Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

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.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 10, 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 SPECIAL CALLED JULY 17, 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 READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 27, 2020 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 EVERYONE TO KEEP THE MILES FAMILY IN THEIR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AFTER WATER DEPARTMENT LEADMAN JASON MILES SON, CODY MILES, HAD A RACECAR ACCIDENT AND IS RECOVERING AT HOME. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #123 FROM DARRUL JONES TO MARK KUPSKY AND EDWARD PURDY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVE HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP STATED THAT WE ARE STILL WAITING ON A DATE FOR THE FIRST VIRTUAL MEETING CONCERNING THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT, BUT THAT HE WOULD KEEP THE COUNCIL INFORMED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MFT BID HAS CAME IN, THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM HAS BEGUN, AND THAT WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS THE CITY WILL RECEIVE BIDS FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT AND THE SIDEWALK PROJECT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AT THIS TIME THE AP DEPARTMENT WAS STILL RECEIVING STATEMENTS FOR THE MONTH AND THEREFORE BILLS WERE NOT READY TO BE APPROVED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THIS MEETING FOR THE APPROVAL OF BILLS ANY OTHER MATTERS NEEDED UNTIL FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 08/07/2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,020.22 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,666.67 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $88,686.89.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED INFORMATION REGARDING A SOFTWARE UPGRADE FOR THE AP SYSTEM.  SHE STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT AN UPGRADE THE CITY CHOSE, BUT WAS ONE THE CITY HAD TO COMPLETE IN ORDER TO STILL USE THE SOFTWARE THEY CURRENTLY HAVE.  COMMSISIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE SOFWARE UPGRADE WOULD COST $19,287.00 FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF SERVICE AND IF WE CHOSE TO GO WITH ANOTHER COMPANY THE COST WOULD RANGE FROM $40,000.00 TO $50,000.00 JUST TO SWITCH THE SYSTEMS OVER.  THE COUNCIL HELD A DISCUSSION REGARDING THIS AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED IF A DECISION COULD BE MADE REGARDING THIS UPGRADE AT THE CONTINUED MEETING ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 2020.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AGREED.  NO MOTION WAS ENTERTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE IMPORTANCE OF OUR CITIZENS COMPLETING THE 2020 CENSUS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN A “10 FOR 10” CAMPAIGN WHERE A CITIZEN WOULD CALL 10 PEOPLE TO REMIND THEM TO DO THE CENSUS TO BE COUNTED FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND HERSELF WOULD BE AT THE FARMER’S MARKET ON AUGUST 20, 2020 AND THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2020 TO HELP CITIZENS FILL OUT THEIR CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD A MATTER FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.  @@@@@@@ 

UNDER CITY ATTORNEY UPDATES, THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD EACH FIND A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN THEIR MAILBOXES CONCERNING A ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT POLICE DEPARTMENT BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CAN BE VOTED ON AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO STATE HOW PROUD HE WAS OF CY NORMAN, A 15-YEAR-OLD BENTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, FOR BEING THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S GOLD CUP HELD AT THE BENTON COUNTRY CLUB.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CY NORMAN IS THE YOUNGEST PERSON TO EVER WIN THE GOLD CUP. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION HAS EXTENDED RENEWAL DATES FOR LIQUOR LICENSE TO DECEMBER 31, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDANCE AS THE STATE ON THIS MATTER. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMBINATION LIQUOR LICENSE UNTIL A LATER DATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE NEW TERMINAL AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYING PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,200.00.  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 HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AER 303 SPONSOR CERTIFICATION TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE FRANKLIN COUNTY GAZETTE WITH THE MATERIAL REGARDING THE COSTS THAT WILL BE INCURRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH RICK HAYES REGARDING THIS PAPERWORK.  ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, FREDA BROADWAY PRESENTED COMMISSIONER DON STOREY WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR HELPING WITH FLAG REMOVAL AFTER THE 4^TH OF JULY HOLIDAY.  MRS. BROADWAY STATED THAT SHE HAD PRESENTED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WITH A SIMILAR CERTIFICATE EARLIER IN THE DAY AS HE WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING.  MRS. BROADWAY ALSO INVITED THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE STANLEY MCCOLLUM POST #280 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AUGUST 8^, 2020.  MRS. BROADWAY ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ TO PREPARE A PROCLAMATION FOR THIS CEREMONY AND HE STATED HE WOULD BE THERE TO PRESENT THE PROCLAMATION. 

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. 

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 27, 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 JULY 13, 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 PERKINS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO SHARE SOME GOOD NEWS.  HE STATED THAT THE PROJECT ON NORTH HIGHWAY 37 FROM PETROFF TO IDNR WILL BE FUNDED 100% BY GRANT MONIES. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-10 RAISING WATER RATES A FLAT $1.00 ON THE BASE CHARGE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2020-07 AMENDING RESOLUTION #2019-18 RESTRICTING FUNDS FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT DEBT REPAYMENT/REDUCTION.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00630 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR INVOICE #10 OF THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $78,846.30.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE HAD RECEIVED THREE BIDS FOR THE 10 X 10 DOG KENNEL CURRENTLY AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH OPENED THESE BIDS.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM DENZIL MCCLINTOCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $150.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM ALISHA CRADDOCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $600.00.  THE THIRD BID WAS FROM MICHAEL MCCOLLUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,556.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID RECEIVED FROM MICHAEL MCCOLLUM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,556.00.  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 APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 07/24/2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,775.42, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,822.64, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,698.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER CITY ATTORNEY UPDATES, THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD EACH FIND A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING IN THEIR MAILBOXES CONCERNING A ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT POLICE DEPARTMENT BARGAINING AGREEMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS SHOULD BE REVIEWED BY EACH OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CAN BE VOTED ON AT THE NEXT MEETING. 

UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO STATE HOW PROUD HE WAS OF CY NORMAN, A 15-YEAR-OLD BENTON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT, FOR BEING THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S GOLD CUP HELD AT THE BENTON COUNTRY CLUB.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CY NORMAN IS THE YOUNGEST PERSON TO EVER WIN THE GOLD CUP. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION HAS EXTENDED RENEWAL DATES FOR LIQUOR LICENSE TO DECEMBER 31, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDANCE AS THE STATE ON THIS MATTER. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COMBINATION LIQUOR LICENSE UNTIL A LATER DATE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR THE NEW TERMINAL AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYING PAY ESTIMATE #2 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,200.00.  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 HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE AER 303 SPONSOR CERTIFICATION TO THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PROVIDE THE FRANKLIN COUNTY GAZETTE WITH THE MATERIAL REGARDING THE COSTS THAT WILL BE INCURRED FOR THE NEW AIRPORT TERMINAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE IN TOUCH WITH RICK HAYES REGARDING THIS PAPERWORK.  ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, FREDA BROADWAY PRESENTED COMMISSIONER DON STOREY WITH A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR HELPING WITH FLAG REMOVAL AFTER THE 4^TH OF JULY HOLIDAY.  MRS. BROADWAY STATED THAT SHE HAD PRESENTED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WITH A SIMILAR CERTIFICATE EARLIER IN THE DAY AS HE WAS NOT ABLE TO ATTEND THE COUNCIL MEETING.  MRS. BROADWAY ALSO INVITED THE CITY COUNCIL TO THE STANLEY MCCOLLUM POST #280 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY AUGUST 8^, 2020.  MRS. BROADWAY ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ TO PREPARE A PROCLAMATION FOR THIS CEREMONY AND HE STATED HE WOULD BE THERE TO PRESENT THE PROCLAMATION. 

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. 

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JULY 17, 2020 AT

8:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE SPECIAL CALLED COUNCIL MEETING WAS FOR

• OPENING AND DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID(S) FOR EXHAUST SYSTEM AT FIRE DEPARTMENT
• DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT MANAGER POSITION

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED THE RECORD TO REFLECT THE RECEIVING OF ONE (1) BID FOR THE EXHAUST SYSTEM AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM HASTINGS AIR ENERGY CONTROL FOR A PLYMOVENT SYSTEM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA OPENED THE BID.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WENT OVER THE BID AND STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN TO THIS COMPANY PERSONALLY AND HAS SIGNED OFF ON ALL REQUIREMENTS EXCEPT FOR A MISTAKE DUE TO ONE (1) STATION. 

THE BID WAS FOR $47,375.00 THIS WAS FOR EXHAUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,303.00 AND INSTALLATION OF $18,072.00.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATES THAT THE FEMA GRANT FALLS WITHIN THE PRICE RANGE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE BID OF $47,375.00 FROM HASTINGS AIR ENERGY CONTROL FOR A PLYMOVENT SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE POSITION OF AIRPORT MANAGER.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT HE HAS THREE (3) PEOPLE WHO SHOW INTEREST, BUT HE ALSO STATED THAT THEY ALL WANT A FULL TIME POSITION AND CURRENTLY THIS IS ONLY OFFERED AS A PART TIME POSITION.  MR. MILES ALSO STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS PERSON SHOULD HAVE FAA EXPERIENCE ALONG WITH DUTIES INCLUDING LAWN MOWING AND MANAGING THE NEW TERMINAL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATES THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A CREDIT CARD READER INSTALLED FOR THE FUEL PUMP.  MR. MILES STATES THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE FUEL PRICES DROP.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTS TO UTILIZE CITY WORKERS TO MOW AND ETC. AS OUTSOURCING OF MOWING COSTS $1,100.00 PER MONTH.  MR. MILES STATED THAT A NEW TRACTOR FOR THE AIRPORT WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $40,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WANTS BIDS DONE FOR BALING OF HAY AND MOWING.  MR. MILES STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO POST THE AIRPORT MANAGER POSITION AT $1,100.00 PER MONTH/900 HOURS PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LEASE AGREEMENTS FOR HANGERS TO INCLUDE TAIL NUMBERS, REGULATION, AND RESPONSE TO THE FAA.  THE COUNCIL ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE CHARLES CASEY TO STAY ON UNTIL THEY FIND SOMEONE TO REPLACE HIM.

MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (2) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT MANAGER POSITION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:50 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 13, 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 AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED JAMES NEFF TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN JAMES NEFF AS A FULL-TIME FIREMAN ON A PROBATIONARY PERIOD.  UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DAVID GARAVALIA TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PRESENTED A RECOMMENDATION TO REZONE THE NORTH ½ OF PART OF PARCEL 08-07-401-003 CONSISTING OF 1 ½ ACRES DIRECTLY WEST OF MIDWEST TIRE DISPOSAL ON EAST ILLINOIS STREET.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RECOMMENDATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PRESENTED A RECOMMENDATION FOR A SPECIAL USE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY JEFF SHOCKLEY TO OWN AND OCCUPY A 1981 HAPPY HOUSE 14’ X 16’ MANUFACTURED HOME LOCATED AT 405 WEST TAYLOR STREET IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RECOMMENDATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. GARAVALIA PRESENTED A PROPOSAL FROM BIG C PROPERTIES DONATING THE PROPERTY AT 427 WEST WEBSTER TO THE CITY OF BENTON. MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS DONATION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

500. GARAVALIA PRESENTED A REAL ESTATE CONTRACT BETWEEN RONALD ROSE AND THE CITY OF BENTON. MR. ROSE WOULD LIKE TO PURCHASE THE PROPERTY ON THE CORNER OF BUCHANAN AND EAST SMITH STREET FOR A SUM OF $500.00. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY HAS MAINTAINED THIS PROPERTY FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS.  MOTION TO ACCEPT $500.00 FOR THE PROPERTY AT THE CORNER OF BUCHANAN AND EAST SMITH STREET WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDED TO OBTAIN BIDS FOR THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT EXTENSION. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO DO THIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (H), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LANGUAGE IN THE LAKE LOT LEASE AGREEMENTS AT LAKE BENTON.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH REGULATIONS THROUGH FREDDY MAC, THE LANGUAGE IN OUR CURRENT LAKE LOT LEASE WOULD NEED TO BE AMENDED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO AMEND THIS LANGUAGE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE NEEDED A MOTION TO BE MADE FOR APPROVAL OF PAYMENT TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE NEW TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,991.39.  MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 CITY HALL NEEDED A NEW ROOF AND WOULD LIKE TO SEEK BIDS.  HE STATED THAT HE IS INTERESTED IN SEEING THE PRICE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PITCHED ROOF AND A FLAT ROOF.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN SEEKING BIDS FOR A NEW ROOF AT CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 22, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00628 TO FW PLUMBING FOR SUMP PUMP REPAIRS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,550.54.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00629 TO THE IEPA FOR THE YEARLY NPDES FEE IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO RAISE WATER RATES BY $1.00 ON THE BASE RATE.  HE STATED THAT ALL CITIZENS’ BILLS WILL BE RAISED $1.00 PER MONTH, NOT A SCALED RATE RAISE.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT REND LAKE CONSERVANCY HAS RAISED THEIR RATES AND COMMISSIONER STOREY REITERATED THIS RAISE FROM REND LAKE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT AND REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT THE CITY OF BENTON DID NOT RAISE THEIR RATES WITH THE LAST RAISE IN RATES FROM THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING RESOLUTION 2019-18 RESTRICTING FUNDS FOR THE DEBT REDUCTION IN THE WWTP.  PREVIOUSLY $55,000.00 WAS RESTRICTED EVERY MONTH WITH $40,000.00 GOING TO DEBT REDUCTION AND $15,000.00 GOING TOWARDS INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR.  THIS AMENDMENT WOULD REDUCE THE AMOUNT RESTRICTED EACH MONTH TO $40,000.00 AND THIS WOULD ALL BE USED FOR DEBT REDUCTION/REPAYMENT.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00618 TO KEY FB MCAFOOS FOR 1 WEEK RENTAL OF A BRUSH CUTTER TO TRIM BRUSH AWAY FROM ROADWAYS AND OVERPASSES.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00620 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR 10 INCH AND 12 INCH TILE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,100.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVE HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO UPDATE THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE I57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  MR. HARP STATED THAT PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVES HAD BEEN TURNED INTO IDOT AND THAT SOON AN ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE FIRST VIRTUAL COMMITTEE ADVISORY MEETING WOULD BE MADE. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW CLOSURE OF EAST WASHINGTON STREET FROM COMMERCIAL TO NORTH MAIN AS WELL AS USE OF THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT ON THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF THE SQUARE FOR THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2020.  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 ALLOW A TEMPORARY STRUCTURE TO BE PLACED AT 1205 ELECTION CIRCLE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE A CARPORT PLACED OVER PREVIOUSLY LAID CONCRETE AND SINCE THE STRUCTURE WOULD BE IN THE CITY’S RIGHT AWAY A DISCUSSION HAD BEEN HELD WITH THE HOME OWNER TO MAKE SURE HE UNDERSTOOD IF THE CITY NEEDED IN THIS AREA, ALL REPAIRS WOULD BE DONE AT THE HOMEOWNER’S EXPENSE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT PROPER CHANNELS HAD NOT BEEN USED TO MAKE THIS REQUEST AND THAT ACCORDING TO ORDINANCE THIS NEEDED TO BE DISCUSSED WITH ZONING BEFORE BEING BROUGHT TO THE CITY COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 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 # 00022 TO SIEGALS UNIFORMS FOR 1 CLASS A DRESS UNIFORM FOR JAMES NEFF IN THE AMOUNT OF $386.99.  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 #00024 TO DINGUS FIRE COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,908.99 FOR 1 STAIR-CHAIR WITH TRACK SYSTEM, 1 PORTABLE BATTERY SUCTION UNIT, AND ACCESSORIES FOR THE UNIT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS COMPLETELY REIMBURSABLE THROUGH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYING BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $512,985.07.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 06/26/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,800.64, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,781.31, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $94,681.95.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 07/10/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,866.75, WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,041.87, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,024.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,932.71.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE WHEREABOUTS OF HIS HOME AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA’S HOME.  HE STATED THAT A QUESTION HAD BEEN RAISED REGARDING WHETHER EITHER PERSON LIVED IN THE CITY LIMITS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THEY BOTH LIVE WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BENTON AND THAT HIS ADDRESS IS 14000 TAYLOR STREET. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER QUESTIONED THE WATER RATE RAISE.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT EVERY CITIZEN’S BILL WILL GO UP EXACTLY $1.00, STATING THAT IF YOU BILL IN JULY IS $35.00, IN AUGUST, IT WILL BE $36.00.  MR. MILES STATED THIS WILL NOT BE A PERCENTAGE ON EACH GALLON OF WATER USED, BUT A FLAT RATE RAISE.  MR. CARTER ALSO QUESTIONED WHETHER THERE WERE ANY UTILITIES UNDER THE CONCRETE SLAB LOCATED AT ELECTION CIRCLE AND MR. MILES STATED THERE WERE NOT.  FINALLY MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COUNCIL HAD COME UP WITH A DISASTER PLAN REGARDING AUTHORITY DURING A DISASTER OR PANDEMIC AT THIS TIME AND MAYOR KONDRITZ INFORMED HIM IT WAS STILL BEING WORK ON. 

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

TIME 7:02 P.M.

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

TIME 7:55 P.M.

 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH ALL THE BARGAINING UNITS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

TIME 8:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 22, 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 FOR THE PUBLIC. THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL MET IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 8, 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTIAL PAYMENT #3 TO WIGGS EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,050.48.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THIS WAS THE FINAL PAYMENT ON THIS PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 #00617 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR DRAINAGE TILE IN THE AMOUNT OF $656.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED DAVE HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  MR. HARP STATED THAT A COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING IS SET TO TAKE PLACE IN THE NEXT 30 DAYS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00019 TO EMERGENCY REPORTING FOR STATE MANDATED REPORTING SOFTWARE ANNUAL PAYMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,420.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

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 #00020 TO MID AMERICA FIRE AND SAFETY FOR 100 FT SECTIONS OF 5” HOSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $654.00.  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 ORDER #00021 TO SENSIT TECHNOLOGY FOR REPAIR OF 4 GAS HAZMAT MONITORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $707.10.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING OF NEW FIREFIGHTER IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING RESOLUTION #2020-01.  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 APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 06/12/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $74,251.18 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,440.31 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $103,691.49.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ALL CITIZENS SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A MAILER REGARDING THE CENSUS.  SHE STATED THAT FILLING OUT YOUR CENSUS IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR FUNDING OF OUR COMMUNITY. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT BARGAINING AGREEMENTS WERE CONTINUING WITH ALL THREE UNIONS. 

UNDER UPDATES FROM PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ILLINOIS WILL BE MOVING TO PHASE 4 OF THE RESTORE ILLINOIS PLAN ON JUNE 26, 2020. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING CLEANUP OF 1002 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF COURT ORDER ENTERED FEBRUARY 19, 2020.  MR. GARAVALIA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH PICTURES THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN OF THE PROPERTY AS WELL AS THE COURT ORDER THAT WAS ENTERED IN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2020.  AFTER DISCUSSION, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GIVE THE HOMEOWNER FIVE (5) DAYS’ NOTICE TO CLEAN THE PROPERTY OR THE CITY WILL CLEAN THE PROPERTY AND FILE A LIEN ON THE PROPERTY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING A PROPOSAL BY CHRIS MENCHOWSKI TO DEMOLISH CITY OWNED PROPERTY AT 511 EAST SMITH STREET, PARCEL #08-18-428-010.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,100.00 , INCLUDING DIRT, AND THE CITY WILL PAY FOR THE DUMPSTERS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH,

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED ITEMS (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFACE REDUCTION AND (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEGOTIATING BARGAINING AGREEMENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT SHE AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WILL BE AT THE FARMER’S MARKET ON JUNE 25, 2020 TO HELP CITIZENS FILL OUT THE CENSUS . 

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT A PROPOSAL WAS GIVEN TO THE COUNCIL BY HIM EMBERTON TO REMOVE SPECIFIED ITEMS FROM THE REAL ESTATE OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER AND SUGGESTION BY GENERAL COMMISSIONERS TO REVISIT THIS ISSUE IN JUNE OF 2020 AS PER COUNCIL ACTION ON DECEMBER 23, 2019.  THE ITEM WAS TABLED AT THAT TIME WHILE PURSUING ASSISTANCE FROM VOLUNTEER OR RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.  AFTER DISCUSSION, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO NOTIFY THE HOMEOWNER THAT THEY HAD FIVE (5) DAYS TO CLEAN UP THE PROPERTY, OR THE CITY WOULD PURSUE CLEAN UP THROUGH MR. EMBERTON AND A LIEN WOULD BE PUT ON THE PROPERTY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AS WE ENTER PHASE 4, THE CITY WILL BEGIN APPLYING PENALTIES TO WATER BILLS AS WELL AS SENDING DISCONNECTION NOTICES OUT AGAIN. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ANOTHER SQUAD CAR HAS BEEN DAMAGED BY SOMEONE WHO WAS BEING ARRESTED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS IS THE THIRD SQUAD CAR DAMAGED THIS YEAR. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE PAYNE HUBLER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF REND LAKE CONSERVANCY HAD RAISED THEIR RATES ON THE WATER THE CITY PURCHASES FROM THAT ORGANIZATION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS IS TRUE, BUT THAT INSTEAD OF THE RATE INCREASE OCCURRING IN MAY, THE RATE INCREASE IS NOT SET TO HAPPEN UNTIL JULY OF 2020. 

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

6:55 P.M. 

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

COMMISSIONER STORY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JAMES NEFF AS A FULL TIME FIREMAN FOR $42,999.00 ON A PROBATIONARY BASIS FOR 1 YEAR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE VOTED “NO” BECAUSE HE FELT THERE WERE MORE DISCUSSIONS NEEDED BEFORE THIS DECISION WAS MADE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MR. NEFF WOULD START IN JULY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATING OF THE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

TIME 8:00 P.M.