Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

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.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 8, 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 PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 26, 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 001767 TO PREMIER PUMP AND POWER, LLC FOR A TRAILER PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,630.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THE TIME AND PRODUCTIVITY SAVED BY USING THIS NEW PUMP WILL MORE THAN PAY FOR THE PUMP IN THE NEXT YEAR.  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 TRANSFER OF LAKE LOTS #93 AND #94 FROM MALLORY MARTIN AND MACKENZIE MARTIN TO CALLIE BROWN.  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 #001768 TO KEY EQUIPMENT FOR FIVE (5) GUTTER BROOMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $800.00.  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 ORDINANCE #2020-09, EXCAVATION PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE SIDEWALK PROJECT WILL BE SEEKING BIDS TO SELECT A CONTRACTOR.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT A SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM AND DITCHING PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00018 TO AMSOIL 40 GALLONS OF OIL FOR FIRE ENGINE OIL CHANGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  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 TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING OF NEW FIREFIGHTER.  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 ADVERTISE THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL BE ACCEPTING BIDS FOR THE FEMA GRANT EXHAUST SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL BE ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS FOR THE K9 KENNEL THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY PLACED AT OFFICER WILKEY’S HOME.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00614 TO GROWMAIL FOR A POSTCARD TYPE MAILER ADVERTISING THE CENSUS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,766.68.  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 PAYING BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $218,520.36.  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 05/28/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $94,131.63 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,009.07 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $121,140.70.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

UNDER UPDATES FROM PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ CONGRATULATED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ON HIS MARRIAGE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT ATTENDED TO A LEAK ON EAST MAIN STREET, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ATTENDED TO A FIRE AT THE COUNTY BARN, AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE PRESENT DURING A PEACEFUL PROTEST ON THE BENTON SQUARE THIS PAST WEEK.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ALL THE EMPLOYEES OF THESE DEPARTMENTS DID A WONDERFUL JOB. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS NOTICED MULTIPLE PEOPLE RIDING ATV AND FOUR-WHEELERS AT LAKE BENTON.  HE STATED THAT HE WANTED TO REMIND OUR CITIZENS THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO OPERATE THESE VEHICLES ON CITY OWNED PROPERTY OR ROADS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION.  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 ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF USING PUBLIC PROPERTIES, INCLUDING SIDEWALKS, BUT BUSINESSES, RESTAURANTS, AND/OR BARS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD NEED TO PREPARE AN EMERGENCY ORDER STATING THIS.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PAYMENT OF AN INVOICE TO BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE AIRPORT TERMINAL PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,469.42.  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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00615 TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING FOR PAYMENT #1 TO CONSTRUCT THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,152.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION. 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. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WANTED TO SAY SOME NICE THINGS ABOUT RACHEL GARTNER AS SHE FEELS THAT WAS LEFT OUT OF THE LAST MEETING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT RACHEL WAS AN ASSET TO THE CITY OF BENTON WHILE SHE WORKED HERE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY HAS NOT COLLECTED LATE FEES OR DONE DISCONNECTION OF WATER DUE TO NONPAYMENT SINCE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC BEGAN.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE GOING BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL AT SOME POINT IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND WANTED TO GIVE CUSTOMERS A HEADS UP SO THOSE THAT MAY BE BEHIND ON THEIR BILLS CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT TWIN OAKS WILL BE OPERATED ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR’S ORDERS AND CAPACITY WILL BE CONSIDERED AS THE EXECUTIVE ORDER READS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE

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. 

TIME 6:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY MAY 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 VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 11, 2020.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 15, 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 THE LOW BID SUBMITTED BY WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR WATER MAIN RELOCATION ON ROUTE 7 IN THE AMOUNT OF $157,732.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EXCAVATION PERMIT DURING HIS REPORT.  

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BID FOR BUSH HOG FOR THE AIRPORT AT A LATER TIME. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR AN EXCAVATION PERMIT.  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 PAYMENT OF $2,091.81 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE DUQUOIN STREET BRIDGE OVER SUGAR CREEK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE SIDEWALK PROJECT IS STILL GOING TO TAKE PLACE, BUT A ONE (1) YEAR EXTENSION ON THAT PROJECT HAS BEEN GRANTED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A CONTRACTOR WILL STILL NEED TO BE SELECTED FOR THIS PROJECT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00015 TO ALAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOR DISINFECTANT AND WASH IN THE AMOUNT OF $497.17.  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 #00016 TO THE FIRE STORE FOR A HELMET TO REPLACE 005 HELMET IN THE AMOUNT OF $358.38.  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 #00017 TO THE DOOR DOCTOR OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS FOR EMERGENCY DOOR REPAIR, AS THE DOOR WOULD NOT SHUT, IN THE AMOUNT OF $399.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A MEMO FROM POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS ANNOUNCING THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER MARK WILKEY AS THE K9 HANDLER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 TO THE SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO PRESENT THE COUNCIL WITH A LETTER FROM THE SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT STATING THAT THEY WOULD ACCEPT THE DONATION OF THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT K9.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE DONATION OF BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 PENDING A LETTER FROM ACCEPTING THE DONATION FROM THE SPARTA POLICE DEPARTMENT.  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 FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM’S CONTRACT FOR THREE (3) YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING THE CONTRACT THAT SHE HAD NOT HAD ANSWERED AT THIS POINT AND WOULD NOT BE VOTING YES ON THE CONTRACT AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THAT HE FELT THE CONTRACT HAD SOME ISSUES THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND WOULD BE VOTING NO AT THIS TIME AS WELL.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR SPLIT CREWS IN EACH DEPARTMENT.  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 PAYROLL FOR 05/15/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,165.84, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,365.24, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,631.08.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE STATE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE AN ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING THE BUDGET AND IT WOULD BE A “FLAT” BUDGET.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HISTORICALLY DURING A “FLAT” BUDGET MUNICIPALITIES WERE GIVEN LESS MONEY THAN WHAT WAS IN THE BUDGET FOR THEM TO RECEIVE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT HE HAD A PROPOSAL FROM CHRIS MENCKOWSKI FOR CLEAN AND HAUL AWAY OF CONCRETE AND ROCK PILES FROM PARCEL #07-13-100-022 LOCATED IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF.  MR. MENCKOWSKI’ S PROPOSAL WAS FOR $13,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE $13,000.00 PROPOSAL FROM CHRIS MENCKOWSKI FOR CLEANUP AND HAUL AWAY OF CONCRETE AND ROCK PILES FROM PARCEL 07-13-100-022 LOCATED IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  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 DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. GARAVALIA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL AGAIN REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLEY AGREEMENT WITH KIRKPATRICK MOTORS.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. JORDAN KIRKPATRICK WOULD LIKE TO ASPHALT A PORTION OF AN ALLEY THAT RUNS ADJACENT TO HIS CAR LOT AND MAKE THE LOT LOOK CLEAN AND UNIFORM.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO AN ALLEY AGREEMENT WITH KIRKPATRICK MOTORS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PAYMENT OF INVOICE #9 TO CHASTIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,382.81.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  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 THAT IN RESPONSE TO GOVERNOR PRITZKER ORDERING ENTRANCE TO STAGE  OF THE RESTORE ILLINOIS PLAN, HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE THE USE OF MALKOVICH PARK, CAPITAL PARK, MUNICIPAL PARKING LOTS, AND ANY OTHER CITY OWNED PROPERTY FOR OUTDOOR DINING PURPOSES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT CITY HALL WOULD BE OPENING TO THE PUBLIC ON FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2020 ALLOWING ONE (1) PERSON IN THE LOBBY AT A TIME AND REQUIRING FACE MASKS BE WORN. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HIS NEIGHBORS HAD SOME SEWER ISSUES AND HE WANTED TO THANK THE WATER DEPARTMENT FOR HELPING AND STATED THAT THEY DID A GOOD JOB.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF ANYONE IN THE CITY WAS TAKING THE IMRF BUYOUT.  MR. CARTER WAS TOLD THAT MORE INFORMATION NEEDED TO BE GATHERED AT THIS TIME BEFORE THE CITY COULD RESPOND TO THAT QUESTION.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED WHO HAS CONTROL IN REGARDS TO SPLIT SHIFTS.  THE COUNCIL STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE THIS SHOULD BE A COUNCIL DECISION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY. 

7:05 P.M.

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

7:40 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO LAYOFF THE NONESSENTIAL POSITION OF COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR, RACHEL GARTNER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.   ALL OF THE COUNCIL STATED THAT THIS WAS A REGRETFUL DECISION. 

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

TIME 7:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 11, 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 VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 27, 2020.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF APRIL 30, 2020.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 30, 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 #001766 TO MUNICIPAL EQUIPMENT IN ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI FOR ENAQUA PARTS AND SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,240.00.  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 #00230 TO WARNING LITES FOR 40 STOP SIGNS, 20 SPEED LIMIT SIGNS, 30 NO PARKING SIGNS, 2 SCHOOL ZONE SIGNS, AND 6 NO ATV SIGNS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00231 TO ENERGY CULVERT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,020.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH RODNEY POTTS OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES REGARDING THE SIDEWALK PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE PROJECT IS MOVING FORWARD. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-07 AMENDING CHAPTER 24, ARTICLE 10-8 OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES INCREASING THE FEES FOR VEHICLE SEIZURE AND IMPOUNDMENT PENALTIES TO TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS ($200.00) FOR A FIRST OFFENSE, FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS ($400.00) FOR THE SECOND OFFENSE, AND SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS ($600.00) FOR THE THIRD AND ANY SUBSEQUENT OFFENSE.  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 TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE CHIEF’S CONTRACT.  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 THE PROPOSED SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL.  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 THE PROPOSED SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT FOR THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL.  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 RESOLUTION #2020-06 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION PARADE.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #00613 TO ALL STARS N STITCHES FOR CENSUS SIGNS IN THE AMOUNT OF $406.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 AT 9 A.M. TO APPROVE BILLS BECAUSE ALL THE STATEMENTS HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 05/01/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,067.13 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,854.74 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,912.87.  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 MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-09 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 BUDGET AS IT HAS BEEN ON DISPLAY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS AND A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD TO RECEIVE COMMENTS REGARDING THE BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY WITH THE PROVISION THAT THE COUNCIL UNDERSTAND HE WILL NOT AGREE TO PLACING TIME CLOCKS FOR EMPLOYEES EVEN THOUGH THE LINE ITEM IS IN THE BUDGET.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS VOTING NO ON THIS MOTION DUE TO ITEMS IN THE BUDGET HE BELIEVES HAVE NOT BEEN THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE COUNCIL MEETINGS HE WOULD LIKE EACH COMMISSIONER TO REPORT THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR DEPARTMENTS OVER THE PREVIOUS TWO WEEKS.  HE WOULD LIKE TO HEAR REPORTS ON THE PROJECTS THEY ARE WORKING ON OR HAVE COMPLETED AND ANYTHING ELSE THAT MAY BE RELEVANT FOR THE COUNCIL TO HEAR. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEMS (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF BARGAINING AGREEMENTS NEGOTIATIONS, (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEGOTIATION OF LABORER’S 318 GROUP GRIEVANCE, (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, AND (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING ORDINANCE #1396 FOR THE SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC OPERATIVE FRANCHISE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A LETTER FROM SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC IN THEIR PACKETS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THE LETTER IS REQUESTING THE COUNCIL TO PASS AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE PREVIOUS FRANCHISE AGREEMENT AS THE CURRENT ONE IS SET TO EXPIRE ON JUNE 12, 2020.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PASS ORDINANCE #2020-08 FOR A NEW FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS ELECTRIC COOP.  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 HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT MANAGER CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE 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 STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTMENT OF BROOK CRAIG TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD.  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 AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL ABOUT MOWING OF VACANT AND ABANDONED LOTS.  A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE PROS AND CONS OF CITY MOWING OF THESE PROPERTIES.  NO DECISION WAS MADE AT THIS MEETING. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR IF A PLAN WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING IMPLEMENTED FOR TIMES LIKE THE CORONA VIRUS PANDEMIC.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS IN PROCESS.  JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED THAT SHE BELIEVES EVERYONE WILL HAVE A NEW NORMAL TO GET USED TO DUE TO THE CORONA VIRUS.  MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE BELIEVES THE CITY SHOULD NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MOWING OTHER PEOPLE’S PROPERTY THIS YEAR AND SAVE THE MONEY FOR THE COSTS THAT ARE INCURRED WITH THIS PROCESS. 

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

7:10 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO GO OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

8:00 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOR ALL UNIONS.  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 CONTINUE THE GRIEVANCE PROCESS WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET UNION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CRAIG MILES AS THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT – DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF WORKFORCE REDUCTION.  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 CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2020 AT 9 A.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ABSTAINED. 

8:05 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2020 AT 11:00 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 ONLY.

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

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2020-02 IN SUPPORT OF CAMP MANITOWA APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT.  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 RESOLUTION #2020-03 IN SUPPORT OF VALVOLINE APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT.  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 #2020-04 IN SUPPORT OF ALL STARS –N- STITCHES APPLYING TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS FOR A COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER PUBLIC COMMENTS, DAVE SEVERIN STATED THAT HE APPRECIATES THE CITY HELPING WITH THIS PROCESS.  ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENT, TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE DID NOT LIKE THE WAY THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN HANDLED REGARDING COVID-19 AND THINKS THE CITY COULD DO A BETTER JOB IN THE FUTURE. 

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 11:10 A.M.