Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD THURSDAY APRIL 30, 2020 AT 10:00 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 DECLARED THE HEARING OPEN AND ASKED FOR ROLL CALL. THOSE PRESENT WERE GARAVALIA, STOREY, PERKINS, MESSERSMITH, AND  MAYOR KONDRITZ.  TAMMY CAMPBELL OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD, DAN GRAVEL OF CAMP MANITOWA, SARAH WIGGS OF VALVOLINE, DAVE SEVERIN OF ALL STARS –N- STITCHES, THOMAS MALKOVICH, DAVE GARAVALIA, BROOK CRAIG, LISA MENO, AND RICHARD HARP WERE ALSO PRESENT. 

TAMMY CAMPBELL STATED THAT THIS PUBLIC HEARING WAS CALLED TO DISCUSS THE DOWNSTATE SMALL BUSINESS STABILIZATION GRANT.  MS. CAMPBELL STATED THAT EACH GRANT WOULD BE FOR $25,000.00 TO THE BUSINESSES THAT WERE AWARDED.  THE BUSINESS WOULD HAVE 2 MONTHS TO SPEND THE MONIES OVER A 12-MONTH TIME PERIOD. 

NO QUESTIONS WERE ASKED.  DAVE SEVERIN, DAN GRABEL, AND SARAH WIGGS ALL THANKED THE CITY AND JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR HELPINGTHEIR BUSINESSES APPLY FOR THIS GRANT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE HEARING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

TIME 10:10 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 27, 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 ONLY.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT VIA TELEPHONE/COMPUTER FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS JOINED THE CALL IMMEDIATELY AFTER ROLL WAS CALLED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 13, 2020.  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 AT THE PREVIOUS COUNCIL MEETING A PURCHASE ORDER WAS APPROVED TO DAVIS AUTO FOR REPAIRS TO THE COURTESY CAR FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS WERE CONTACTED AND DAVIS AUTO WAS THE LOWEST PRICE FOR THE REPAIRS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF $19,596.00 TO JOHN H. CRAWFORD FOR 100% OF THE DESIGN FOR THE SIDEWALK GRANT.  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 ORDINANCE #2020-04 FOR PATRON ONLY PARKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-05 DESIGNATING 15 MINUTE PICK UP AND DROP-OFF PARKING FOR ONE SPOT IN FRONT OF 601 PUBLIC SQUARE, ONE SPOT IN FRONT OF 506 PUBLIC SQUARE, AND

TWO SPOTS IN FRONT OF 205 EAST MAIN STREET.  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 ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW.  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 AMENDING THE ORDINANCE SETTING IMPOUND FEES BY INCREASING THE FEES FROM $100 FOR FIRST OFFENSE, $200.00 FOR SECOND OFFENSE, AND $500.00 FOR THIRD OFFENSE TO $200.00 FOR FIRST OFFENSE, $400.00 FOR SECOND OFFENSE, AND $600.00 FOR THIRD OFFENSE.  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 DISPATCH AGREEMENT WITH WEST CITY FOR A FEE OF $9,146.04 FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2019, $9,320.32 PER MONTH FROM MAY 1, 2020 TO MAY 1, 2021, AND $9,530.70 FROM MAY 1, 2021 TO OCTOBER 30, 2021.  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 04/17/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,806.48, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,509.02, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,475.68.  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 PLACE THE FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 CITY OF BENTON BUDGET ON DISPLAY FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING TO DISCUSS THE BUDGET BEFORE FINAL APPROVAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #2020-06 DISCONTINUING SEWER ADJUSTMENTS UNLESS THE CITY IS FOUND TO BE AT FAULT.  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 RESOLUTION #2020-05 FOR A “MOW TO OWN” PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF BENTON REGARDING CITY OWNED VACANT PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED TO HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE RETURN OF ALL EMPLOYEES TO WORK IMMEDIATELY UNLESS ON FAMILY MEDICAL LEAVE ACT, VACATION, PERSONAL, OR SICK TIME.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING HOW TO BRING ALL EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK WHILE MAINTAINING SOCIAL DISTANCE. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD MASKS AVAILABLE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG HAD MASKS AVAILABLE IN HER OFFICE AS WELL. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE BARGAINING UNITS WERE STILL IN NEGOTIATION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR, WOULD NEED TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCER DAVID GARAVALIA TO DISCUSSION ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING REAL PROPERTY FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TAX AGENT AT 511 EAST SMITH STREET.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY HAS BEEN MOWING THIS PROPERTY AND WE CAN PURCHASE THE PROPERTY AT THIS TIME FOR $815.00.  MR. GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT AFTER HAVING THE ASBESTOS REMOVED, THE STREET DEPARTMENT COULD DEMOLISH THIS HOME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE 511 EAST SMITH STREET FOR $815.00 AND PROCEED WITH ASBESTOS REMOVAL OF THIS PROPERTY BEFORE DEMOLITION BY THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  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 HAD RECEIVED COMMUNICATION FROM THE ILLINOIS LIQUOR CONTROL COMMISSION STATING THAT ALL STATE LIQUOR LICENSE SET TO EXPIRE IN MARCH, APRIL AND MAY OF 2020 WOULD BE EXTENDED UNTIL JULY 1, 2020.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FOLLOW THE STATE GUIDANCE.  COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND CITY LIQUOR LICENSE RENEWAL DATES TO JULY OF 2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHERE THE BUDGET WOULD BE ON DISPLAY.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT SHE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THIS POSTED ON THE CITY WEBSITE.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CITY GET AN EMA PLAN TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH SOMETHING IN THE NATURE OF THE COVID-10 PANDEMIC.  JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED SHE HATED TO SEE A WORKFORCE REDUCTION AT THE CITY, BUT UNDERSTOOD THAT IT MAY BE NECESSARY.  MS. HUBLER STATED SHE THOUGHT THE “MOW TO OWN’ PROGRAM WAS A GREAT IDEA AND WANTED TO COMMEND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ON THIS IDEA. MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE WAY THE STREET DEPARTMENT WAS HANDLED DURING THIS PANDEMIC. 

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. 

10:35 A.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO GO OUT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

11:40

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND CRAIG MILES TO EXPLORE THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS POSITION AND REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON 05/11/2020.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

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

TIME 11:40 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 13, 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 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 MARCH 9, 2020. 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 00610 TO MIDSOUTH STEEL PRODUCTS FOR AN AVIATION FUEL HOSE FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,817.00. 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 00612 TO DAVIS AUTO REPAIR IN MCLEANSBORO, ILLINOIS FOR REPAIRS TO THE COURTESY CAR AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,491.57. 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 APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #32 FROM JOHN MEILE TO JOHN AND KATHLEEN MEILE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH PAM DORRIS OF STATE FARM INSURANCE. MS. DORRIS WOULD LIKE THE CITIZENS TO WRITE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ON CITY SIDEWALKS WITH CHALK TO BE PROVIDED BY HER OFFICE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS A GREAT IDEA AND WANTED TO THANK MS. DORRIS FOR THIS IDEA.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INVOICE #8 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES, LLC, FOR DESIGN PHASE 1 OF THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,955.11. 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 APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00014 TO DINGES FIRE COMPANY FOR THREE IN-LINE RELIEF VALVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $528.81 TO BE PAID FROM THE EXTRICATION FUND. 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 #00041 TO AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. FOR 25 TASER CARTRIDGES IN THE AMOUNT OF $706.25. 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 #00090 TO DUNAGAN’S COLLISION CENTER FOR BODY WORK AND DENT REPAIR OF A SQUAD CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,172.41. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THIS DAMAGE OCCURRED WHILE TAKING A SUSPECT INTO CUSTODY. THE SUSPECT RESISTED THE OFFICER AND STRUCK THE REA DOOR OF THE SQUAD CAR CAUSING CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE. CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS IS SEEKING CHARGES FOR THE DAMAGE FROM THE SUSPECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT JEFF SHEW WILL BE RETIRING IN MAY. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE TWO PART-TIME FIREFIGHTERS TO WORK IN THE DEPARTMENT UNTIL THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD COULD COMPLETE THE HIRING PROCESS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TWO 60-DAY TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS OF FIREFIGHTERS. THE TWO FIREFIGHTERS WOULD BE JAMES NEFF AND JOHN OWENS WHO ARE BOTH CURRENTLY PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS WITH THE CITY OF BENTON AS WELL AS EMPLOYEES OF ABBOTT AMBULANCE. 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 DIRECTING THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE HIRING PROCESS FOR A FIREFIGHTER TO FILL THE SPOT OF FIREFIGHTER JEFF SHEW AFTER HE RETIRES. 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 AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR A GRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00. 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 PURCHASE ORDER 00611 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC IN THE AMOUNT OF $747.90 FOR LED LIGHT REPLACEMENT AROUND THE EXTERIOR OF THE CITY HALL. 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 MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $287,050.29. 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 03/20/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,205.11, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,727.79, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,032.90. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE WOULD SECOND THIS MOTION, BUT HE WANTED TO MAKE A STATEMENT FIRST. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD APPROVE THE PAYROLL, BUT WAS OPPOSED TO COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SENDING HALF OF HIS CREW HOME WITH PAY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE FELT THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE. COMMISSIONER PERKINS SPOKE UP AND SAID HE AGREED WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY’S STATEMENT. 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 04/03/2020 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $62,914.39 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,229.13 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,143.52. 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR AMY SIZEMORE OF 908 E MAIN STREET AND JAMES ELDRIDGE OF 314 SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE CURRENT ORDINANCE. 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 DIRECT CODES AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA AND CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR A “MOW TO OWN” PROGRAM FOR THE CITY OF BENTON REGARDING CITY OWNED VACANT PROPERTIES. 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 TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FISCAL YEAR 2020/2021 BUDGET. 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 IMMEDIATELY DISCONTINUE POOL ADJUSTMENTS BECAUSE OF THE AMOUNT OF MAN HOURS IT COSTS THE CITY TO PERFORM THESE ADJUSTMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN AMENDED ORDINANCE REGARDING ADJUSTMENTS FOR WATER/SEWER BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND THE EMPLOYEES AND THE COUNCIL ON HOW THEY ARE HANDLING BUSINESS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE ALSO WANTED TO COMMEND EVERY ONE OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE WORK THEY ARE DOING DURING THIS PANDEMIC AS WELL AS HOW THEY ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE AT THIS TIME.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DISCUSSION REGARDING WORKFORCE REDUCTION AS WELL AS EMPLOYEE WORK POLICIES/PROCEDURES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. DISCUSSION WAS HELD AMONG THE COUNCIL MEMBERS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SHOULD BRING HIS EMPLOYEES BACK TO WORK AND IF HE FELT HE NEEDED TO KEEP THE CREWS SEPARATE THEY COULD WORK ON SPLIT SHIFTS OR DIFFERENT PROJECTS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD BE LOOKING INTO THIS, BUT IT WOULD BE A PROCESS THAT MAY TAKE A FEW DAYS. COMMISSIONER PERKINS AND COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE FULL STREET DEPARTMENT BACK AT WORK AND NOT BEING PAID TO STAY AT HOME EVERY OTHER WEEK PER CREW.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE AIRPORT BOARD RECOMMENDING THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. REECE RUTLAND TO FILL THE VACANT SLOT ON THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD. COMMISSIONER STOREY 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.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

TIME 10:05 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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 WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $376,250.07, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $805.92, DOWNTOWN TIF $440.00, AND I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,760.13 FOR A TOTAL MONTHLY BILLS AMOUNT OF $465,256.12. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

8:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2020 IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET IN BENTON, ILLINOIS AT 6:00 P.M.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THOSE IN ATTENDANCE WERE COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 27, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER PERKINS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO APPROVE TWO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. THE FIRST LAKE LOT TO BE TRANSFERRED WAS LAKE LOT 104 FROM STANLEY AND JOSEPHINE LYSKANOWSKI TO KEVIN AND TAMMY WESTON. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEASE 104 FROM STANLEY AND JOSEPHINE LYSKANOWSKI TO KEVIN AND TAMMY WESTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

THE SECOND LAKE LOT LEASE TO BE TRANSFERRED WAS THE LEASE FOR LOTS 91 AND 92 FROM THE ESTATE OF SECCA MOSS TO MELVIN AND JANET HALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOTS 91 AND 92 FROM THE ESTATE OF SECCA MOSS TO MELVIN AND JANET HALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRTIZ STATED THAT WE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. MAYOR KONDRTIZ ASKED ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH TO READ THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD. THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED THAT THE CITY ATTORNEY CRAFT LANGUAGE TO BE ADDED TO THE HANGAR LEASE AGREEMENT AS FOLLOWS: “PARAGRAPH #11 – LESSEE AGREES TO KEEP AIRCRAFT REGISTERED AND INSURED AT ALL TIMES. LESSEE WILL PROVIDE PROOF OF INSURANCE UPON REQUEST.” IN ADDITION, IN ORDER TO PROMOTE INCREASED USAGE AND ATTRACT MORE TENANTS, THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD RECOMMENDED THAT AN INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM BE CREATED/APPROVED TO PROVIDE NEW TENANTS, WHO AGREE TO LEASE ON A MONTH-TO-MONTH BASIS, RECEIVE 3 MONTHS FREE. TENANTS WHO AGREE TO A YEARLY LEASE SHALL RECEIVE 6 MONTHS FREE.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PARAGRAPH #11. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARAGRAPH #11. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTRODUCTORY PROGRAM FOR THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRTIZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LLC. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE USED FOR ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY FOR A COST OF $95.00 PER HOUR. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID THROUGH TIF FUNDS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, LLC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. GARAVALIA TO ALSO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A BENTON DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM TO BET ESTABLISHED BY MORAN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. MR. GARAVALIA PROPOSED A PROGRAM THAT WOULD MATCH 50% OF COSTS UP TO $5,000.00 FOR EACH BUSINESS OWNER IN THE DOWNTOWN TIF DISTRICT TO IMPROVE THE FAÇADE OF THEIR BUILDING. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID THROUGH DOWNTOWN TIF FUNDS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE MEETING WILL NEED TO BE CONTINUED TO FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,469.26 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,157.24 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,626.50. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE APPROPRIATE INDIVIDUALS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ATTEND THE SPRING AND SUMMER ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE WORKSHOPS FOR MUNICIPAL LICENSING AND REGULATION OF LIQUOR AND GAMING, MUNICIPAL REGULATION OF ADULT USE CANNABIS, AND NOT-S0-NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS WORKSHOPS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THE COSTS OF THESE WORKSHOPS AND HOW MANY ATTENDEES SHE HAD IN MIND FOR EACH. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THE COST IS $50.00 PER ATTENDEE LAND SHE ANTICIPATED NO MORE THAN TWO ATTENDEES FROM THE CITY OF BENTON FOR EACH WORKSHOP. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION NOT APPROVE THE LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY RENEWAL THROUGH BLISS MCKNIGHT, INC. ON A QUARTERLY PLAN WITH A COST OF $36,439.00 PER QUARTER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY OF BENTON HAD A $0.00 DEDUCTIBLE, BUT DUE TO SOME CLAIMS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, OUR INSURANCE AGENT SUGGESTED WE TAKE THE $5,000.00 DEDUCTIBLE PLAN IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP OUR PREMIUM FROM RISING. COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION, HOWEVER, STATED THAT IN THE FUTURE HE WOULD LIKE TO USE A BIDDING PROCESS TO SEARCH FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00009 TO ILLINOIS FIRE SERVICE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED COMPANY OFFICER TRAINING FOR JEFF COLEMAN AND ERIC DAVIS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00008 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM FOR REPAIR OF ENGINE 801 IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,122.55. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE APPROVAL OF HAZMAT AND EXTRICATION ACCOUNT DISCUSSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00226 TO SOUTHERN FS FOR A 55 GALLON DRUM OF 15-40 MOTOR OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $542.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00227 TO FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER FOR TWO 10-22.5 REAR TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $720.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRTIZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #20-02 FOR A THREE-WAY STOP SIGN AT THE INTERSECTION OF FRISCO AND DIAL STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH DISTRIBUTED A DIAGRAM TO THE COUNCIL MEMBERS SHOWING PLACEMENT OF WHERE HE WOULD LIKE “PUBLIC SQUARE PATRON PARKING” SIGNS PLACED ON THE SQUARE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION AMENDING PARKING RESTRICTIONS WITH AN ORDINANCE ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE TO “PATRON ONLY” PARKING MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8 A.M. AND 4 P.M. WITH A $75.00 FINE FOR THOSE DISOBEYING THE SIGNS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING TWO PARKING SPOTS IN FRONT OF 205 EAST MAIN STREET, ONE PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF THE BUZZ, AND ONE PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF SEASONING BISTRO AS 15-MINUTE PICKUP/DROP OFF PARKING SPOTS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11 A.M. AND 1 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD SENT ADVERTISED (RFQ) REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING SIDEWALK PROJECT. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ONLY ONE RFQ HAD BEEN RETURNED TO THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RFQ FOR JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL ON NORTH DUQUOIN STREET CROSSWALK PLACEMENT” UNTIL A LATER DATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE CHANGING THE SPEED LIMIT TO 25 MPH FROM NORTH OF I-57 TO PETROFF ROAD ON NORTH DUQUOIN STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TROY RAY, OWNER OF SEASONING BISTRO, ASKED IF THE CITY HAD DISCUSSED PLACING “YIELD” SIGNS ON THE SQUARE. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO MR. RAY THAT THE MIDDLE OF THE SQUARE BELONGS TO THE STATE OF ILLINOIS AND NOT THE CITY OF BENTON.

MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY MORNING, 02/14/2020, AT 8:0 A.M. FOR PAYMENT OF MONTHLY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 27, 2020 AT 6:00 P.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 PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 1, 2020 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. 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 THE COUNCIL WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED GARRET COLLIER FROM THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD TO DISCUSS AMENDING THE AIRPORT HANGAR LEASES. MR. COLLIER STATED THAT THE AIRPORT ADVISORY BOARD HAD NOT MET TO DISCUSS THIS YET AND WOULD BE SENDING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CITY COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING AIRPORT HANGAR LEASES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ERIC BOE OF BROWN AND ROBERTS TO PRESENT THE CURRENT STANDING OF THE AIRPORT AS TO FAA AND IDOT AERONAUTIC ISSUES. MR. BOE STATED THAT THE AIRPORT NEEDS TO HOUSE 10 AIRCRAFT IN ORDER TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE AN ANNUAL AMOUNT OF $150,000 FROM THE FAA. GARRETT COLLIER STATED THAT HE AND RACHEL GARTNER ARE WORKING ON GETTING NEW LEASES SIGNED.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A PROPOSAL FROM JIM EMBERTON TO REMOVE SPECIFIED ITEMS FROM THE REAL ESTATE OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET PURSUANT TO COURT ORDER OBTAINED BY CODE ENFORCEMENT. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THIS PROPERTY SINCE THE COURT ORDER HAS BEEN OBTAINED, BUT IT IS STILL NOT CLEANED UP. MR. GARAVALIA ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO PROCEED WITH CLEANING UP THIS PROPERTY. MR. GARAVALIA ALSO PRESENTED PICTURES FROM THE TIME THE COURT ORDER WAS MADE AND PICTURES TAKEN TODAY. DISCUSSION WAS HELD. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS NOT SURE HE WAS READY TO COMMIT CITY FUNDS TO CLEANING UP PRIVATE PROPERTY. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 2. COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TO PRESENT DEMOLITION PROPOSALS FOR 202 EAST MAIN STREET AND 427 WEST WEBSTER STREET. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE PROPOSALS WERE RECEIVED FROM ANDY POOLE AND WERE IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,590.00 FOR 427 WEST WEBSTER STREET AND $9,210.00 FOR 202 EAST MAIN STREET. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE DEMOLITION OF 202 EAST MAIN STREET WILL ALLOW THE CITY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH EXTENDING THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT ON EAST MAIN AND ALLOW FOR THE PLACEMENT OF 12 MORE PARKING SPOTS. MR. GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT MR. POOLE PLANS ON DEMOLISHING THESE TWO STRUCTURES IN MARCH OF 2020.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE DEMOLITION PROPOSAL FOR 202 EAST MAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,210.00 TO BE PAID FROM TIF FUNDS. 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 DEMOLITION PROPOSAL FOR 427 WEST WEBSTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,590.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED AN INVOICE FOR PAYMENT TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES. THIS IS INVOICE 6 FOR THE BENTON I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,760.13. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICE #6 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,760.13. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00603 TO .GOV DOMAIN NAME REGISTRATION SERVICE FOR ACCESS TO THE GOOGLE CALENDAR, GOOGLE DRIVE, AND EMAIL SERVICES FOR A ONE –YEAR SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $400.00. 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 HAS SPOKEN WITH JALAYNE LUCKETT OF ATLAS CPAS REGARDING THE SIGNING OF BILLS. ACCORDING TO MS. LUCKETT THE COMMISSIONERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SIGNING A WARRANT FOR ALL THE BILLS AND THEY NEED TO BE SIGNING EACH OF THEIR DEPARTMENT’S BILLS. MS. LUCKETT STATED IT WOULD BE BEST PRACTICE FOR EACH COMMISSIONER TO SIGN ALL OF THE BILLS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 24, 2020 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,548.05, WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,075.50, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $100,723.55. 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 A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR CARRIE CLOVER OF 403 SOUTH LICKLITER STREET. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SEWER ADJUSTMENT AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. 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 ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ATTENDING THE SPRING MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY’S SEMINAR. THE REGISTRATION IS $175.00 AND THE SEMINAR IS THURSDAY, APRIL 2, 2020 IN MT. VERNON, ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THANKED TOM CARTER FOR TAKING TIME TO MEET WITH HER REGARDING UNION CONTRACTS AS A PREVIOUS UNION MEMBER.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO SEND A LETTER TO THE LABORER’S LOCAL 773 STATING THE CITY’S DESIRE TO MODIFY OR TERMINATE THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT. 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 SEND A LETTER TO THE LOCAL 318 STATING THE CITY’S DESIRE TO MODIFY OR TERMINATE THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENTS PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT. 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 SEND A LETTER TO THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE STATING THE CITY’S DESIRE TO MODIFY OR TERMINATE THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WITH THE POLICE DEPARTMENT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE AGREEMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THE COUNCIL THIS EVENING.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #20-01 FOR A TWO-WAY STOP SIGN ON FIRST AND WILLIAMS STREET. 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 DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE CREATING A THREE-WAY STOP AT FRISCO AND DIAL STREET. 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 WOULD LIKE TO CREATE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING PARKING RESTRICTIONS FOR THE OUTER PARKING SPOTS ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE. DISCUSSION WAS HELD. MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A LATER DATE WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 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 #00604 TO FLIGHT LIGHT FOR AN AIRPORT ROTATING BEACON IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,725.00. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THIS ITEM WOULD BE PAID FOR FROM THE AIRPORT FUND. 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 ALLOW DAVID GARAVALIA TO ADVERTISE THE ACCEPTANCE OF BIDS ON CERTAIN LAKE LOT LEASES AT LAKE BENTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT CITY HAD A LARGE WATER LEAK ON EAST MAIN STREET TODAY. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THE WATER DEPARTMENT DID A GREAT JOB ON FIXING THE LEAK.

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD GONE THROUGH THE FIRST SUGGESTIONS LEFT IN THE CITY OF BENTON SUGGESTION BOXES. THE SUGGESTIONS INCLUDED BRINGING RECYCLING BACK TO THE FIREHOUSE, GETTING A GROUP TOGETHER TO HELP CITIZENS WITH SMALL JOBS AROUND THEIR HOMES, INVESTING MORE IN RECYCLING, AND FINDING SOMETHING FUN FOR THE KIDS TO DO.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER QUESTIONED PLACING A CAMERA IN THE ELEVATOR AT CITY HALL TO HELP REDUCE THE DAMAGES CAUSED TO THE SYSTEM.

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

7:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 13, 2020 AT 6:00 P.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 PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED MADE A MOTION ON THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF THE CONTINUED MEETING OF DECEMBER 13, 2019. 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 REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 23, 2019. 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 WE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED JACKIE TAYLOR OF THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND RICK LINTON OF REND LAKE TOURISM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MS. TAYLOR STATED THAT THE NATIONAL ARCHERY TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD AT REND LAKE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS. SHE STATED THAT THIS IS BROUGHT TO OUR AREA BY S3DA ORGANIZATION WHICH STRIVES TO GET YOUTH INTO THE OUTDOORS. MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS TOURNAMENT WILL BRING A PROJECTED $3,000,000.00 TO $5,000,000.00 TO OUR AREA IN ONE WEEKEND WITH AN ESTIMATED 1,500 YOUTH PARTICIPATING IN THIS EVENT.

JIM MUIR WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED MR. MUIR TO GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE. MR. MUIR STATED THAT MOVING FROM THE OLD COURTHOUSE INTO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING HAD STARTED. HE STATED THAT BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2020, THERE WILL BE A NEW AUTOMATED PHONE SYSTEM FOR THE COURT SYSTEM. THE PHONE NUMBER WILL BE 618-435-9800. MR. MUIR ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRST COURT PROCEEDINGS IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING WILL TAKE PLACE ON FEBRUARY 10, 2020.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THE MEETING, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE MAYOR. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE FELT THE MAYOR HAD BEEN A BULLY TO HIS DEPARTMENT AND THAT HE DEMONSTRATED COWARDLY ACTS BY DISCUSSING WHAT HE FELT WERE PROBLEMS IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN A MEETING THAT COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS NOT IN ATTENDANCE. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT IS VERY HARDWORKING AND DID NOT DESERVE TO BE TREATED THIS WAY. COMMISSIONER PERKINS ASKED THAT IF, IN THE FUTURE, ANYONE NEEDS TO DISCUSS HIS DEPARTMENT, THEY DO SO WITH HIM FIRST.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001113 TO SANTEE OIL IN SIKESTON, MISSOURI, FOR ONE 55 GALLON BARREL OF OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $640.00. 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 DESIGNATE A HANDICAP PARKING SPOT ON THE NORTH EAST CORNER OF WASHINGTON AND MAPLE STREETS. 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 DESIGNATE A HANDICAPPED PARKING SPOT ON THE NORTH WEST CORNER OF SOUTH MAIN AT THE INTERSECTION OF CHURCH STREET. 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 DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR A FOUR-WAY STOP AT WILLIAMS AND FIRST STREET. THIS IS CURRENTLY JUST A TWO-WAY STOP. 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 HE WANTED TO OPEN THE FLOOR FOR THE MERCHANTS ON THE SQUARE THAT WERE IN ATTENDANCE TO SPEAK REGARDING THE PARKING ON THE SQUARE. COUNTY SEAT, WHITE RABBIT, AND JOE’S PIZZA OWNERS WERE ALL IN ATTENDANCE. MR. JOE SPRAGUE SPOKE FOR THE GROUP. MR. SPRAGUE STATED THAT THE BUSINESS OWNERS WERE WANTING TO SEE IF THE CITY COULD MAKE THE PARKING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE FOR PATRONS ONLY, NO PEOPLE THAT WORK ON THE SQUARE. MR. JIM MUIR WAS IN ATTENDANCE AND HE STATED THAT THE EMPLOYEES OF FRANKLIN COUNTY WILL BE PARKING ON CHURCH STREET AND SOME OF THE OTHER PARKING SPOTS NOW THAT THE COURTHOUSE IS MOVING INTO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00089 TO CELLBRITE INC. FOR RENEWAL OF THE FORENSIC LICENSE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. 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 #00007 TO IAMRESPONDING.COM FOR ANNUAL RENEWAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $735.00. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00099 TO PAPER SAVE FOR MAINTENANCE RENEWAL OF THE PAPER SAVE PROGRAM FOR ACCOUNTS AND FINANCES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,006.02. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #00100 TO THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR A TABLE AT THE ANNUAL CHAMBER DINNER IN THE AMOUNT OF$210.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS TO BE PAID ON JANUARY 13, 2020 IN THE AMOUNT OF $214,648.31. THIS WAS $213,330.03 FROM ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND $1,318.28 FROM OTHER FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT JOHN H. CRAWFORD HAD RETURNED THE CHECK RECEIVED FOR UPDATING OF OUR ENTERPRISE ZONE MAP AFTER THE COUNCIL RESCINDED THE MOTION TO ALLOW THEM TO COMPLETE THIS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,688.84 AND THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,691.71 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $98,380.55. 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR PAUL POTTS OF 402 SOUTH FIRST STREET, DEBORAH LOUCKS OF 616 JOPLIN STREET, AND LINDSAY MCGUIRE OF 511 NORTH BUCHANAN. 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 DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PREPARING A RESOLUTION REGARDING HAZMAT FUNDS AFTER TERMS WERE PROVIDED TO HIM. 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 BELIEVES HIMSELF TO BE A GENTLEMAN AND HAS NEVER BEEN CALLED A BULLY BEFORE IN HIS LIFE. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS WON TWO MAYORAL ELECTIONS BY LANDSLIDES AND FEELS THIS SHOWS HIS POPULARITY. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE IS DOING THINGS THE WAY HE BELIEVES IS RIGHT AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO THEM THIS WAY UNTIL HE IS NO LONGER MAYOR.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT PURCHASE ORDERS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00602 TO RSP FOR CLEANING OF HEATING AND AIR SYSTEMS AT TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $745.92. 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.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00601 FROM JEFF SHURTZ FOR AN ASBESTOS INSPECTION AT 202 EAST MAIN STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $440.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001076 FROM JEFF SHURTZ FOR AN ASBESTOS INSPECTION OF THE NEWHOUSE LUMBAR BUILDING EXCLUDING THE BLOCK BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $560.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. 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 HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY ON EAST MAIN STREET. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA IS WORKING ON A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF 202 EAST MAIN STREET. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PROCEED WITH THE PURCHASE OF 202 EAST MAIN STREET. 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 LIKE TO HAVE WOUNDED WARRIOR PARKING SPOTS DESIGNATED THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME RESEARCH ON THIS BEFORE PROCEEDING. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL FURTHER RESEARCH COULD BE COMPLETED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED ATTACHMENT (G) COST PLUS FIXED PAYMENT INVOICE FROM BROWN AND ROBERTS FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT PROJECT #H96-4656 IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,237.82. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PAY THIS INVOICE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED AN ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION VENDOR INVOICE FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,270.66. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PAY THIS INVOICE. 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 STOREY STATED THAT HE DOES NOT LIKE THAT THE COUNCIL PASSED THE POLICY OF PURCHASE ORDERS BEING TURNED IN FOR ITEMS OVER $250.00 INSTEAD OF $500.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SHOULD HAVE ASKED THE DEPARTMENT HEADS HOW THEY FELT ABOUT THIS CHANGE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH HIS LEAD MAN REGARDING THIS CHANGE AND FELT THAT IT WAS UP TO EACH COMMISSIONER TO TALK TO THEIR DEPARTMENT HEADS ABOUT THIS CHANGE, NOT UP TO THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY CHANGING THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT TO $250.00 WAS A PROBLEM FOR ANY DEPARTMENT.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE PAYNE HUBLER STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED THE POLICE AND FIRE CHIEFS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TALKED TO REGARDING THE CHANGE IN PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNTS BEFORE THIS WAS BROUGHT TO THE COUNCIL. MS. HUBLER ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS THANKFUL TO COMMISSIONER PERKINS FOR BEING AVAILABLE WHEN SHE CALLED HIM AND GETTING BACK TO HER QUICKLY. TOM CARTER STATED THAT PAST COUNCILS HAD LET THE MESS AT THE WATER BARN HAPPEN AND HAD DONE NOTHING TO CLEAN IT UP. RUTH MATYCEK TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THERE WERE MANY SPEEDERS ON FRISCO STREET AND SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A SPEED BUMP INSTALLED. SHE ALSO STATED THAT SOME OF THE SPEED LIMITS SIGNS WERE MISSING. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD BE ASSESSING THE SITUATION.

RACHEL GARTNER STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SAY THAT THE FUNDS USED TO PAY FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS ARE GENERATED FROM DONATIONS AND DO NOT COME FROM THE GENERAL FUND. MS. GARTNER ALSO STATED THAT THE CITY IS WORKING WITH THE S3DA ORGANIZATION FOR THE ARCHERY TOURNAMENT. MS. GARTNER LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT MAJORITY OF 2020 HAS BEEN BOOKED FOR TWIN OAKS. LASTLY MS. GARTNER STATED THAT SHE ATTENDED HER FIRST CENSUS WEBINAR AND THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE TO THE COUNCIL THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED A $5,000.00 GRANT TO HELP WITH COLLECTING DATA FOR THE CENSUS.

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 8:00 P.M.