Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 AT 8:30 A.M. AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKUP, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY WAS NOT PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,846.30 AND FOR MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,951.09 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,797.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

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

TIME 8:35 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 8, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2023.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 1, 2023.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH INVITED POLICE OFFICER MATTHEW PEMBERTON TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH SWORN IN OFFICER PEMBERTON AS A BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR REVIEW IN THE PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LAKE LOTS 33 AND 34 FROM MARTHA CARLTON TO LINDA FREY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS TRANSFER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LAKE LOT 132 FROM ROBIN AND DEBBIE YUCAS TO DEEDRA MCLAIN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS TRANSFER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED ITEM (C) UNDER PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVE OF PRICE INCREASE FROM KEENER’S KLEANERS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO BID CLEANING SERVICES FOR THE CITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE STREET DEPARTMENT FOR ALL THEY DID TO HELP WITH THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL PARADE ON SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00104 TO DATA PILOT FOR ONE CAPTURE KIT AND ONE RENEWAL LICENSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,095.00 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE MERIT BOARD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS FOR A LATERAL HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH THANKED COMMISSIONER STOREY FOR ALL THE HARD WORK HE PUT IN ON MAKING THIS LATERAL HIRE HAPPEN. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UPDATE ON DISPATCH AGREEMENT UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD REGARDING THIS TOPIC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW APPOINTMENT TO THE CENTRAL DISPATCH BOARD UNTIL FURTHER DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD ON THIS TOPIC.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING AND WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE THE MEETING FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS.  

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $92,536.70 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $29,851.08 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $122,387.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ACTUARIAL REPORT AGREEMENT WITH LAUTERBACH AND AMEN FOR THE PENSION FUNDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A LOT GOING ON IN TOWN OVER THE PAST WEEK WITH THE REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT EVERYTHING WAS A SUCCESS AND HE BELIEVES IT WAS ONE OF THE BEST REND LAKE WATER FESTIVALS IN YEARS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ADDRESSED ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NAMING A BUDGET OFFICER.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE NAMED AS BUDGET OFFICER AT THIS TIME AND WOULD NEED A MOTION FOR THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING CHAPTER ONE – ADMINISTRATION OF THE REVISED CODE OF ORDINANCES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE SOME RESTRUCTURING OF DUTIES AND DEPARTMENTS TO BE AMENDED IN THIS CHAPTER.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REAPPOINT LISA MENO TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD.  COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT LISA MENO TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION BY SUSAN SMOTHERS TO OWN AND OCCUPY A DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME AT 113 VIRGINIA.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD HAD APPROVED THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE WERE SOME ISSUES WITH GETTING WATER TO THE PROPERTY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD RECOMMEND APPROVING THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT AS LONG AS EASEMENTS WERE OBTAINED FOR THE WATER LINE TO BE RAN TO THE PROPERTY.  MS. SMOTHERS STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN WORKING WITH THE WATER DEPARTMENT TO TRY AND GET THE WATER SITUATION RESOLVED.  MS. SMOTHERS STATED THAT SHE WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT THERE WAS NO WATER CURRENTLY PROVIDED TO HER PURCHASED LAND AND SO WHEN WORK WAS BEING DONE AND A WATER LINE WAS HIT, SHE WAS SURPRISED, MS. SMOTHERS STATED THAT THE WATER LEAKED OVERNIGHT AND HALF OF THE NEXT DAY BEFORE IT WAS DISCOVERED CREATING A 17,000-GALLON LEAK.  MS. SMOTHERS ASKED IF THE METER COULD BE MOVED 150 FEET AND PLACED ON HER PROPERTY.  PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES STATED THAT THE METER COULD NOT BE MOVED DUE TO THE WATER LINE STOPPING AT THE PLACE THE METER IS CURRENTLY AT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT TIME (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RATE SELECTION FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT SOLAR PROJECT WITH KEYSTONE POWER HOLDINGS, LLC.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND RATES IN THEIR PACKET THAT HE HAD PREPARED.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL CHOSE THE FLAT RATE, NO SAVINGS WOULD BE SEEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS; HOWEVER, OVER A 30-YEAR PERIOD THE SAVINGS WOULD BE A TOTAL OF $901,382.00.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL CHOSE THE ESCALATOR, SAVINGS WOULD START IMMEDIATELY; HOWEVER, AFTER 30 YEARS THE TOTAL SAVINGS WOULD BE $776,673.00.  MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD DISCUSSED THIS WITH CITY TREASURER LISA MENO.  MRS. MENO BELIEVES THAT THE ESCALATOR IS THE RATE THE COUNCIL SHOULD CHOOSE AS THE IMMEDIATE SAVINGS WOULD HELP THE SEWER DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE ESCALATOR RATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (I) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING CODY WILLIFORD AS CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS JOB WAS ADVERTISED ON INDEED AND THE CITY RECEIVED 30 APPLICATIONS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT FOUR APPLICANTS WERE CHOSEN TO BE INTERVIEWED BY A PANEL.  MR. WILLIFORD WAS CHOSEN BY THE PANEL FOR THE CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR JOB FOR A PAY OF $18.00 PER HOUR WORKING 16 HOURS A WEEK.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO BENEFITS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW FOR THIS POSITION.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED MR. WILLIFORD TO TELL THE COUNCIL A BIT ABOUT HIMSELF.  MR. WILLIFORD STATED THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY WORKED FOR THE RAILROAD AND HAD ALSO OWNED A RESTAURANT IN THE PAST.  MR. WILLIFORD STATED THAT HE HAD NOT EVER DONE WORK LIKE THIS JOB, BUT FELT HE WOULD BE GOOD AT TIT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF CODY WILLIFORD FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATOR WITH THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 1 WOULD BE AND IF THE CITIZENS WOULD BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE AMENDMENTS BEFORE BEING APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD BE ABLE TO REVIEW THE AMENDMENTS, BUT NOT THE PUBLIC.  ATTORNEY ALSO STATED THAT AFTER THE AMENDMENTS WERE APPROVED, THE PUBLIC WOULD THEN BE ALLOWED TO VIEW THEM.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF MS. SMOTHERS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO GET AN ADJUSTMENT TO HER ACCOUNT SINCE THE LEAK DID NOT GET CAUGHT BY THE SYSTEM IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT LEAK DETECTION WAS SUPPOSED TO BE EASIER WITH THIS NEW SYSTEM AND SINCE THE SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING, HE FELT THAT MS. SMOTHERS SHOULD BE GIVEN AN ADJUSTMENT.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THAT IF THE CITY HAD NOT PURCHASED THE WATER METER READING SYSTEM THAT IT DID, SOLAR COULD HAVE BEEN DONE BY THE CITY AND THE CITY WOULD BE MAKING A PROFIT OFF OF THE EXTRA ENERGY PRODUCED.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED HOW MANY APPLICANTS WERE FROM THE CITY OF BENTON FOR THE POSITION OF CODE ENFORCEMENT.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE AND MR. CARTER COULD MEET AT CITY HALL OR THE BUZZ AT SOME POINT TO DISCUSS THIS POSITION FURTHER.

ROCKY MORRIS ASKED IF THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD BE SELLING ANY EXTRA ENERGY PRODUCED BY THE SOLAR PANELS.  BRIAN CALCATERRA ANSWERED BY SAYING THAT THE CITY DOES NOT GET ANY PROFIT FROM THIS SYSTEM, THE CITY WILL JUST BE ABLE TO PURCHASE ELECTRICITY AT A DISCOUNTED RATE.  MR. MORRIS ASKED MR. WILLIFORD HOW LONG HE HAD BEEN ON WORKER’S COMP.  MR. WILLIFORD STATED THAT HE HAS NEVER BEEN ON WORKER’S COMP.  MR. MORRIS ALSO ASKED THE COUNCIL WHO SAT ON THE COMMITTEE FOR HIRING OF THIS CODE ENFORCEMENT POSITION.  MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF BRIAN CALCATERRA, LEE MESSERSMITH, TOM MALKOVICH, AND BROOK CRAIG.  

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, MAY 12, 2023 FOR PAYING OF MONTHLY BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0. 

5:38 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED MEETING OF THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL HELD FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023 AT 8:45 A.M. AT THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH WERE NOT PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $498,553.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS:  0. 

MOTION TO ADJOURN WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS:  0.   

TIME 8:50 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 10, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

IN THE ABSENCE OF MAYOR KONDRITZ, FINANCE COMMISSIONER CATHY GARAVALIA CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MARCH 27, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS ITEM (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY LOCATED IN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS ALLEY RUNS NORTH AND SOUTH AND GOES THROUGH THE PROPERTY LOCATED NEXT TO CITY HALL WHERE THE NEWHOUSE LUMBAR COMPANY IS CURRENTLY BEING DEMOLISHED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PETITION TO VACATE AN ALLEY LOCATED IN THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

1. CALCATERRA ALSO DISCUSSED ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A BID TO PURCHASE SURPLUS PROPERTY FROM THE APRIL 3, 2023 AUCTION. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS PROPERTY IS LOCATED BEHIND THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT AND WAS APPRAISED FOR $57,000.00. THE HIGH BID FOR THIS PROPERTY WAS $62,000.00 RECEIVED BY KYLE MCCOLLUM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE HIGH BID OF $62,000.00 MADE BY KYLE MCCOLLUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT ITEM (F) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND 5 HINMAN HOLDINGS LLC, WOULD NEED TO BE TABLED AT THIS TIME. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TABLING THIS ITEM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

3. CALCATERRA STATED THAT A FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION HAD BEEN MADE BY DAVID GARAVALIA FOR FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS AT 417 NORTH MAIN STREET. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY DAVID GARAVALIA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.  NAYS:  0. 

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT A FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION HAD BEEN MADE BY JAMES FORD FOR FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED AT 1103 PUBLIC SQUARE. MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION BY JAMES FORD WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

4. CALCATERRA STATED THAT A FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION HAD BEEN MADE BY SAMUEL SHILLINGBURG FOR FAÇADE IMPROVEMENTS LOCATED AT 501 PUBLIC SQUARE. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY SAMUEL SHILLINGBURG. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THIS MEETING, BUT THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS HELPED WITH THE CONCRETE POURING AT THE FIRE STATION AND THEY ARE CURRENTLY AWAITING TRANSFERS ON IOWA STREET TO COMPLETE THAT PROJECT. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN WORKING ON TEARING UP THE OLD DRIVE AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND INSTALLING A NEW DRIVE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT IS WAITING ON TELECOM TO FINISH ON MCLEANSBORO/EAST MAIN STREET SO THAT THEY CAN FINISH UP THAT PROJECT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00390 TO AMAZON FOR TWO KEYPAD SECURITY DOOR HANDLES IN THE AMOUNT OF $789.74.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO AMEND THE LATERAL HIRE ORDINANCE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM A TIME WORKED AT ANOTHER DEPARTMENT FROM 3 YEARS DOWN TO 18 MONTHS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION APPROVE PURCHASING A K9 FROM ST. LOUIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THIS DOG WOULD BE A LABRADOR RETRIEVER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS RAISED $21,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE MEETING WOULD HAVE TO BE EXTENDED TO PAY BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PAYROLL TO BE APPROVED AT THIS MEETING. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, THERE WERE NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO ADDRESS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE 2023/2024 BUDGET.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION ALLOWING THE BUDGET TO BE ON PUBLIC DISPLAY FOR TWO WEEKS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING THE DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2023/2024 BUDGET ON DISPLAY FOR 2 WEEKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHY A POSITION FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN POSTED BEFORE IT WAS PLACED ON THE AGENDA.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT IT WOULD BE ON THE NEXT AGENDA AS SHE MISTAKENLY LEFT IT OFF OF THE AGENDA FOR THIS MEETING.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF ANYONE ON THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN TO THE COUNTY BOARD MEETING TO DISCUSS THE CAMPBELL BUILDING.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED WHERE HE NEEDS TO GO TO VOICE HIS OPINION.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE A COUNTY BOARD MEETING ON APRIL 17 THAT HE COULD ATTEND AND VOICE HIS OPINION AT. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023 AT 8:45 A.M. TO APPROVEMENT THE PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.    VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

5:20 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 27, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #7 FROM RICHARD E. WESTON TO BLAKE HALL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF TREES PURSUANT TO LAKE LOT LEASE, LOTS 1-4, AT LAKE BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00236 TO NU WAY SALES FOR CONCRETE TO BE USED AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,219.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00235 TO NU WAY SALES FOR STEEL FORMS AND CONCRETE FINISHING PRODUCTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,270.40.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00101 TO COAL BELT SALES FOR AN 8 X 12-FOOT KENNEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00103 TO ROBERT KEY & SON CONSTRUCTION FOR A 9 X 12-FOOT CONCRETE PAD FOR THE K-9 PEN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,523.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00389 TO DIVE RESCUE INTERNATIONAL FOR 6 ICE RESCUE SUITS, WET SHOES, AND GLOVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,170.52.  THIS IS TO BE PAID THROUGH THE DONATION FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00388 TO LEO M. ELLEBRACHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,411.86.  THIS ITEM IS TO BE PAID THROUGH THE CITY SERVICES BUNKER GEAR LINE ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00078 TO ALADTEC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND PAYROLL MODULE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00.  THIS ITEM IS TO BE PAID FOR THROUGH THE IMPOUND FEE LINE ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-09 ADOPTING THE FRANKLIN COUNTY MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING A K9 UNTIL THE NEW COUNCIL HAS BEEN SEATED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 03/17/2023 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,463.78 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,043.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,507.63.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 03/31/2023 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,916.58 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,693.48 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,610.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS A POLICY REQUIRED FOR RECEIVING GRANTS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT OUR POLICY HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY FEMA.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CITY AND FEDERAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WILL BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONUNION EMPLOYEES.  THIS WOULD REFLECT A $2,100.00 INCREASE TO THE CURRENT BASE FOR THE WATER CLERK AND A $2,100.00 INCREASE TO THE BASE OF THE POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN WORKING FOR 8 YEARS ON THE DEMOLITION OF THE OLD NEW HOUSE LUMBAR COMPANY.  HE STATED THAT HE IS VERY HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE BUILDING IS COMING DOWN AND A NEW BUSINESS WILL BE MOVING IN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH FOR ALL HIS HARD WORK ON THIS PROJECT AS WELL AS DAVID GARAVALIA AND BRIAN CALCATERRA. 

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, CHRISTEN DREW STATED THAT SHE IS NOT IN ATTENDANCE TO ATTACK ANYONE PERSONALLY, BUT SHE BELIEVES THAT WHEN THE COUNCIL VOTED TO REMOVE PARKING FOR A BIKE LANE, IT WAS THE WRONG CHOICE.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE DID NOT APPRECIATE THE SIGNS THAT WERE PLACED REGARDING PARKING AS WELL.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT  SHE PERSONALLY HAS INVESTED $100’S OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND HAS CREATED 20 JOBS.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH AND THE BUILDING THAT HOUSES CAFÉ BLOOM HAS RECEIVED DELIVERIES OFF OF EAST MAIN FOR OVER 100 YEARS AND SAFETY HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE THROUGH ANY OF THIS.  SHE STATED THAT HER BUSINESS CREATES 9 BAGS OF GARBAGE A DAY SINCE 2020 AND THAT THOSE BAGS EXIT HER BUILDING ON EAST MAIN.  SHE ALSO STATED THAT IN THE LAST YEAR SHE HAS PURCHASED $30,000.00 WORTH OF GROCERIES FROM BENTON GROCERS THAT ENTER HER BUILDING THROUGH EAST MAIN.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE DOES APPRECIATE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES COMING TO SPEAK TO HER, BUT FEELS THAT THE VOTE TO REMOVE PARKING WAS NOT A VOTE FOR GROWTH AND SHOWS NO LONG-TERM PLAN OR DREAM.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT IN 2021 THE PARKING ON SOUTH MAIN WAS REMOVED, IN 2022 THE REBUILDING OF THE COURTHOUSE TOOK ANOTHER 20 SPOTS, AND NOW IN 2023 THE PARKING ON EAST MAIN IS SET TO BE REMOVED.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT BUSINESS NEED MORE PARKING SPOTS.  EACH LOST PARKING SPOT IS A LOST CUSTOMER AND THAT LOSING 2-3 CUSTOMERS A DAY EQUATES TO $9,000.00 TO $10,000.00 PER YEAR FOR HER BUSINESS. 

MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH IDOT AND APPARENTLY THE BIKE LANE IS NOT “A DONE DEAL”.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT IDOT TOLD HER THEY APPROACHED THE CITY AND THE CITY RESPONDED FAVORABLY TO REMOVING THESE SPOTS FOR A BIKE LANE.  MRS. DREW ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PLEASE STAND UP TO IDOT AND TRY TO SAVE THESE SPOTS.  MRS. DREW ALSO STATED THAT IF THE SPOTS CANNOT BE SAVED, THE CITY SHOULD “THINK BIG” AND MAYBE CONSIDER A PARKING GARAGE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK MRS. DREW FOR WHAT SHE HAS DONE ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED WHO PUT THE SIGNS UP AND WHAT THE SIGNS SAID.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT THE CITY PUT THE SIGNS UP AND THEY SAID “NO PARKING ON SIDEWALK, PARKWAY, OR THIS BLOCK”.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE CANNOT REMEMBER A TIME WHEN THERE WAS NOT A LOADING ZONE OUTSIDE OF THIS BUILDING AND THAT HE WANTED TO GO ON RECORD THAT HE IS AN ADVOCATE FOR LOADING ZONES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE APRON ON ROUTE 37 WAS PUT IN FOR A BIKE LANE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE IT WOULD BE FELONIOUS TO SAY THAT IDOT ISN’T BROKEN. 

1. JAKE BETTS SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL MR. BETTS STATED THAT WHEN HE BEGAN WORKING WITH JOE’S PIZZA, THERE WERE 3 STORES. HE STATED THAT THERE ARE NOW 21 RESTAURANTS AND HE HAS OPENED 17 OF THE 18 RESTAURANTS. MR. BETTS STATED THAT HE BEGAN HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY AS A PARKING SPOT SURVEYOR.  HE STATED RULE OF THUMB IS TO HAVE 4 PARKING SPOTS FOR EVERY 1,000 SQUARE FOOT.  MRS. BETTS STATED THAT HIS BUSINESS HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARK IN THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE, BUT HE THINKS THAT NOT HAVING PARKING ON EAST MAIN WILL HURT THE OTHER BUSINESSES.  MR. BETTS ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE ON THE PUSH TAX WHEN AVAILABLE. 

1. TOM CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IF HE HAS LOOKED INTO THE WATERWAYS LEAVING THE CITY AS DISCUSSED IN THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS WORKING ON THESE ISSUES. MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO VOICE THEIR DISPLEASURE ON SPENDING FROM THE COUNTY ON MORE THAN WHAT THE VOTERS VOTED ON WITH A PROPOSITION IN THE LAST ELECTION.  MR. CARTER HANDED A COPY OF THE PROPOSITION TO THE COUNCIL.  THE PROPOSITION WAS TO IMPOSE AN INCREASE OF LOCAL SALES TAX FOR RENOVATIONS TO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE THE OFFICES OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CLERK AND TREASURER.  THIS PROPOSITION PASSED AND MR. CARTER STATES THAT THE COUNTY IS USING THE MONEY FOR OTHER THINGS AS WELL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH SUGGESTED THAT THE COUNCIL NOT TAKE ANY ACTION DURING PUBLIC COMMENT.  MR. CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR TO BE PROACTIVE WITH THIS ISSUE. 

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 27, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #7 FROM RICHARD E. WESTON TO BLAKE HALL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF TREES PURSUANT TO LAKE LOT LEASE, LOTS 1-4, AT LAKE BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00236 TO NU WAY SALES FOR CONCRETE TO BE USED AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,219.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00235 TO NU WAY SALES FOR STEEL FORMS AND CONCRETE FINISHING PRODUCTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,270.40.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORT FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00101 TO COAL BELT SALES FOR AN 8 X 12-FOOT KENNEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00103 TO ROBERT KEY & SON CONSTRUCTION FOR A 9 X 12-FOOT CONCRETE PAD FOR THE K-9 PEN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,523.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00389 TO DIVE RESCUE INTERNATIONAL FOR 6 ICE RESCUE SUITS, WET SHOES, AND GLOVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,170.52.  THIS IS TO BE PAID THROUGH THE DONATION FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00388 TO LEO M. ELLEBRACHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,411.86.  THIS ITEM IS TO BE PAID THROUGH THE CITY SERVICES BUNKER GEAR LINE ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00078 TO ALADTEC PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AND PAYROLL MODULE IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00.  THIS ITEM IS TO BE PAID FOR THROUGH THE IMPOUND FEE LINE ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-09 ADOPTING THE FRANKLIN COUNTY MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING A K9 UNTIL THE NEW COUNCIL HAS BEEN SEATED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 03/17/2023 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $69,463.78 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,043.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,507.63.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 03/31/2023 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $67,916.58 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,693.48 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $95,610.06.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF A SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS A POLICY REQUIRED FOR RECEIVING GRANTS WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT OUR POLICY HAS BEEN REVIEWED AND APPROVED BY FEMA.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CITY AND FEDERAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT POLICY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WILL BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONUNION EMPLOYEES.  THIS WOULD REFLECT A $2,100.00 INCREASE TO THE CURRENT BASE FOR THE WATER CLERK AND A $2,100.00 INCREASE TO THE BASE OF THE POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN WORKING FOR 8 YEARS ON THE DEMOLITION OF THE OLD NEW HOUSE LUMBAR COMPANY.  HE STATED THAT HE IS VERY HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THE BUILDING IS COMING DOWN AND A NEW BUSINESS WILL BE MOVING IN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH FOR ALL HIS HARD WORK ON THIS PROJECT AS WELL AS DAVID GARAVALIA AND BRIAN CALCATERRA. 

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, CHRISTEN DREW STATED THAT SHE IS NOT IN ATTENDANCE TO ATTACK ANYONE PERSONALLY, BUT SHE BELIEVES THAT WHEN THE COUNCIL VOTED TO REMOVE PARKING FOR A BIKE LANE, IT WAS THE WRONG CHOICE.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE DID NOT APPRECIATE THE SIGNS THAT WERE PLACED REGARDING PARKING AS WELL.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT  SHE PERSONALLY HAS INVESTED $100’S OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND HAS CREATED 20 JOBS.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE HAS BEEN DOING SOME RESEARCH AND THE BUILDING THAT HOUSES CAFÉ BLOOM HAS RECEIVED DELIVERIES OFF OF EAST MAIN FOR OVER 100 YEARS AND SAFETY HAS NOT BEEN AN ISSUE THROUGH ANY OF THIS.  SHE STATED THAT HER BUSINESS CREATES 9 BAGS OF GARBAGE A DAY SINCE 2020 AND THAT THOSE BAGS EXIT HER BUILDING ON EAST MAIN.  SHE ALSO STATED THAT IN THE LAST YEAR SHE HAS PURCHASED $30,000.00 WORTH OF GROCERIES FROM BENTON GROCERS THAT ENTER HER BUILDING THROUGH EAST MAIN.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE DOES APPRECIATE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES COMING TO SPEAK TO HER, BUT FEELS THAT THE VOTE TO REMOVE PARKING WAS NOT A VOTE FOR GROWTH AND SHOWS NO LONG-TERM PLAN OR DREAM.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT IN 2021 THE PARKING ON SOUTH MAIN WAS REMOVED, IN 2022 THE REBUILDING OF THE COURTHOUSE TOOK ANOTHER 20 SPOTS, AND NOW IN 2023 THE PARKING ON EAST MAIN IS SET TO BE REMOVED.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT BUSINESS NEED MORE PARKING SPOTS.  EACH LOST PARKING SPOT IS A LOST CUSTOMER AND THAT LOSING 2-3 CUSTOMERS A DAY EQUATES TO $9,000.00 TO $10,000.00 PER YEAR FOR HER BUSINESS. 

MRS. DREW STATED THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH IDOT AND APPARENTLY THE BIKE LANE IS NOT “A DONE DEAL”.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT IDOT TOLD HER THEY APPROACHED THE CITY AND THE CITY RESPONDED FAVORABLY TO REMOVING THESE SPOTS FOR A BIKE LANE.  MRS. DREW ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PLEASE STAND UP TO IDOT AND TRY TO SAVE THESE SPOTS.  MRS. DREW ALSO STATED THAT IF THE SPOTS CANNOT BE SAVED, THE CITY SHOULD “THINK BIG” AND MAYBE CONSIDER A PARKING GARAGE. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PERSONALLY THANK MRS. DREW FOR WHAT SHE HAS DONE ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED WHO PUT THE SIGNS UP AND WHAT THE SIGNS SAID.  MRS. DREW STATED THAT THE CITY PUT THE SIGNS UP AND THEY SAID “NO PARKING ON SIDEWALK, PARKWAY, OR THIS BLOCK”.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE CANNOT REMEMBER A TIME WHEN THERE WAS NOT A LOADING ZONE OUTSIDE OF THIS BUILDING AND THAT HE WANTED TO GO ON RECORD THAT HE IS AN ADVOCATE FOR LOADING ZONES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE APRON ON ROUTE 37 WAS PUT IN FOR A BIKE LANE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT HE IT WOULD BE FELONIOUS TO SAY THAT IDOT ISN’T BROKEN. 

1. JAKE BETTS SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL MR. BETTS STATED THAT WHEN HE BEGAN WORKING WITH JOE’S PIZZA, THERE WERE 3 STORES. HE STATED THAT THERE ARE NOW 21 RESTAURANTS AND HE HAS OPENED 17 OF THE 18 RESTAURANTS. MR. BETTS STATED THAT HE BEGAN HIS EMPLOYMENT WITH THE COMPANY AS A PARKING SPOT SURVEYOR.  HE STATED RULE OF THUMB IS TO HAVE 4 PARKING SPOTS FOR EVERY 1,000 SQUARE FOOT.  MRS. BETTS STATED THAT HIS BUSINESS HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARK IN THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT ON THE NORTHEAST SIDE OF THE SQUARE, BUT HE THINKS THAT NOT HAVING PARKING ON EAST MAIN WILL HURT THE OTHER BUSINESSES.  MR. BETTS ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE AN UPDATE ON THE PUSH TAX WHEN AVAILABLE. 

1. TOM CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IF HE HAS LOOKED INTO THE WATERWAYS LEAVING THE CITY AS DISCUSSED IN THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS WORKING ON THESE ISSUES. MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL TO VOICE THEIR DISPLEASURE ON SPENDING FROM THE COUNTY ON MORE THAN WHAT THE VOTERS VOTED ON WITH A PROPOSITION IN THE LAST ELECTION.  MR. CARTER HANDED A COPY OF THE PROPOSITION TO THE COUNCIL.  THE PROPOSITION WAS TO IMPOSE AN INCREASE OF LOCAL SALES TAX FOR RENOVATIONS TO THE CAMPBELL BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE THE OFFICES OF THE FRANKLIN COUNTY CLERK AND TREASURER.  THIS PROPOSITION PASSED AND MR. CARTER STATES THAT THE COUNTY IS USING THE MONEY FOR OTHER THINGS AS WELL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH SUGGESTED THAT THE COUNCIL NOT TAKE ANY ACTION DURING PUBLIC COMMENT.  MR. CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR TO BE PROACTIVE WITH THIS ISSUE. 

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

5:45 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2023 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE BENTON CITY HALL LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON, ILLINOIS.

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE WOULD BEGIN WITH THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT FROM COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD 1 PURCHASE ORDER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00079 TO NEWMAN’S FOR AMMUNITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,453.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISISONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO DEPARTMENT REPORTS TO PRESENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY INTRODUCED SHANE PETRIGREW OF THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS DRUG TASK FORCE AND ASKED HIM TO PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL.  MR. PETIGREW STATED THAT THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE HAS HAD A DRUG TASK FORCE IN OUR AREA SINCE 1980.  MR. PETIGREW STATED THAT THEY WORK IN SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES WITHIN FRANKLIN COUNTY AND THAT THERE HAS RECENTLY BEEN AN OPENING IN THE TASK FORCE THAT THEY WOULD LIKE TO OFFER TO THE CITY OF BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  IF THE CITY AGREES TO PARTICIPATE, THE TASK FORCE WOULD PAY THE CITY OF BENTON $51,000.00, PROVIDE A CAR FOR THE OFFICER ON THE TASK FORCE, PAY FOR TRAINING OF THIS OFFICER, AND PAY FOR FUEL FOR THIS OFFICER AS WELL.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT THIS OFFICER WOULD BE WORKING FOR THE DRUG TASK FORCE FULL TIME IN THE CITY OF BENTON AND PARTICIPATION WOULD ALLOW THE CITY TO COLLECT FORFIETURE ON THESE DRUG BUSTS AS WELL AS GIVE HIMSELF A SEAT ON THE BOARD.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT HE HAS A LETTER OF AGREEMENT FOR PARTICIPATION THAT THE ATTORNEY CAN SEE IT IF HE WOULD LIKE TO.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PARTICIPATION WITH THE DRUG TASK FORCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD SECOND THIS MOTION PENDING ATTORNEY MALKOVICH’S REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE AGREEMENT.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL VOTE YES PENDING APPROVAL FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO VOTED YES PENDING ATTORNEY APPROVAL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ VOTED YES.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH A MEMORANDUM FROM CHIEF FUNKHOUSER REGARDING RAISING THE BASE PAY FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS BEING PAID BELOW WHAT HE FEELS IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE EXPECTED RESPONSIBILITIES AND HER 12 YEARS OF DEDICATION TO THE CITY OF BENTON.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT ON MAY 1, 2022, MRS. KRAFT RECEIVED A $5,000.00 RAISE, BUT THIS WAS NOT ADDED TO HER BASE PAY AND HE BELIEVES THAT IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER ALSO STATED THAT ON MAY 1, 2022, ALL NONUNION EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN MRS. KRAFT RECEIVED A $2,100.00 RAISE.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT WHEN RESEARCHING SALARIES OF COMPARABLE POSITIONS, HE FOUND THAT IN HARRISBURG THE SAME POSITION WITH ONLY 3 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WAS MAKING $46,000.00 AND IN WEST CITY THE SAME POSITIONWITH ONLY 5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WAS MAKING $44,000.00.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS HIS RIGHT HAND AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES TO BE PAID ON THE SAME LEVEL AS OTHER DEPARTMENTS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT AND DISCUSS THIS WHEN THE ATTORNEY CAN BE PRESENT AND SHE BELIEVES THE COUNCIL SHOULD GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A BASE PAY INCREASE FOR CHRISTINE KRAFT TO $45,000.00.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A RESOLUTION CAN BE WRITTEN AND SHOW THE ACTUAL STEPS IN THE PAY INCREASE.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  2.   COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ HAD NO UPDATES OR PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS PREPARED A RESOLUTION #23-04 AUCTIONING 13 ACRES SOUTH OF THE WASTEWATER TREATEMENT PLANT ON APRIL 13, 2023 IN THE BENTON CITY COUNCIL ROOM AT 9 A.M.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT STATE STATUTE ALLOWS THE CITY TO AUCTION THIS PROPERTY AT 80% OF THE APPRAISED VALUE.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #23-04.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AT THE SAME TIME OF THE AUCTION FOR THE ABOVE MENTIONED PROPERTY, HE WOULD LIKE TO SELL SOME SURPLUS REAL ESTATE THAT THE CITY HAS NOT HAD SUCCESS IN SELLING IN THE PAST. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAS PREPARED A RESOLUTION FOR THE AUCTION OF 109 NORTH NINTH STREET, 308 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET, AND 511 EAST SMITH STREET. MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AUCTION OF THESE THREE LOTS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLTUION #23-05 AUCTIONING SURPLUS REAL ESTATE AT 109 NORTH NINTH, 308 NORTH BUCHANAN, AND 511 EAST SMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RICK AND BARB LINTON TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. LINTON PRESENTED THE COUNCIL WITH SOME HANDOUTS REGARDING THE UPCOMING S3DA TOURNAMENT ON JUNE 15-18, 2023.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT LAST YEARS’ TOURNAMENT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS AND HE BELIEVES THIS YEAR WILL BE BETTER.  MRS. LINTON STATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE SUCCESS OF THE TOURNAMENT, THE COLLEGE NATIONALS MAY ALSO BE LOOKING TO OUR AREA FOR A TOURNAMENT IN SEPTEMBER OF 2023.  THE LINTONS STATED THAT THEY JUST WANTED TO TELL THE CITY COUNCIL “THANK YOU” FOR ALL THE SUPPORT THEY HAVE PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, LAKE LOT  LEASES, OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THE STREET DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN WORKING ON WHISPER WAY, DOING DITCH WORK, AND FILLING POTHOLES.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE WORK ON MCLEANSBORO STREET AND MCCAN STREET WILL BE FINISHED UP IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AS OTHER ENTITIES FINISH THEIR WORK IN THESE AREAS AS WELL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING IS WORKING ON A MASTER BIKE PLAN FOR ROUTE 37, ROAD WORK WILL BEGIN ON EAST MAIN @@

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #2023-03 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED SOME OF THE NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED AND THIS RESOLUTION WILL REPLACE RESOLUTION #2023-02.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT JUST AS A POINT OF INFORMATION FOR THE COUNCIL, HE STATED THAT ANTHONY BRYAN HAS DECIDED TO GIVE UP THE MECHANIC ROLL IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  THIS POSITION HAS BEEN INTERNALLY BID AND WILL BE FILLED BEFORE THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS POSITION DOES CARRY A $0.70 AN HOUR INCREASE IN PAY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00074 TO FABICK CAT FOR REPAIR OF THE ELECTRIC POWER GENERATOR BY REPLACING THE FUEL LIFT PUMP AND REPLACING A 5-YEAR-OLD BATTERY IN THE AMOUNT OF $982.65.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00386 TO IAMRESPONDING.COM FOR RENEWAL OF ANNUAL DISPATCHING SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $660.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00385 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM FOR ANNUAL PUMP TESTING FOR ENGINES #801, #803, AND #805 IN THE AMOUNT OF $655.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO WRITTEN DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT RESOURCE OFFICER CONTRACT AMENDMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS IS IN REGARDS TO PLACING A GUN SAFE IN THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR USE BY THE SRO.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT WOULD REITERATE THAT THE CITY HAS ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS GUN SAFE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $255,683.31, MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,786.03, AND OTHER FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,744.44 FOR A TOTAL AMOUNT OF BILLS TO BE PAID IN THE AMOUNT OF $302,213.78.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,931.57 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,547.44 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $96,479.01.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT IN THE PAST THE CITY HAD PURCHASED A TABLE FOR THE HOSPITAL AUXILIARY DINNER.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS SINCE FOUND OUT THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD NOT BE MAKING A MOTION TO PURCHASE A TABLE, BUT WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE THE COUNCIL AND OUR CITIZENS TO SUPPORT THIS EVENT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS FOR STUDENTS CONTINUING EDUCATION INTO THE MEDICAL FIELD. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD BEEN APPROACHED BY MATT WAYMAN FOR A SPONSORSHIP FOR SI COMIC CON IN THE AMOUNT OF $500.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE THINKS ANY AMOUNT THE CITY COULD GIVE FOR A SPONSORSHIP WOULD BE GREAT AS THIS EVEN BRINGS A LOT OF PEOPLE TO OUR AREA.  THE EVENT WILL BE TAKING PLACE ON APRIL 1, 2023 AT THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO DO A $300.00 SPONSORSHIP TO THE SI COMIC CON.  MOTION DIED FROM LACK OF SECOND. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED DYLAN YOUNG OF LITTLE EGYPT PEST CONTROL TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. YOUNG STATED THAT HE JUST WANTED TO INTRODUCE HIMSELF TO THE COUNCIL AND TALK ABOUT HIS BACKGROUND.  MR. YOUNG STATED THAT HE WILL BE HONORING THE CONTRACT PREVIOUSLY AGREED TO BY THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE FORMER OWNER.  MR. YOUNG PLANS ON BEING IN BENTON ONCE A MONTH FOR 8 HOURS A DAY.  THE PREVIOUSLY AGREED UPON AMOUNT WAS $15,000.00 FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON.  MR. YOUNG THANKED THE CITY COUNCIL FOR ALLOWING HIM TO DO BUSINESS IN OUR CITY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LETTER OF INTENT – SOLAR POWER PURCHASE AGREEMENT FROM KEYSTONE POWER HOLDINGS, LLC FOR THE BENTON WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME UNTIL ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA COULD BE IN ATTENDANCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DESIGNATING THE LAND SURROUNDING THE SEWER PLANT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND HOLDING AN AUCTION TO SELL CITY SURPLUS PROPERTY.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO APPROVE DESIGNATING THE LAND SURROUNDING THE SEWER PLANT AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND HOLDING AN AUCTION TO THE SURPLUS PROPERTY AS WELL AS ADVERTISE DOING THIS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO RE-ZONE THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1502 NORTH MAIN STREET FROM B-3 TO B-2.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY BEN’S LAWN SERVICE AND TRAILER SALES TO OPERATE A BUSINESS IN THE B-2 ZONE FOR THE PURPOSE OF SELLING AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (H) DISCUSSION OF RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION PRICING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT IN MARCH OF 2022 THE CITY GAVE THE MAYOR PERMISSION TO SIGN ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BENTON FOR OUR ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION BROKER (SIMEC) TO GO TO MARKET FOR A NEW RATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED LAST THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2023.  THE NEW RATE FOR THE CITY’S ELECTRICAL AGGREGATION WILL BE 11.3¢ PER KILOWATT HOUR AND WILL BEGIN IN JULY OF 2023 AND RUN THROUGH JUNE OF 2024. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD FROM BENITA COFFEL.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT MRS. COFFEL HAS SERVED ON THE BOARD FOR A LONG TIME AND HAS DONE A WONDERFUL JOB WHILE ON THE BOARD.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO ACCEPT HER RESIGNATION.  MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION FOR BRAD BURZYNSKI TO BE APPOINTED TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THIS WOULD BE A GOOD ADDITION AND WOULD LIKE SOMEONE TO MAKE A MOTION APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF BRAD BURZYNSKI TO THE BENTON CIVIC CENTER BOARD.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD SEEN THE ALBINO DEER WHILE HE WAS TRAVELING ON POPE STREET.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING POPE STREET HE WITNESSED CHARLES RUFFINO PICKING UP TRASH ALONG THE ROAD.  HE STATED THAT MR. RUFFINO PICKED UP 2 OR 3 40-GALLON TRASH BAGS FULL OF GARBAGE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO PUBLICLY THANK MR. RUFFINO FOR VOLUNTEERING TO HELP KEEP BENTON CLEAN. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT KIND OF RATE MR. THOMASON HAD STATED TO MAYOR KONDRITZ REGARDING THE RLCD AGREEMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE RATE MR. THOMASON DISCUSSED WAS 5%.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD THAT IF THE CITY HAD NOT PURCHASED THE NEW METERING SYSTEM, THEY COULD HAVE BOUGHT THE SOLAR STUFF ON THEIR OWN, MADE MONEY ON THE OVERAGE, AND RECEIVED A GRANT FOR THE METERS.  HE ASKED THAT IF THE CITY WOULD, IN THE FUTURE, SIT DOWN AND REALLY GO THROUGH ALL AVENUES BEFORE MAKING PURCHASES LIKE THIS. 

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

5:45 P.M.