Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

Council Meeting Minutes — December 27, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 27, 2016 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. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE AND COMMISSIONER STOREY WERE ABSENT.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED JEREMY WATKINS BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MR. WATKINS WAS SWORN IN AS A FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS BY MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWEARING IN OF JEREMY WATKINS AS FULL TIME POLICE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED DYLAN DEFOREST BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MR. DEFOREST WAS SWORN IN AS A FIREFIGHTER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS BY MAYOR KONDRITZ. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWEARING IN OF DYLAN DEFOREST AS A FIREFIGHTER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 12, 2016
REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO BUSINESS UNDER PUBLIC PROPERTIES.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER $20,000.00 FROM MFT TO THE GENERAL FUND IN ORDER TO MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT ON A NEW BACKHOE. COMMISSIONER MILLER SECONDED. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-31 AMENDING THE PERMITS SECTION OF ORDINANCE #15-19 ALLOWING REPLACEMENT OF A LOST GOLF CART/UTV PERMIT OR TRANSFER OF A PERMIT AT A COST OF $5.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT WITH FRANKLIN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL AT A COST OF $2.38 PER CITIZEN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED PAYROLL FOR 12/16/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,924.66 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,264.29 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,188.95. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR RICHARD DALE OF 414 LAMBERSON AS IT MEETS THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO OBTAIN AN APPRAISAL OF THE WEBSTER JUNIOR HIGH/LOGAN GRADE SCHOOL PROPERTY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT WITH SIH WORK CARE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED AN AGREEMENT FOR TECHNICAL SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE ENTERPRISE ZONE APPLICATION. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AGREEMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE 2017 TAX LEVY HAS BEEN ON DISPLAY FOR TWO WEEKS IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2017 TAX LEVY, ORDINANCE #16-32. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

6:25 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — December 12, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 12, 2016 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. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED BECKY LEWIS OF THE GARDEN GATE CLUB BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MRS. LEWIS STATED THAT THE GARDEN CLUB HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF TAKING CARE OF MALKOVICH PARK ON THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF THE SQUARE. SHE STATED THAT THERE HAS BEEN A WATER LEAK AND THEREFORE THE WATER WAS TURNED OFF IN THE PARK. MRS. LEWIS STATED THAT THE GARDEN CLUB WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A DRIP SYSTEM INSTALLED TO WATER THE PLANTS AND THAT THIS IRRIGATION SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO BE HOOKED UP TO THE WATER LINE THAT WAS PREVIOUSLY TURNED OFF. MRS. LEWIS STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE THE CITY TO LOOK AT FIXING THE LEAK SO THAT THIS IRRIGATION SYSTEM CAN BE INSTALLED. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ASKED MRS. LEWIS TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH STEVE SHOULTZ AND THAT THEY WOULD BEGIN THE PROCESS OF FIXING THE LEAK.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 28, 2016 PUBLIC HEARING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 28, 2016 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001744 TO HD SUPPLY FOR 24 METER HEADS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,488.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000897 TO COE EQUIPMENT FOR A 500 FOOT JETTER HOSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,677.35. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,250.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A CONTRACT WITH HOLCOMB FOUNDATION ENGINEERING CO., INC. FOR SUBSURFACE EXPLORATION AND PAVEMENT DESIGN RECOMMENDATIONS ON WASTENA STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A LONG-RANGE TRANSPORTATION PLAN WITH JOHN. H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR A COST OF $4,200.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO HIRE DYLAN DEFOREST AS A FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE MERIT BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE CANDIDATE TESTING FOR POLICE AND FIRE MERIT BOARD UNTIL A FURTHER DATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCE #15-19 TO TRANSFER GOLF CAR STICKERS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5: COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001964 FROM KYLE MELVIN FOR A SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FROM NOVACOM IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,999.98. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THIS SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM WOULD BE PAID FOR THROUGH THE IPRF GRANT PROGRAM. THE CITY RECENTLY RECEIVED NOTICE THAT IPRF HAD RESERVED $8,033.00 FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR DECEMBER 12, 2016 IN THE AMOUNT OF $383,396.22. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 12/02/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,576.39, FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,670.70, AND FOR AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,032.51 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,279.60. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE DECLINE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR CARMEN BARNFIELD OF 1201 HIGHLAND STREET AS IT WAS NOT DUE TO A LEAK. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5 COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER INDICATED THAT THREE PROPERTIES WERE AVAILABLE @AT 304 NORTH GRAND, 220 NORTH MADISON, AND 11 EAST BOND FOR A TOTAL PRICE OF $1,938.00 THROUGH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TAXING AGENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE THESE PROPERTIES THROUGH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY TAX AGENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE,AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO MOVE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING TO TUESDAY DECEMBER 27, 2016 AS CITY HALL WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY DECEMBER 26, 2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE 2016 TAX LEVY WOULD BE ON DISPLAY IN THE CITY CLERK’S OFFICE FOR INSPECTION AND WOULD BE VOTED ON AT THE DECEMBER 27, 2016 MEETING.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THERE IS NOT ADEQUATE LIGHTING ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CITY HALL BUILDING AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO PLACE ONE (1) POST WITH TWO (2) DIRECTION LIGHTS ON THE EAST END OF THE PROPERTY. MAYOR KONDRITZ STOPPED THE COUNCIL MEETING AND ASKED ALL THE COMMISSIONERS TO WALK OUT TO THE PARKING LOT TO SEE THE ISSUE. UPON RETURNING FROM THE PARKING LOT, COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT SCOTT INGOLDSBY TO THE AIRPORT BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF 3 YEARS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT ITEMS I & J WOULD BE FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD A MATTER FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MAYOR KONDRITZ GAVE A PRESENTATION ON WORKERS COMPENSATION AND WHAT COULD BE DONE TO DECREASE THE NUMBER OF CLAIMS THE CITY HAS. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE EMPLOYEES SHOULD STRETCH BEFORE WORK EVERY DAY. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT WE SHOULD EDUCATE OUR EMPLOYEES ON HOW TO PREVENT INJURIES.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED A CONTRACT FROM FRANKLIN COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL THAT NEEDS TO BE SIGNED. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE SIGNING OF THIS CONTRACT UNTIL HE COULD DO FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE SITUATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY PROVIDED TWO RECENT EXAMPLES AS TO THE NEED FOR SECURITY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN AT CITY HALL TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. JACK SCHANZ ASKED IF THE COUNCIL COULD TELL HIM HOW MUCH MONEY HAS BEEN SPENT ON RENOVATIONS AT TWIN OAKS LODGE. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A ROUGH ESTIMATE WOULD BE BETWEEN $35,000.00 AND $45,000.00. MR. SCHANZ ALSO ASKED IF MR. MILLER COULD TELL HIM THE COST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT IT WILL COST AN ESTIMATED $375,000.00. MR. SCHANZ ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY COULD EXPLAIN WHERE THE MONEY FOR THE SEWER PLANT WILL COME FROM. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A LOAN HAS BEEN TAKEN OUT WITH THE EPA TO COVER THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE $14.95 MILLION WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.

ALSO UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. ROCKY MORRIS ASKED IF A FEASIBILITY STUDY HAD EVER BEEN COMPLETED ON GIACONE DRIVE. THE COUNCIL STATED THAT THEY HAD NOT COMPLETED THIS STUDY.

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

7:15 P.M.

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

7:40 P.M.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 28, 2015 TO MARCH 28, 2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FROM MAY 16, 2016 TO NOVEMBER 28, 2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES FROM DECEMBER 28, 2015 TO MARCH 28, 2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HIRE RACHEL GARTNER AS ADDITIONAL CITY HALL STAFF WITH A START DATE OF JANUARY 3, 2017. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER MILLER, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:45 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — November 28, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2016 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. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 14, 2016 REGULAR SESSION MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000896 TO ALAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOR GREASE GOBLIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $845.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT ALL THE PAPERS REGARDING THE LOAN FOR THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT HAVE BEEN SIGNED. HE SAID THE CONSTRUCTION MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND THEN THE GROUND BREAKING WOULD HAPPEN SOON.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-24 MAKING CARLTON STREET AND MAPLE STREET INTERSECTION A FOUR-WAY STOP. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-25 CLOSING AN ALLEY IN BLOCK 13 OF THE R.L. HAYES’ ADDITION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-26 CLOSING AN ALLEY LOCATED BETWEEN LOTS 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, AND 6 IN TEDROW ADDITION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JEREMY WATKINS AS A PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT OFFICER WATKINS WOULD BE ATTENDING ACADEMY IN JANUARY OF 2017. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE A DISCUSSION OF PURCHASING TABLETS FOR THE POLICE OFFICERS UNTIL FURTHER RESEARCH COULD BE DONE INTO THIS PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE THE “UNLOADING ZONE ONLY” SIGNS ON THE SQUARE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5: COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS SAVED $5,000.00 TOWARDS THE K9 UNIT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED CURT ERWIN TO GIVE THE COUNCIL AN UPDATE ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT. MR. ERWIN STATED THAT THE PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL IS 90% COMPLETE. MR. ERWIN STATED THAT CONSTRUCTION SHOULD BE COMPLETE BY THE END OF JANUARY.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/18/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,910.70 AND FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,282.59 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $88,193.29. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR RAYMOND BEATY OF 1111 ANNA STREET AND LISA PATE OF 808 MICHAEL DRIVE AS THEY BOTH MEET THE CRITERIA SET FOR IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TABLE A DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASE OF FRANKLIN COUNTY TRUSTEE HOUSES AT A COST OF $646.00 PER HOUSE UNTIL COMMON ADDRESSES WERE PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HAVE AN EMPLOYEE LUNCHEON AND NO CHRISTMAS BONUSES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER WYANT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION RATES HAD RISEN $2,000.00 PER MONTH FOR THE YEAR OF 2017.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ACQUIRE AN APPRAISAL ON THE CITY OWNED STUYVESANT PROPERTY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON’S FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS WAS A SUCCESS. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE BENTON AND WEST CITY FIREMEN BOTH WORKED VERY HARD HANGING LIGHTS AND HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND THEM ON THEIR SERVICE.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT ORDINANCE #16-27 AMENDING BUSINESS CODE, ARTICLE IV, COIN-OPERATED MACHINES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE ORDINANCE AND STATED A MOTION WOULD NEED TO BE MADE APPROVING THIS ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-27 INCREASING COIN-OPERATED MACHINE YEARLY FEES TO $250.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT ORDINANCE #16-28 AMENDING THE LIQUOR CODE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE ORDINANCE AND STATED A MOTION WOULD NEED TO BE MADE APPROVING THIS ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-28 INCREASING LIQUOR LICENSE YEARLY FEES BY $250.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT ORDINANCE #16-29 AMENDING THE LIQUOR CODE. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE ORDINANCE AND STATED A MOTION WOULD NEED TO BE MADE APPROVING THIS ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-29 AMENDING SUNDAY PERMITS AND HOURS OF OPERATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT ORDINANCE #16-30 AMENDING THE BUILDING CODE, SECTION 25-5-2. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE ORDINANCE AND STATED A MOTION WOULD NEED TO BE MADE APPROVING THIS ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-30 DECREASING THE TIME FRAME FROM 30 DAYS TO 15 DAYS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT A CHANGE ORDER HAD BEEN ISSUED BY CURT ERWIN CONSTRUCTION REGARDING CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CHANGE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,670.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE VETERAN’S SERVICE OFFICER CURRENTLY LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN SHOULD BE RELOCATED BY THE END OF JANUARY 2017.

ALSO UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED HE HAD RECEIVED AN AIRPORT BOARD RESIGNATION FROM STEVE BROWNING. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION FROM STEVE BROWNING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COLLEGIATE COMMON MARKET STATING THAT THEIR PROGRAM HAD BEEN REASSIGNED BEGINNING FEBRUARY 1, 2017. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THERE IS A MEETING SET TO TAKE PLACE REGARDING THIS ON JANUARY 10, 2017 AT 9 A.M. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS A GOOD PROGRAM AND THAT HE WOULD BE IN ATTENDANCE OF THIS MEETING.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JULIE PAYNE-HUBLER ASKED THAT IF THERE WAS A POLICY IN PLACE THAT WOULD REQUIRE A POLICE OFFICER TO REPAY HIS SCHOOLING COSTS IF HE DID NOT STAY WITH THE CITY A CERTAIN PERIOD OF TIME. THE COUNCIL STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS.

COMMISSIONER MILLER 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 BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

6:55 P.M.

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

7:15 P.M.

NO ACTION TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:30 P.M.

Public Hearing 11/28/2016

MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 28, 2016 AT 5:45 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE PUBLIC HEARING TO ORDER. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

JIMMY BEACHAL STATED THAT HE WAS OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED ALLEY CLOSURE IN THE R.L. HAYES’ ADDITION. HE STATED THAT THERE WERE UTILITIES IN THIS ALLEY THAT HE BELIEVED THE CITY WOULD HAVE ISSUES REACHING IF THE ALLEY WAS CLOSED. HE PROVIDED PICTURES TO THE COUNCIL. THE COUNCIL ASSURED MR. BEACHAL THAT THE CITY COULD REACH THESE UTILITIES.

LARRY TITTLE STATED THAT HE WAS IN FAVOR OF CLOSING THIS ALLEY IN THE R.L. HAYES’ ADDITION.

RON GIACONE, ATTORNEY FOR BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL STATED THAT HE WAS IN FAVOR OF THE PROPOSED ALLEY CLOSURE IN THE TEDROW ADDITION NEXT TO THE HIGH SCHOOL PARKING LOT.

NO OTHER COMMENTS WERE HEARD FROM THE AUDIENCE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

5:55 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — November 14, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2016 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. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 24, 2016 PUBLIC HEARING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 24, 2016 REGULAR SESSION MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ INTRODUCED NEW FRANKLIN CIRCUIT CLERK.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001518 TO HD SUPPLY FOR 24 5/8” I PEARL METERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #002264 TO HACH COMPANY FOR TESTING EQUIPMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,591.68. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE BELIEVES WE WILL BE BREAKING GROUND FOR THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IN TWO WEEKS.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS ARE 90% COMPLETED AT THIS TIME.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001374 TO ODUM CONCRETE FOR CONCRETE FORMS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,445.80. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PREPARE AN ORDINANCE MAKING THE INTERSECTION OF CARLTON STREET AND MAPLE STREET A FOUR-WAY STOP. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #16-14 FOR THE 2017 MFT PROGRAM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2017 OVERLAY BID FROM ET SIMMONDS, THE ONLY BID RECEIVED ON 11/09/2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001962 TO FABIK POWER SYSTEMS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,678.00 FOR A 50 KW CATERPILLAR DIESEL ELECTRIC GENERATOR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000937 TO MIDAMERICA FIRE FOR 4 GAS DETECTOR CALIBRATION KITS IN THE AMOUNT OF $593.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000939 TO SENTINEL EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS FOR SCBA COMPRESSOR MAINTENANCE IN THE AMOUNT OF $566.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000938 TO FAST FOR ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION SERVICE IN THE AMOUNT OF $822.49. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000940 TO FAST FOR AIRBAG REPLACEMENT IN ENGINE #801 IN THE AMOUNT OF $645.07. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000941 TO BANNER FIRE EQUIPMENT FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,991.25. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001056 TO ZOBRIO FOR SETUP AND REPORTING, SUPPORT AGREEMENT, AND THE PAPER SAVE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,069.04. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $345,539.84. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 11/04/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,489.10 AND FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,909.58 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $87,398.68. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHARLOTTE PETRAZIO OF 612 EAST WEBSTER STREET AND PAM TEAGUE OF 1141 WEST WEBSTER STREET AS THEY BOTH MEET THE CRITERIA SET FOR IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR KIMBERLY SHARP OF 505 WEST FIFTH STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED THE AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 TO THE COUNCIL. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUDIT AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILER INVITED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT OUR CURRENT AGREEMENT FOR ELECTRIC AGGREGATION EXPIRES IN 8 MONTHS, BUT THAT HE BELIEVES NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO TAKE OUR RATES TO MARKET. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT HE WILL OBTAIN BIDS FOR 12, 24, AND 36 MONTHS. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW REG ANKROM OF SIMEC TO BID THE RESIDENTIAL AGGREGATION TO MARKET AND RETURN THE BIDS TO THE MAYOR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

UNDER UPDATES, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO THANK THE AMERICAN LEGION LADIES AUXILIARY FOR THE AMERICAN FLAGS THAT WERE PUT UP THROUGH TOWN. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STREET DEPARTMENT FOR PUTTING UP THE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SOLICIT TOWN’S PEOPLE TO DECORATE THEIR HOMES FOR CHRISTMAS AND THEN REGISTER THEM IN THE CLERK’S OFFICE FOR A LIST OF HOLIDAY HOMES TO BE DISTRIBUTED.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD AN ITEM TO BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA HAS REQUESTED AN AMENDMENT TO SECTION 25-5-2 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES CHANGING THE TIME FRAME FROM 30 TO 15 DAYS TO MAKE A STRUCTURE SAFE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO AMEND SECTION 25-5-2 OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES FROM 30 DAYS TO 15 DAYS TO MAKE A STRUCTURE SAFE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY MENTIONED THAT A BENEFIT WILL BE HELD FOR OFFICER MCDANIEL AT LAFIESTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT AS WELL AS A SPAGHETTI DINNER WILL BE HELD FOR OFFICER MCDANIEL AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER. THESE FUNDRAISERS ARE TO HELP OFFSET COSTS OF OFFICER MCDANIEL’S MEDICAL EXPENSES.

ALSO UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. MRS. CRAIG STATED THAT FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IS TO TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 26, 2016 BEGINNING AT 5 P.M. WITH SANTA ARRIVING AT 6 P.M., STOCKINGS TO BE HANDED OUT TO THE CHILDREN, AND FREE CARRIAGE RIDES TO BEGIN AT 7 P.M.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER WYANT ASKED THE REST OF THE COUNCIL FOR AN UPDATE REGARDING THE CLEAN UP AND REZONING OF POPE STREET. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE AREA HAS BEEN CLEANED UP AND THAT REZONING WOULD BE UP TO THE LAND OWNER.

THERE WERE NO MATTERS UNDER NEW BUSINESS.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JUDY KELLEY STATED THAT SHE WAS OUT OF TOWN WHEN THE OPEN HOUSE FOR CITY HALL WAS CONDUCTED AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW IT WENT. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER THAN ONE (1) NEWSPAPER REPORTER FROM THE GAZETTE, NO ONE ATTENDED THE OPEN HOUSE.

NELSON ENRIETTO ASKED IF THE CITY HAD CONDUCTED ANY SOIL TESTS ON THE POPE STREET PROPERTY. THE COUNCIL INFORMED MR. ENRIETTO THAT THE PROPERTY DOES NOT BELONG TO THE CITY.

ROCKY MORRIS ASKED WHO MAKES THE DETERMINATION ON CLOSING AN ALLEY. HE WAS TOLD THAT THIS WOULD BE DONE THROUGH THE ZONING DEPARTMENT. MR. MORRIS ALSO ASKED IF AN APPRAISAL HAD BEEN DONE ON THE NEW CITY HALL BUILDING. HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CITY OF BENTON DID NOT HAVE AN APPRAISAL DONE ON 1403 SOUTH MAIN. MR. MORRIS ALSO ASKED WHO DETERMINED THAT 1403 SOUTH MAIN WAS WORTH THE MONEY THAT THE SCHOOL BOARD HAD ASKED FOR IT. THE COUNCIL INFORMED MR. MORRIS THAT A COMMITTEE WAS FORMED AND THAT THEY MADE THE RECOMMENDATION TO THE COUNCIL TO PURCHASE THE NEW CITY HALL BUILDING.

ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENTS, STEVEN PATE STATED THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL CONCERNS AS TO ACTIVITIES IN THE AMERICAN LEGION PARKING LOT NEXT TO HIS BUILDING. THE AMERICAN LEGION REPRESENTATIVES ACKNOWLEDGED THE CONCERNS AND REQUESTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO DRIVE THROUGH THE PARKING LOT AT 10 P.M. ON SUNDAY EVENINGS.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:15 P.M.

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

7:55 P.M.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING COIN-OPERATED VIDEO POKER MACHINE FEES FROM $100.00 TO $250.00 PER MACHINE PER YEAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE INCREASING THE FEES FOR CLASS A, A-1, B, C, D, E, E-1, G, AND H LIQUOR LICENSES BY $250.00 EACH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PREPARE AN ORDINANCE AMENDING HOURS OF OPERATION FOR CLASS C LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS TO 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. ON SUNDAYS WITH A FEE INCREASE FROM $520.00 T0 $1,200.00 PER YEAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE SUNDAY (ADDITIONAL HOURS) PERMITS FOR CLASS A, A1, D, E, AND E1 LIQUOR LICENSE HOLDERS TO TWELVE (12) TIMES PER YEAR FROM 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. WITH A FEE OF $50.00 PER OCCASION, AND TO ALLOW CLASS B LICENSE TO HAVE SUNDAY SALES FROM 11 A.M. TO 10 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.


COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

8:00 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — October 24, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 24, 2016 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.  THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.    

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE OCTOBER 10, 2016 REGULAR SESSION MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001754 TO ALAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOR GREASE GOBLIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $928.62.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-23 VACATING PART OF AN ALLEY IN BLAKE, HART AND WILLIAMS ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THERE WILL BE A BID LETTING FOR THE 2017 OVERLAY PROJECT ON NOVEMBER 9, 2016 AT 10:00 A.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001961 TO NOVACOM FOR 3 VERTEX RADIOS, MICROPHONES, AND LEATHER RADIO CASES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,394.91.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ENGINE #803 IS BACK IN SERVICE. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #16-13 CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ON NOVEMBER 26, 2016 FROM 5 P.M. TO 10 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.   YEAS 5:  COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE DAVID R. RAMSEY AS AN AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/21/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,636.09 AND FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $32,534.19 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $96,170.28.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR GARY GISCHER OF 701 CARBON STREET AND DANAE MCDANIEL OF 105 WEST RUTH STREET AS THEY BOTH MEET THE CRITERIA SET FOR IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED ITEM (D) IS FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION.

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE ANNUAL TREASURER’S REPORT WAS IN THE PACKETS FOR THE COMMISSIONER TO LOOK THROUGH. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ON AT THE LAST MEETING CINNAMON SMITH, AN EXPERT ON SOLAR ECLIPSES HAD SPOKEN TO THE COUNCIL TO EDUCATE THEM ON THE UPCOMING SOLAR ECLIPSE.   MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO USE SOME OF THE FARM PROPERTY BY THE AIRPORT DURING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD NOT WANT CORN, WHEAT, ETC. PLANTED ON THIS LAND NEXT SUMMER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOME ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE ON THIS PROPERTY. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A LOCATION NEEDED TO BE DECIDED UPON FOR THE DIGITAL SIGN CURRENTLY HOUSED AT 500 WEST MAIN.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING PLACEMENT.  COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO MOVE THE DIGITAL SIGN TO 1403 SOUTH MAIN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  2 YEAS.  COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER.  NAYS:  3. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, MAYOR KONDRITZ.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO MOVE THE DIGITAL SIGN TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER MILLER. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT MARION RECEIVED A GRANT FOR A NEW FIRE TRUCK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE WERE NOT IN THE RUNNING FOR THAT GRANT. 

 

ALSO UNDER PUBLIC COMMENTS, ROCKY MORRIS DISCUSSED AN ADDITIONAL PAYMENT TO EARL SANDUSKY.  HE STATED THAT THE AIRPORT BOARD VOTE WAS 3-2.  THE AIRPORT BOARD IS A 7 PERSON BOARD AND SINCE THERE APPEARED TO BE NO SPECIFIC BI-LAWS FOR THE AIRPORT BOARD, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THERE MUST BE 4 AFFIRMATIVE VOTES FOR A MOTION TO PASS. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER 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 WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:40 P.M. 

 

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

 

7:15 P.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE COUNCIL ON THE POSSIBLE HIRING OF A PUBLIC RELATIONS /ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

7:20 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — October 10, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 10, 2016 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.  THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.    COMMISSIONER WYANT WAS ABSENT. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 REGULAR SESSION MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA.  MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED CINNAMON SMITH, AN EXPERT ON SOLAR ECLIPSES, TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE UPCOMING SOLAR ECLIPSE.   MRS. SMITH STATED THAT SCIENTISTS ARE PREDICTING BETWEEN 30,000 AND 50,000 PEOPLE TO BE IN OUR AREA FOR THE ECLIPSE.  MRS. SMITH STATED THAT THE COMPLETE ECLIPSE WILL BE VISIBLE IN OUR AREA FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES AND 36 SECONDS. 

 

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #16-12 AMENDING RESOLUTION #16-02 TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF FUNDS TRANSFERRED AND RESTRICTED FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FROM $75,000.00 TO $55,000.00 PER MONTH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER WYANT, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED THAT A MOTION BE MADE APPROVING THE IDOT CONTINUOUS NEEDS CLASSIFICATION MAP.  COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE IDOT FIVE (5) YEARS CONTINUOUS NEEDS CLASSIFICATION MAP.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000936 TO NOVACOM FOR REPAIR OF THE STORM SIRENS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,360.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001041 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A BLOCK OF 50 HOURS TO BE USED FOR PHONE SUPPORT, REMOTE SUPPORT, ONSITE SUPPORT, AND REPAIRS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $246,070.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 10/07/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $55,876.94 AND FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,170.76 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,047.70.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR EMILY SPENCER OF 706 SOUTH COMMERCIAL STREET AND STEVE VOLINI OF 503 SOUTH MAIN STREET AS THEY MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR TRENT WILLIAMS OF 1207 WHISPER WAY AND DOLORES OYLER OF 209 WEST WEBSTER AS THEY BOTH MEET THE CRITERIA SET FOR IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN GATHERING EXCESS EQUIPMENT THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS TO BE SOLD AT A LATER DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT RSP HEATING AND COOLING HAD SUBMITTED AN ESTIMATE FOR YEARLY MAINTENANCE ON THE HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING UNITS AT TWIN OAKS AND CITY HALL.  COMMISSIONER MILLER ASKED THAT THE COUNCIL REVIEW THESE AND HE STATED THAT THEY CAN BE DECIDED UPON AT A LATER MEETING. 

 

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT A LETTER HAD BEEN SENT TO THE CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD REGARDING THE POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED ON HUDELSON STREET. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF INTENT FROM IDOT REGARDING THE WIDENING OF BAILEY LANE AND ROUTE 37.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE WILL BEGIN LOBBYING FOR A RAILROAD OVERPASS ON SOUTH MAIN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE TRAINS BEING STOPPED ON THE TRACKS ARE BECOMING A LIFE/DEATH SITUATION. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBERS WHOSE APPOINTMENTS HAVE EXPIRED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT BENITA COFFEL FOR A TERM THAT EXPIRES FEBRUARY 9, 2018; ALLAN KIMBALL FOR A TERM THAT EXPIRES FEBRUARY 9, 2019; MARTY LEFFLER FOR A TERM THAT EXPIRES NOVEMBER 13, 2018; AND JEREMY YOUNG FOR A TERM THAT EXPIRES OCTOBER 14, 2019.  COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT THESE INDIVIDUALS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE CONDUCTING A FLU CLINIC ON OCTOBER 28, 2016 FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. AT THE KIMMEL CHAPLAIN PHARMACY.  COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE HOLDING AN OPEN HOUSE FOR THE PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 18, 2016 FROM 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M. 

 

ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO THINK ABOUT DIRECTING ANY NEW FUNDS THE CITY RECEIVES FOR VIDEO GAMING PARLOR ESTABLISHMENTS TOWARDS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  HE STATED THAT THE FOREIGN FIRE FUND RECEIVES $20,000.00 A YEAR AND THAT THE POLICE ONLY RECEIVE A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS FROM THE FEES AND IMPOUNDS OVER THE YEAR. 

 

UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BEGIN USING NIXLE TO REPORT BOIL ORDERS AND OTHER MATTERS THAT AFFECT PUBLIC SAFETY. 

 

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JUDY KELLY ASKED WHERE THE CITY WAS ON REZONING THE PROPERTY FORMALLY OWNED BY PEYTON CONCRETE REQUESTED BY JACK SCHANZ.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT REZONING THAT PROPERTY WOULD HAVE TO BE DONE BY THE CITY OR THE CURRENT LANDOWNER. 

 

ALSO FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, DONNA AND KEVIN MONTGOMERY STATED THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO OPEN A VIDEO GAMING PARLOR.  ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT AT THIS TIME THERE WAS NO VIDEO GAMING PARLOR LICENSE AVAILABLE. 

 

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

 

7:15 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — September 26, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26, 2016 AT

6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.    

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 12, 2016 REGULAR SESSION MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 20, 2016 SPECIAL MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ABSTAINED. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD ALLOW RICK CAMPBELL TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL REGARDING A BOOKLET OF FREE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CAMPBELL STATED THAT WITH THE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL HE WOULD PRINT 5,000 OF THESE BOOKLETS.  COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW MR. CAMPBELL TO MOVE FORWARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001517 TO ALAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOR GREASE GOBLIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $928.62.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS TONIGHT.  AS AN UPDATE COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT 95% OF THE 2016 OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM IS COMPLETED WITH APPROXIMATELY 4 BLOCKS LEFT.  COMMISSIONER WYANT ALSO STATED THAT HE IS STILL WAITING ON A BID FOR THE OVERLAY PROJECT. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED CAREER FIREFIGHTER MATT CARPENTER HAD SUBMITTED HIS RESIGNATION AFTER TAKING A POSITION WITH THE EFFINGHAM, ILLINOIS FIRE DEPARTMENT.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. CARPENTER HAD BEEN A FIVE YEAR CAREER FIREFIGHTER WITH THE CITY OF BENTON AND HAD BEEN A VOLUNTEER FOR 2 YEAR PRIOR TO THAT, GIVING HIM A TOTAL OF 7 YEARS WITH THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF CAREER FIREFIGHTER MATT CARPENTER WITH HIS LAST DAY BEING OCTOBER 10, 2016.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JOHN OWENS AS A TEMPORARY FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER FOR 60 DAYS WITH A START DATE OF 10/11/16.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS 4:  COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER MILLER. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE FIRE AND POLICE MERIT BOARD TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE PROCESS OF HIRING A FULL TIME CAREER FIREFIGHTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BEGINNING TO RAISE MONEY FOR A K9 UNIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS COST WOULD INCLUDE THE DOG, THE TRAINING, AND THE EQUIPMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW POLICE STATION IS SLATED TO BEGIN THIS WEEK WITH A COMPLETION DATE TENTATIVELY SET AS MARCH 1, 2017. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 09/23/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,058.69, FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,252.1, AND PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,276.19 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $103,587.03.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR CAROL OVERBEY OF 310 NORTH MCLEANSBORO AND SUE DIRKS OF 401 EAST BOND AS THEY BOTH MEET THE CRITERIA SET FOR IN THE ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO SET TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS ON OCTOBER 29, 2016 FROM 5 P.M. TO 9 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO AMEND THE SIMPLIFIED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TAX ORDINANCE CHANGING THE DATE OF FIRST COLLECTION FROM JANUARY OF 2017 TO FEBRUARY OF 2017.  COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #16-22 AMENDING THE SIMPLIFIED TELECOMMUNICATIONS TAX COLLECTION DATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ON OCTOBER 10, 2016 CINNAMON SMITH, AN EXPERT ON SOLAR ECLIPSES, WILL BE AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TO EDUCATE US ON THE UPCOMING SOLAR ECLIPSE. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTS TO OFFER TO SELL TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER THE CITY OWNED LOTS ON HUDELSON STREET FOR $10,500.00, REPRESENTING THE CITY’S EXPENSE.  COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION AUTHORIZING LEGAL COUNSEL TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER AUTHORITY BOARD REGARDING THE SALE OF CITY OWNED PROPERTY ON HUDELSON STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WALKER’S BLUFF WANTS SUPPORT FROM NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES REGARDING BUILDING A RESORT AND CASINO.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WILL CREATE OVER 1,000 CONSTRUCTION JOBS DURING A FOUR-YEAR PERIOD AND 726 PERMANENT JOBS ONCE COMPLETED.  COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION APPROVING RESOLUTION 16-11 SUPPORTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RESORT AT WALKERS BLUFF.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

 

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT A LETTER HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE EPA STATING THAT WE HAVE MET ALL STANDARDS AND WE NOW WAIT 30 DAYS TO SEE IF ANYONE CONTESTS THIS. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A SURVEY IS BEING DONE ON THE CITY OWNED PROPERTY ON STUYVESANT STREET. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CHAMBER AFTER HOURS EVENT AT CITY HALL WENT VERY WELL.  COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE WOULD NOW LIKE TO WORK ON A CITIZEN OPEN HOUSE THAT WILL LIKELY BE HELD BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 3 P.M. TO 5 P.M. OR 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEEK BIDS TO HAVE THE DIGITAL SIGN CURRENTLY LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN MOVED. 

 

COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO STATED THAT A FLU CLINIC HAS BEEN SET UP WITH KUMMEL CHAPLAIN PHARMACY.  THIS CLINIC WILL TAKE PLACE AT KUMMEL CHAPLAIN PHARMACY ON OCTOBER 18, 2016 FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M.  THIS WILL BE OPEN TO EMPLOYEES AS WELL AS CITIZENS. 

 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

 

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JERRY WIGGS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE RIGHT AWAY ON HIS PROPERTY HAS NOT BEEN MOWED.  COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE LOOKED INTO.  MR. WIGGS ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE CITY STANDS ON THE BURNOUT LOCATED ON GLENDALE STREET.  CITY ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WAS CURRENTLY ON THE CITY’S LIST FOR DEMOLITION. 

 

NELSON HENRIETTO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITY FOR THE CLEANUP OF 2 MOBILE HOMES ON SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET. 

 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED TONY LANG IF THERE HAD BEEN ANY PROGRESS ON HIS ISSUES OF FLOODING IN HIS YARD.  MR. LANG STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO PROGRESS MADE.  THE MAYOR TOLD MR. LANG THAT WE WOULD BE LOOKING INTO THIS FURTHER.  MR. LANG ALSO QUESTIONED BRINGING OTHER CABLE TV PROVIDERS TO THE CITY OF BENTON.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH EXPLAINED THAT THE CITY HAS A FRANCHISE AGREEMENT CURRENTLY WITH NEWWAVE COMMUNICATIONS FOR CABLE TV. 

 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

 

6:58 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — August 22, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 22, 2016 AT
6:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 8, 2016 REGULAR SESSION MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 12, 2016 CONTINUED SESSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE AUGUST 17, 2016 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001512 TO ALAN ENVIRONMENTAL FOR GREASE GOBLIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $928.62. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS TONIGHT.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR HELP WITH THE MOVE.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JEREMY WATKINS FROM THE CURRENT ELIGIBILITY LIST AS A NEW POLICE OFFICER SUBJECT TO BACKGROUND CHECK AND FURTHER TESTING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE CURT ERWIN CONSTRUCTION TO CONSTRUCT A NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT USING ORDINANCE #10-29 WITHOUT THE NEED FOR BIDDING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE NEW FIRE TRUCK WILL BE FINISHED IN MARCH. HE STATED THAT THERE WILL NEED TO BE FOUR (4) TRIPS MADE TO OKLAHOMA TO CHECK ON PROGRESS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE RAILROAD AND THAT THE PROBLEM CAUSING TRAINS TO STOP IN BENTON WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF THIS YEAR. THE RAILROAD TOLD COMMISSIONER STOREY THAT WIRING IS BEING REPLACED FROM BENTON TO INA.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 08/12/16 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,158.67 AND FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $30,298.36 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL IN THE AMOUNT OF $99,457.03. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE GIS MAPPING TO BE DONE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON BY SHAWNEE ENGINEERING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TERMINATE CLEANING SERVICES WITH CENTERSTONE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HIRE LISA KEENER OF KEENER’S CLEANERS TO CLEAN 1403 SOUTH MAIN ONCE A WEEK. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HIRE SEVERIN’S LANDSCAPING TO TRIM THE SHRUBS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $785.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER WYANT.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS A MEETING WITH THE UNION TO DISCUSS THE CONTRACT FOR THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET DEPARTMENTS THIS COMING THURSDAY.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MARTY LEFLER OVER MOVING THE MONUMENTS THAT ARE CURRENTLY AT 500 WEST MAIN. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MASONIC AND ODD FELLOWS HAVE OFFERED TO PAY FOR THE POURING OF THE CONCRETE PADS FOR THE MONUMENTS IF THE MONUMENTS ARE MOVED TO MONUMENT CIRCLE AT THE CEMETERY. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MOVING OF THE MONUMENTS AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET TO MASONIC AND ODD FELLOW’S CEMETERY BY J.W. REYNOLDS MONUMENT COMPANY. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ASKED WHAT THE PLANS FOR THE PROPERTY AT 500 WEST MAIN WERE TO BE AFTER THE NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONSTRUCTED. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE PROPERTY IS FOR SALE.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT EMPLOYEE INSURANCE WILL BE UP FOR RENEWAL IN OCTOBER AND THAT HE ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A FLU CLINIC TO BE DONE AT CITY HALL. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE THINKS THE FLU CLINIC IS A GREAT THING DONE BY THE CITY.

UNDER MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER STATED THAT THE BUILDING AT THE AIRPORT IS IN NEED OF SOME REPAIRS. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAD GOTTEN AN ESTIMATE AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST APPROXIMATELY $17,500.00. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT A NEW TERMINAL IS TO BE BUILT NEXT YEAR AND HE WAS NOT SURE WE SHOULD PUT $17,500.00 INTO A BUILDING WHEN A NEW ONE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN A YEARS’ TIME.

MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY THE INTERIOR DOORS AT THE NEW CITY HALL ARE LOCKED AND WHY HE IS NOT ALLOWED IMMEDIATE ACCESS TO THE CLERK, MAYOR, OR ZONING. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE LOCKED DOORS ARE A NEW SECURITY MEASURE AND THAT THE CITY OF BENTON IS BEING PROACTIVE WITH SAFETY MEASURES. COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO STATED THAT THERE IS A PHONE IN THE LOBBY THAT CAN BE ACCESSED TO CALL EMPLOYEES. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT PEOPLE WILL NO LONGER BE ABLE TO INTERRUPT MEETINGS THAT ARE ONGOING AT CITY HALL.

ROCKY MORRIS QUESTIONED THE COUNCIL AS TO WHERE THE MONEY TO PAY FOR 1403 SOUTH MAIN CAME FROM. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CITY HAD SET MONEY ASIDE FOR THE PURCHASE AND THAT NO LOAN WAS TAKEN OUT ON THE PURCHASE OF THE NEW CITY HALL.

TONY LANG STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMPLIMENT THE COUNCIL FOR THE TIRE PROJECT THAT WAS DONE IN THE SPRING. MR. LANG ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF THE CITY CAN DO ANYTHING ABOUT HIS PROPERTY AND THE FLOODING THAT OCCURS AFTER A RAIN. COMMISSIONERS BAUMGARTE AND WYANT STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. ZONING OFFICER DAVID GARAVALIA TOLD MR. LANG HE WOULD COME LOOK AT THE PROPERTY AS WELL.

JULIE PAYNE-HUBLER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF ANY PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE ON THE CITY OWNED PROPERTIES. SHE WAS TOLD THAT AT THIS POINT, THERE IS NOTHING NEW TO REPORT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM (B) DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE.

6:58 P.M.

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

7:20 P.M.

NO ACTION TAKEN DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ADJOURN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

7:25 P.M.

Council Meeting Minutes — August 8, 2016

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY AUGUST 8, 2016 AT 6 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.
MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 25, 2016 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 26, 2016 TOWN HALL MEETING AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE JULY 27, 2016 CONTINUED COUNCIL MEETING AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ABSTAINED.
COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR TONIGHT.
COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR TONIGHT.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD SOME UPDATES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THAT ENGINE #803 WAS IN ROXANNA BEING REPAIRED. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD BE SENDING THREE FIREMEN TO TEXAS ON TUESDAY 08/09/16 TO INSPECT A USED FIRETRUCK FOR POSSIBLE PURCHASE. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT WHILE WE ARE DOWN TO ONE FIRETRUCK, WE WILL NOT BE TAKING IT OUT OF TOWN.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL BE MOVING FORWARD WITH BUILDING A NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THEY HAVE MET WITH AN ARCHITECT.
COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE CITY HAS MULTIPLE PARCELS OF LAND THAT ARE COSTING THE CITY MONEY TO MAINTAIN. COMMISSIONER STOREY SAID HE WOULD BE INTERESTED IN POSSIBLY SELLING SURPLUS PROPERTY. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO FORM A COMMITTEE TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF SELLING THESE SURPLUS PROPERTIES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW HIRE FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JULY 29, 2016 FOR GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,201.21 AND FOR WATER AND SEWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,361.51 FOR A TOTAL IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,562.72. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR BARRY BITTLE OF 115 WEST MCFALL, KIM CIMA OF 1302 SOUTH WILSON, AND MELANIE HAMILTON OF 208 NORTH BROWN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER ASKED AARON DAUBY OF SHAWNEE ENGINEERING TO GIVE A PRESENTATION OF THE NEW GIS MAPPING. MR. DAUBY STATED THAT THE NEW GIS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD BE BETWEEN $7,000.00 AND $10,000.00. MR. DAUBY STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE A GOOD MOVE TOWARDS STRATEGIC PLANNING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM FOR TWO WEEKS. SECOND BY CO MMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THERE ARE STILL TWO BOXES OF ANNEXATION PAPERWORK THAT NEEDS TO BE GONE THROUGH. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HIRE LAURA AUTEN TO WORK ON THESE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO HOST A CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AFTER HOURS EVEN ON SEPTEMBER 15, 2016 FROM 5 P.M. TO 7 P.M. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF J.W. REYNOLDS MONUMENT COMPANY ESTIMATE TO MOVE MONUMENTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS FOR WATER, SEWER, AND STREETS ARE MOVING FORWARD. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ALSO STATED THAT HE AND THE MAYOR MET WITH RESIDENTS IN THE AREA OF POPE STREET TO DISCUSS THE ONGOING ISSUES. TWO MORE MEETINGS REGARDING THIS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT A FENCE HAS BEEN PUT UP AROUND THIS PROPERTY.
MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE IS STILL WAITING FOR PLANS FOR WHERE THE FENCE AROUND THE AIRPORT WOULD BE PLACED.
MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS APPROACHED BY THOMAS J. PAYNE REGARDING THE PROPERTY AT 207 EAST PLUM STREET. MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MR. PAYNE CURRENTLY USES THIS PROPERTY AS A RENTAL HOME, BUT WOULD LIKE TO SIGN THE DEED OVER TO TH E CITY OF BENTON. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A LATER DATE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT BILL BAKER, WEST CITY BOARD MEMBER HAD BEEN IN CONTACT WITH HIM. MR. BAKER WOULD LIKE TO MOVE THE MONUMENTS FROM 500 WEST MAIN TO THE VILLAGE HALL IN WEST CITY. THE COUNCIL MADE NO DECISION AT THIS TIME.
MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM JIM PAGE FOR THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT MIKE HOFFMAN TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD TO FILL THE VACANCY LEFT BY JIM PAGE. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE THE MOTION TO APPOINT MIKE HOFFMAN TO THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.
UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE ANNUAL IML CONFERENCE IS COMING UP. COMMISSIONER MILLER ASKED THE COUNCIL MEN TO LET MAYOR KONDRITZ KNOW IF THEY WERE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING. ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT KEENER’S KLEANERS HAD SUBMITTED A BID OF $125.00 TO CLEAN 1403 SOUTH MAIN ONCE A WEEK. COMMISSIONER MILLER ASKED THE COUNCIL TO THINK THIS OVER AND STATED WE WILL REVISIT THIS AT THE NEXT MEETING.
UNDER NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT BRIAN PARK HAD BEEN HIRED TO DO SEASONAL WORK AND THAT HIS EMPLOYMENT AND COME TO AN END DUE TO THE 120 DAYS HAVING COMMENCED. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM UNEMPLOYMENT WHERE BRIAN PARK STATED HE WAS LAID OFF FOR LACK OF WORK. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT MR. PARK NEEDS TO CORRECT THE REASON ON THIS FORM FOR BEING OUT OF WORK. COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT HE WOULD SPEAK WITH MR. PARK AND THAT THIS ITEM WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.
IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, RICK KNIGHT OF THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD AND DAVE BAUER OF THE PARK DISTRICT SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING THE CITY OWNED PROPERTY ON HUDELSON STREET.
MR. NELSON ENRIETTO SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL AND ASKED HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST THE CITY OF BENTON TO REPAIR THE PUMPER FIRE TRUCK THAT IS CURRENTLY OUT OF SERVICE. COMMISSIONER STOREY TOLD MR. ENRIETTO THAT IT WOULD COST BETWEEN $25,000.00 AND $30,000.00.

ROCKY MORRIS STATED THAT HE FELT THAT IF A FENCE WERE TO BE PLACED AROUND THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, WOULD PROHIBIT BUSINESSES FROM COMING IN TO BENTON. COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE AND/OR PENDING LITIGATIONS AND 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 STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
7:25 P.M.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
7:58 P.M.
NO ACTION WAS TAKEN IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, AUGUST, 12, 2016. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.
8:02 P.M.