Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 9, 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 ATTENDED THE MEETING VIA ZOOM AND ALL OTHER COMMISSIONERS AND THE MAYOR ATTENDED IN PERSON. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 26, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED BOB REA OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORIC PRESERVATION SOCIETY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE HISTORIC JAIL MUSEUM.  MR. REA SHOWED THE COUNCIL NUMEROUS SAMPLES OF SHINGLES HE WOULD LIKE TO USE TO REPLACE THE ROOF ON THE JAIL MUSEUM.  HE STATED THAT THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ROOFER WAS TO GO WITH A COLOR CALLED BLACK PEARL AND HE STATED THAT THIS WOULD MATCH THE NEW COURTHOUSE.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA RECOMMENDED THAT THE COUNCIL APPROVE TO REPAIR THE ROOF AND TUCK POINTING ON THE HISTORIC JAIL MUSEUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,215.00 TO BE PAID FROM THE DOWNTOWN TIF FUND.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DAVE HARP FROM CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO PROVIDE AN UPDATE REGARDING THE I-57 INTERCHANGE.  MR. HARP STATED THAT THE PROJECT IS MOVING A LITTLE SLOWER BECAUSE OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, BUT ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THINGS ARE STILL MOVING ALONG. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED AIRPORT BOARD MEMBER AND MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE AIRPORT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE HAD BUSINESS CARDS MADE TO PASS OUT SO THAT PEOPLE WOULD KNOW HOW TO GET A HOLD OF HIM AND HE PASSED THESE OUT TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARRISON REPORTED THAT HE IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH BOARD MEMBER GARRETT COLLIER TO SET UP AN AIRPORT WEBSITE.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN OPEN HOUSE FOR THE NEW TERMINAL IN APRIL, WHICH WILL COINCIDE WITH THE 75^TH BIRTHDAY OF THE AIRPORT AS WELL.  MR. HARRISON ALSO PROVIDED THE COUNCIL WITH MINUTES FROM THE LAST AIRPORT BOARD MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH HAD TOURED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EARLIER IN THE DAY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS REALLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AGREED.

MAYOR KONDRITZ SPOKE ON THE TIER 2 RESURGENCE MITIGATIONS PLACED BY THE GOVERNOR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ URGED OUR CITIZENS TO LIMIT GATHERINGS AND WEAR THEIR MASKS.  THE MITIGATIONS HAVE BEEN PLACED ON THE CITY’S WEBSITE FOR REVIEW. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00645 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR TOUCHLESS HAND SANITIZER DISPENSERS, DISPENSER STANDS, AND HAND SANITIZER FOR EACH CITY BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,253.46.  THIS WILL BE REIMBURSED BY THE CARES ACT.  MOTION TO APPROVE THIS WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00642 TO RSP HEATING AND COOLING FOR TWO CARRIER OPTI-CLEAN NEGATIVE AIR MACHINES TO BE INSTALLED AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,227.00.  THE COST OF THESE MACHINES WILL BE REIMBURSED THROUGH THE CARES ACT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00640 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR 2 LENOVO LAPTOPS WITH WINDOWS 10 AND MICROSOFT OFFICE 2019 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,920.00.  THESE LAPTOPS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN CASE WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE FROM HOME.  THIS COST WILL BE REIMBURSED BY THE CARES ACT.  MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD A MOTION TO PASS THE ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE OF ATV’S ON CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 20-13 PROHIBITING ATV USAGE ON CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER PERKINS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING USING TIF FUNDS TO REPAIR THE ROOF AT THE 1910’S FRANKLIN COUNTY GARAGE MUSEUM.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REPAIR THE ROOF ON THE CAR MUSEUM FOR A COST OF $38,101.00 TO BE PAID FROM THE DOWNTOWN TIF FUND.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSS THE REZONING OF 123-127 NORTH FRISCO STREET FROM R2 TO I-1.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WAS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ZONING BOARD AND THAT THIS MADE SENSE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS MOTION.  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 TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOT #7.  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 RESOLUTION 20-08 UNRESTRICTING FUNDS FROM THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE ROUTE 37 WATERMAIN RELOCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,533.80.  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 PAY ESTIMATE #5 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,965.20.  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 PAY INVOICE #5 TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,795.91.  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 AN INCREASE TO THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,310.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00622 TO F.W. ELECTRIC FOR A BATTERY BACKUP FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF NORTH MAIN AND ILLINOIS AVENUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WILL CORRECT THE FLASHING LIGHTS THAT HAVE BEEN HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE PAST MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE INDUSTRIAL PARK DRIVE FROM BAILEY LANE TO EAST ILLINOIS AVENUE FOR THE THIRD ANNUAL SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE HOSTED BY THE BENTON ELKS.  THE ROAD CLOSURE WOULD BE FROM 5:30 P.M. TO 7:00 P.M. ON DECEMBER 19, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE DID NOT FEEL THAT THIS ROAD SHOULD BE CLOSED DOWN.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THE MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  1.  MAYOR KONDRITZ.   

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS DONATION OF SURPLUS BARRICADES TO THE ELKS SO THEY COULD USE THEM DURING EVENTS SUCH AS THE LIGHT PARADE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE THINKS THE BARRICADES MAY BE OF BETTER USE AT TWIN OAKS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE USE OF THE BARRICADES COULD BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.    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 PAYMENT OF SIDEWALK INSPECTION PARTIAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500.00 TO JOHN H. CRAWFORD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PAY THE PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO B.C. CONTRACTING FOR THE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $110,442.60.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT SAMRON WOULD BEGIN WORKING ON THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS GLAD TO GET THIS UPDATE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE #00032 TO IAMRESPONDING.COM FOR ANNUAL SOFTWARE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $735.00.  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 #00092 TO SICJTP FOR MTU-15 TRAINING 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 RAISE THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT FROM $250.00 TO $500.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE AND CHIEF COCKRUM HAVE CALLED AROUND AND NO ONE ELSE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REQUIRES A PURCHASE ORDER BE FILLED OUT FOR SUCH A SMALL AMOUNT OF MONEY AND HE STATED THAT THIS MAKES IT HARD FOR HIS DEPARTMENTS TO BE ABLE TO PURCHASE ANYTHING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE REQUIREMENT FOR FILLING OUT A PURCHASE ORDER IS TO KEEP DEPARTMENT HEADS ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE TAXPAYER MONEY THAT IS BEING SPENT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT THE AUDITORS HAVE MENTIONED THAT THERE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE ENOUGH DOCUMENTATION ON THE SPENDING OF MONEY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD BE WILLING TO INCREASE THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT ON A TRIAL BASIS FOR 90 DAYS AND THAT IF THE PURCHASE ORDERS WERE NOT BEING FILLED OUT, THAT THE AMOUNT WOULD STAY AT $250.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AGREED TO RAISING THE AMOUNT ON A TRIAL BASIS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH THEN SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FOREIGN FIRE BOARD WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT AN OUT BUILDING AT THE FIRE STATION.  CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT IF THEY WERE ALLOWED TO BUILD THIS BUILDING, IT WOULD CLEAR UP A LOT OF ROOM BEING USING TO STORE EQUIPMENT IN THE BAY.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THE FIREMEN ARE PLANNING TO DO ALL LABOR ON THE BUILDING THEMSELVES TO SAVE ON COSTS AND THAT IF THERE IS ANY CONCRETE WORK, THEY HOPE TO BE ABLE TO USE THE STREET DEPARTMENT WORKERS FOR HELP WITH THIS.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS BUILDING NEEDS TO COMPLY WITH ALL ZONING REQUIREMENTS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE A BUILDING PLAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE FOREIGN FIRE BOARD TO GET PLANS ON BUILDING THIS OUTBUILDING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM TO SPEAK ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MOVING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BOAR TO SURPLUS AND PREPARING FOR A SEALED BID.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT MABAS WILL BE PROVIDING THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH A NEW RESCUE BOAT AND HE WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THE CURRENT BOAT TO SURPLUS ONCE THE NEW BOAT HAS BEEN RECEIVED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00644 TO THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE IN THE AMOUNT OF $825.00 FOR ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES.  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 PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,815.14 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,905.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $86,721.09.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A COUNTER PROPOSAL ON BARGAINING UNIT NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS 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 STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

7:55 P.M.

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

8:15 P.M.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH LOCAL 318.  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 CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL 9 A.M. NOVEMBER 13, 2020 FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

8:20 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 26, 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 THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 12, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED THE COUNCIL IF ANYONE HAD ANY COMMENTS ON THE RESURGENCE MITIGATION ISSUED BY GOVERNOR PRITZKER.  THE COUNCIL HAD NO COMMENT. 

THE MAYOR STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE PASS AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE OF ATV’S ON CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH, CHIEF OF POLICE MIKE ANDREWS, AND DAVID GARAVALIA TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE USE OF ATV’S ON CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POSSIBLE PURCHASE AND DEMOLITION OF STRUCTURE ON PARCEL #08-456-009 IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO START HIS REPORT WITH SOME SUNSHINE.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT HAS BEEN NOMINATED FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OF THE YEAR. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAY ESTIMATE #1 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE ROUTE 37 WATERMAIN RELOCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $135,549.42.  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 PAY INVOICE |#4 TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,448.71.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PAYMENT OF A PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,837.00.  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 A CHANGE ORDER FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING ADDING AN EXTENSION OF 60 DAYS TO COMPLETE THE CONTRACT FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FORD GARAGE MUSEUM AND THE FRANKLIN COUNTY JAIL MUSEUM USING TIF FUNDS.  MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL FURTHER RESEARCH HAS BEEN DONE WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROJECT STATUS REPORT FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE IN EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS PACKETS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE 2020 ROAD PROGRAM HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THE SIDEWALK GRANT PROJECT IS 50% COMPLETED, AND THAT SAMRON SHOULD BEGIN ON THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT EXTENSION BY THE END OF THE WEEK. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,752.22 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,177.55 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,929.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 THE FISCAL YEAR 2019-2020 FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORT COMPLETED BY ATLAS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STARTED A DISCUSSION REGARDING THE CREATION OF A HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE.  DURING DISCUSSION, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH QUESTIONED AS TO WHETHER THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS NEEDED OR NOT AS THERE IS A REND LAKE TOURISM BOARD AND THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WHOSE FUNCTIONS ALSO ARE TO BE A SORT OF HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS TOPIC. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO THANK CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG FOR PREPARING A COVID-19 BOOKLET FOR EACH DEPARTMENT HEAD TO AID IN AN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A COUNTER PROPOSAL ON BARGAINING UNIT NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED ON THIS DATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG WOULD PROVIDE EACH COUNCIL MEMBER WITH A COPY OF THE COUNTER PROPOSAL. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT HALLOWEEN HOURS HAVE BEEN SET FOR OCTOBER 31, 2020 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  SHE ASKED THAT THE CITIZENS RESPECT SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING TRICK OR TREATING. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (A) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE ACQUISITION AND/OR SALE OF REAL ESTATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

7:00 P.M.

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

7:10 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF PARCEL #08-18-456-009 FOR TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $825.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS 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. 

7:15 P.M.

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

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00633 TO ERWIN BUILDERS FOR REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF GUTTERS AT TWIN OAKS AFTER DAMAGE FROM A RECENT STORM IN THE AMOUNT OF $898.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00621 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A LASER JET PRINTER FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,295.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FROM BARBARA HITT TO WILLIAM LASH AND ELIZABETH KEES FOR LOTS 85 AND 86.  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 A PARTIAL PAY ESTIMATE TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $117,837.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 PAYING BROWN AND ROBERTS AN ENGINEERING INVOICE FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,448.71.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH DISCUSSED AMENDING THE SPEED LIMIT ON EAST TAYLOR STREET TO 20 MILES PER HOUR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED THE SPEED LIMIT WAS ALREADY 20 MILES PER HOUR.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE INTO NEW SIGNAGE TO ADDRESS THE SPEEDING ISSUE ON THIS STREET. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00042 TO MORROW BROTHERS FORD FOR A 2020 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR UTILITY IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,580.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 PURCHASE TO #00634 TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING FOR THE CITY’S YEARLY CONTRIBUTION TO THEIR RECYCLING PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,200.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,012.85, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,471.14, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,583.99.  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 SET THE TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS FOR OCTOBER 31, 2020 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR PARENTS TO REMEMBER TO USE SOCIAL DISTANCING DURING TRICK-OR-TREATING.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO APPROVE OPENING A LINE OF CREDIT AT THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $500,000.00 WITH SIGNEES FOR THIS LINE OF CREDIT BEING THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER, CATHY GARAVALIA, AND CITY TREASURER, LISA MENO.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THE APR ON THIS LINE OF CREDIT WILL BE 3.5%.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  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 THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDATION TO APPOINT MATTHEW HARRISON AIRPORT MANAGER WITH NO PAY AT THIS TIME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE AIRPORT BOARD RECOMMENDATION OF MOVING THE FUEL CARD READER UP ON THE PLAN FOR THE AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MATTHEW HARRISON TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT HE CURRENTLY SITS ON THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD.  MR. HARRISON IS A PROFESSOR OF AVIATION AT SIU CARBONDALE AND IS 1 OF 125 PEOPLE WHO ARE CERTIFIED TO TEACH MECHANICS ON AIRCRAFT.  MR. HARRISON SAYS HE DOES NOT WANT TO BE COMPENSATED FOR TAKING CARE OF THE AIRPORT AND THAT HE HAS PLANS TO GET OUR AIRPORT NOTICED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD TO SPEAK ABOUT THE BENCHES THAT SET AROUND THE COURTHOUSE BEFORE DEMOLITION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PLACE THESE BENCHES IN CAPITAL PARK ON LOAN FROM THE COUNTY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT AT THE LAST CITY COUNCIL MEETING THE COUNCIL APPROVED TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL FOR A COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH UPDATED THE COUNCIL THAT THIS AGREEMENT WAS ALSO APPROVED BY THE HIGH SCHOOL AND ALL DOCUMENTS HAVE BEEN SIGNED. 

IN UPDATES FROM THE MAYOR, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT JOHN CERNEY HAD RECENTLY BEEN TO BENTON TO MAKE REPAIRS TO THE GEORGE HARRISON MURAL HE ERECTED ON AIRPORT PROPERTY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MR. CERNEY TOOK CARE OF THESE REPAIRS ON HIS OWN REQUIRING NO PAYMENT FROM THE CITY OF BENTON. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH IDOT FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDING DIVISION XX – SECTION 40-3-95.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 20-12 AMENDING THIS ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE WORDING OF THE ORDINANCE FROM “VARIETY OR 10₵” TO “VARIETY OR DISCOUNT RETAILER”.  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 WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION MADE ESTABLISHING AN ENTERPRISE ZONE FEE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AND COMMISSIONER PERKINS. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE IS A FOOD GIVEAWAY SCHEDULED AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND SHE WILL BE THERE HANDING OUT INFORMATION FOR THE 2020 CENSUS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH RODNEY POTTS, THE CITY ENGINEER, TO DISCUSS THE BIDS RECEIVED ON THE CITY HALL ROOF.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL MAKE A DECISION ON THE BIDS AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED THAT THERE IS A LOT OF SPEEDING ON SOUTH DUQUOIN STREET AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO THIS.  MRS. HUBLER ALSO ASKED WHY THE AIRPORT RECOMMENDATIONS WERE UNDER COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ON THE AGENDA AND NOT UNDER COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SINCE THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE TO DO WITH FINANCES, SHE REQUESTED THAT THE ITEM BE PLACED ON HER AGENDA. 

TOM CARTER STATED THAT MR. HARRISON NEEDS TO LOOK INTO RETAIL SALES AT THE AIRPORT AND THE REGULATIONS ASSOCIATED.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ HOW THE EMERGENCY PLANS FOR THE CITY EMPLOYEES WERE GOING.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT PLANS ARE BEING HANDLED ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR’S RULES AT THIS TIME. 

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. 

7:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 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 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 MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 24, 2020.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 2, 2020.  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 ADVERTISE FOR ACCEPTING BIDS FOR AIRPORT PROPERTY BALING TO BE OPENED ON OCTOBER 12, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVE HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE PROGRESS OF THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  MR. HARP STATED THAT PLANNING IS UNDERWAY AND THAT HE WILL BE SCHEDULING A TIME WITH COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH TO DISCUSS A REVISED TIMELINE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT THE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT IS SET TO BEGIN THE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21, 2020.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN FRONT OF THE BENTON MOTEL ON NORTH MAIN STREET. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00029 TO MERMET SPRINGS FOR DIVE CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES NEFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $515.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY NOTED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FOR BY DONATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PLAQUE FROM THE STATE FIRE MARSHALL’S OFFICE FOR A UNIT CITATION FOR ACTIONS ABOVE AND BEYOND.  CHIEF COCKRUM PRESENTED THE PLAQUE TO THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO HAD RECEIVED THIS HONOR:  JEFF SHEW, DYLAN DEFOREST, MICHAEL FRAULINI, AND KYLE WILKERSON.  

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00632 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS TO UPGRADE THE OFFICE SUITE SOFTWARE ON THE CITY CLERK’S COMPUTER.  THIS WOULD UPGRADE WORD, EXCEL, POWER POINT, AND OUTLOOK TO THE 2019 VERSION FROM THE 2013 VERSION CURRENTLY INSTALLED ON THE COMPUTER.  THE AMOUNT OF THIS UPGRADE IS $279.00.  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 MONTHLY BILLS PAYABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $239,360.86.  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 PAYROLL FOR 05/01/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,250.15 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,884.25 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $87,134.40.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE AND CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG HOSTED A CENSUS TENT AT THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW AND THAT THEY WOULD BE HOSTING ANOTHER EVENT IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IF ANYONE NEEDED ASSISTANCE WITH THEIR CENSUS TO CONTACT CITY HALL AND THEY WOULD BE HELPED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #20-11 PERTAINING TO THE LOCAL CURE PROGRAM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE WERE BIDS RECEIVED REGARDING THE CITY HALL ROOF PROJECT AND ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO OPEN THE BID.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE TWO BIDS RETURNED TO THE CITY HALL.  THE FIRST BID OPENED WAS FROM ANDREWS ROOFING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS AND CAME TO A TOTAL OF $32,478.00.  THE SECOND BID OPENED WAS FROM GLANDT ROOFING LLC IN EAST CARONDELET, ILLINOIS.  GLANDT ROOFING SUBMITTED TO OPTIONS WITH THE TOTAL OF OPTION #1 BEING $32,850.00 AND OPTION #2 BEING $37,550.00.  MOTION TO TABLE SELECTION OF AWARD OF THE BID WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET UNION WAS ONGOING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND HIS CONDOLENCES TO THE CHARLES CASEY FAMILY AFTER THE PASSING OF MR. CASEY WHO WAS THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT MANAGER. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT A PROCLAMATION FOR AVIATION APPRECIATION MONTH WAS INCLUDED IN THE COUNCIL’S PACKETS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION PASSING THIS PROCLAMATION.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 2020 AS AVIATION APPRECIATION MONTH IN THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE WAS A PROCLAMATION FOR ASSISTED LIVING WEEK INCLUDED IN THE COUNCIL’S PACKETS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION PASSING THIS PROCLAMATION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PROCLAIM SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19, 2020 AS ASSISTED LIVING WEEK IN THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION LETTER FROM MIKE HOFFMAN STATING HE WOULD BE RESIGNING FROM THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD AS HE NO LONGER LIVES IN BENTON.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF MIKE HOFFMAN FROM THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT ROBIN FRAILEY TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD TO REPLACE MIKE HOFFMAN FOR A TERM THAT WOULD END APRIL 8, 2022.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  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 WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT DAVID SNEED TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD FOR A TERM THAT WOULD END FEBRUARY 28, 2023.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT LOMA BAXTER TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD FOR A TERM THAT WOULD END APRIL 14, 2023.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT RICK KNIGHT TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD FOR A TERM ENDING APRIL 14, 2023.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT JEREMY YOUNG TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD FOR A TERM ENDING OCTOBER 14, 2022. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AS THE PERSON TO COORDINATE DECORATING FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD TO BE IN ON THE DECISION MAKING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE AGREED.  MATTHEW HARRISON, WHO SITS ON THE AIRPORT BOARD, STATED THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE ENTIRE BOARD AND THAT THEY WERE INCLUDED IN ALL DECISION MAKING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE AM OPTION TO APPOINT CATHY GARAVALIA TO COORDINATE DECORATING FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ENTER INTO AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH BCHS FOR A STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD MET WITH THE CITY’S AUDITORS EARLIER IN THE AFTERNOON.  SHE STATED IT WAS BROUGHT TO HER ATTENTION THAT SHE NEEDED TO REITERATE TO THE COUNCIL THAT THEY SHOULD BE SIGNING OFF ON BILLS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ONE COMMISSIONER DOESN’T EVEN SIGN HIS OWN BILLS, BUT THAT SHE WOULD NOT CALL HIM OUT BY NAME.  SHE STATED THAT SHE AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SIGN AND REVIEW ALL BILLS EACH MONTH, ONE COMMISSIONER SIGNS ONLY HIS OWN, AND ONE COMMISSIONER DOESN’T SIGN OR REVIEW ANY BILLS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

6:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2020 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 AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE AS WELL AS IN PERSON.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  THOSE PRESENT IN PERSON WERE GARAVALIA, STOREY, MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS ATTENDED VIA TELECONFERENCE.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEAST #104 FROM KEVIN AND TAMMY WESTON TO ROBERT CASKEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

TIME 9:05 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 24, 2020 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 MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 10, 2020 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 THE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING HELD ON AUGUST 14, 2020.  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 WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE GARDEN CLUBS IN BENTON FOR ALL THE HARD WORK THEY DO.  HE STATED THAT THE GARDEN GATE CLUB HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED AN AWARD THROUGH THE STATE FOR THE WORK THEIR CLUB HAS DONE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MOTSINGER APPEAL.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT DAMON MOTSINGER HAD BEGUN BUILDING A BILLBOARD ON BAILEY LANE.  ACCORDING TO MR. GARAVALIA, MR. MOTSINGER THEN PRESENTED THIS PROJECT TO THE BENTON ZONING BOARD FOR APPROVAL.  IT WAS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ZONING BOARD TO NOT ALLOW THE PROJECT TO PROCEED.  MR. MOTSINGER STATED THAT THE CITY DID NOT HAVE AN ORDINANCE FOR AN OFF PREMISE SIGN AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND THE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ZONING BOARD.  MR. MOTSINGER ALSO STATED THAT THE ORDINANCE STATES THE SIGN MUST NOT EXCEED 100 SQUARE FOOT AND EVEN THOUGH HIS SIGN IS 192 SQUARE FOOT, HIS MESSAGE CAN FIT IN 100 SQUARE FEET SO HE BELIEVES THE SIGN SHOULD BE ALLOWED.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH EXPLAINED THAT THE RECOMMENDATION TO NOT ALLOW THE BILLBOARD WAS GIVEN BECAUSE THE ORDINANCE STATES THAT THE SIGN MUST NOT EXCEED 100 SQUARE FEET, NOT THAT THE MESSAGE COULD FIT IN 100 SQUARE FEET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE MOTSINGER APPEAL AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ZONING BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED A BID FROM SAMRON MIDWEST CONTRACTING INC. FOR COMPLETION OF THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS THE ONLY BID THAT WAS RECEIVED AND THE BID AMOUNT WAS $44,444.44,  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT FROM SAMRON MIDWEST CONTRACTING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,444.44.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WHO STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR WITH TIF FUNDS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR AN UPDATE ON THE COVID-19 PLANS AND PRECAUTIONS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA HAVE A LOT OF RESEARCH AND ARE IN THE PROCESS OF FINALIZING THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.  HE STATED THAT WHEN FINALIZED, HE WOULD BRING THE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COUNCIL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR AN UPDATE ON THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE BARGAINING UNITS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS ARE DONE FOR THIS YEAR.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A PROPOSAL HAS BEEN SENT TO THE UNION FOR THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENTS AND HE IS AWAITING A RESPONSE AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 08/21/2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,893.41, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,517.80, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,511.21.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF EVERYONE COMPLETING THE 2020 CENSUS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO COME TO THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 TO GET HELP FILLING OUT THEIR CENSUS FORMS.  SHE ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK KEVIN EDWARDS OF EDWARDS ANTIQUES FOR ALLOWING HER TO HANG A CENSUS 2020 BANNER FROM HIS BALCONY ON THE SQUARE.                

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00025 TO MABAS DIVISION #68 FOR ANNUAL DUES IN THE AMOUNT OF $496.00.  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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00027 TO AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,072.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE #00026 TO AMAZON SERVICES FOR A REPLACEMENT OF A PRINTER/FAX MACHINE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $269.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO NOT ALLOW VENDORS/SOLICITORS TO STAND ON THE SQUARE OR SET UP FOOD TRUCKS AND SUCH ON THE SQUARE WHILE THE DEMOLITION/CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE IS HAPPENING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS AND THEY FELT THAT IF SOLICITORS WOULD LIKE TO STAND ONE BLOCK OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE, THAT THIS WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS INTO A MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00631 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR INVOICE #11 IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,341.30.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020 MFT ROCK BID PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LOW BID OF $227,779.25 FROM B.C. CONTRACTING FOR THE SIDEWALK PROJECT.  OTHER BIDS RECEIVED WERE FROM SAMRON MIDWEST CONTRACTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $253,942.00 AND WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $255,907.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED HE HAD NOTHING FOR THE MEETING. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES FOR THE LIFT STATIONS AROUND TOWN.  RUSSEL BALLARD ASKED THE COUNCIL WHO WAS WRITING GRANTS FOR THE CITY AND STATED THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF GRANTS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY SHOULD BE SEEKING.  MR. BALLARD QUESTIONED IF THE MAYOR HAD OWNERSHIP IN EASTSIDE LIQUORS AND WHETHER IT WAS ZONED APPROPRIATELY OR PASSED THROUGH ILLEGALLY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ TOLD MR. BALLARD HE WAS OFFENDED BY THIS REMARK AND STATED HE HAS NO OWNERSHIP IN THIS BUSINESS WHATSOEVER.  MR. BALLARD STATED THAT THERE WERE 175 PEOPLE READY TO SIGN A PETITION TO GET RID OF THIS BUSINESS AND THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE SEEKING “THE RIGHT KIND OF BUSINESSES” INSTEAD OF ESTABLISHMENTS THAT SELL ALCOHOL.  MR. BALLARD STATED THAT IN HIS NEIGHBORHOOD THERE ARE MANY RABBITS, SKUNKS, RACCOONS, AND INOPERABLE VEHICLES THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF.  MR. BALLARD ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS A LOT OF MOWING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN HIS NEIGHBORHOOD. 

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

7:05 P.M.

Minutes of the continued Benton city council meeting held Monday august 14, 2020 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, and commissioner messersmith, were present for roll call.  Commissioner Perkins and mayor kondritz were absent.  

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve payment of bills in the amount of $360,694.67.  Second by commissioner messersmith.  Vote was taken.  Yeas:  3. Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith.  Nays:  0. 

Commissioner Messersmith made a motion to approve upgrade of the financial edge software to financial edge nxt in the amount of $19,287.00.  Second by commissioner garavalia.  Vote was taken.  Yeas:  3. Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith.  Nays:  0. 

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to adjourn.  Second by commissioner messersmith.  Vote was taken.  Yeas:  3. Commissioner Garavalia, commissioner storey, and commissioner messersmith.  Nays:  0. 

9:05 A.M.