Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

MAYOR KRAFT INTRODUCED MR. MARK SOOTER FROM WOOLSEY ENERGY II, LLC. MR. SOOTER DISCUSSED THE LETTER THAT SEVERAL CITIZENS RECEIVED REGARDING NOTIFICATION OF GEOPHYSICAL SEISMIC OPERATIONS. MR. SOOTER EXPLAINED THE PROCESS AND THEN ANSWERED QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE. PAMPHLETS AND BUSINESS CARDS WERE LEFT BY WOOLSEY ENERGY.

MAYOR KRAFT PRESENTED AUXILIARY FIRE FIGHTER KEVIN SMITH WITH A PLAQUE RECOGNIZING HIS 24 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE BENTON AUXILIARY FIRE DEPARTMENT. MR. SMITH IS RETIRING.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 10, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER WYANT AND COMMISSIONER BURNETT ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 14, 2014 CONTINUED MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER WYANT ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE YEARLY BID FROM ILLINOIS METER IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,156.65. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT STATED THAT ON JANUARY 27, 2014 HE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001369 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,310.00 FOR AN 8 FOOT WESTERN PRO SNOW PLOW TO KNAPHEIDE TRUCK EQUIPMENT FOR $5310.00. COMMISSIONER WYANT CALLED THIS IN THE NEXT DAY AND WAS INFORMED THE COMPANY WOULD CALL HIM BACK IN 2 HOURS AND TO THIS DAY THEY HAVE NOT HEARD FROM HIM. THEY HAVE GONE TO THE SECOND LOWEST BIDDER AT THIS TIME AND THEY HAVE AGREED TO MATCH THE SAME PRICE. WOODY’S MUNICIPAL SUPPLY OUT OF EDWARDSVILLE, ILLINOIS. THE PLOW IS THE SAME WITH THE EXCEPTION TO THIS PLOW BEING 7 ½ FOOT INSTEAD OF 8 FOOT. FAST TRUCK AND TRAILER WILL MOUNT THE PLOW ON OUR FORD TRUCK. TOTAL COST IS $5,260. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER, #001370, IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,260.00 AND VOID PURCHASE ORDER #001369 TO KNAPHEIDE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT PRESENTED A BEELMAN TRUCKING COMPANY BID FOR MFT ROCK FOR 2014 AT $10.79 PER TON FOR A TOTAL OF $21,580. COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION THAT WE ACCEPT THIS BID. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT READ A MEMO FROM CHIEF ANDREWS INFORMING THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICER JAMES WILLIS HAS RESIGNED. MR. WILLIS HAS BEEN WITH THE BENTON AUXILIARY POLICE DEPARTMENT SINCE AUGUST OF 2006.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR FEBURARY 6, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 19, 2014. THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 181 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDES 18 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, 19 TRAFFIC STOPS, 10 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 2 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 6 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 52 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 14 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE INVESTIGATORS AND CHIEF.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT READ THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR FEBRUARY 10, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 24, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 8 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 2 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALLS, 4 FALSE ALARM, 1 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, AND 1 BRUSH FIRE. NO WATER LOSS REPORTED ENGINE 801 HAS A MINOR AIR LEAK, BUT THE TRUCK IS STILL IN SERVICE. STORM SIRENS ARE OPERATIONAL. CHIEF FAIRES STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A THANK YOU LETTER FOR RESPONDING TO A MAN IN A WELL.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 02/14/2014 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,829.86 AND GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,895.14 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $80,725.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR LARRY BIGGS, 301 W CHURCH; EVELYN GUGIN, 307 N BUCHANAN; JACKI HIGGERSON, 1304 BAILEY LANE; ROSEMARY WEAVER, 710 OLD ORCHARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KRAFT SAID THE OWNER OF THE HOUSE ON 1002 E WEBSTER HAS AGREED TO DEED THE PROPERTY TO THE CITY OF BENTON. THE COUNTY HAS AGREED TO WAIVE PROPERTY TAXES. MAYOR KRAFT ASKED THAT A MOTION BE MADE TO APPROVE THIS ACQUISITION AND TAKE BIDS TO HAVE THIS HOUSE DEMOLISHED. MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED ABOUT DISPOSING OF UNUSED PROPERTY STORED AT CITY HALL. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE WOULD BE WORKING WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS TO SEE IF THEY HAVE ANY ITEMS THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO DISPOSE.

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

TIME: 8:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 8:15 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER WYANT WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $91,620.17, FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,276.38, AND FOR OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $229,173.52 FOR A TOTAL OF $387,070.07. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

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

TIME: 8:20 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

MAYOR KRAFT ASKED THAT WE GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW THE CIVIC CENTER TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR PRESENTATION. BILL KING, RICK KNIGHT, AND RON SINK WERE IN ATTENDANCE FROM THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD. BILL KING PRESENTED A POWERPOINT PRESENTATION ON WHAT IS GOING ON AT THE CIVIC CENTER AND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE UPCOMING YEAR.

MAYOR KRAFT ASKED THAT WE AGAIN GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW BRIAN BUCHHEIT FROM HMG TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL. MR. BUCHHEIT UPDATED THE COUNCIL ON THE FACILITY PLAN DATED FEBRUARY, 2013 AND ASKED THE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL TO MOVE FORWARD AND BEGIN DESIGN OF THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. A MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE TO APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICE AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN AND BID OF THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FOR $661,300.00 WITH HMG ENGINEERING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 13, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE PRESENTED A SEALED BID ON SURPLUS HEATING AND AIR UNITS. THE BID WAS IN THE AMOUNT OF $200.00. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE BID AND SALVAGE OR REBID THE SURPLUS HEATING AND AIR UNITS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THE CITY HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ROOF AT CITY HALL INCLUDING A LEAK IN THE CITY CLERK’S VAULT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT THERE ARE 19 BROKEN WINDOWS IN CITY HALL AS WELL. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR AN ARCHITECT TO DETERMINE THE NEEDS OF THE BUILDING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO PAY ESTIMATE #15 FROM ET SIMMONDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $140,699.24. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001369 IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,310.00 FOR AN 8 FOOT WESTERN PRO SNOW PLOW TO KNAPHEIDE TRUCK EQUIPMENT TO BE PAID OUT OF THE 2% GASOLINE TAX FUND. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 9, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2014. THEY HANDLED A TOTAL OF 189 DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDED 4 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND 33 TRAFFIC STOPS, 8 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 4 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 2 FIGHT IN PROGRESS CALLS, 5 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 50 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 13 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS AND CHIEF.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR JANUARY 13, 2014 THROUGH JANUARY 24, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 13 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 4 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALLS, 1 FALSE ALARM, 1 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, 4 STRUCTURES FIRES, 1 BRUSH FIRE, AND 1 MUTUAL AID CALL (HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILL ON I-57). THERE WAS 3,000 GALLONS WATER USAGE/LOSS AS OF JANUARY 2014. ENGINE 801 HAS HAD THE AIR LEAKS FIXED AND IS BACK IN SERVICE. ENGINES 803 AND 805 ARE IN SERVICE.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002011 IN THE AMOUNT OF $525.00 FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS FOR FIREFIGHTER MATT CARPENTER TO ATTEND TRAINING THAT HE DID NOT ATTEND. THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS HAS APPROVED A CREDIT FOR $525.00 IF WE PAY THE INVOICE. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO PAY THIS PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $525.00 TO BE PAID TO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002016 IN THE AMOUNT OF $540.95 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP INC. THIS IS ACTUALLY BEING PAID BY THE $500.00 GIFT GRANT FROM AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER JOHN OWENS THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DEPOSITED. THEREFORE THIS IS ACTUALLY ONLY COSTING THE CITY $40.95. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $540.95 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP INC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002018 AS AN CORRECTED PURCHASE ORDER FOR 4 REAR TIRES INSTALLED, MOUNTED, AND BALANCED ON A FIRE TRUCK FROM S&S MUFFLER IN THE AMOUNT OF $2724.60. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002017 FOR 20 HEAD FLASHLIGHTS FOR THE AUXILIARY FIREMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $829.20 TO ALEXIS FIRE EQUIPMENT. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW CHIEF FAIRES TO ORDER A PLAQUE FOR AUXILIARY FIREFIGHTER KEVIN SMITH TO BE PRESENTED UPON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE AXILLARY FIREFIGHTERS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT.
NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT WEST CITY IS HAVING SOME CHANGES IN THEIR FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THAT WE NEED TO SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THE WEST CITY REPRESENTATIVES TO ADDRESS MUTUAL AID FOR THEIR DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO SCHEDULE THIS MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 01/17/2014 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,204.21, AUXILIARY POLICE AND FIRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00, AND GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $63,890.05 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $93,894.26. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR BILL SHIPP, 310 N BUCHANAN; NANCY DELATOUR, 416 SMITH; AND VIRGINIA BENNS, 409 W MCFALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR SAM KRAFT 1626 N MAIN. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, AND COMMISSIONER MILLER. NAYS: 0. MAYOR KRAFT ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO GIVE THE AUTHORITY FOR COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, MAYOR KRAFT, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH, AND HIMSELF TO START LOOKING FOR FUNDING SOURCES FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED UNDER OLD BUSINESS THAT THE NEW WEBSITE IS MOVING FORWARD. COMMISSIONER MILLER ALSO STATED THAT WE ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH DIRECT DEPOSIT AND HE STATED THE GOAL IS TO HAVE THIS UP AND GOING BY THE FIRST OF MARCH.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN TO A 16-HOUR TRAINING CLASS ON CONCEALED CARRY. THE STATE LAW STATES THAT ALL PUBLIC BUILDINGS ARE ON PROHIBITED AREAS FOR CONCEALED CARRY. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE ASKED THAT HE BE GIVEN PERMISSION TO ACQUIRE SIGNS TO BE PLACED AT ALL CITY PROPERTIES STATING CONCEALED CARRY IS PROHIBITED. COMMISSIONER BURNETT WILL HAVE CHIEF ANDREWS ORDER THE SIGNS.
MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 8:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KRAFT CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER AND DIRECTED ROLL TO BE CALLED. THOSE PRESENT WERE COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. COMMISSIONER WYANT AND COMMISSIONER BURNETT WERE ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE JANUARY 27, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDER #002568 TO HD SUPPLY FOR 24, 5/8” I PEARL METERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE THE LANDLINE TELEPHONE FROM TWIN OAKS SUBJECT TO SAFETY REASONS BEING REVIEWED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND CAMP MANITOWA FOR A PERIOD OF 1 YEAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE READ THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT ON BEHALF OF COMMISSIONER BURNETT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR JANUARY 24, 2014 THROUGH FEBRUARY 10, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 11 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 5 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALLS, 1 FALSE ALARM, 1 MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT, 2 BRUSH FIRES, 1 MUTUAL AID CALL, AND 1 SEARCH AND RESCUE. WATER LOSS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY 2014 WAS 3,000 GALLONS. ENGINE 801 HAS A MINOR AIR LEAK, BUT THE TRUCK IS STILL IN SERVICE AND WAITING ON F.A.S.T. TRUCK AND TRAILER TO LOOK AT IT AGAIN. ENGINES 803 AND 805 ARE IN SERVICE.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 01/31/2014 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,874.51 AND GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $57,506.80 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $85,381.31. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PURCHASE ORDER #000970 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR A KYOCERA COPIER AND MONTHLY SERVICE AGREEMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,667.00. THIS PRICE INCLUDES THE FIRST MONTH OF THE SERVICE AGREEMENT AND EACH SUBSEQUENT MONTH WILL BE $42.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR DONALD STOREY, 1208 S COMMERCIAL; SHERRI MARTIN, 910 N MADISON; ELLEN SLAYTON, 1106 S LICKLITER, LOT 4; MARCUS ABBOTT, 1106 S LICKLITER, LOT 7; JUSTIN WRIGHT, 1106 S LICKLITER, LOT 27; PAUL BRUYERE, 421 N TENTH; DORIS MABRY, 422 N TENTH; MONA SANDEFUR, 727 E TAYLOR; AND CLAYTON ROBB, 340 W MCFALL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT THE CITY HAD RECEIVED A REVOLVING LOAN FUND APPLICATION FROM THE BIOFUEL PLANT. THE REQUEST WAS FOR $90,000 TO BE PAID BACK IN 6-12 MONTHS. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE STATED THAT HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH THIS AS LONG AS THE PRIOR OWNER HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING HAD SENT OFF OUR EDA APPLICATION GRANT PACKET ASKING FOR $3 MILLION FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. HE STATED HE WOULD UPDATE THE COUNCIL WHEN HE RECEIVED MORE INFORMATION.

MAYOR KRAFT PRESENTED A TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT FOR JD PROPERTIES LLC. JD PROPERTIES LLC REQUESTED FOR 75% REIMBURSEMENT. IT WAS DISCUSSED TO OFFER A 35% REIMBURSEMENT. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TIF REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH JD PROPERTIES LLC WITH CHANGES FOR A 35% REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE REMAINING LIFE OF THE TIF, NOT TO EXCEED $50,000. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.
COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING UNTIL FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014 AT 8:15 A.M. TO PAY BILLS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

TIME: 7:20 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2014 AT 7:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 500 WEST MAIN STREETS, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING OF AND APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE DECEMBER 23, 2013 REGULAR MEETING. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002242 FOR THE SEWER DEPARTMENT TO VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING FOR A FLOW METER BOARD AND LABOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $1509.87. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER WYANT MADE A MOTION TO LAYOFF TEMPORARY STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE CHAD O’BRIGHT EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31, 2014 AT 4 P.M. COMMISSIONER MILLER STATED THAT HE BELIEVED TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY END WITHOUT A LAYOFF. THE MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER MILLER.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 20, 2013 THROUGH JANUARY 13, 2014. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 22 INCIDENTS WHICH INCLUDED 11 FIRST RESPONDER/SERVICE CALLS, 3 FALSE ALARMS, 2 STRUCTURES FIRES, 3 BRUSH FIRES, AND 3 MUTUAL AID CALLS (1 STRUCTURE FIRE, 1 AUTO FIRE, 1 STATION COVERAGE. THERE WAS NO WATER USAGE/LOSS FOR DECEMBER 2013. ENGINE 801 IS WAITING TO GET INTO F.A.S.T. TRUCK AND TIRE UNTIL AFTER WORK ON 803 AND 805 IS COMPLETED. COMPUTER CIRCUIT AND AIR PRESSURE FAILURE ISSUES. ENGINE 803 WAS AT F.A.S.T. GETTING ELECTRICAL REPAIRS. ENGINE 805 HAS HAD THE REAR DRIVE REPAIRED. THE FOUR REAR TIRES HAVE ARRIVED AT S&S AND WILL BE INSTALLED WHEN 803 IS BACK IN SERVICE. THE REPORT ALSO MENTIONED THEIR IN-HOUSE TRAINING SCHEDULE FOR 2014 COMPLETED INCLUDING IFSI CORNERSTONE CLASSES.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR DECEMBER 18, 2013 THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2014. THEY HANDLED A TOTAL OF 217
DISPATCH CALLS FOR SERVICE. THESE INCLUDED 7 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND 22 TRAFFIC STOPS, 11 DOMESTIC DISPUTES, 5 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 3 FIGHT IN PROGRESS CALLS, 2 THEFT REPORTS, AND SEVERAL OTHER CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE DEPARTMENT COMPLETED A TOTAL OF 59 WRITTEN REPORTS TO INCLUDE 20 INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED BY INVESTIGATORS AND CHIEF. THE REPORT ALSO MENTIONED THAT ON DECEMBER 13, 2013 THE POLICE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED $400.10 REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF TRAINING AND STANDARDS FOR OFFICER WILKEY’S CONTROL AND ARREST INSTRUCTOR TRAINING.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #002015 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO S&S MUFFLER FOR 4 TIRES FOR THE FIRE TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $2577.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER WYANT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW FIRE CHIEF SEAN FAIRES, TREASURER LISA STEARNS, AND CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO SIGN THE APPROPRIATE PAPERS TO CHANGE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CREDIT CARD INTO CHIEF FAIRES’ NAME. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER BURNETT PRESENTED A NO-COST, IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO THE COUNCIL. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS BEGUN TO SIGN UP FOR THESE CLASSES. COMMISSIONER BURNETT STATED THAT ONE OF THE CLASSES INCLUDED TRAINING THE FIREMEN ON HOW TO DEAL WITH AN ETHANOL FIRE, WHICH IS IMPORTANT TO THIS COMMUNITY WITH THE ETHANOL PLANT UP AND RUNNING IN INDUSTRIAL PARK II.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,434.97 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT, $72,994.97 FOR THE GENERAL FUND, AND $119,920.34 FROM OTHER FUNDS FOR A TOTAL OF $253,350.28. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 01/03/2014 FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $28,574.86, AUXILIARY POLICE AND FIRE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,654.65, AND GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,359.96 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $83,589.47. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE SEWER ADJUSTMENTS FOR DEAN SEVERIN, 402 LAYMAN, AND TAMMY TUCKER, 403 W CHURCH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MILLER PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A TRAVEL EXPENSE FORM THAT HE THOUGHT WOULD BE HELPFUL IN KEEPING TRACK OF EXPENSES TO BE TURNED IN FOR REIMBURSEMENT. HE RECOMMENDED THAT THIS FORMAT BE USED IN THE FUTURE IN ALL DEPARTMENTS.

COMMISSIONER MILLER MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OUR HEALTH INSURANCE RENEWAL THROUGH BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE. VOTE WAS TAKEN: YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.

UNDER NEW BUSINESS MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THE ETHANOL PLANT IS UP AND RUNNING, MAKING ETHANOL. MAYOR KRAFT STATED THAT THERE ARE CURRENTLY 7 EMPLOYEES AND THAT THE COMPANY PLANS ON HIRING MORE SOON.

MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER BURNETT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MILLER. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER BAUMGARTE, COMMISSIONER WYANT, COMMISSIONER BURNETT, COMMISSIONER MILLER, AND MAYOR KRAFT. NAYS: 0.
TIME: 7:30 P.M.