Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 28, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

COMMISSIONER KAYS CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM APRIL 14, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE IS A LEAK AT TWIN OAKS THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.  SHE STATED SHE HAS BEEN IN CONTACT WITH A FEW DIFFERENT PLACES AND THE ONLY QUOTE SHE RECEIVED WAS FROM ANDREW’S ROOFING IN THE AMOUNT OF $480.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE HIRING ANDREW’S ROOFING TO FIX THE LEAKS IN THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS FOR $480.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POOL ADJUSTMENT APPLICATION FOR JASON LEE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #30 TO VERNON AND LEANN ROBERTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOTS #60 AND #61 TO JEREMY AND VICTORIA JACKSON AND TERRI JACKSON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00140 TO ZIMMERMAN’S GARAGE FOR A NEW AC COMPRESSOR, AC KIT, REFRIGERANT, AC FLUSH, AND LABOR FOR SQUAD CAR UNIT 13 IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $987.03.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES IN ORDER TO GET THE HYDRANT TESTING DONE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, SUMMER HELP WILL NEED TO BE HIRED IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE ARE 639 HYDRANTS IN THE CITY OF BENTON THAT NEED TO BE TESTED.  HE STATED THAT 2 HYDRANTS WILL BE TESTED AT A TIME.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT WITH ONLY HAVE 2 GUYS ON SHIFT, IT MAKES TESTING THESE HYDRANTS NOT ONLY A VERY LONG PROCESS, BUT ALSO AN UNSAFE SITUATION FOR OUR CITIZENS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED AT THIS TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS BUSIER THAN EVER.  CHIEF COCKRUM PROPOSED THAT THE COUNCIL HIRE 1 PERSON AT $15.00/HOUR AND THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE PERSON HIRED TO BE A PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER.  HE STATED HE COULD HAVE 1 PAID ON CALL AND 1 CAREER FIREFIGHTER DOING TESTING, LEAVING 1 CAREER FIREFIGHTER TO RESPOND TO CALLS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED CHIEF COCKRUM IF HE BELIEVED A BLOCK OF 300 HOURS (PAYING $15.00/HOUR FOR A TOTAL OF $6,000.00) WOULD BE ENOUGH TO GET THE TESTING DONE.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE THOUGHT IF THEY COULDN’T GET THEM FINISHED, HE WOULD BE CLOSE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE A PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER AT $15.00/HOUR FOR A BLOCK OF 300 HOURS TO TEST FIRE HYDRANTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY NEEDS TO CONSIDER EXTENDING THE RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A 20-MILE RADIUS AND A 25-MILE RADIUS FOR CONSIDERATION.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED THE COUNCIL TO THINK THIS OVER AND IT COULD BE DECIDED AT A FUTURE MEETING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF EXTENDING RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS FOR POLICE OFFICERS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED APRIL 25, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,501.75, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,536.07, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,407.31 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $137,445.13.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED ORDINANCE #25-01 CONFLICT OF INTEREST FOR MEMBERS OF ALL ADVISORY BOARDS AND ELECTED POSITIONS OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED IF EVERYONE HAD HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO READ THROUGH THIS AND HAD NO QUESTIONS OF COMMENTS, HE WAS MAKING A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS ORDINANCE AND MAKING IT EFFECTIVE ON MAY 1, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #25-02, FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-07, PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONUNION, NONCONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES GIVING THESE EMPLOYEES A 3% PAY RAISE ON MAY 1, 2025.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED A SAFETY STIPEND POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES TO THE COUNCIL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE POLICY STATES THAT IF 1½ WORKER’S COMPENSATION CLAIMS OR LESS ARE REPORTED IN A QUARTER, THE EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE A $50.00 GIFT CARD TO A LOCAL BUSINESS.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SAFETY STIPEND POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY HAVE HAD ADEQUATE TIME TO REVIEW THE PROPOSED WATER RATE INCREASE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED IF THE COUNCIL IS IN FAVOR OF THE RATE INCREASE, HE WOULD RECOMMEND 2%.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A 2% INCREASE IN WATER RATES FOR 2025-2026.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A TYPO IN THE CONTRACT.  THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A 3% RAISE ON YEAR 2 AND A 2.5% RAISE ON YEAR 3, BUT THE CONTRACT READ A 3.5% RAISE ON YEAR 2 AND A 2.5% RAISE ON YEAR 3.  THE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING STATED THAT THE UNION WOULD RECEIVE A 3.5% RAISE ON YEAR 2 AND A 2% RAISE ON YEAR 3.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SIGNING THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING.

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR MESSERSMITH, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD HANDLE THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD FOR A 2-YEAR TERM. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD FOR A 3-YEAR TERM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE HIGH SCHOOL HAD A HALL OF FAME BANQUET THIS PAST SATURDAY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS COMING WEEK WILL BE THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL, THE CARNIVAL, THE PARADE, AND THE RODEO.  HE URGED CITIZENS TO ATTEND WHAT THEY CAN. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, BRANDON OVERTON ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MR. OVERTON STATED THAT HE HAS RECENTLY TAKEN POSSESSION OF A PIECE OF PROPERTY THAT IS NEED OF CLEAN UP.  MR. OVERTON STATED THAT HE HAS HAD A DUMPSTER, BUT AT THIS POINT IS INTERESTED IN GETTING RESIDENTIAL TRASH THROUGH THE CITY.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ALSO SPOKE UP AND SAID HE IS INTERESTED IN THIS AS WELL FOR PROPERTIES HE IS CLEANING UP.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO POLICY IN PLACE FOR THIS AT THIS TIME AND THEY SHOULD CONTACT THE WATER DEPARTMENT TO DISCUSS FURTHER. 

THERE WAS A GROUP OF 9 PEOPLE IN ATTENDANCE FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING WHO WISHED TO EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS FOR THE RESIDENCE OF 1107 HIGHLAND STREET.  THEY STATED THE PROPERTY IS IN DISARRAY AND EVEN THOUGH THE PROPERTY HAS BEEN CLEANED UP IN THE PAST, IT IS WORSE NOW.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT TICKETS FOR ORDINANCE VIOLATIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS HOMEOWNER AND THEY ARE SCHEDULED FOR A FIRST APPEARANCE ON MAY 13, 2025. 

DENNIS LAMPLEY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT HE HAS BEEN VERY IMPRESSED WITH CALEB CAVINS, CODE ENFORCER, DURING THIS ENTIRE PROCESS. 

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

5:57 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY MARCH 24, 2025 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS WITH THE CORRECTION OF BAD DEBT TO $5,091.81. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RECOGNIZE THE BENTON RANGLER GIRLS. 

LAST YEAR THE PLACED 2^ND AT STATE AND THIS YEAR THE WON THE 2025 AA HIP HOP STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PROVIDED THE BENTON RANGLER GIRLS WITH A PROCLAMATION FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH RECOGNIZED COLE BUCHANAN BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. BUCHANAN MADE THE IHSA ALL STATE ACADEMIC ATHLETIC TEAM.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED MR. BUCHANAN WITH A PROCLAMATION FOR HIS ACCOMPLISHMENTS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE GIVING 13 SCHOLARSHIPS OUT THIS YEAR TO GRADUATES. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A PROPOSAL FROM ANDREWS ROOFING FOR THE ROOF AT TWIN OAKS IN THE AMOUNT OF $480.00.  SHE STATED THAT INSPECTION SHOWS A LEAK AROUND THE FLASHING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED IF THIS WILL FIX THE ISSUE AT TWIN OAKS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT ANDREWS ROOFING THINKS THIS WILL FIX THE LEAK.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE THINKS THE ROOF NEEDS REPLACED AND WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS POINT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDOWS HAVE A ROTTING ISSUE AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO RETURN TO ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AWARDING 2025 MOWING BID, UNTIL AFTER EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE BENTON /WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO USE CAPITAL PARK ON APRIL 30^TH THROUGH MAY 3^RD, 2025 DURING THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERMIT APPLICATION FOR USE OF CITY STREETS, PARKS, OR PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE VETERAN’S FAIR TO USE CAPITAL PARK ON MAY 3^RD, 2025 DURING THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00715 TO UTILITY PIPE SALES FOR METERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,321.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-04 CLOSING VARIOUS ROADS FOR THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE.  SECOND BY COMMISSION STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00139 TO THE HILTON HAMPTON INN AND SUITES FOR TWO (2) HOTEL ROOMS FOR TWO OFFICERS FOR SRO TRAINING WITH A TOTAL COST OF $866.88.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD A COPY OF THIS MOU IN THEIR PACKETS.  THE MOU STATES THAT IF THE CITY FAILS TO PAY FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEES ON TIME, THE EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE 1.1 TIMES THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE OWED AND THAT THE OUTSTANDING AMOUNT MUST BE PAID NO LATER THAN THE NEXT PAYROLL DATE.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF HIRING TWO (2) FULL-TIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT TESTING WILL BE DONE ON MARY 17, 2025 TO FORM A NEW LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PAYROLL FOR APPROVAL, PURCHASE ORDERS, OR BILLS AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH TWO DIFFERENT FORMS OF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ORDINANCE.  AFTER DISCUSSION, THE COUNCIL AGREED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM FOR ANOTHER TIME.  MOTION TO TABLE WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CHARGE OFF BAD DEBT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,465.17.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH CHANGES TO THE BENTON PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT FOR MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027.  THESE CHANGES INCLUDED A RETROACTIVE PAY RAISE OF 4% FROM MAY 1, 2024 TO PRESENT, A 3% PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE ON MAY 1, 2025, A 2.5% PAY RAISE EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2026, AND EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2027 AN INCREASE OF BASE HOURLY WAGE RATES FOR EMPLOYEES OF THIS BARGAINING UNIT BASED ON CPI FOR THAT YEAR.  THERE WAS ALSO A CHANGE IN LONGEVITY WHERE THE FIRST STEP WILL BE TAKEN AT THE START OF YEAR 3 INSTEAD OF THE START OF YEAR 4.  EXTRA COMPENSATION AND TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES WERE ALSO ADDRESSED.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CHANGES TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT, LOCAL #318, FOR MAY 1, 2024 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2027.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE 2025 ROAD PROGRAM WILL BE STARTING SOON.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE LOTS OF EVENTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY COMING UP IN THE NEAR FUTURE. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE APPOINTING DAVID MITCHELL TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD.  HE STATED THAT MR. MITCHELL PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THIS BOARD AND SINCE RETIRING FROM DELTA AIRLINES, HE IS WILLING TO SERVE AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT DAVID MITCHELL TO THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD REPLACING REECE RUTLAND, WHO HAS RESIGNED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO GO TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSION TO DISCUSS AMENDING ZONING CODE 40-3-95 AND APPENDIX “C” AS IT RELATES TO REBUILDING DWELLINGS IN THE EVENT OF A NATURAL DISASTER OR FIRE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER TO LOOK INTO THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REVISIT THE RESIDENCY FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  HE STATED THAT THE CITY IS GOING TO HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOME SORT OF INCENTIVE TO KEEP POLICE OFFICERS HERE.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS TICKETS FOR THE HOSPITAL AXILLARY SCHOLARSHIP DINNER IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THEM.  THE COST OF THE TICKETS IS $40.00 EACH. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, LINDA SMITH ASKED WHEN THE CITY COULD FLUSH THE FIRE HYDRANT IN FRONT OF HER HOME.  SHE STATED THAT HER WATER SMELLS LIKE WET DOG.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE AND THE FIRE CHIEF HAD JUST SPOKE ABOUT THE FLUSHING OF THE HYDRANTS AND HE EXPECTS TO START IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO.  MRS. SMITH STATED THAT SHE IS BATTLING BREAST CANCER AND HER DOCTOR TOLD HER SHE IS NOT TO BE DRINKING TAP WATER. 

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

5:43 P.M.

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

6:04 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO AWARD THE 2025 MOWING BID TO DAVID BOOKER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER KAYS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

6:05 P.M.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2025 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0 ABSTAINS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING. UNDER UPDATES COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MENTIONED SHE HAD RECEIVED A FEW PHONE CALLS REGARDING SIGNATURE BRICKS FOR THE PARK.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER FOR LOTS 6, 113 & 114 FROM THE WIGGS FAMILY TO THE SHEETZ FAMILY. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LETTER OF RESIGNATION FOR KEVIN SAMPLE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT WAS OUT WORKING ON PATCHING HEAVILY THIS WEEK WITH THE WEATHER BEING NICE, HE ALSO MENTIONED THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL BE OUT WORKING ON METERS AS WELL.

COMMISSIONER STOREY GAVE THANKS TO COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA FOR COVERING HIS DUTIES IN HIS ABSENCE. HE ALSO GAVE THANKS TO THE COUNCIL FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO PRESENT ITEM 6B SINCE HE HAD MORE DIRECT KNOWLEDGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS EXPLAINED THAT WITH FIREMAN PALMER LEAVING FOR TRAINING THERE WOULD BE A TEMPORARY VACANCY THAT TYLER JENNINGS WOULD FILL. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT MR. JENNINGS AS A TEMPORARY FIREMAN FOLLOWING THE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES OF THE TEMPORARY FIREMEN BEFORE HIM. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PAYROLL DATED FOR FEBRUARY 28^TH, 2025 TOTALING $109,166.22 WITH $84,237.15 FROM THE GENERAL FUND AND $24,929.07 FROM THE REVENUE FUND. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THE MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-01, RESTRICTING THE $50,000.00 INSURANCE PAYMENT FROM THE MOLD CLAIM AT 1403 S MAIN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED RESOLUTION 2025-02, RESTRICTING THE AECI INFRASTRUCTURE PAYMENT OF $100,000.00 WITH THE INTENTION OF USING IT FOR PURCHASING LARGER METERS AND GRANT MATCHING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 2025-02. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS SPOKE ABOUT THE UPCOMING BUDGET STATING ALL NUMBERS HAVE BEEN TURNED IN FROM EACH DEPARTMENT WITH THE EXPECTATION OF SOME MFT NUMBERS, BUT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH THE CITY ENGINEER AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REGARDING THESE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED IT IS HIS HOPE TO HAVE THE BUDGET ON DISPLAY BY MID-MARCH FOR PUBLIC VIEWING.

NO UPDATES FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.

UNDER UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH WANTED TO CONGRATULATE PARKER JOHNSON ON HIS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN THE STATE SPEECH MEETING. UNFORTUNATELY, MR. JOHNSON HAD ALREADY MOVED ONTO HIS NEXT PROJECT AND WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS MEETING, BUT HE SHOULD BE IN ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING OF MARCH 10^TH,2025. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT REGIONAL BASKETBALL STARTS THIS WEEK. MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAS BEEN WORKING WITH MR. CALCATERRA AND GREATER EGYPT PLANNING COMMITTEE TO GET A COMPREHENSIVE CITY PLAN TOGETHER, AS WELL AS LOOKING AT GRANTS FOR AIRPORT EXTENSION AND MAIN STREET LIGHTINGS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH WAS HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT MOST OF THE SUPPLIES FOR MALKOVICH PARK ARE IN AND THE HOPE IS TO HAVE THE CONCRETE SEALED BY THE WATER FESTIVAL TO ALLOW THE ITEMS TO BE PLACED.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH HAD ONE PURCHASE ORDER FOR A NEW AIRPORT CREW CAR SINCE THE CURRENT ONE DOES NOT RUN. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #504 IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,080.70. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK ON ITEM 9C. MR. CALCATERRA EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS A SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE WHERE THE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT UNDER A MR. FINKY BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO CLOSE ON THE PROPERTY. MR. EDWARDS HAS COME FORWARD AS AN INTERESTED BUYER AND IN THE INTEREST OF ———–

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT BRANDTLEE BROWN TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER FOR TERM OF FOUR YEARS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED HE WAS ASKED ABOUT A LEAGUE SPONSORSHIP FROM THE BENTON COMMUNITY PARK DISTRICT. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THE CITY DID NOT NEED TO DO A SPONSORSHIP FOR A TEAM SO MUCH AS HE WOULD LIKE TO DONATE FOR THE PARK DISTRICT TO USE IT AS THEY NEED FOR THE LEAGUE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $500.00 TO THE BENTON PARK DISTRICT AS A DONATION FOR THE LEAGUE. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE COUNTY OF FRANKLIN FOR LEASING SPACE AT $3,000.00 A MONTH STARTING JANUARY 1, 2025. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE AGREEMENT. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED COMMISSIONER KAYS TO DISCUSS ITEM 9G. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT FOR APPOINTING TO THE AIRPORT BOARD SPECIFICALLY BUT MORE FOR CREATING A PORTAL TO ALLOW INTERESTED PEOPLE TO SUBMIT THEIR INFORMATION FOR CONSIDERATION TO THE VARIOUS BOARD WE HAVE WITHIN THE CITY. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE WORK TO CREATE A ADVISORY BOARD PORTAL. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED BOTH PAYROLLS IN MARCH WILL USE A BLEND OF THE PHYSICAL PAPER AND THE DIGITAL ADP APP FOR TRACKING. THIS REDUNDANCY IS TO HELP CATCH ANY ISSUES THAT MAY ARISE.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE AIRPORT MANAGER MATHEW HARRISON STATED HE HAD MANAGED TO SECURE OVER $100,000.00 WORTH OF GRANT FUNDING THAT HAD BEEN AWARDED BUT NEVER CLAIMED. MR. HARRISON MENTIONED THAT THE AIRPORT IS STILL ON TRACK TO BUILD THE HANGER AND THE RUNWAY LIGHT PROJECT IS MOVING SMOOTHLY.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS: 0.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JANUARY 27, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO SEND A NOTICE OUT THAT THE CITY OF BENTON WILL BE ACCEPTING MOWING BIDS FOR CITY PROPERTY, NUISANCE YARDS, TWIN OAKS, AIRPORT, ETC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA HANDLED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT FOR COMMISSIONER STOREY IN HIS ABSENCE. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00713 TO BI-STATE COMPRESSOR FOR OIL AND FILTER ELEMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,860.10.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00429 TO MID-AMERICA FIRE AND SAFETY FOR TEN (10) 100-FOOT SECTIONS OF 5” SUPPLY HOUSE AND 2 ADAPTORS FOR 4” TO 5” IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,444.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00428 TO SENTINEL EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS FOR ANNUAL SCBA FLOW TESTING AND REPAIR OF 1 SCBA IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,729.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00430 TO LEO ELLEBRACHT COMPANY FOR 3 SETS OF GEAR REPLACING EXPIRED GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,006.52.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00427 TO ESO FOR ANNUAL FIRE REPORTING MODULE AND ANNUAL EMS REPORTING MODULE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,021.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PAY A PORTION OF THE ESO PURCHASE ORDER FROM THE AMBULANCE FUND.  COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE THE COUNCIL WAS AWARE THAT PURCHASE ORDER #00713 TO BI-STATE COMPRESSOR WAS ACTUALLY FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND NOT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO REGRETFULLY ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICER MICHAEL CAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO APPROVE MEMBERSHIP WITH THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DRUG TASKFORCE FOR $8,000.00 A YEAR.  SHE STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD NOT BE REPLACING OFFICER CAIN’S POSITION ON THE DRUG TASK FOR AT THIS TIME AND THAT IS WHY SHE IS RECOMMENDING MEMBERSHIP AGAIN.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR THIS THROUGH THE OPIOID FUND.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED FEBRUARY 14, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,434.43 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,745.06 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $101,179.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS DATED FEBRUARY 10, 2025 FOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $299,604.87 AND THIS INCLUDED $14,528.20 FROM THE IJRL TIF FUND AND $3,000.00 FROM THE DOWNTOWN TIF FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SETTING RESTRICTED FUNDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AECI INFRASTRUCTURE PAYMENT RESOLUTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDED TO DISCUSS THE APPROVAL OF NEW WATER AND TRASH RATES.  THE TRASH RATES ARE ALREADY APPROVED TO INCREASE, BUT THE COUNCIL HAS NOT SET NEW WATER RATES.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HOLD OFF ON THIS UNTIL WE SEE IF ANYTHING CHANGES.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS UNTIL THE SECOND MEETING IN MARCH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS IS CLOSE TO A TENTATIVE AGREEMENT WITH THEIR UNION CONTRACT.  

NO UPDATES OR ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION UNDER THE CITY ATTORNEY.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AN APPRAISAL HAS BEEN DONE ON 1403 SOUTH MAIN AND THAT WE ARE IN TALKS FOR AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY FOR THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE STILL AWAITING THE FEASIBILITY STUDY BEING COMPLETED BY ARCHITECHNIQUES. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE USE OF CAPITAL PARK MADE BY BRANDON OVERTON FOR THE BILL CULKIN MEMORIAL EVENT ON MAY 24, 2025.  THIS APPLICATION HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED MR. CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY JASON DREW TO BUILD 2 FAMILY RESIDENTIAL UNITS LOCATED AT 325 WEST 4^TH STREET.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS SET TO BE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT $900/MONTH PER UNIT.  THERE WILL BE 12 DUPLEXES BUILT, 24 RESIDENCES.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE WAS ONE OPPOSITION AT THE PUBLIC HEARING.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT IS HIS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

5:26 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 27, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUIDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM JANUARY 13, 2025 AS PRESENTED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, NO POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS, AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.  AS AN UPDATE COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES WILL BE MEETING WITH ENGINEERS ON THE WEST MAIN PROJECT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IDOT HAS BEGUN GETTING RIGHT OF WAY AGREEMENTS SIGNED FOR THIS PROJECT.   

THERE WERE NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY PORTION OF THE AGENDA. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $93,866.20 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,373.55 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $120,239.75.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JANUARY 31, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $76,392.45 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $24,157.47 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,549.92.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.   NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ROLLOUT OF ADP WILL HAPPEN IN FEBRUARY. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS STARTED WORKING ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE IS 70% FINISHED AND IS WAITING FOR INFORMATION FROM DEPARTMENT HEADS IN ORDER TO FINISH.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL IS STILL NAVIGATING WHAT TO DO ABOUT 1403 SOUTH MAIN.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNTY AND THE CITY ARE WORKING ON AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY HALL TO REMAIN TEMPORARILY HOUSED IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CHANGING INSURANCE COVERAGE PROVIDER FROM BLISS MCKIGHT TO ICRMT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH BOB REA AND HILLIARY REMM AT S.C.D. REA.  THEY WERE ABLE TO GET THE CITY A SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS BY SWITCHING PROVIDERS.  THE LIABILITY INSURANCE IS UP FOR RENEWAL IN FEBRUARY AND THE WORKER’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE IS UP FOR RENEWAL IN MAY.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO SWITCH INSURANCE PROVIDERS TO ICRMT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DO A SPONSORSHIP FOR S.I. COMIC CON.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT LAST YEAR THE COUNCIL DID A TIER III SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO COMMIT TO A TIER III SPONSORSHIP IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.     

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE RANGLER GIRLS WILL BE HEADING TO IHSA STATE FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS COMING WEEKEND AND HE STATED THAT THERE ARE 3 MEMBERS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL WHO WILL BE SINGING IN THE IMEC ALL STATE CHOIR IN PEORIA THIS WEEKEND AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT LAST WEEK WAS A GOOD ONE FOR THE BENTON INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS A GREAT CROWD ALL WEEK. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

5:07 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR THE ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER STOREY AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WERE ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 23, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

THERE WERE NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION OR REVIEW WITHIN THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT SECTION OF THE AGENDA.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, POOL/LEAK ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS, OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO TAKE A MOMENT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE HARD WORK THE GUYS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAVE PUT IN WHILE TRYING TO CLEAN THE STREETS OF ALL THE ICE AND SNOW.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00135 TO ZIMMERMAN’S GARAGE FOR STRUTS, AXLES, AND LABOR ON A SQUAD CAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,143.88. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00136 TO NOVACOM FOR SIX

(6) MOTOROLA RADIOS WITH PROGRAMMING INCLUDED FOR A TOTAL OF $5,070.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO NOTED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00426 TO THE AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,169.00.

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00138 TO NOVACOM FOR 15 MOTOROLA MOBILE RADIOS FOR IN CAR USE IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,449.85. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL, FOR JANUARY 3, 2025, AS PRESENTED. PAYROLL TOTALS FOR THE GENERAL FUND WERE $76,681.70 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER WERE

$24,630.63 FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF $104,312.33. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE

WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO PAY MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $406,256.22 WITH

$396,215.30 COMING FROM THE AP FUND, $625.81 COMING FROM THE COMMUNITY EVENTS FUND,

$7,915.11 FROM MFT, AND $1,500.00 COMING FROM THE TIF FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AMENDING THE PAY RESOLUTION WITH AN INCREASE FOR CALEB CAVINS FROM $32,500.00 TO $35,000.00 AND FOR JOHN DAUGHERTY WITH AN INCREASE FROM $47,500.00 TO $52,500.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT SYDNEY HENSON WILL BE RECEIVING A BUMP IN PAY ON THE NEXT RESOLUTION DUE IN MAY. THIS RESOLUTION NUMBER IS #2025-01. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT AT THE MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO COMMEND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR

GETTING THE TOWN MOVING AFTER ALL THE INCLEMENT WEATHER THAT WE HAD RECEIVED. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE CHEER TEAM AT THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR GETTING 3^rd AT THEIR STATE COMPETITION. ALSO, AS AN UPDATE, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY STILL WAITING ON THE FEASIBILITY STUDYTO DECIDE HOW TO MOVE FORWARD WITH CITY HALL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA IS IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING AN APPRAISAL ON 1403 SOUTH MAIN AS IT SITS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY KANA FINKE TO OWN AND OCCUPY AN EXISTING SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1204 EAST ANNA STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS MOBILE HOME HAS PASSED AN OCCUPANCY INSPECTION BY CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS. MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD ON THIS MATTER WITH THE PLANNING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATION. HE STATED THAT ONLY ONE (1) PERSON SHOWED UP WITH COMPLAINT AGAINST GRANTING THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT IS HIS RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR SPECIAL USE PERMIT. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE APPROVAL TO CONTRACT AN OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT TO ESTABLISH JOB PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION METRICS. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADETHIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL TO SUPPORT TAKE ACTION TODAY WITH A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT LAST YEAR WE PROVIDED THE ORGANIZATION WITH $2,400.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION OF $2,400.00 TO BE TAKEN FROM OPIOID FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS HAS BEEN DOING ALL THAT THEY CAN TO CLEAR THE ROADS AND HE APPRECIATES THAT. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO COMMEND THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS FOR ALL THEACCIDENTS THEY HAVE CONTROLLED THROUGH THIS STORM.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

5:18 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2024 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR THE ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY DECEMBER 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE IN BENTON, ILLINOIS.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

IN UPDATES, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD SOME CITIZENS INTERESTED IN PLACING PERSONALIZED BRICKS AT CAPITAL PARK.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN RESEARCHING THIS TOPIC. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00860 TO AMAZON FOR A POST MOUNT MAILBOX AND A POST MOUNT FOR THE MAILBOX IN THE AMOUNT OF $224.98 TO BE USED AS A DROP BOX FOR WATER PAYMENTS AT THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, UPDATES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED RECEIVED A WRITTEN SET OF STANDARDS OF OPERATION GUIDELINES ON THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAVING A FACILITY ANIMAL.  THESE GUIDELINES INCLUDED DISCUSSION OF INSURANCE, GROOMING, STATION UPKEEP, FOOD PURCHASING, AND VET BILLS.  THE GUIDELINES STATED THAT THE CITY AND ITS ANNUAL BUDGET WILL INCUR NO COST FOR MAINTENANCE, UPKEEP, OR MEDICAL OF THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT SERVICE ANIMAL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ALLOWING THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO HOUSE A FACILITY ANIMAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO ADDRESS THE FLOCK CAMERA SYSTEM PRESENTATION.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THE SYSTEM WOULD BE INSTALLED ON DUQUOIN AND WEST MAIN, ROUTE 37 AND ILLINOIS AVENUE, BAILEY LANE AND NORTH MAIN, AND EAST MAIN AND MCLEANSBORO STREETS.  THE CAMERAS WOULD BE USED TO IDENTIFY LICENSE PLATES AND CARS THAT HAVE BEEN UPLOADED INTO THE SYSTEM AS BEING SEARCHED FOR.  A CAMERA WILL ALSO BE PLACED AT CERTAIN CITY PROPERTIES.  THE SYSTEM WILL COST $21,235.50 INITIALLY AND THEN ANOTHER $15,000.00 AT A LATER DATE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF THE FLOCK CAMERA SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR ALL THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL, FOR DECEMBER 20, 2024, AS PRESENTED.  PAYROLL TOTALS FOR THE GENERAL FUND WERE $89,315.44 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER WERE $25,015.19 FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF $114,330.63.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE GOAL TO GET EVERYONE ONBOARDED TO ADP IS FEBRUARY 1, 2024.  COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT TIME IN THE TREASURER’S OFFICE WILL BE BETTER UTILIZED WITH THIS TRANSITION. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CONCRETE AT MALKOVICH PARK HAS BEEN COMPLETED. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH PRESENTED A PURCHASE ORDER TO N.O.F. INC, FOR 3 PEDESTAL TABLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,110.00 FOR MALKOVICH PARK.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN EXTENSION OF THE FAÇADE GRANT PROGRAM FOR THE 2025 CALENDAR YEAR.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ONE 1 BUSINESS TOOK PART IN THE PROGRAM LAST YEAR, HART AND CANTRELL LAW.  THERE HAS BEEN $40,000.00 SET ASIDE IN THE DOWNTOWN TIF FOR 2024 WITH ONLY $5,000.00 BEING USED SO HIS SUGGESTION WAS TO ROLL THE REMAINING $35,000.00 OVER FOR 2025.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.   

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IF YOU HAVEN’T, YOU SHOULD GO SEE THE RANGERS PLAY BASKETBALL.  HE STATED THAT THERE IS A HIGHLIGHT REEL THAT RUNS ON THE COURT AND IS VERY IMPRESSIVE TO SEE.  HE STATED THAT GIRLS ARE HOSTING A CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT AND THE BOYS WILL BE PLAYING IN THE DUSTER THOMAS CLASSIC AT PINCKNEYVILLE. 

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

8:46 A.M.