND THAT THERE WILL BE NO COSTS INCURRED BY THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THIS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #0038 TO REED’S HEATING AND AIR FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE FURNACE AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,877.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00036 TO ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE FOR TWO ADVANCED TECHNICIAN FIREFIGHTER CLASSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,600.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00037 TO ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE FOR TWO INCIDENT SAFETY OFFICER CERTIFICATION CLASSES IN THE AMOUNT OF $700.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ALLOWING THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS OF HIRING A NEW POLICE OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 22, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,693.22 AND FOR THE REST OF THE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,798.21 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,491.43.  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 APPROVE 10 DAYS OF PAY PER EMPLOYEE FOR COVID-19 IF AN EMPLOYEE IS UNDER QUARANTINE OR IN ISOLATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED TWO QUOTES ON MAINTENANCE AGREEMENTS FOR THE EVAPAR GENERATOR AT CITY HALL.  ONE QUOTE WAS FOR $650.00 AND THE OTHER QUOTE WAS FOR $940.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT HER RECOMMENDATION WAS FOR THE CITY TO AGREE TO A ONE-TIME MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00 AND THEN DO FURTHER RESEARCH BEFORE SIGNING A MULTIYEAR AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS INTO A MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT FOR CARES ACT REIMBURSEMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WALK-UP WINDOW IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD DRAFTED AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BROWNING TOWNSHIP FOR FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE.  AT THIS TIME, THE AGREEMENT HAS NOT BEEN EXECUTED. 

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS RECEIVED HIS FIRST COVID-19 VACCINE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UNION CONTRACT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE UNION HAS AGREED TO THE CITY’S COUNTER OFFER FOR CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ACCUMULATION OF EXTRA CARE DAYS TO INCREASE FROM 12 TO 15 PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS CHANGE AND TO APPROVE THE UNION CONTRACT WITH UNION LOCAL #318 FOR WATER, SEWER, AND STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL HAS BEEN POSTPONED FOR 2021 AS WELL AS THE SD3A TOURNAMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO BEGIN A DISCUSSION ON PEST CONTROL FOR THE CITY OF BENTON FOR 2021.  ALSO, UNDER NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CITY HALL WILL REOPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON JANUARY 25, 2021 AT 7:30 A.M.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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. 

6:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 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 ONLY.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN THE MEETING BY EXTENDING THE ENTIRE CITY OF BENTON’S CONDOLENCES TO ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THE LOSS OF HIS BROTHER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE MALKOVICH FAMILY WOULD BE IN THE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS OF THE ENTIRE COUNCIL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH THANKED THE COUNCIL FOR THEIR KIND WORDS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE NOVEMBER 23, 2020 MINUTES HAD A TYPO THAT HAS BEEN CORRECTED.  THE DATE WAS ACCIDENTALLY PUT IN AS NOVEMBER 28, 2020.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CORRECTED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 23, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 28, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00624 TO BENTON SUPER LUBE FOR SIX (6) NEW TIRES WITH BALANCE, MOUNTING, AND DISPOSAL OF OLD TIRES FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $984.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION, IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FINALIZATION OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PAY INVOICE #6 TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,053.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF THE AIRPORT PROJECTS.  MR. HARRISON SAID THAT THE TERMINAL PROJECT IS WRAPPING UP AND HE BELIEVES IT WILL BE COMPLETE IN ONE TO TWO WEEKS.  HE STATED THAT THE PAY AT THE PUMP FUEL PUMP WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE AIRPORT IS WORKING ON SOME PROJECTS AND HE WILL KEEP THE BOARD UP TO DATE WITH WHAT IS BEING PLANNED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO HAVE THE ATTORNEY PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A TWO WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF PUTNAM AND NORTH BROWN STREET FOR EAST AND WEST BOUND TRAFFIC.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SAID THAT THERE ARE NO STOP SIGNS THERE AND THEY HAVE RECEIVED COMPLAINTS FROM CITIZENS IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CHANGE ORDER FROM SAMRON MIDWEST FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,232.64 FOR EXCAVATION AND DECORATIVE ROCK CREDIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO SAMRON MIDWEST IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,454.86.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS AMOUNT INCLUDED THE CHANGE ORDER THAT THE COUNCIL HAD JUST APPROVED FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS TO DISCUSS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $327,184.87.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 8, 2021 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,604.48 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,145.99 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $94,750.47.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS, WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LIQUOR/GAMING LICENSE FEE WAIVERS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD ASKED EACH DEPARTMENT TO GET TOGETHER A LIST OF SURPLUS INVENTORIES AND THE COUNCIL COULD DECIDE AT A FUTURE DATE WHO TO DISPERSE THESE ITEMS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ABOUT ONCE A YEAR HE LIKES THE COUNCIL TO REVIEW THE CODE OF CONDUCT ORDINANCE AND REPORT BACK TO HIM IF THEY SEE ANY AREAS THEY BELIEVE NEED TO BE DISCUSSED. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ZONING ADMINISTER/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CONTRACT. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT HE HAD RECENTLY INTERFERED WITH ANOTHER DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY AND HE WOULD LIKE TO PUBLICLY APOLOGIZE TO COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE APOLOGY WAS NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND THAT MR. MILES WOULD HAVE TO WORK REALLY HARD TO MAKE UP FOR THE TROUBLE HE CAUSED. 

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

6:24 P.M.

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

6:58 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DISCIPLINE WILLIAM J. GALLOWAY ACCORDING TO CONTRACT BY 30-DAY UNPAID SUSPENSION AFTER HE RETURNS FROM HIS WORKER’S COMPENSATION INJURY.  AFTER A MINUTE, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

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

7:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 28, 2020 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 ONLY.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 14, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A PAY ESTIMATE FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,512.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REPLACING RUNWAY AND TAXIWAY LIGHTS AND CABLES, REPLACEMENT OF WIND CONE, AND REPLACEMENT OF REILS ON RUNWAY 18-36 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00650 TO BRITTON’S TREE CARE FOR REMOVAL OF MULTIPLE TREES IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,750.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY QUESTIONED AS TO WHY BIDS WERE NOT TAKEN ON THIS PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE TREE SERVICE THE CITY HAS USED IN THE PAST WAS NOT ABLE TO BE REACHED AND THIS WAS AN EMERGENT SITUATION SO THEY FOUND ANOTHER SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF $45,000.00 FROM THE MFT FUND FOR EQUIPMENT RENTAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THE CITY’S CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS REALLY LACKED THIS YEAR AND WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO DO BETTER IN THE FUTURE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE PUBLIC GET INVOLVED WITH DECORATING THE CITY AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRUCTION ON THE BENTON SQUARE, THE CITY WAS NOT ABLE TO DO AS MUCH DECORATING AND HAS HOPES THAT THERE WILL BE MORE DONE IN THE FUTURE.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT IS PROGRESSING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED DECEMBER 23, 2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,624.04, WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,131.76, AUXILIARY POLICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $325.75, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,224.40 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,305.95.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY. 

NO ACTION TAKEN UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT FROM THE MAYOR. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

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

6:15 P.M.