Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

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.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 12, 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.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED TED ANDERSON, A REPRESENTATIVE FOR HOPE OF OVER HEROIN, TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MR. ANDERSON STATED THAT HE HAD BROUGHT RICK FOWLER, DON ROBINSON, AND STEVE POYNOR WITH HIM AS WELL. THE GENTLEMEN STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO CLOSE A PORTION OF HUDELSON STREET TO DO A MOTORCYCLE STUNT SHOW AND SYMBOLIC BURN OUT DURING THE HOPE OVER HEROIN EVENT. DISCUSSION WAS HELD AND THE COUNCIL STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY, THEY HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN THE APPROPRIATE TIME TO COMPLETE ALL THINGS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO CLOSE A ROAD.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 22, 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 ADVERTISE/INTERVIEW FOR THE POSITION OF WATER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE. 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 A CHANGE ORDER FOR THE NORTH MAIN WATER LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,411.36 FOR AN EXTRA CONNECTION OF A 4 INCH FIRE LINE AT THE BENTON REHABILITATION AND NURSING HOME. 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 THE PAY ESTIMATE FOR THE NORTH MAIN WATER LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,432.61. 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 REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TO KEEP WATER FROM GETTING IN. 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 TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR A NEW TRACTOR AT THE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. 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 RESOLUTION 12-12 FOR CLOSURE OF THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL REND LAKE CAR SHOW. 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 #001075 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR LABOR AND MATERIALS FOR LED LIGHTING PROJECT AT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,450.00. 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 PURCHASE ORDER #001141 TO OSCAR’S SERVICE FOR THE PURCHASE OF AN ICE MACHINE AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,405.33. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CHIEF COCKRUM CONSIDERED THIS PURCHASE AN EMERGENCY PURCHASE AS HE BELIEVES ALL DEPARTMENTS IN THE CITY USE THIS MACHINE. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD ASKED ALL DEPARTMENTS AND WAS NOT LEAD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS WAS USED BY ALL DEPARTMENTS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHICH LINE ITEM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO TAKEN THIS PURCHASE FROM. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FOREIGN FIRE COULD NOT BE USED FOR THIS PURCHASE AS IT WILL NOT BE USABLE UNTIL JANUARY OF 2020. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS PURCHASE ORDER UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD. 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 #001993 TOMORROW BROTHERS FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO (2) 2019 FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $56,950.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW POLICE OFFICER POSITION FOR ENFORCING CODE VIOLATIONS. 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 STANDBY AMBULANCE AGREEMENT WITH BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL STATING THAT THE CITY OF BENTON AMBULANCE WILL BE PRESENT AT HOME FOOTBALL GAMES WITH A PRICE OF $250.00 PER GAME. 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 BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $364,830.90. 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 08/09/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,269.28, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,715.58, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,085.90 FOR A TOTAL OF $99,070.76. 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR KYLE NEAL OF 1306 SOUTH POPE STREET, STACEY NEAL OF 525 EAST TAYLOR STREET, KEISHA PRITCHARD OF 310 EAST WEBSTER STREET, JAMES HOUSE OF 209 CARLTON, SHELBY HOLLIDAY OF 709 NORTH MAIN STREET, APRIL DEER OF 507 EAST SMITH STREET, ROBERT NORRIS OF 305 NORTH WARD STREET, JARROD CALCATERRA OF 707 OLD ORCHARD DRIVE, JAMES BENNS OF 130 WHISPER WAY, RAYMOND WILLIAMS OF 612 NORTH WARD, DORIS HEATON OF 208 WEST WEBSTER, REND INVESTMENTS OF 426 EAST WEBSTER, AND MATT JONES OF 107 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD AS THEY ALL 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.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DENY ADJUSTMENT FOR JACKIE DEAN STEWART OF 729 OLD ORCHARD DRIVE AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 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 TABLE THE SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR CONNIE KEY UNTIL FURTHER INFORMATION COULD BE ACQUIRED. THERE WAS A NOTE ON THE ADJUSTMENT FROM THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR STATING THAT THERE WAS NO LONGER A POOL AT THIS LOCATION. MOTION WAS SECONDED 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 A MONETARY PAYMENT OF $1,200.00 TO DO YOUR PART RECYCLING. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ADVISE THE COUNCIL THAT THIS WILL BE USING PUBLIC FUNDS FOR A PRIVATE COMPANY. 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 ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DEMOLITION PROPOSALS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPERTIES: 301 PARRISH AVENUE, 120 WEST ADAMS STREET, 903 NORTH GRAND STREET, 114 ½ WEST ADAMS STREET, AND 402 NORTH GRAND STREET. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH READ THE BIDS THAT WERE RECEIVED FROM AP EXCAVATING. THE BID FOR 120 WEST ADAMS STREET WAS $3,600.00; THE BID FOR 114 ½ WEST ADAMS STREET WAS $3,600.00; THE BID FOR 402 NORTH TENTH STREET WAS $3,200.00; THE BID FOR 903 NORTH GRAND WAS $5,000.00; AND THE BID FOR 01 WEST PARRISH WAS $5,200.00.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FOR 301 WEST PARRISH AT $5,200.00. 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 THE BID FOR 120 WEST ADAMS STREET AT $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 OF 90 NORTH GRAND STREET WITH A BID OF $5,000.00. 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 THE BID OF 114 ½ WEST ADAMS AT $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 STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF 402 NORTH TENTH AT $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.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD PREPARED ORDINANCE #19-12 PROHIBITING RAZOR WIRE/CONSTATINA WIRE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ORDINANCE. 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 HE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND THE RESIDENTIAL TRASH CONTRACT WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES. ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN THE LAST CONTRACT THAT WAS SIGNED WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES, THERE WAS AN OPTION FOR TWO (2) FOUR (4) YEAR EXTENSIONS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE REPUBLIC TRASH SERVICE CONTRACT FOR FOUR (4) YEARS WITH AN INCREASE IN THE CITY’S RATE BY $1.23. 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 IN THE LAST CONTRACT THE CITY PAID FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER, KIWANIS HALL, CITY PARK, LIBRARY, AND CHURCHES. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS IS A SERVICE THE CITY FEELS IT CAN NO LONGER PROVIDE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THIS SERVICE UNTIL JANUARY 1, 2020. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 2. COMMISSIONER PERKINS AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THIS SERVICE UNTIL OCTOBER 1, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR RACHEL GARTNER TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MS. GARTNER STATED THAT SHE HAD MET WITH THE BENTON PARK DISTRICT AND HAD RECEIVED THEIR APPROVAL TO USE THE BENTON PARK FOR FALL FEST TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY OCTOBER 26, 2019. MS. GARTNER STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE APPROVAL FROM THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL TO PROCEED. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FALL FEST TO BE HELD IN THE BENTON PARK ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
MS. GARTNER ALSO STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE APPROVAL TO HOLD FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 7, 2019 WITH A LOCATION TO BE NAMED AT A LATER DATE. MS. GARTNER STATED THAT THE FESTIVAL WAS BEING MOVED FROM THE SQUARE BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE AND THAT THE PARK WOULD BE CLOSED AND WOULD NOT BE AN OPTION FOR THIS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HOLDING FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 7, 2019 WITH A LOCATION TO BE NAMED LATER. 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 ITEMS (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION OF A SPECIFIC EMPLOYEE, (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALE/FUTURE USE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY IMMEDIATELY SOUTH OF FRANKLIN HOSPITAL, AND (J) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING A VARIANCE FOR HOSPITAL SIGN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MELVIN DIXON ASKED THE COUNCIL TO LOOK INTO DOING SOMETHING ABOUT THE CABLE FRANCHISE AS THE BILLS FOR NEWWAVE COMMUNICATION CONTINUE TO GO UP. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE AGREED WITH MR. DIXON, BUT STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY NEWWAVE IS THE ONLY GAME IN TOWN. ALSO UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, VICTOR SHOCKLEY OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD, STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK COMMISSIONER PERKINS FOR COMING TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER MEETING.

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

7:40 P.M.

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

8:30 P.M.

NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISCIPLINARY ACTION OF A SPECIFIC EMPLOYEE.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ENTER INTO A LONG TERM 99-YEAR LEASE SUBJECT TO EASEMENT AND USE FOR PUBLIC HOSPITAL PURPOSES ONLY. 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 ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION BOARD CONCERNING A VARIANCE FOR THE FRANKLIN HOSPITAL TO PLACE A SIGN. SECONDED 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 ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

8:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 22, 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 8, 2019. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED KYLE MCCOLLUM OF MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL AND MAKE HIS PRESENTATION REGARDING LED LIGHTING TO BE POSSIBLY INSTALLED AT THE BENTON FIRE STATION. MR. MCCOLLUM BROUGHT A NEW LED LIGHT TO SHOW THE COUNCIL THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE NEW LIGHTS. MR. MCCOLLUM STATED THAT IF THE CITY WERE TO INSTALL THE NEW LIGHTS, THE CITY WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR A REBATE THROUGH AMEREN ON THE LIGHTS AND THE COST OF THE LIGHTS WOULD BE RECOVERED THROUGH SAVINGS ON ELECTRIC BILLS IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RICK LINTON OF REND LAKE AREA TOURISM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MR. LINTON STATED THAT HE WANTED TO DO A PRESENTATION ABOUT WHAT REND LAKE AREA TOURISM PROVIDES TO OUR AREA. MR. LINTON SHOWED A PRESENTATION ON THE TELEVISION IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AND STATED THAT HIS GROUP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TOURISM GUIDES ABOUT OUR AREA AT REST AREAS, RESTAURANTS, AND HOTELS THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS. MR. LINTON STATED THAT REND LAKE TOURISM IS ABLE TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES DUE TO THE BED TAX CURRENTLY BEING ENFORCED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001762 FROM DIAMOND EQUIPMENT FOR TWO NEW PUMPS IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,395.00. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO AWARD THE NORTH MAIN STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT TO THE LOW BIDDER OF WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR A TOTAL PROJECT PRICE OF $275,707.95. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #19-11 REQUESTING A PERMIT FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE NORTH MAIN STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE UTILITY PERMIT WITH THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE NORTH MAIN STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT WITH CRAIG MILES AS THE WATER AND SEWER SUPERINTENDENT FOR A SALARY OF $70,075.00 ANNUAL WITH A 2% RAISE ON THE FIRST DAY OF EACH FISCAL YEAR ANNUALLY FOR THE LENGTH OF THE CONTRACT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAY ESTIMATE #1 TO MIDWEST PATROLEM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,425.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ONLY THING HE HAD FOR THIS MEETING WAS AN UPDATE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM HAS BEGUN.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001153 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR 29 LED LIGHTS TO BE USED IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,450.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001154 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS TO UPDATE THE LICENSE AND SOFTWARE ON ALL COMPUTERS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,504.00. THIS NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED DUE TO MICROSOFT NO LONGER SUPPORTING THE CURRENT OPERATING SYSTEM BEING USED AT CITY HALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 07/12/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,038.88 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,311.84 FOR A TOTAL OF $99,350.72. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR 07/26/2019 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $72,178.06, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,906.86, AND FOR THE AIRPORT CARETAKER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,184.89. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR DEBBIE WILLIAMS OF 407 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERMSITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR PAIGE TOWEL OF 526 EAST BURKETT, LONNIE BOWLIN OF 408 EAST CHURCH STREET, MARCH BENNETT OF 207 WEST MITCHELL, NANCY LAMBERT OF 634 NORTH BUCHANAN, STEPHEN DETHROW OF 804 NORTH FAIRLAND, SUSAN ATKINS OF 1421 NORTH DELLA, CAROL CORONA OF 510 NORTH WARD, STEVEN IONSON OF 807 NORTH PARK CIRCLE, JANETTA ROGERS OF 707 NORTH MADISON, MICHELLE NOVAK OF 508 EAST SMITH, MIKE WALTERS OF 418 LICKLITER, TERESA BAYLESS OF 311 NORTH BROWN, AND ROBERT TISDALE OF 302 SOUTH WARD AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.

NO UPDATES FROM MAYOR KONDRITZ.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS,

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF AN AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED WITH FRANKLIN HOSPITAL. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT AN AGREEMENT HAD NOT BEEN REACHED AT THIS POINT.

ALSO IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, RUSSELL BALLARD TOLD THE COUNCIL THERE WAS TALL GRASS AND LOTS OF WILD ANIMALS IN THE AREA OF FIFTH STREET. MR. BALLARD STATED THAT HE CONTRACTED ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER AND WAS TOLD IT WAS FROM A TICK FOUND ON RABBITS. MR. BALLARD BELIEVES THE RABBITS IN HIS YARD MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS AND WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO HELP WITH THE ANIMAL CONTROL IN THIS AREA. COMMISSIONER STOREY TOLD MR. BALLARD THAT HE SHOULD TALK TO CRAIG MILES AND HE COULD HELP HIM IN THIS AREA.

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

7:00 P.M.