Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 24, 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 FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 10, 2019. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT HE WAS THE PRESIDENT OF SIMEC AND THAT HE IS THE ELECTRIC AGGREGATE BROKER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. HE STATED THAT THE CITY PREVIOUSLY SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR ELECTRIC AGGREGATION WITH HOMEFIELD ENERGY. THE RATE THE CITY SIGNED FOR WAS $0.06285. AMEREN HAS RELEASED SUMMER RATES FOR 2019 AND THE RATE IS $0.046. MR. ANKROM EXPLAINED THE PROCESS FOR CITIZENS TO SWITCH FROM HOMEFIELD TO AMEREN IF THEY ARE INTERESTED AND STATED THAT CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG ALSO HAS THE INSTRUCTIONS.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001156 TO FB MCAFOOS AND COMPANY FOR A CHOP SAW WITH A 16INCH BLADE FOR A TOTAL PRICE OF $1,373.98. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. 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 DAILUS RICHARDSON FOR THE POSITION OF MAINTENANCE IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 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 ORDINANCE #19-11 FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTERS. 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 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF WATER AND SEWER SUPERINTENDENT WITH A FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT. 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 IS WORKING ON AN AGREEMENT WITH THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER REGARDING A DRAIN TILE AT NEAR THE PARKING LOT FOR THE CIVIC CENTER. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO CHANGING THE 20 MINUTE PARKING/LOADING ZONES ON SCARBOROUGH AND TOLER DRIVES TO 30 MINUTE PARKING. HE STATED HE WILL UPDATE AT A FUTURE MEETING. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HE IS CURRENTLY WORKING WITH FUTIVA REGARDING PLACING UTILITY BOXES FOR FIBER OPTICS FOR INTERNET. HE STATED THIS WOULD BE PLACED ON THE WEST CORNER OF THE PARKING LOT BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001139 TO RABEN TIRE FOR TWO (2) GOODYEAR FRONT STEER TIRES AND FOUR (4) GOOD HEAR DURATIME TIRES WITH A TOTAL COST OF $2,557.48. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER, 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 RELUCTANTLY ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF POLICE CHIEF KYLE MELVIN. HE STATED THAT MR. MELVIN WOULD BE STAYING WITH THE CITY OF BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT, BUT WOULD GO BACK INTO THE ROLE OF INVESTIGATOR. 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 PLACE MICHAEL ANDREWS AS THE INTERIM POLICE CHIEF. 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 DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE NOT ALLOWING CONSTANTINE WIRE/RAZOR WIRE TO BE USED WITHIN THE CITY OF BENTON. 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 ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT FOR FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ALL THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS BEFORE BEING APPROVED, ALSO STATING THAT SINCE THE INITIAL CONTRACT WAS PRESENTED TO CHIEF COCKRUM, HE HAD NOT AGREED TO IT AND MADE CHANGES. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS NOT HAD AMPLE TIME TO REVIEW THE CONTRACT AT THIS POINT. COMMISSIONER STOREY’S MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE FELT THAT THE FIRE CHIEF HAD BEEN TORTURED ENOUGH AND THOUGHT THE COUNCIL SHOULD JUST GIVE HIM HIS CONTRACT. COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN STATED THAT HE WAS “DONE” AND LEFT THE COUNCIL MEETING.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A MOTION WAS NEEDED TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER MATTHEW WARREN. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING THE DONATION OF EQUIPMENT FROM THE CITY OF WEST FRANKFORT FIRE DEPARTMENT, WHICH WAS FIVE (5) MSA FIREHAWK SCBA BREATHING APPARATUS WITH MASKS AND BOTTLES. MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS EQUIPMENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/14/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,032.45 AND WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,973.82 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $98,006.27. 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR DIANA DILLARD OF 1011 ELECTION CIRCLE, KELLY MANDRELL OF 204 WEST PARRISH, DAVID AND MELODY FLETCHER OF 118 PARRISH, JEFF WHITLOW OF 914 JOPLIN, RON OSBORN OF 715 SHERIDAN DRIVE, ELIZABETH PAYNE OF 607 WEST SIXTH STREET, CASSIE COCKE OF 505 MITCHELL STREET, PATTY PRICE OF 526 EAST SMITH, KELLY KNIGHT OF 306 NORTH MCLEANSBORO, MARTIN MONROE OF 1014 ELECTION DRIVE, DANIEL BONSACK OF 304 NORTH EIGHTH STREET, AS THEY MEET 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 DENY SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR TRISTAN SWIGONSKI OF 1103 LICKLITER STREET, AMY ELMS OF 1354 WHISPER WAY, GEORGIA LOHMAN OF 300 NORTH WARD, AND JAMES BENNS OF 1330 WHISPER WAY AS THEY DO NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH..
VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NO LONGER ARE REQUIRED TO PASS AN ORDINANCE FOR PREVAILING WAGE AND THEREFORE COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA DID NOT NEED TO MAKE ANY MOTION FOR ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PREVAILING WAGE ORDINANCE

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT A LOT OF RESUMES AND APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED REGARDING THE POSITION OF WATER CLERK/DEPUTY CITY CLERK. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD BE MOVING FORWARD WITH THE INTERVIEW PROCESS AT THIS POINT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED RESOLUTION #19-08 REGARDING ATTENDANCE OF CITY EMPLOYEES AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AT THE ANNUAL ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 19-21, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED RESOLUTION #19-09 REGARDING ATTENDANCE OF CITY EMPLOYEES AT THE ANNUAL TAX INCREMENT FINANCING CONFERENCE SEPTEMBER 17-18, 2019. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF VICKEE COCKRUM FROM THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOELLEN BAUER TO THE VACANCY ON THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD TO FINISH THE TERM OF VICKEE COCKRUM SET TO EXPIRE IN JULY OF 2021. THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT DAVID GARAVALIA TO THE POSITION OF ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCER. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WHAT THE AMOUNT THAT THE CITY OWES ON THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WAS NOT PREPARED TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION AND WOULD HAVE TO GET BACK TO HIM WITH THE CORRECT AMOUNT.

TED ANDERSON WITH “HOPE OVER HEROIN” SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE UPCOMING “HOPE OVER HEROIN” EVENT. HE STATED THERE WILL BE A MARCH, A 5K, A CONCERT, MOTORCYCLE STUNTS, AND THERE WILL ALSO BE COUNSELING AVAILABLE. HE ASKED THE MAYOR TO CONSIDER CLOSING MAIN STREET FOR THE MARCH AND A PORTION OF HUDELSON FOR THE MOTORCYCLE SHOW. THE MAYOR STATED THE COUNCIL WOULD LOOK INTO THIS REQUEST.

VICTOR SHOCKLEY WITH JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A BID LETTING AT 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY JUNE 26, 2019 REGARDING THE WATER MAIN PROJECT FOR NORTH MAIN.

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. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:00 P.M.

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

7:45 P.M.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED THE RECORD TO REFLECT THAT COMMISSIONER STOREY HAD LEFT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING UNDER DISCUSSION OF 6. (E), BUT HAD RETURNED FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION AND WAS NOW PRESENT IN OPEN SESSION.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ON ALL THESE VOTES AND FUTURE VOTES SHE WILL VOTE HER CONVICTION AND FOR WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CITY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT FOR RACHEL GARTNER AS THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR. 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 THE CONTRACT FOR DAVID GARAVALIA AS THE ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCER WITH AN END DATE OF JANUARY 4, 2021. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT FOR SHANE COCKRUM AS THE FIRE CHIEF. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS 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.

TIME 7:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY JUNE 4, 2019 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 G STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ON FEBRUARY 11, 2019 THE COUNCIL TABLED A MODIFICATION BETWEEN DISTRICT #47 AND THE CITY OF BENTON. THIS MODIFICATION WOULD CHANGE THE ORIGINAL AGREEMENT FROM A PART TIME SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER TO A FULL TIME SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER. COMMISSIONER STORY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MODIFICATION BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND DISTRICT #47 CONCERNING THE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ALLOWING THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE HIRING OF A FULL TIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A DEFINITION ON “EMERGENCY BASIS”. POLICE CHIEF KYLE MELVIN STATED THAT EMERGENCY BASIS ALLOWS THE MERIT BOARD TO HIRE A CERTIFIED OFFICER INSTEAD OF SENDING SOMEONE TO SCHOOL. CHIEF MELVIN STATED THAT WITH SCHOOL STARTING IN TWO MONTHS, THIS GAVE THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AMPLE TIME TO TRAIN THE NEW HIRE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THE MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

TIME 8:45 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD THURSDAY MAY 30, 2019 AT 8:00 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 PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE PASSING ORDINANCE #19-10 CREATING THE POSITION OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #19-10 CREATING THE POSITION OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR. 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 GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 2. COMMISSIONER STORY AND COMMISSIONER PERKINS.

8:05 A.M.

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

8:42 A.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A FOUR (4) YEAR CONTRACT FOR RACHEL GARTNER BEGINNING JULY 3, 2019 AND ENDING JULY 3, 2023. 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 A ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT FOR SHANE COCKRUM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 2. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.

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

TIME 8:45 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY MAY 28, 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 MAY 13, 2019. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF PROJECTS HAPPENING IN BENTON CURRENTLY. HE STATED THAT ON NORTH MAIN STREET SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN A WEEK . COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT HE DOES GET A LOT OF COMPLAINTS BECAUSE OF THE SMELL FROM THE SEWER PLANT AND HE STATED THAT SOME OF THE SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN MODIFIED. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THE COMPLAINTS ARE BETTER AND THAT HE HAS BEEN TOLD THE SMELL HAS IMPROVED.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE THE POSITION FOR WATER CLERK/DEPUTY CITY CLERK. COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED WHERE THE PAY FOR THIS POSITION WOULD BE TAKEN FROM. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THIS POSITION WOULD BE PAID FOR FROM WATER DEPARTMENT/SEWER DEPARTMENT ON A 50/50 BASIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT OVER THE PAST TWO WEEKS HE HAS BEEN OUT GETTING TO TALK TO CITIZENS AND HE BELIEVES COMMUNICATION WITH THE CITIZENS WILL HELP WITH A LOT OF THE ISSUES THE CITY HAS HAD IN THE PAST. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A LOT OF PROJECTS ARE COMING UP AND HE BELIEVES THAT BY FALL THE CITY OF BENTON WILL LOOK VISUALLY DIFFERENT.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ONE OF THE WALLS OF A BRIDGE AT LAKE BENTON HAS FINALLY COLLAPSED AND THEREFORE SOME RIP RAP WAS ORDERED ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO RETROACTIVELY APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001149 FOR 150 TONS OF RIP RAP IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,375.00 FROM ARONDELLI TRUCKING IN CHRISTOPHER, ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED THREE (3) BIDS ON REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF THE ROOF ON THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BUILDING. THE FIRST BID WAS FOR REPAIR OF THE ROOF FROM ERWIN BUILDERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,326.00. THE SECOND BID WAS FROM ERWIN BUILDERS FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE ROOF IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,690.00. THE THIRD BID WAS FROM JOINER SHEET METAL AND ROOFING FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE ROOF IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,322.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FOR REPLACEMENT OF THE ROOF FROM ERWIN BUILDERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,690.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED WHERE THE FUNDS TO REPLACE THIS ROOF WOULD BE TAKEN FROM AND COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FUNDS WERE IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ESTABLISH THE BENTON CITY HALL AS AN EMERGENCY HEATING AND COOLING CENTER MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 8 A.M. AND 5 P.M. THIS WILL ONLY BE ON REGULAR WORKDAYS AND ON AN EMERGENCY BASIS ONLY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #19-06 CLOSING THE BENTON SQUARE FOR THE FARM CITY DAY’S CELEBRATION BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 3 P.M. AND 8 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #19-07 CLOSING THE BENTON SQUARE FOR THE FARM CITY DAY’S PARADE BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 2 P.M. AND 5 P.M. 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 ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING PAYROLL DATED 05/17/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $70,057.84, WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,264.92, AND AIRPORT MANAGER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $98,422.76. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR KATHEE FRAILEY OF 605 MCKINLEY, SCOTT MONTOYA OF 803 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, AND PHYLLIS PIAZZA OF 308 NORTH NINTH STREET WERE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THESE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS AS THEY MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

UNDER CITY ATTORNEY UPDATES, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED ORDINANCE #19-08 ALLOWING THE SALE OF ALCOHOL WITH ALL LIQUOR LICENSE ON SUNDAYS IN THE CITY OF BENTON FOR A FEE OF $1,200.00 PER YEAR. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED IF LICENSE HOLDERS WOULD STILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE UP TO 12 SUNDAY PERMITS AT A COST OF $50.00 PER USE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED AT THIS TIME THE OPTION WOULD BE TO PURCHASE ALL SUNDAYS OR NONE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED ORDINANCE #19-09, WHICH IS A CLASS I LIQUOR LICENSE COMMONLY KNOWN AS A PARLOR LICENSE WITH A COST OF $1,350.00 PER YEAR. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED DAVID HARP OF CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT INFORMATION REGARDING THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT. MR. HARP STATED THAT THE CITY IS CURRENTLY IN THE DESIGN PHASE, PHASE 1 OF ENGINEERING. MR. HARP STATED THAT OVER THE NEXT 30 DAYS THERE WILL BE A KICK OFF MEETING WITH IDOT AND THE CITY OF BENTON.

UNDER UPDATES FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING MICROPHONES AND CAMERAS INSTALLED TO ALLOW CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS IN THE FUTURE TO BE BROADCAST ON A YOUTUBE CHANNEL, FACEBOOK, AND THE CITY’S WEBSITE. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO ADDED THAT THIS WILL BE DONE AT NO EXTRA CHARGE TO THE CITY THROUGH “REFRESH” DOLLARS THAT HAVE BEEN EARNED THROUGH COMPLETE TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM, WHO MANAGES THE CITY’S PHONE SYSTEM.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RACHEL GARTNER TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE MOVING OF FALL FEST TO THE BENTON CITY PARK. MS. GARTNER STATED THAT SHE HAD PRESENTED THIS OPTION TO THE PARK BOARD AND PENDING SOME CONVERSATIONS WITH THE CITY’S INSURANCE CARRIER, THE PARK BOARD HAS APPROVED THIS MOVE. MS. GARTNER STATED THAT THIS WOULD ALLOW THE CITY OF BENTON TO NOT HAVE TO CLOSE THE SQUARE DOWN DURING THE EVENT AND THEREFORE ALLEVIATING THE CITY OF ANY EXTRA COSTS BY ADDING OVERTIME IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEVERIN LANDSCAPING WORK ON THE LANDSCAPING AT CITY HALL. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE WOULD LIKE TO ACCEPT BIDS ON THIS MATTER. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT BIDS ON LANDSCAPING AT CITY HALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE COUNCIL COULD FIND A PRICE SHEET FOR 1, 2, 3, AND 4 YEAR CONTRACTS WITH GET M.O.S.T. FOR MOSQUITO ABATEMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A 1 YEAR CONTRACT WITH GET M.O.S.T. FOR $10,380.00 AND ALSO STATING THAT HE WOULD LIKE SOMEONE FROM THE CITY TO BECOME LICENSED AND THE CITY TAKE CARE OF MOSQUITO ABATEMENT ITSELF IN FUTURE YEARS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT IN THE PACKETS, THE COUNCIL WOULD SEE A CONTRACT FROM LISA KEENER OF KEENER’S CLEANERS REGARDING CLEANING OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY HALL, AND TWIN OAKS. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE FELT THE COST WAS A LITTLE HIGH AND WOULD LIKE TO OBTAIN BIDS FROM OTHER CLEANERS AS WELL. COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO BID THE CLEANING OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, CITY HALL, AND TWIN OAKS BUILDINGS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ITEM (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING JOB TITLE/CONTRACT FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR AND ITEM (J) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTRACT FOR FIRE CHIEF WERE TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (C) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY, INCLUDING HEARING TESTIMONY ON A COMPLAINT LODGED AGAINST AN EMPLOYEE OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR AGAINST LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE PUBLIC BODY TO DETERMINE ITS VALIDITY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

6:53 P.M.

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

7:55 P.M.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEED A MOTION TO AMEND THE CURRENT JOB DESCRIPTION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATOR TO COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR TO BE PREPARED IN THE FORM OF AN ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO CREATE THIS ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING TO ADDRESS THE CONTRACTS OF THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR AND A CONTRACT FOR A FIRE CHIEF. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

TIME 8:00 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 13, 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 FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 6, 2019. 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.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE FOR BACKFLOW PREVENTERS. 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 LAKE LOT TRANSFER OF LOT #82 FROM W. RICHARD SIMPSON TO CRAIG DILLARD. 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 UNIFORMS FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS FROM CINTAS. 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 HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF SQUAD VEHICLES FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ESTABLISHING AN EMERGENCY HEATING AND COOLING CENTER. 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 TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTING A PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR. 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 $324,347.63. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/03/2019 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $84,861.44, WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,605.74, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,111.86 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $123,579.04. 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR TRAVIS CRAIG OF 1106 SOUTH LICKLITER, LOT 35 AND J.L. FRANKLIN PROPERTIES OF 442 WEST CHURCH AS THEY DO NOT MEET 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 SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR MILBURN KING OF 807 NORTH HICKMAN, ELISA CLARK OF 301 SOUTH BROWN STREET, AND BILL YOUNG OF 608 NORTH FRISCO AS THEY 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 APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR POOL FILLS FOR JANIS THOMAS OF 1352 WHISPERWAY AND MICHELLE EUBANKS OF 809 NORTH NINTH STREET AS THEY BOTH 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.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT LISA MENO AS CITY TREASURER FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT LISA MENO AS THE CITY TREASURER FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. 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 APPOINT BROOK CRAIG AS CITY CLERK FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG AS THE CITY CLERK FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. 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 APPOINT TOM MALKOVICH AS THE CITY ATTORNEY FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT TOM MALKOVICH TO THE POSITION OF CITY ATTORNEY FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS. 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 APPOINT THE ENGINEERING FIRM OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES AS THE CITY ENGINEER. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT THE ENGINEERING FIRM OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES AS THE CITY ENGINEER. 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 APPROVE THE CONTRACT FOR AIRPORT MANAGER CHARLES CASEY FOR ONE YEAR. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR CHARLES CASEY AS THE AIRPORT MANAGER. 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 OFFER SUNDAY HOURS FOR ALL LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO AMEND THE SUNDAY HOURS FOR ALL LIQUOR LICENSES IN THE CITY OF BENTON. 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 HAVE A VIDEO GAMING PARLOR LIQUOR LICENSE IN THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION DIRECTING ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE A VIDEO GAMING PARLOR LIQUOR LICENSE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED ELECTRIC BROKER ROB WEILT OF “A.G.E.” TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. WEILT STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HANDLES THE BUSINESS ACCOUNTS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON ELECTRICITY AT THIS POINT. MR. WEILT STATED THAT HE WANTED TO SIGN THE CITY UP WITH A NEW ELECTRIC SUPPLIER WHILE THE RATES WERE LOWER. MR. WEILT PRESENTED A PROPOSAL WITH RATES FOR ONE YEAR, TWO YEARS, THREE YEARS, AND FOUR YEARS. THE CITY WOULD BE LOCKED IN AT THE RATE FOR THE AMOUNT OF YEARS THEY CHOSE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PROPOSAL FOR A FOUR YEAR TERM AT A RATE OF 0.04596 THROUGH CONSTELLATION ENERGY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED EVAN STEWART TO PRESENT HIS MOSQUITO ABATEMENT PROJECT TO THE COUNCIL. AFTER MR. STEWART’S PRESENTATION, COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A MULTIYEAR PROPOSAL COULD BE MADE. 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 THE COUNCIL IF THEY WOULD REZONE 1501 OLIVER STREET FROM R5 TO R3. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REZONE 1501 OLIVER STREET FROM R5 TO R3. 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 THE COUNCIL TO VOTE ON A SPECIAL USE PERMIT TO PLACE A MODULAR HOME AT 1501 OLIVER STREET. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 1501 OLIVER 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION APPROVING THE ANNEXATION OF 1501 OLIVER STREET, PARCELS 08-17-401-001 AND 08-17-401-019. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ANNEXATION OF 1501 OLIVER STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO OPEN BIDS FOR THE ROOF AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT THE NEXT MEETING.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE UNIFORMS FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT WERE IN ADDITION TO THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE AFFORDED THE WORKS PER CONTRACT OR IN PLACE OF. COMMISSIONER PERKINS STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE IN PLACE OF THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE. ROCKY MORRIS QUESTIONED THE ORDINANCE REGARDING RAZOR WIRE/BARB WIRE AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THIS ORDINANCE AS WELL AS REIMBURSEMENT OF TAXES THROUGH TIF. JULIE PAYNE HUBLER QUESTIONED THE PURCHASE OF NEW SQUAD CARS. JAKE BETTS THANKED THE COUNCIL FOR MOVING FORWARD WITH ALLOWING SUNDAY LIQUORS SALES IN THE CITY OF BENTON. MR. BETTS ALSO QUESTIONED THE COUNCIL ON WHETHER THEY ARE THINKING AHEAD TO PARKING ISSUES ON THE SQUARE AND OFF THE SQUARE ONCE WORK ON THE COURTHOUSE BEGINS.

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

TIME 7:10 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL ORGANIZATIONAL BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 06, 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 WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WILL PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER MILLER AND COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE WERE ABSENT.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO BE MADE ON THE MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 24, 2019. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. 3 YEAS. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

THE HONORABLE JUDGE THOMAS TEDESCHI CAME FORWARD AND GAVE MAYOR FRED KONDRITZ THE OATH OF OFFICE. JUDGE TEDESCHI THEN GAVE THE NEW COUNCIL MEMBERS THEIR OATH OF OFFICE.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE NEW COUNCIL TO BE SEATED AT THE COUNCIL TABLE. ROLL WAS TAKEN. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER CATHY ANN GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER DON STOREY, COMMISSIONER IAN ZANE PERKINS, COMMISSIONER LEE MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR FRED KONDRITZ.

MAYOR KONDRITZ SAID HE WOULD LIKE NAME DEPARTMENTS FOR THE COMMISSIONERS WITH COUNCIL APPROVAL. MAYOR KONDRITZ NAMED COMMISSIONER PERKINS AS PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WATER & SEWER. 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.

MAYOR KONDRITZ NAMED COMMISSIONER STOREY AS PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ NAMED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AS FINANCE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ NAMED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH AS STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER PERKINS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER PERKINS MADE THE 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.

TIME 6:15 P.M.