Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

Please view the document below to review the full meeting minutes from the Benton City Council meeting held Tuesday, November 12, 2019.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 14, 2019 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 PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA. UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE FROM AZAVAR GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS TO PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL. NO REPRESENTATIVE WAS PRESENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING SUBMITTING A SEALED BID ON SPECIFIC PROPERTIES. ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TRUSTEE AND WAS TOLD WE DID NOT HAVE TO SUBMIT A BID IN ORDER TO PURCHASE THESE PROPERTIES. MR. GARAVALIA ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO PURCHASE 308 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET, 1000 NORTH GRAND STREET, AND 208 WEST PARRISH. EACH OF THESE PROPERTIES WOULD BE PURCHASED AT A RATE OF $815.00 PER PARCEL. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE THESE THREE PROPERTIES FROM THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TRUSTEE FOR $815.00 PER PARCEL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO FORM A COMMITTEE OF DAVID GARAVALIA, TOM MALKOVICH, AND HIMSELF TO RESEARCH THE LICENSING AND ZONING FOR THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF CANNABIS IN THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT THIS COMMITTEE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, 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 SEPTEMBER 23, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

FOR THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT, COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A GRANT FROM THE DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY FOR WATER LINE REPLACEMENT.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO PAY JOHN H CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,250.00 FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS.
VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AFTER MEETING WITH AUDITORS SHE HAS BEEN MADE AWARE THAT ALL BILLS MUST BE SIGNED BY EACH COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT IF THEY DO NOT SIGN THE BILLS, THEY SHOULD NOT VOTE ON THE BILLS AS THEY ARE VOTING ON SOMETHING THEY HAVE NOT APPROVED. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR PAYMENT ON OCTOBER 14, 2019 IN THE AMOUNT OF $430,289.84. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR OCTOBER 4, 2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,301.85 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,012.50 FOR A TOTAL OF $90,314.35. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR THE BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR RANDY FRANK FOR A SWIMMING POOL FILL AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR JULIE SHOTTS AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO UNRESTRICT $141,803.40 FROM THE SEWER SURCHARGE FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

THE COUNCIL HAD NUMEROUS QUESTIONS REGARDING THE UNRESTRICTING OF THESE FUNDS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH SUGGESTED THAT WE TABLE ALL THE ITEMS AND ASK TREASURER LISA MENO TO ATTEND THE NEXT MEETING TO DISCUSS THESE ITEMS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AGREED.

AT THIS POINT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO WITHDRAW HER MOTION TO UNRESTRICT $141,803.40 FROM THE SEWER SURCHARGE FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEMS D, E, F, AND G ON THE AGENDA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FIRST NET TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. ALEX KAPPELMANN AND R.J. FAIR WITH AT&T SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE FIRST NET PROGRAM FOR CELLULAR SERVICE. INFORMATION REGARDING HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS AND SAVING TO THE CITY WILL BE EMAILED TO THE CITY CLERK. MR. KAPPELMANN STATED THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY OR NATURAL DISASTER, WORKERS ON THIS PROGRAM WOULD BE PUSHED TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE WHEN MAKING PHONE CALLS. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY WOULD BE IN CONTACT AFTER THE COUNCIL HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK OVER THE INFORMATION.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ARRIVED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER QUESTIONED WHETHER OR NOT THE NEW SYSTEM ALERTED OFFICE PERSONNEL OF LEAKS. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE SYSTEM DOES ALERT PERSONNEL OF A LEAK ONCE IT REACHES A CERTAIN AMOUNT IN A 24 HOUR PERIOD. CITY CLERK CRAIG STATED THAT IF MR. CARTER SPOKE WITH MELISSA HUNGATE IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT, SHE COULD EXPLAIN THE PROCESS.

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

6:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2019 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 MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER PERKINS WAS ABSENT AT THE TIME OF ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO BUSINESS FOR PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM FOR 2019 HAS BEEN FINISHED. NO OTHER BUSINESS FOR STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00001 TO MERMET SPRINGS FOR TWO (2) FULL FACE DIVE MASKS, TWO (2) EAR MIC ASSEMBLIES, TWO (2) 100 COMMUNICATION ROPES, ONE (1) MK7 RECEIVER, AND TWO (2) DUI HOOD LINERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,220.90. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID FOR WITH DONATIONS AND REVENUE FROM EXTRICATION SERVICES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A NOTICE OF REMOVAL MEMO FROM FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM REGARDING TRAVIS SKINNER. THE NOTICE STATED THAT MR. SKINNER HAD MET AND AGREED TO HIS REMOVAL AND THAT ALL CITY ISSUED GEAR HAD BEEN RETURNED. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REMOVAL OF PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER TRAVIS SKINNER. 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 APPROVE PAYROLL FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,760.60, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,913.24, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL OF $101,773.84. 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 APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR LARRY WILSON OF 727 OLD ORCHARD DRIVE AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. 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 DENY A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR ELLEN WAKEFIELD OF 203 EAST BOND AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #19-14 INCREASING TRASH RATES. THE RATES WILL NOW BE $14.62 AND $14.14 FOR SENIOR CITIZENS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ SPOKE ABOUT THE DROWNING INCIDENT AT LAKE BENTON. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO THANK SHANE COCKRUM AND THE OTHER FIREMEN FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN THIS INCIDENT.

AS ANOTHER UPDATE, MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND GERALD PYRON FOR HIS EFFORTS IN CLEANING UP A PARCEL OF LAND ON DUQUOIN STREET THAT HE PURCHASED FROM THE CITY OF BENTON.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDING ORDINANCE #19-12 PROHIBIT RAZOR WIRE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #19-13 ALLOWING RAZOR WIRE IN I-3 ZONING AREAS AND GOVERNMENTAL ENTITIES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS

IN NEW BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH ANDY BROWN OF CAMP MANITOWA AND MR. BROWN STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO HOST IRAQ VEST AT THE CAMP. ALSO UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RENEWED EXUBERANCE FOR CITIZENS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PLACE SUGGESTION BOXES AROUND TOWN AND HAVE CITIZENS SUBMIT TAG LINES FOR THE CITY.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS ARRIVED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER THANKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH FOR TAKING TIME TO ANSWER QUESTIONS HE HAD. MR. CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THERE WAS A CONTRACT WITH PERRY RIDGE LANDFILL REGARDING SLUDGE AND HE ALSO STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO PASS AN ORDINANCE REGARDING THIS. MR. CARTER ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WHY HE ATTENDED NAPERVILLE IN THE PAST AND WAS REIMBURSED BY THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THIS TRIP. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT THE SPECIFIC DATES, BUT HE BELIEVES IT WAS FOR ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE HOME RULE COMMITTEE MEETINGS.

 
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.

6:40 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9, 2019 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 BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 9, 2019. 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 PAY ESTIMATE 1 FOR WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR NORTH MAIN STREET TO JOPLIN STREET WATER MAIN RELOCATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $97,888.34. 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 HAD SPOKEN WITH REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN. REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN STATED THAT THE WIDENING OF HIGHWAY 7 WOULD INCLUDE THE ADDING OF FOUR (4) FOOT BIKE LANES ON EACH SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS IS SOMETHING THE STATE WILL MAINTAIN AND WHEN THE PROJECT IS FINISHED THERE WILL BE BIKE LANES FROM MT. VERNON TO MARION.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #19-14 FOR A ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE BCHS HOMECOMING PARADE ON OCTOBER 4, 2019 FROM 1:00 P.M. TO 2:45 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE OIL AND CHIP WORK IS SLATED TO BE FINISHED THIS WEEK.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE MORE FIRST RESPONDERS. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE ARE MULTIPLE SHIFTS PER WEEK WHERE THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ONE (1) OFFICER ON DUTY AT A TIME AND HE FEELS THAT WE ARE NOT ADEQUATELY COVERED. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT TWO (2) TO THREE (3) TIMES PER WEEK THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS ONE GUY ON SHIFT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 4 P.M. AND 8 A.M. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE CHIEF BELIEVES THE CITY CAN SAVE $28,000.00 A YEAR IN OVERTIME BY ADDING ANOTHER FIREMAN. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA QUESTIONED THIS STATEMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT BY NOT TAKING THE CITY OFFERED INSURANCE HE WAS SAVING THE CITY $10,000.00 PER YEAR AND HE WANTED THAT TO GO TOWARDS A NEW FIRST RESPONDER. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT IF THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN HE WILL TAKE THE CITY OFFERED INSURANCE IN THE FUTURE.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $484,241.95. THIS AMOUNT INCLUDES $93,010.37 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT. 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 09/06/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,586.38 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,425.15 FOR A TOTAL OF $92,011.53. 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 SEE THE ORDINANCE CONCERNING ADJUSTMENTS FOR SEWER AND POOL FILLS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE CLARIFICATION REGARDING WHAT THE ORDINANCE CONSIDERS AS EXCESSIVE WATER USAGE VERSUS WATER LOSS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED AN ADJUSTMENT FOR DON OWENS OF 804 EADS STREET AND MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ADJUSTMENT AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE 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 DENY ADJUSTMENT FOR GERALD PYRON 412 WEST SMITH AS HE STATES THE USE OF THE EXCESSIVE WATER IS UNKNOWN AND THEREFORE DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. 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 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO PRESENT ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING ORDINANCE 19-12 PROHIBITING RAZOR WIRE TO MAKE I ZONING AND GOVERNMENT ENTITIES EXEMPT FROM THIS ORDINANCE. 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 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO PRESENT ITEM © DISCUSSION AND OR APPROVAL OF BIDS FOR DEMOLITION OF 20 EAST TAYLOR STREET AND 411 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET. MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THESE DEMOS WILL NOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL NEXT FISCAL YEAR, BUT APPROVING THEM NOW WOULD GIVE HIM THE NECESSARY TIME TO HAVE ALL STEPS COMPLETED BY THE TIME OF DEMOLITION.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FOR DEMOLITION OF 203 EAST TAYLOR FROM AP EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,600.00. 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 APPROVE THE BID FOR DEMOLITION OF 411 BUCHANAN STREET IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,200.00. 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 THE AIRPORT SUBMITTED RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDING A NEW FUEL PUMP HOSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,176.89, HAVING THE AIRPORT MANAGER ENGAGE AN APPROPRIATE VENDOR TO DIAGNOSE/REPAIR THE RUNWAY IDENTIFIER LIGHTS SYSTEM, TO DIRECT THE AIRPORT MANAGER TO ENGAGE AN APPROPRIATE VENDOR TO REPLACE A BROKEN FUEL TANK SUMP PUMP, AND THE FILL THE VACANT SEAT ON THE ADVISORY BOARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AIRPORT RECOMMENDATIONS AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED IF A NEW RESOLUTION WOULD NEED TO BE PASSED IN ORDER FOR MORE THAN ONE COMMISSIONER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS RESOLUTION WOULD NEED TO BE AMENDED IF INDEED ANOTHER COMMISSIONER WISHED TO PARTICIPATE AS RESOLUTION #19-13 WAS PASSED FOR ONLY THE FINANCE COMMISSIONER.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAS NOTICED 19 INOPERABLE VEHICLES IN THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE CITY AND THESE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR ORDINANCE VIOLATION.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, CINDY BRITTON ASKED THE COUNCIL WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF A CITIZEN CHOSE NOT TO PAY THE TICKET FOR AN ORDINANCE VIOLATION. MRS. BRITTON ALSO STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BOARD, ESPECIALLY CATHY GARAVALIA, FOR THEIR WORK INTO LOOKING INTO WAYS TO HANDLE THE BUDGET. MRS. BRITTON ALSO ASKED COMMISSIONER PERKINS IF HE HAD A POLICY OF WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WITH EMPLOYEES WHO ALWAYS REFUSED OVERTIME. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE ANY OVERTIME REFUSED TO HIS KNOWLEDGE SINCE HE HAS TAKEN OVER AS COMMISSIONER.

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

7:30 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 26, 2019 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 BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF AUGUST 12, 2019. 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 HIRE ROBERT “JIMMY” WELLS FOR THE POSITION OF WATER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE WITH A START DATE OF 08/27/2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 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 TALK ABOUT AMENDING THE TERMINATION DATE OF FREE TRASH SERVICES TO THE CIVIC CENTER, KIWANIS HALL, CITY PARK, BENTON LIBRARY, AND CHURCHES. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO GIVE THESE ENTITIES MORE TIME TO GET THEIR BUDGETS PREPARED FOR THIS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE DID NOT FEEL THIS WAS A COST THE CITY COULD AFFORD TO CONTINUE TO INCUR. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WAS PERSONALLY THANKED BY THE BENTON PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR THE CITY PROVIDING TRASH AS LONG AS THEY HAD. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001994 TO NOVACOM, DUNAGAN’S COLLISION, GPS CITY, AND THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000.00 TO EQUIP THE TWO NEW 2019 FORD TAURUS SQUAD CARS INCLUDING STRIPING AND INSTALLATION COSTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001142 TO LEO ELLEBRACHT COMPANY FOR ONE SET OF MORNING PRIDE BUNKER GEAR TO REPLACE AN EXPIRED SET IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,136.00. 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 #001143 TO MID-AMERICA FIRE AND SAFETY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,532.58 FOR ONE SET OF BUNKER GEAR TO REPLACE EXPIRED GEAR. 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 #001141 TO OSCAR’S SERVICE FOR AN ICE MACHINE FOR THE FIRE 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 THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR MICHAEL ANDREWS AS THE POLICE CHIEF TO BEGIN ON AUGUST 22, 2019 FOR FOUR (4) YEARS AT A STARTING PAY OF $70,000.00 WITH A $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR FORENSICS. 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 #COB1 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A BLOCK OF 50 HOURS FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS. 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 #00080 GREENLEAF LANDSCAPING FOR LANDSCAPING AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF$465.00.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 08/23/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,769.70, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,695.72, AND AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL OF $100,565.42. 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 DAVE CLARK OF 11228 STATE HIGHWAY 37, SCOTT CAMERON OF 1106SOUTH LICKLITER (LOT 30), AND CHRISTOPHER ANDERSON OF 90 NORTH FAIRLAND AS THEY ALL MEET 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 DENY ADJUSTMENT FOR CONNIE KEY OF 210 WEST PARK AND WILLIAM WYSONG OF 212 NORTH MAPLE STREET AS THEY DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY. ABSTAIN: 1. COMMISSIONER PERKINS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #19-13 RELATING TO PARTICIPATION BY ELECTED OFFICIALS IN THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND. MOTION WAS SECONDED 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 WAS SADDENED TO HEAR ABOUT THE SHOOTING OF AN ILLINOIS STATE POLICEMAN THIS PAST WEEK. HE STATED THAT HE CONSTANTLY WORRIES ABOUT THE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF BENTON.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A CENSUS IN 2020. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO APPOINT A POINT PERSON FOR THE CITY’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE 2020 CENSUS. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT RACHEL GARTNER TO THIS POSITION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT RACHEL GARTNER AS THE CITY OF BENTON’S POINT PERSON FOR THE 2020 CENSUS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE ALL THE COMMISSIONERS TO KEEP UP WITH THE CHECKS AND BALANCES FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO ASK EACH COMMISSIONER CHECK ALL BILLS EACH MONTH.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHY IF THE WATER DEPARTMENT COULD USE $1.2 MILLION FROM THE SEWER FUND, WHY THEY ARE DOING WORK AT THE AIRPORT AND NOT CHARGING THE AIRPORT? JULIE PAYNE HUBLER ASKED HOW LONG THE CONTRACT FOR THE POLICE CHIEF IS. CINDY BRITTON ASKED COMMISSIONER PERKINS HOW MANY PEOPLE APPLIED FOR THE NEW MAINTENANCE POSITION. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT FOUR OR FIVE PEOPLE HAD APPLIED IN ADDITION TO THE CLOSE TO 40 THAT APPLIED WITH THE FIRST OPEN POSITION THIS SUMMER. MRS. BRITTON ASKED WHO ALL WERE INTERVIEWED. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE USED THE INTERVIEWS FROM THE FIRST POSITION TO FILL THIS POSITION.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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.

6:45 P.M.