Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

City Council Meeting Minutes — July 8, 2024

Posted on July 23, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, JULY 8, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY JUNE 24, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WILL BE SCHEDULING AN INSPECTION OF THE DUCT WORK AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00240 TO KEY EQUIPMENT FOR 2 SOLENOID VALVES IN THE AMOUNT OF $686.80. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00348 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR PLASTIC TILES, ADAPTERS, AND BANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,800.50. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00349 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR TILE AND BANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,129.32. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING HOMES.

BAYLESS @ 311 NORTH BROWN
THOMAS @ 1352 WHISPER WAY
MILLIGAN @ 725 OLD ORCHARD DRIVE
ATCHISON @ 403 EAST BOND

SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR ZETTLER AT 202 EAST CAPITAL STREET AS IT DOES NOT MEET THE CRITERIA SET FORTH IN THE ORDINANCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO A PLANNED MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT WITH CUMMINS FOR THE GENERATOR AT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE GUYS FROM BOTH OF HIS DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY WITH ALL OF THE ACCIDENTS AND SUCH.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JULY 5, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,718.38 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,019.62 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $97,738.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE BCHS SRO AGREEMENT HAS EXPIRED AND THAT A NEW AGREEMENT IS BEING WORKED ON AT THIS TIME.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE BCHS CHEERLEADERS FOR PLACING THE FLAGS DOWN MAIN STREET FOR THE 4^TH OF JULY AND HE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR REMOVING THEM AFTER THE HOLIDAY.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO APPROVE.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY AS THE CITY OF BENTON TREASURER. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN DAUGHERTY AS THE CITY OF BENTON TREASURER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE CITY OF BENTON POLICE PENSION BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE CITY OF BENTON FIRE PENSION BOARD. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A MOTION TO SUSPEND PHASE 1 OF THE 1-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT AT THIS TIME. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SUSPEND PHASE 1 OF THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO DISCUSS ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PETITION TO VACATE A PORTION OF ROBIN DRIVE MADE BY RICHARD DARE AND AVA DARE WITH THE CITY OF BENTON. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IT WOULD BE HIS RECOMMENDATION TO PROCEED WITH VACATING A PORTION OF ROBIN DRIVE AS STATED IN THE PETITION MADE BY RICHARD DARE AND AVA DARE. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WHILE AT THE IML ANNUAL CONFERENCE LAST YEAR, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA MET WITH RETAIL STRATEGIES, LLC. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MR. CALCATERRA TO ATTEND THEIR RETAIL ACADEMY FOR CONSULTING SERVICES AND RETAIL DATA KNOWLEDGE. THE COST OF THIS ACADEMY IS $25,000.00. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REDIRECT SOME OF THE FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR THE I-57 PROJECT TO PAY FOR THIS ACADEMY. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THESE FUNDS WERE MEANT TO HELP WITH RETAIL GROWTH AND HE FEELS THAT THIS ACADEMY WILL BE USED FOR RETAIL GROWTH AS WELL. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE MONIES IN OTHER FUNDS THAT COULD ALSO GO TOWARDS PAYING THIS TUITION. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND RETAIL STRATEGIES, LLC FOR CONSULTING SERVICES AND RETAIL DATA. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AUDIT NO RESULTS YET. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS REQUESTED AN INVENTORY FROM ALL DEPARTMENTS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:20 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — July 8, 2024

Posted in Meeting Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — JUNE 24, 2024

Posted on July 10, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY JUNE 24, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABSENT.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE MEMBERS OF THE BENTON TRACK TEAM WHO WERE IN THE AUDIENCE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH CONGRATULATED THE BOYS ON AN AMAZING SEASON WHERE THE TEAM TOOK 3^RD IN STATE AND A.J. KINSMAN TOOK 1^ST IN SHOT PUT AND 12^TH IN DISCUS, GAVIN GENESIO TOOK 1^ST IN THE 1600 METER RUN, GABE MCLAIN TOOK 3^RD IN THE 1600 METER RUN, KADEN JONES TOOK 12^TH IN THE POLE VAULT, AND THE 4 X 800 METER RELAY CONSISTING OF COLE BUCHANAN, JACK BACON, GABE MCLAIN, AND GAVIN GENESIO TOOK 4^TH AND SET A NEW SCHOOL RECORD.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2024 AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE EMERGENCY CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2024 AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD AN UPDATE ON THE REPAIRS NEEDED AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE INSURANCE COMPANY HAS DONE AN INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL INSPECTION OF THE PROPERTY. HE STATED THAT THEY HAVE NOW FORMALLY DENIED OUR CLAIMS. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT SINCE IT WAS ALREADY APPROVED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HELITEC AFTER WE GOT THE ANSWER FROM THE INSURANCE, HE RECOMMENDED THAT THIS HAPPENS AT THIS POINT.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING HOMES:

SCHAFER @ 420 STONEBROOK DRIVE
ORE @ 725 EAST TAYLOR STREET
YOUNG @ 209 WEST WEBSTER STREET
TUCKER @ 115 MCFALL STREET
DAWSON @ 1205 WHISPER WAY
EASLEY @ 302 NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET
LAMBERT @ 634 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET
ZINZILIETA @ 1010 ANNA STREET

COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING HOMES AS THEY DO NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS:

JONES @ 617 WEST SIXTH STREET
PALMER @ 413 WEST TAYLOR STREET

COMMISSIONER KAYS SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00415 TO ESO FOR THE ANNUAL FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTING SOFTWARE IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,633.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/21/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,154.02, FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $22,380.93, AND FOR THE PAID ON CALL FIRE FIGHTERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $74.34 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,609.29. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE ARE NO BILLS TO BE PAID AT THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AS AN UPDATE HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THAT THE ONLINE PAYMENTS IS STILL UNDERGOING SOME ONBOARDING, BUT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE BEFORE THE YEAR IS OVER. COMMISSIONER KAYS ALSO STATED THE ANNUAL ZOBRIO AGREEMENT IS COMING UP AND WILL NEED TO BE PAID IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR SERVICE AGREEMENT.

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO FURTHER UPDATES AND NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY, LLC. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT WOULD ALLOW JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY TO USE A PARKING SPOT IN THE EAST MAIN PARKING LOT FOR THEIR DUMPSTER AND IT WOULD BE ENCLOSED WITH A FENCE. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND JACK RUSSELL FISH COMPANY, LLC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL MEMBERS RECEIVED A LIST OF THE CIVIC CENTER BOARD MEMBERS AS IT SITS RIGHT NOW. HE STATED THAT MAJORITY OF THESE SEATS NEED TO BE REAPPOINTED AS THEIR TERMS HAVE ENDED. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL NEEDS TO REACH OUT TO THESE BOARD MEMBERS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ALL IN AGREEMENT TO BE REAPPOINTED. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED NO OTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON THESE APPOINTMENTS AT THIS TIME.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE AUDIT IS STILL ONGOING.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:13 P.M.

Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — JUNE 24, 2024

Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — JUNE 11, 2024

Posted on July 3, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY JUNE 10, 2024 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE BENTON 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 STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO WAIVE THE READING AND APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 AS PRESENTED. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. ABSTAIN: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THERE WAS NO ACTION TO BE TAKEN ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REPAIRS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO START IMPLEMENTING THE USE OF WORK ORDERS WHEN IT COMES TO REPAIRS AND ITEMS THAT NEED TO BE TAKEN CARE OF ON PUBLIC PROPERTY OR BUILDINGS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS A FORM SHE IS WELCOME TO USE IF SHE WOULD LIKE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT MONDAY.COM IS SOMETHING THE CITY IS USING TO KEEP TRACK OF ITEMS LIKE THIS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS CURRENTLY TEXTING ITEMS TO PEOPLE SO THAT SHE HAS A RECEIPT AND COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE LIKES GETTING THE INFORMATION THAT WAY.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF HE COULD CHECK WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO HAVE A WOBBLY SINK AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TIGHTENED UP. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD REACH OUT TO PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES ABOUT GETTING THIS TAKEN CARE OF.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE FOLLOWING HOMES:

VOLZ @ 711 CARBON STREET

BOYCE @ 403 NORTH TENTH STREET

TITTLE @ 712 GRAND STREET

MOORE @ 1328 WHISPER WAY

HOUSE @ 209 WEST CARLTON STREET

GULLY @ 208 NORTH SEVENTH STREET

COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER KAYS ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE PURCHASE ORDER #00128 TO MORROW BROTHERS FORD FOR 1 NEW 2023 POLICE INTERCEPTOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,290.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00131 TO SAM’S CLUB FOR 2 COMPUTERS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,598.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE DISPOSING OF SURPLUS PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT NO LONGER WORKS. THIS PROPERTY INCLUDES 1 GENESIS II MOBILE RADAR UNIT WITH 2 ANTENNAE, A BLACK SWIVEL DESK CHAIR, 1 CODE 3 SIREN CONTROL BOX, A MARTEL PATROL VEHICLE DASH CAMERA, A VIEWSONIC 17” COMPUTER MONITOR, AND 2 LG 27” COMPUTER MONITORS. ALL THIS EQUIPMENT IS EITHER BROKEN OR NONFUNCTIONING. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY IF HE WOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE THE BUNTINGS PUT UP AT CAPITAL PARK AND THE LARGE FLAG RAISED FOR FLAG DAY. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD ASK THE FIREMEN TO DO THESE THINGS.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/07/2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $94,049.89 AND FROM THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,57998 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $117,629.87. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS DATED JUNE 10, 2024 FROM MFT IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,813.62 AND FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $496,703.09 FOR A TOTAL OF $544,516.71. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE ANNUAL ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE IS COMING UP AND THE COUNCIL WOULD NEED TO MAKE A DECISION ON WHO WOULD BE ATTENDING. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE NEEDED TO SEE A RETURN OF INVESTMENT ON WHAT WAS LEARNED WHILE AT THE CONFERENCE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED WRITTEN NOTES ON WHAT WAS IMPLEMENTED AFTER THE LAST CONFERENCE FROM CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR BRIAN CALCATERRA, AND CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THESE THREE INDIVIDUALS TO RETURN TO THE CONFERENCE, BUT WAS WAITING ON THIS YEAR’S PROGRAM TO MAKE A FINAL DECISION ON IF ANYONE ELSE WOULD BE ATTENDING. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION ALLOWING CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO SECURE 5 HOTEL ROOMS FOR THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE AND 2 HOTEL ROOMS FOR THE ANNUAL TIF CONFERENCE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT OVER THE WEEKEND THE CITY WIDE YARD SALES HAD TAKEN PLACE. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH HOW WELL THIS EVENT WAS PUT TOGETHER. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED UNDER UPDATES THAT THE CITY HAS RECEIVED APPROVAL FOR ½ OF THE OSLAD GRANT FOR MALKOVICH PARK TO BE SENT TO THE CITY. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT WE ARE CURRENTLY WAITING ON THE GRANT ADMINISTRATORS TO TELL US WHEN TO PROCEED. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HE AND A FEW OTHERS HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO THE CITY’S IDENTITY AND POSSIBLE REBRANDING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY ELIZABETH BISCHOFF TO OWN AND OCCUPY A NEW DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1005 ENTERPRISE STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS IS A BRAND NEW DOUBLE WIDE MOTILE HOME. HE STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD HAS PRESENTED A RECOMMENDATION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND HE SECONDS THAT. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A SPECIAL USE PERMIT APPLICATION MADE BY ELIZABETH BISCHOFF TO OWN AND OCCUPY A D NEW DOUBLE WIDE MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1005 ENTERPRISE STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE MADE BY RILEY AND LEANN ROBERTS TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF PARCEL # 08-18-227-012 FROM B-6 TO R-2. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE COUNCIL APPROVE THIS CHANGE. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE APPLICATION FOR ZONING CHANGE MADE BY RILEY AND LEANN ROBERTS TO CHANGE THE ZONING OF PARCEL #08-18-227-012 FROM B-6 TO R-2. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IT APPEARS THE CANDIDATE FOR NEW FIREFIGHTER WILL BE DECLINING THE POSITION. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE MAY HAVE TO EXTEND THE TEMPORARY TERM FOR JOHN OWENS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:30 P.M.

Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — JUNE 11, 2024

Posted in Meeting Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — MAY 28, 2024

Posted on June 11, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, MAY 28, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY MAY 13, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 3. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED THAT AN AMERICAN FLAG BE HUNG AT TWIN OAKS AND SHE STATED THAT THE BUNTINGS NEED TO BE PUT OUT AT CAPITAL PARK.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD MET WITH HELITEC AND WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH USING THEM FOR REPAIRS TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BUILDING. ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE CITY WAIT UNTIL THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER HAS HAD A CHANCE TO INSPECT THE DAMAGES. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT HELITEC TOLD HER THEY WOULD BE 1-2 WEEKS OUT FROM BEING ABLE TO COMPLETE THE WORK AT THIS TIME. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THIS TOPIC WITH ERWIN BUILDERS SINCE THEY ARE WHO BUILT THE BUILDING. AFTER A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THESE DIFFERENT OPTIONS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO MOVE FORWARD WITH HELITEC SUBJECT TO INSURANCE APPROVAL OR DENIAL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00675 TO BEN’S LAWN SERVICE FOR A MOWER CLUTCH FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00240 TO ENERGY CULVERT FOR TILE AND DIMPLE BANDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,994.14 TO BE PAID FROM MFT FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE POOL ADJUSTMENTS FOR:

CRAWFORD @ 1204 ELECTION DRIVE
RAYMER@ 306 NORTH EIGHTH STREET
PENDERGAST@ 211 ELECTION STREET
FLETCHER@ 118 WEST PARRISH STREET
DILLARD @ 1011 ELECTION CIRCLE
EUBANKS@ 809 NORTH NINTH
ZSIDO @ 1002 SOUTH POPE STREET
EAR L@ 500 WEST REED STREET
DONALDSON @ 405 NORTH BUCHANAN
MORRIS @ 1102 BAILEY LANE
SMITH @ 702 DIAMOND STREET

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOTS #44 AND #45 FROM L. THOMAS WHITTINGTON AND SUE A. WHITTINGTON TO THOMAS TODD WHITTINGTON AND LORRIE A. WHITTINGTON AS JOINT TENANTS WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP AND NOT AS TENANTS IN COMMON. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-08 PLACING A ONE-WAY STOP SIGN ON GARDNER STREET AT EAST TAYLOR STREET FOR SOUTH BOUND TRAFFIC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FINAL PAY ESTIMATE TO WIGGS EXCAVATING FOR THE DUQUOIN STREET FORCEMAIN IN THE AMOUNT OF $121,790.10. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM HANDLED HIS PORTION OF THE AGENDA. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00122 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A SUPER MICRO SERVER FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,495.95 TO BE PAID FROM THE IMPOUND FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00124 TO ACCREDITED SAFETY FOR ONE TASER AND ONE EXTENDED PERFORMANCE POWER MAGAZINE FOR THIS TASER IN THE AMOUNT OF $919.99. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00411 TO THE FIRE STORE FOR 2 PAIRS OF GLOBE SUPRALITE BOOTS, ONE TO REPLACE LT. MELVIN’S SET AND 1 SET TO ISSUE TO THE NEW FIREFIGHTER IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,265.65. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00130 TO LARRY FREDRICKS, LLC FOR A POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST AND A POINT BLANK GUARDIAN CARRIER FOR OFFICER MORGAN WATERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $890.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00414 TO CIRCLE LANE BUILDERS FOR MATERIALS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADDITION IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00413 TO CANHAM GRAPHICS FOR LETTERING AND STRIPING OF BENTON #806 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,408.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-10 AMENDING SECTION 24 – ARTICLE XI- GOLF CARTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE MERIT BOARD TO MOVE FORWARD WITH PRESENTING A CANDIDATE FOR HIGHER FOR BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 24, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $114,732.82 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $31,547.35 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $146,280.17. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/01/2024 WHICH CONSISTED OF CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,700.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE HAD NO BILLS FOR APPROVAL AT THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #24-09 AMENDING 1-2-34 BIDDING AND CONTRACT PROCEDURES INCREASING THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT OF $750.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #24-04, A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NONCONTRACTUAL, NONUNION EMPLOYEES. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE THE COUNCIL AWARE THAT WE WILL BE PAYING A SOFTWARE AGREEMENT TO ZOBRIO SOON. THIS PAYMENT IS A 3-YEAR COMMITMENT TO THE PRODUCT AND IS $9,600.00.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL NOW HAS 2 STATE CHAMPIONS IN TRACK AND THE TRACK TEAM TOOK 3^RD IN STATE COMPETITION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE DOING PROCLAMATIONS FOR THE TEAM AND THESE INDIVIDUALS.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS NO PURCHASE ORDERS TO APPROVE.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SUSPENDING THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE SURPLUS REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 308 BUCHANAN STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE SOLD FOR $500.00 AND THAT IS THE FULL APPRAISED VALUE. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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

5:35 P.M.

Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — MAY 28, 2024

Posted in Meeting Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – MAY 13, 2024

Posted on May 29, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY, MAY 13, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE CONTINUED MEETING MINUTES OF APRIL 15, 2024 HELD IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON APRIL 22, 2024 IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS TO HEAR TESTIMONY FOR OR AGAINST THE PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY ON MONDAY APRIL 22, 2024 APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00686 TO EVAPAR FOR A SERVICE CALL FOR A SOUNDING ALARM ON THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,767.99. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS MET WITH HELITECH REGARDING THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FLOODING ISSUE AT 503 WEST WASHINGTON STREET. SHE STATED THAT THEY HAVE PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE OF $10,507.00 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT WOODS BASEMENTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE COMING TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE ON REPAIRS AS WELL. AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING FORMING A COMMITTEE TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION IT WAS DECIDED THAT A CALL NEEDED TO BE MADE TO OUR INSURANCE AGENT AT S.C.D. REA IN AN EFFORT TO SEE IF INSURANCE WOULD COVER THE DAMAGE. NO OTHER ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT FOR THIS MEETING AND IN HIS ABSENCE, ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH HANDLED HIS REPORT. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00709 TO VELODYNE FOR A MIXER MOTOR FOR THE SLUDGE PRESS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,857.17. THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A SWIMMING POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR APPROVAL FOR KELLI SULLIVAN AT 607 EAST WEBSTER STREET. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR APPROVAL FOR CASEY GARCIA OF 508 WEST 6^TH STREET. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A POOL ADJUSTMENT FOR DENIAL FOR MELINDA ROHRSCHEIB AT 307 NORTH BUCHANAN STREET. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THE MOTION TO DENY THE POOL ADJUSTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED APPROVAL DIRECTING AN ORDINANCE TO BE PREPARED FOR A STOP SIGN ON GARDNER AT EAST TAYLOR STREET. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00122 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR A SUPER MICRO SERVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,495.95 FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THIS TO COME FROM THE IMPOUND FUND. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF WE KEEP TAKING THINGS FROM THE IMPOUND FUND, IT WILL BE EMPTY. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS SERVER WAS ORDERED BEFORE A PURCHASE ORDER WAS FILLED OUT, A CONVERSATION HAD, OR ANY APPROVAL HAD BEEN GIVEN. CHIEF FUNKHOUSER SAID HE WAS UNDER THE UNDERSTANDING THAT COMMISSIONER KAYS WAS AWARE IT WAS NEEDED FOR HIS DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER STOREY AGAIN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE ORDER FOR PAYMENT FROM THE GENERAL FUND. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 2. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. NAYS: 2. COMMISSIONER KAYS AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00123 TO RAY O’HERRON FOR UNIFORMS, DUTY GEAR, AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,210.78. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00121 TO LARRY FREDRICKS, LLC FOR 1 POINT BLANK BALLISTIC VEST AND 1 POINT BLANK GUARDIAN CARRIER FOR THE NEW HIRE IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $890.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00126 TO IDS APPLICATIONS, INC FOR ANNUAL LAWMAN SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION TO LAWMAN IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00410 TO MATT WARREN FOR A USED DIGITAL RADIO FOR THE MINI-PUMPER IN THE AMOUNT OF $575.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO UPDATE THE GOLF CART ORDINANCE CHANGING THE STICKER DUE DATE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A TEMPORARY TAG ALLOWING OWNERS TO DRIVE THE GOLF CART TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR INSPECTION. DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THESE TOPICS AS WELL AS WHEN WEST CITY’S DUE DATE FOR STICKERS ARE CONSIDERING STICKERS WORK IN BOTH COMMUNITIES. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM AT THIS TIME. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE TWO TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS TO FILL IN THE GAP BETWEEN JEFF COLEMAN’S RETIREMENT AND THE HIRING OF A NEW FIREFIGHTER. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIGHER JOHN OWENS AND ZACK HALSTEAD AS TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS. HE STATED THEY WOULD BE SPLITTING THE WORK 80/20 AND THAT JOHN OWENS HAS BEEN A PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER FOR THE CITY SINCE 1992 AND ZACK HALSTEAD IS THE CANDIDATE THE MERIT BOARD IS LOOKING TO HIRE FOR FULL TIME FIREFIGHTER. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS THIS FURTHER IN CLOSED SESSION.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE A NOTE THAT FIRE DEPARTMENT AND POLICE DEPARTMENT OVERTIME FOR THE PAYROLL THAT INCLUDED THE ECLIPSE FESTIVAL WAS $3,252.05. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WERE 2 FIRE CALLS ALSO DURING THIS TIME PERIOD TO CONSIDER IN CALCULATING THE OVERTIME FOR THE EVENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR APRIL 26, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,430.83 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,046.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $106,477.39. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 05/10/2024 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,886.26 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $23,743.43 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $104,629.69. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING IN THE AMOUNT OF $395,528.62 ALL FROM THE AP FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE PURCHASE ORDER POLICY IS NOT BEING FOLLOWED ACROSS THE BOARD. IN AN EFFORT TO CONTROL THIS BETTER, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE THE PURCHASE ORDER AMOUNT FROM $500.00 TO $400.00 AND TAKE THIS FROM A POLICY TO AN ORDINANCE. AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE $400.00 AMOUNT BEING TOO LOW FOR MOST ITEMS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED HE WOULD CHANGE HIS MOTION TO $750.00 AS LONG AS THE PURCHASE ORDERS ARE BEING FILLED OUT. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT AN AMENDMENT BE WRITTEN TO ORDINANCE 1-2-34 (N) PURCHASE ORDER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION AMENDING THE FY-24/25 BUDGET TO INCLUDE THE FORD F550 MINI PUMPER PAID FROM MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LOOK INTO TIME CLOCKS FOR ALL DEPARTMENTS. A LONG DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THIS TOPIC. NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS BEEN CONTACTED ABOUT A STREET LIGHT PROGRAM AND WILL BRING MORE INFORMATION TO THE COUNCIL AS HE GETS IT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS YEAR’S REND LAKE WATER FESTIVAL WAS REALLY GOOD. ALSO, UNDER UPDATES MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MASTER BIKE PLAN IS ALMOST FINISHED AND THAT THE PATH FROM THE SCHOOLS TO THE PARK WILL BE LABELED THE STEVE MCCOMMONS BIKEWAY. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD LUNCH WITH GARY WILLIAMS FROM REND LAKE CONSERVANCY AND THAT IT WAS A GOOD MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00707 TO MONDAY.COM TO PURCHASE 5 SEATS ON THE WORKFLOW PLATFORM IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,140.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00682 TO HEARTLAND OFFICE SUPPLY FOR AN INK JET PRINTER TO BE USED BY MULTIPLE DEPARTMENTS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $257.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEMS (C) AND (D) UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD NEED A MOTION TO APPROVE ITEM (C), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE PERCENTAGE FOR THE TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT. HE STATED THAT THIS PROJECT WOULD BRING IN 18-20 NEW JOBS AND THAT ZONING AND TIF ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAS RECOMMENDED A TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON OF 80%. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN 80% TIF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ACTION ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE THE SURPLUS REAL ESTATE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 308 BUCHANAN STREET.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT #806 (MINI PUMPER) HAS ARRIVED. HE STATED THAT IT HAS ALREADY HAD MORE CALLS HERE THAN IT HAD BEFORE WE PURCHASED IT.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WANTED TO THANK JEFF COLEMAN FOR HIS 26 ½ YEARS WITH THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT MR. COLEMAN HAS STARTED A JOB AS A PARK RANGER WITH THE CORPS OF ENGINEERS AND STATED HE WILL BE AN ASSET TO THEM. MR. TOM CARTER ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL NEXT. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVED THAT THE PREVIOUS THRESHOLD FOR PURCHASE ORDERS WAS TOO LOW AT $500.00 AND HE WANTED TO SUGGEST THAT IF AN EMPLOYEE DIDN’T KNOW WHAT THE EXACT AMOUNT IS, THAT THEY SHOULD ESTIMATE AND STILL GET A PURCHASE ORDER FILLED OUT. MR. CARTER ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THE REDESIGN OF MALKOVICH PARK WILL INCLUDE A FENCE. HE STATED THAT THERE IS A VAGRANT LIVING IN THE AREA AND HE BELIEVES WITHOUT A FENCED IN AREA, THIS SITUATION WOULD BE EASIER TO CONTROL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WILL NOT BE A FENCE WITH THE NEW DESIGN.

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

6:26 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

7:05 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE JOHN OWENS AND ZACK HALSTEAD AS TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTERS NOT TO EXCEED A 60-DAY APPOINTMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

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

7:06 P.M.

Comments Off on CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – MAY 13, 2024

Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes

AMENDED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — APRIL 22, 2024

Posted on May 28, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

AMENDED MINUTES

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN.

YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING FOR ANTS AT TWIN OAKS.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS HAD A DISCUSSION WITH PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG REGARDING CAPITAL PARK RESTROOM RENOVATION. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE RENOVATIONS CAN BE DONE FOR AROUND $2,000.00. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RENOVATIONS TO CAPITAL PARK FOR $2,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 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 MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR LACEY SMOTHERS OF 1103 SOUTH LICKLITER STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 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 LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THIS MEETING. AS AN UPDATE, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ENGINE 803 IS BEING TOWED TO BELLEVILLE. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT ZACKARY ANDREWS HAS PASSED ALL HIS TESTING AND WILL BE GOING TO THE POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON MAY 5, 2024. COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE HAS 2 RETIRING IN THE NEXT MONTH, JEFF COLEMAN FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND BRENT ERTHALL FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR APRIL 12, 2024 FROM THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $86,967.71 AND WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,606.53 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $113,574.24. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION. 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 OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AS A NOTE, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THE AMOUNT OF BAD DEBT THAT WAS WRITTEN OFF AFTER THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING WAS $3,454.46.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET WITH AN ORDINANCE NUMBER OF #24-06. 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 AFTER THE HIRING COMMITTEE HAD MET, A CANDIDATE WAS CHOSEN FOR THE TREASURER’S POSITION. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY TO THE TREASURER’S POSITION. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION. 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 WE ARE HAVING TO RAISE WATER RATES AT THIS TIME TO HELP KEEP THE FUND SOLVENT AFTER A RAISE FROM REND LAKE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS A 5% RAISE AND WILL MAKE THE MINIMUM BILL AN EVEN $59.00 INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, TRASH, AND SURCHARGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 24-07 RAISING WATER RATES 5%. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 1. COMMISSIONER STOREY.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITY AND THE EMPLOYEES THAT PUT ON THE CITY EMPLOYEE PICNIC.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BIDDING PROCESS FOR DEMOLITION OF MALKOVICH PARK. COMMISSIONER STOREY 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW THE RESEARCHING OF WORKFLOW PLATFORMS TO STREAMLINE WORK WITHIN THE CITY. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. 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 FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE EDC PARTICIPATION AT THE $2,500.00 LEVEL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS THE SAME LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION THE CITY APPROVED IN 2019 AND HE STATED THAT THE AMOUNT IS CURRENTLY IN THE BUDGET IN THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY TAX FUND. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNDERWAY.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE PLANS FOR MALKOVICH PARK ARE. HE STATED THAT THERE WILL NEED TO BE UPDATES AND UPGRADES TO THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT. MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA IF SHE HAS INSPECTED ALL THE BUILDINGS AND HE SUGGESTED THAT SHE SHOULD MAYBE BE DOING THIS ON A MONTHLY BASIS AND BRING A REPORT TO THE COUNCIL ON THESE INSPECTIONS. MR. CARTER ALSO TOLD COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THAT THE LAGOON NEEDS WEED EATED AND SPRAYED. MR. CARTER ASKED IF BIDS WERE TAKEN ON THE NEW BUILDING AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE STATED THAT NOT TAKING BIDS DOES NOT LOOK GOOD AND COMMISSIONER STOREY AGREED. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM GOT A GOOD DEAL ON THE BUILDING THOUGH. MR. CARTER STATED THAT THE COMPANY THEY USED DOES NOT PAY TAXES AND WANTS TO KNOW WHY WE DIDN’T USE A UNION COMPANY. MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WAS VERY HAPPY THAT SEWER RATES WERE NOT RAISED. MR. CARTER ASKED THE MAYOR IF HIS HOME HAD BEEN ROBBED AND IF HE WAS HURT IN THE INCIDENT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COUNCIL BUSINESS AND NOT APPROPRIATE.

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

5:36 P.M.

Comments Off on AMENDED CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — APRIL 22, 2024

Posted in Meeting Minutes

City Council Meeting Minutes — April 24, 2024

Posted on May 17, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR APPROVAL. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD COMPLETED SPRAYING FOR ANTS AT TWIN OAKS.

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

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT AS A NOTE, HE WANTED TO LET THE COUNCIL KNOW THE AMOUNT OF BAD DEBT THAT WAS WRITTEN OFF AFTER THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING WAS $3,454.46.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WE ARE HAVING TO RAISE WATER RATES AT THIS TIME TO HELP KEEP THE FUND SOLVENT AFTER A RAISE FROM REND LAKE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS A 5% RAISE AND WILL MAKE THE MINIMUM BILL AN EVEN $59.00 INCLUDING WATER, SEWER, TRASH, AND SURCHARGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE 24-07 RAISING WATER RATES 5%. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES. ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITY AND THE EMPLOYEES THAT PUT ON THE CITY EMPLOYEE PICNIC.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES OR PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. NO OLD BUSINESS.

IN NEW BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS AND POLICE DEPARTMENT NEGOTIATIONS ARE UNDERWAY.

5:36 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — April 24, 2024

Posted in Meeting Minutes

City Council Meeting Minutes — April 9, 2024

Posted on April 23, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 25, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #000995 TO C AND C PUMPS AND SUPPLY FOR A VERTICAL MULTISTAGE PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,769.97. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00238 TO BUMPER AND BUMPER FOR AN AIRCAT IMPACT WRENCH WITH 8” EXTENDER IN THE AMOUNT OF $511.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00708 TO SCHAEFFER’S FOR SYNTHETIC OIL IN THE AMOUNT OF $737.20. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SWIMMING POOL SEWER ADJUSTMENT FOR REBECCA REED OF 910 EAST WEBSTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #30 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO HUTCHINS PROPERTIES II, LLC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER OF LOT #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO HUTCINS PROPERTIES II, LLC. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2024 MFT PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $785,000.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00408 TO EVAPAR FOR REPAIR OF EMERGENCY GENERATOR IN THE AMOUNT OF $757.95. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF ZACK ANDREWS AS A FULL-TIME PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER THAT WILL BE GOING TO THE POLICE TRAINING INSTITUTE ON MAY 4, 2024. SECOND BY COMMISISONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00409 TO LEO ELLEBRACHT COMPANY FOR 2 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR TO REPLACE EXPIRED SETS IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,673.13. CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS JUST ASKING FOR APPROVAL, BUT WILL NOT PURCHASE UNTIL THIS COMING FISCAL YEAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REMOVAL OF ROGER MABRY, TYLER CARROL, WARREN SMOTHERS, AND DANIEL HOLLOWAY FROM THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ADD JACOB KINSMAN TO THE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW JR ERWIN TO INSTALL ALL NEW LIGHT FIXTURES AND REMOVE BALLASTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,482.00. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MR. ERWIN HAS PRODUCED HIS INSURANCE FOR THIS PROJECT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING A $200,000.00 BID ON A 2020 FORD F-550 MINI PUMPER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO PAYROLL OR BILLS TO APPROVE AT THIS MEETING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO AMEND RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS IN CHAPTER 1 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ALIGN WITH THE WATER, SEWER, AND STREET UNION CONTRACT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WAS NO INFORMATION FROM ANYONE THIS EVENING REQUIRING ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES FROM 2023.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE WRITING OFF OF BAD DEBT FROM THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 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 PLACING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025 BUDGET ON DISPLAY ON APRIL 12, 2024. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH THANKED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, POLICE DEPARTMENT, THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS, AND EVERYONE THAT WAS INVOLVED IN PUTTING ON THE “PARTY IN THE PATH” ECLIPSE EVENT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024. AS A MATTER OF INFORMATION, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT 43 PLANES LANDED AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT TO WATCH THE ECLIPSE AND THAT DAY THERE WAS $3,700.00 OF FUEL SALES MADE.

MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00685 TO BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL FOR A $500.00 SPONSORSHIP FOR THE HALL OF FAME EVENT. COMMISSIONER KAYS 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE REPAIRS TO THE CODE ENFORCEMENT VEHICLE THROUGH BRANDON SMITH IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,249.36. 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 CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS IS INVESTIGATING ANY UPDATES AND PLANS TO DO WITH THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT. HE STATED THAT THIS PROJECT IS CURRENTLY UNOFFICIALLY PAUSED.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT 8 CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF TREASURER.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT ZACK ANDREWS IS IN THE PROCESS OF TESTING AND HIS HIRING IS CONTINGENT UPON PASSING ALL THE TESTING.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MEETING TO 04/15/2024 AT 9:30 A.M. FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

5:45 P.M.

Comments Off on City Council Meeting Minutes — April 9, 2024

Posted in Announcements, Meeting Minutes

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES — MARCH 25, 2024

Posted on April 18, 2024 by Brook Craig | Comments Off

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 25, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

MAYOR MESSERSMITH AS LINDSEY MOORE AND LAUREN JOHNSON WITH THE BENTON RANGLER GIRLS TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL. MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PRESENT THEM WITH A PROCLAMATION FOR PLACING 2^ND IN THE IDTA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN AA HIP HOP AND 5^TH IN THE IDTA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN AA JAZZ. AFTER THE PRESENTATION, THE MAYOR TOOK PICTURES WITH THE RANGLER GIRLS AND THEIR TROPHY.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MARCH 11, 2024 AT 5 P.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 S MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS. SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, THERE WAS NO PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT GIVEN.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, POOL ADJUSTMENTS, OR LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED SAMRON WAS CURRENTLY DOING THE CLEAN UP ON WASTENA STREET. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD MET WITH IDOT RECENTLY AND THERE ARE 6 PROJECTS UPCOMING WITH MULTIPLE BIDS TO BE HAPPENING SOON.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00127 TO NEWMAN’S GUN CLUB FOR AMMO IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,300.00. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00407 TO BRAD STACY FOR OIL IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $789.90. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CHIEF FUNKHOUSER HAD PRESENTED EVIDENCE SCANNING SYSTEM AT THE RECENTLY HELD STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING. COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO PROCEED WITH MOVING FORWARD ON THIS SYSTEM. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE THE EVIDENCE SCANNING SYSTEM WITH FUNDS FROM THE CITY AND FROM THE DUI FUND. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO DIRECT THE MERIT BOARD TO PROCEED WITH THE HIRING OF A POLICE OFFICER TO FILL THE VACANCY THAT WILL BE MADE BY ROGER BRENT ERTHALL’S RETIREMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF REMOVAL OF POC FIREFIGHTER(S) AND (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ADDITION OF POC FIREFIGHTER(S). SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO ACTION TAKEN ON ITEM (F) DISCUSSION OF REVAMPING MERIT BOARD.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED PAYROLL DATED 03/28/2024 TOTALING $98,264.61 WITH $72,219.22 BEING GENERAL FUND AND $26,045.39 BEING WATER AND SEWER. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PAYROLL AS PRESENTED. THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 5. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED PAYROLL DATED 03/15/2024 TOTALLY $104,823.55 WITH $77,668.73 BEING GENERAL FUND AND $27,154.82 BEING WATER AND SEWER. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT PAYROLL AS PRESENTED. THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS PRESENTED TWO ONLINE BILL OPTIONS FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT DAMIEN WILBURN DID THE LEG WORK ON THESE OPTIONS. HE STATED THAT ANY FEES THAT WOULD BE INCURRED WITH THESE OPTIONS WOULD BE PASSED ALONG TO THE CUSTOMER AND THAT THIS WILL ELIMINATE A LOT OF PAPER FOR THE CITY. ONE OF THE OPTIONS WAS PSN AND IT WOULD COST THE CITY $0.40 PER TRANSACTION AND THE OTHER OPTION IS PAYSTAR AND THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT CUSTOMERS WILL BE ABLE TO LOG IN TO A WEBSITE AND VIEW THEIR BILL AND PAY IT THERE AS WELL. COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO SIGN A 1 YEAR AGREEMENT WITH PAYSTAR. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD ASKED FOR 2023 ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE UPDATES BY THOSE WHO ATTENDED. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT THE KNOWLEDGE WE ARE GIVEN WHILE ATTENDING THE SEMINARS. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED UPDATES FROM CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA.

COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT WITH LOTS OF REGRET HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO ACCEPT TREASURER LISA MENO’S RESIGNATION. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT LISA’S LAST DAY WILL BE AUGUST 30, 2024. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN ADVERTISING FOR THE POSITION OF FULL-TIME TREASURER WITH A SALARY OF $47,500.00. COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THERE WOULD BE TWO ROUNDS OF INTERVIEWS. THE FIRST ROUND OF INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS, LISA MENO, AND BROOK CRAIG. THE SECOND ROUND OF INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY COMMISSIONER KAYS, BROOK CRAIG, MAYOR MESSERSMITH, AND TOM MALKOVICH. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER KAYS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH. NAYS: 0.

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH HAD NO UPDATES.

IN UPDATES, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BENTON HIGH SCHOOL IS CURRENTLY “KILLING IT”
BETWEEN THEIR ATHLETES, THESPIANS, ETC. HE STATED THAT HE WANTED TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THESE STUDENTS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT THE ECLIPSE EVENT SLATED FOR APRIL 6, 2024 HAS BEEN SHIFTED FROM THE PUBLIC SQUARE TO THE NORTHEAST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT. MAYOR MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT HE WANTED TO REPORT WHAT AN AMAZING TURNOUT THERE WAS FOR THE BENTON AREA VOLUNTEERS EASTER EGG HUNT THAT TOOK PLACE AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. HE STATED THAT THERE WERE 5,000 EGGS AND 500 CHILDREN.

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, ANDY LAMONT FROM DO YOUR PARK RECYCLING THANKED THE CITY COUNCIL FOR THEIR CONTINUED MONETARY SUPPORT OF HIS BUSINESS. HE STATED THAT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DO WHAT HE DOES WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE DONATIONS HE RECEIVES. MR. LAMONT ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WOULD ASK OTHER COMMUNITIES AND THE COUNTY BOARD TO ALSO GET INVOLVED.

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