Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD FRIDAY JULY 14, 2022 AT 8:00 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT SINCE THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JULY 11, 2022, HE HAD VISITED A NUMBER OF POSSIBLE LOCATIONS TO PLACE THE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND.  HE STATED THAT AFTER CAREFUL REVIEW, HE STILL BELIEVED THE BEST LOCATION FOR THE COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND WOULD BE AT 304 GRAND STREET AND THAT THE FACT THAT THERE IS AN EMPTY LOT ON EACH SIDE OF THIS LOCATION WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN PICKING THIS LOCATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACEMENT OF A COMMUNITY PLAYGROUND AT 304 GRAND STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY DID STATE THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO ON RECORD AS SAYING HE STILL DOES NOT BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAFEST LOCATION TO PLACE THE PLAYGROUND AS IT SITS NEXT TO THE RAILROAD TRACKS, BUT THAT HE UNDERSTANDS IT IS CURRENTLY THE BEST LOCATION TO CHOOSE. 

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

TIME 8:05 A.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 25, 2022 AT 6:00 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 MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM WAS ABSENT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JULY 11, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ABSTAINED.  NAYS:  0.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO PRESENT THE REST OF THE ITEMS UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD FIND A MEMO IN THEIR PACKETS WITH SPECIFIC DATES FOR FILMING IN THE MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR THE REALITY SHOW.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION APPROVING THESE SPECIFIC DATES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM (D), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK REGARDING ITEM (E), DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASING THE FARM LAND KNOWN AS “AIRPORT FARM” AFTER THE CURRENT LEASE EXPIRES.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THERE ARE 110 (MORE OR LESS) ACRES OF FARM LAND AND THAT THERE ARE A COUPLE DIFFERENT WAYS TO HANDLE LEASING OF THIS PROPERTY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED PRIOR ZONING ADMINISTRATOR DAVID GARAVALIA TO ALSO SPEAK ON THIS TOPIC.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS NEEDS TO BE A PUBLIC BID AND THAT CASH RENT IS RECOMMENDED, BUT, COST SHARE OF 2/3 -1/3 IS ANOTHER WAY TO GO ABOUT LEASING THIS PROPERTY.  MR. GARAVALIA EXPLAINED PROS AND CONS OF BOTH SCENARIOS.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD RECOMMEND NOT INCLUDING A PORTION OF INDUSTRIAL II IN THIS LEASE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM AND REVISIT AFTER FURTHER DISCUSSIONS HAVE TAKEN PLACE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

THERE WAS NO PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM IS ONGOING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CHANGING THE DATE FOR CHRISTMAS IN JULY TO JULY 29^TH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION 22-10 TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF CHRISTMAS IN JULY AND LIGHTING OF THE SQUARE ON AUGUST 6, 2022.  THIS IS RESOLUTION #22-10.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ADDING AN ADA PARKING SPOT ON THE CORNER OF WEST MAIN AND PINE STREET.  THIS IS NEXT TO THE FEDERAL COURT HOUSE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00375 TO EVAPAR FOR STATION BACKUP GENERATOR AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,796.20.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED JULY 22, 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $71,762.49 AND WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,058.68 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $97,821.17.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

UNDER OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO HIS ATTENTION THAT CAN EMPTYING ON THE SQUARE IS NOT BEING HANDLED IN A GOOD MANNER.  HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH REPUBLIC SERVICES AND TRY TO GET THIS TAKEN CARE OF TWICE A WEEK. 

NO NEW BUSINESS.

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE. 

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

6:26 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JULY 11, 2022 AT 6:00 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 JUNE 27, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ SAID THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN WITH THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RUSSELL JAY STAGLIK TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE WAS RAISED IN BENTON AND HAD MOVED AWAY OVER 20 YEARS AGO TO PURSUE A CAREER IN TELEVISION.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE IS A PRODUCER AND HAD PRODUCED SHOWS BASED ON TV SHOWS SUCH AS THE SIMPLE LIFE (WHICH WAS A REALITY SHOW BASED ON GREEN ACRES) AND KEEPING UP WITH THE KARDASHIAN (A REALITY SHOW BASED ON THE BRADY BUNCH), AND THAT HE WILL BE FILMING A REALITY SHOW IN BENTON BASED ON SCHITT’S CREEK.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT TWO SURPRISE CELEBRITIES WILL FLY INTO THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT AND LIVE AMONGST THE CITIZENS OF BENTON FOR 5-6 WEEKS.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE KNEW THERE WERE TOWNSPEOPLE WHO WERE SKEPTICAL AND DID NOT WANT BENTON TO BE MADE FUN OF.  MR. STAGLIK STATED THAT HE WAS NOT HERE TO MAKE FUN OF ANYONE IN BENTON AND THAT IF ANYONE WAS MADE FUN OF, IT WOULD BE THE CELEBRITIES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THANKED MR. STAGLIK FOR COMING TO TOWN. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF WE HAD ANY MORE INFORMATION REGARDING INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT WE HAD RECEIVED A BID AND HAD MOVED FORWARD WITH THE DRIVE THRU FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT, BUT THAT WE WERE STILL WAITING ON MORE INFORMATION FOR A BULLET PROOF WALL AND WINDOWS FOR CITY HALL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF WE WERE READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUNINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS ITEM WOULD NEED TO BE TABLED AGAIN.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUNINGER AVIATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT BROOK CRAIG TO THE POLICE PENSION BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS AND TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00663 TO SANDNER ELECTRIC FOR A LIFT STATION AT CLEARVIEW IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,049.32.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT WE NEEDED TO RESCIND THE LAKE LOT TRANSFER APPROVAL OF 119B THAT WAS DONE A FEW MEETINGS AGO AS THE SALE DID NOT GO THROUGH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT HAVE DEPARTMENT REPORTS TO PRESENT AT THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FROM NEWMAN OUT OF DES MOINES, IOWA FOR PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $156,700.00.  THE CITY LOGO WILL BE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE WATER TOWER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH STATED THAT THE SUMMER ROAD PROGRAM HAD BEGUN AND STORM CLEANUP WAS STILL UNDERWAY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING A PLAYGROUND AT 304 GRAND STREET WITH LITTLE COST TO THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE TOTAL PROJECTED COST OF THE PROJECT IS $77,650.00.  OF THE TOTAL COST, $35,000.00 IN PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT TO BE PROVIDED BY THE REALITY SHOW PRODUCTION.  THE REMAINING COSTS TO BE COVERED BY DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE’S BANK, EARTH SERVICES, AND OTHER PARTNERS.  LABOR THE ROCK AND CONCRETE ARE TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE MOTION ON THE TABLE WAS TO APPROVE FUNDING THE PROJECT.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR AN EVENT IN JULY ON JULY 23, 2022 FROM 12 P.M. TO 10 P.M.  THIS IS RESOLUTION #22-08.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A RESOLUTION CLOSING THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL CHAMBER CAR SHOW ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2022 FROM 12:00 P.M. TO 6 P.M.  THIS IS RESOLUTION #22-09.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2022 MFT OIL AND CHIP PROGRAM FROM ILLINOIS ASPHALT CORPORATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $157,773.28.  THIS WAS THE ONLY BID RECEIVED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MCLEANSBORO AND JOPLIN STREET MILL AND OVERLAY PROJECT WITH THE LOW BID FROM E.T. SIMMONDS CONSTRUCTION, CO. IN THE AMOUNT OF $277,034.10.  BIDS WERE ALSO RECEIVED FROM SAMROM MIDWEST CONTRACTING, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $313,224.00 AND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ASPHALT IN THE AMOUNT OF $325,194.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 #00374 TO ESO FOR EMERGENCY REPORTING IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,633.00.  THIS PURCHASE ORDER WAS SUBMITTED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  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 PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $444,922.81.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JULY 8, 2022 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $61,526.63 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,789.17 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $87,315.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER PERKINS, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ATTENDANCE OF THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO BY FRED KONDRITZ, CATHY GARAVALIA, LEE MESSERSMITH, COY COCKRUM, BROOK CRAIG, BRIAN CALCATERRA, AND TOM MALKOVICH.  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 ATTENDANCE OF THE ANNUAL TIF CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO BY BRIAN CALCATERRA AND TOM MALKOVICH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED THE COUNCIL THEIR OPINION ON LEAVING THE BUNTINGS UP AT CAPITAL PARK OR TAKING THEM DOWN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALL VOICED THEIR THOUGHTS OF LEAVING THE BUNTINGS UP UNTIL SEPTEMBER 11, 2022.  MAYOR KONDRITZ AGREED THAT THIS WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE TIME. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER WOULD BE A BLAST OR SPRAY.  CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS STATED THAT THIS IS A SPRAY.  ROCKY MORRIS ASKED THE COUNCIL IF THEY WERE AWARE THAT THE 2021 TAXES, 4^TH DISBURSEMENT, HAD NOT BEEN SENT OUT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE CITY WAS AWARE OF THIS.  WILLIAM MCPHERSON ASKED WHAT THE SIZE OF THE COMMUNITY PARK WOULD BE AND WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAKING CARE OF IT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS PLAYGROUND AREA WOULD BE ON ONE CITY LOT AND IT WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  LENNIE SHELTON FROM THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ASKED IF THE PARK WOULD BE HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS PARK WOULD NOT BE.  AKASH PATEL STATED THAT HE FELT LIKE THIS PARK WOULD BE VANDALIZED.  MATT HARRISON, AIRPORT MANAGER, STATED THAT THE AIRPORT SIGN IS UP AND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN TWO FOOD TRUCK FLY INS, 1 WAS CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER THOUGH.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THE RUNWAY WILL BE REPAINTED IN THE NEXT WEEKS.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO THE SPECIAL EVENT AT THE AIRPORT FROM 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M. ON JULY 13, 2022. 

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

6:57 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 27, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ABSTAIN:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND PRESENT FIRST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE MATT WARREN AS A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER.  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 FIREFIGHTER WARREN TO COME TO THE FRONT OF THE COUNCIL ROOM.  MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN FIREFIGHTER WARREN AND AN OATH WAS SIGNED. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00063 TO MAJESTIC ENTERPRISE FOR A 20-FOOT COURTYARD SERIES FLAG POLE AND INSTALLATION AT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $985.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS FLAG POLE WAS DESTROYED IN A STORM.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED DEPARTMENT REPORTS FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS.  THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR INCIDENTS BETWEEN 05/01/22 AND 05/31/22 AND INCLUDED 9 FIRES, 35 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE CALLS, 4 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS, 5 SERVICE CALLS, 6 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 4 FALL ALARM/FALSE CALLS FOR A TOTAL OF 63 INCIDENTS.  THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FOR INCIDENTS BETWEEN 05/26/22 AND 06/26/22 AND INCLUDED 9 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 9 TRAFFIC STOPS, 3 TRAFFIC CITATIONS ISSUES, 12 CRIMINAL ARRESTS, 14 ALARM CALLS, 2 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ARMED PERSON CALL, 1 ASSAULT/BATTERY CALL, 18 DISORDERLY CONDUCT CALLS, 29 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 3 FIGHT-IN-PROGRESS CALLS, 11 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 1 MISSING JUVENILE CALL, 2 PROWLER CALLS, 29 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 26 THEFT CALLS, 16 WELFARE CHECKS, AND 290 OTHER CALLS WITH A TOTAL DISPATCHED CALLS EQUALLY 443.  IN ADDITION, COMMISSIONER STOREY DISTRIBUTED A MEMO FROM CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER THAT WAS A LETTER OF RECOGNITION FOR OFFICER MORGAN CORN’S PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE ASSISTING THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES INVESTIGATOR ANGELO HIGHTOWER ON JUNE 17^TH, 2022.  THE MEMO STATED THAT INVESTIGATOR HIGHTOWER REPORTED THAT OFFICER CORN WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL AND VERY HELPFUL. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD NO LAKE LOT LEASES FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT REPORT TO THE COUNCIL.  THE REPORT WAS FOR DATES OF 06/01/22 TO 06/27/22 AND INCLUDED 12 SERVICE LEAKS, 2 NEW SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, 4 SEWER CALLS TO THE FRANKLIN HOSPITAL, 1 INK HOUSE, SEWER ISSUE ON SOUTH NINTH STREET, SEWER ISSUE ON SOUTH FIRST STREET, CHANGING OF THE PUMP ON THE LIFT STATION AT CLEARVIEW, SEWER SINK HOLE ON FAIRLAND STREET, AND THE “SHUT OFF LIST” FOR NONPAYMENT WAS COMPLETED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS AND NO DEPARTMENT REPORT TO SHARE AT THIS MEETING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE BIDS FOR THE MCLEANSBORO AND JOPLIN STREET OVERLAY PROJECT WILL BE OPENED NEXT WEEK.  ALSO, THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT BIDS WILL BE DONE IN AUGUST. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED 06/10/22 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,047.95 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,416.28 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,464.23.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR HIMSELF.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL, A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BULLET PROOF GLASS AND BULLET PROOF WALLS.  THERE WERE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT GRADE OF “BULLET PROOF” OR “BULLET RESISTANT” MATERIALS THAT WERE TO BE USED.  BECAUSE OF THIS, A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM 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. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY PASSES A RESOLUTION ALLOWING THE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE OCCASIONALLY AND THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA WOULD LIKE TO DO THIS AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-07 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS REAL ESTATE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE NEEDS A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POTENTIAL BUSINESS LOCATING TO INDUSTRIAL PARK II, AS THERE IS NOT ENOUGH INFORMATION TO MOVE FORWARD AT THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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 STATED THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH PEOPLE IN MALKOVICH PARK AFTER HOURS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THERE ARE HOMELESS PEOPLE SLEEPING IN THE PARK, URINATING IN THE PARK, LEAVING LITTER IN THE PARK, AND SOMEONE WAS ACTUALLY DAUGHTER SHOWERING IN THE GAZEBO AT THE PARK.  THE POLICE HAVE BEEN CALLED ON NUMEROUS INCIDENTS INCLUDING ONE INCLUDING THE MAYOR AND HIS WIFE BEING THREATENED BY ONE OF THE HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN THE PARK.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW SIGNS TO BE HUNG IN THE PARK STATING THE HOURS THE PARK IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.  THE SIGNS WILL STATE PARK HOURS BETWEEN 6 A.M. AND 10 P.M. AND PARK CLOSED HOURS WILL BE 10 P.M. TO 6 A.M.   MAYOR KONDRITZ WOULD LIKE THE SIGNS HUNG AT MALKOVICH PARK AND CAPITAL PARK.  COMMISSIONER STOREY 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. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE IS NO UPDATE ON THE GRUENINGER AVIATION AIRPORT GROUND LEASE AND SO HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE THE ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AN AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER STATED THAT TE CONDUIT IN MALKOVICH PARK IS BROKEN AND NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD CONTACT MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC TO HAVE THIS FIXED. 

FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL TO UPDATE THEM ON SOME TRAINING HIS DEPARTMENT IS DOING WITH THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THE SECOND WEEK OF JULY THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE DOING ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING WITH THE RESPONSE TEAM.  HE STATED THAT BENTON’S TWO DEPARTMENTS ARE HIGHLY TRAINED AND WILL BE OPEN TO ASSIST OTHER SCHOOLS IF AN ACTIVE SHOOTER INCIDENT WERE TO HAPPEN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THAT THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT SEEMS TO BE THE DEPARTMENT THAT GETS TO THE SCENE FIRST AND ASKED IF THEY HAVE ALL THE EQUIPMENT NEEDED IN THAT SITUATION.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT DOES HAVE EQUIPMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THEN ASKED IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IS ARMED WITH WEAPONS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ONLY OWNS 3 AR-15’S AND THAT IS BECAUSE THE CITY DOES NOT PURCHASE GUNS AND THE OFFICERS DO NOT WANT TO SPEND THE $1,500.00-$2,000.00 THEMSELVES TO ACQUIRE THIS GUN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE ABOUT ADDING THIS TYPE OF PURCHASE TO NEXT YEAR’S BUDGET. 

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

6:40 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JUNE 13, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TRANSFER LAKE LOT LEASE #119A AND #119B FROM THE BETTY J JONES TRUST TO DANIEL AND SHERRIE HAMMONDS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE ONLY THING HE NEEDED TO REPORT ON HIS DEPARTMENT WAS THAT THERE WOULD BE A BID OPENING FOR PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER ON JULY 7, 2022. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE ONLY THINGS HE NEEDS TO REPORT ON HIS DEPARTMENT ARE THAT THERE WILL BE A BID OPENING ON JULY 6, 2022 FOR THE 2023 MFT PROGRAM AND HE WILL BE HAVING A MEETING WITH CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS FOR CURBS ON WASTENA AND TO DISCUSS ISSUES WITH LINCOLN DRIVE. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER STOREY, ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH PRESENTED THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00059 TO LARRY J FREDERICKS, LLC FOR BALLISTIC HELMETS AND POINT-BLANK STEEL CARRIER VESTS FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,688.40.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00373 TO WITMER PUBLIC SAFETY GROUP FOR A PART OF GLOBE BOOTS TO REPLACEMENT BOOTS WITH HOLES FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $517.85.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING JAMES PRITCHARD AS A POLICE OFFICER.  CHIEF FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT OFFICER JAMES PRITCHARD HAD SUBMITTED A LETTER NOTIFYING THE MERIT BOARD, CHIEF, AND CITY COUNCIL THAT HE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ACCEPT THE POSITION OF POLICE OFFICER AT THIS TIME.  THERE WAS NO FURTHER ACTION TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. WARREN HAS PASSED ALL BACKGROUND AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS.  CHIEF COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HIRE MR. WARREN AS A FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTER AT THIS TIME TO HELP CUT DOWN ON OVERTIME THAT MAY BE INCURRED BY VACATIONS AND SUCH.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF MATT WARREN AS A FIREFIGHTER.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT HIRING OF PERSONNEL SHOULD BE DONE WITH A FULL COUNCIL AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT FEEL HE COULD SECOND THE MOTION AT THIS TIME.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND. 

IN THE ABSENCE OF COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $352,278.20.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF BILLS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PAYROLL FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,322.84, FIRE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,275.13, AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,685.89 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $109,283.86.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PAYROLL.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED AN INVOICE FOR DO YOUR PART RECYCLING IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,400.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO PAY DO YOUR PART $2,400.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR HIMSELF.

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

UNDER ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING SECURITY MEASURES AT CITY HALL, A DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING BULLET PROOF GLASS AND BULLET PROOF WALLS.  BECAUSE THERE WERE NO BIDS TO EXAMINE AT THIS TIME, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF DAVID BOOKER’S REQUEST TO RAISE THE COST OF MOWING OF NUISANCE LAWNS DUE TO HIGHER COST OF FUEL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA HAS REQUESTED THAT THE DECISION OF WHETHER OR NOT TO RAISE PAYMENT BE BASED UPON HOW THE COUNCIL VOTED TO RAISE OR NOT RAISE PAYMENT FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTY MOWING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO DENY THIS REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN PAY TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE IN CITY OWNED PROPERTY MOWING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED PAPERWORK FOR VACATING A PORTION OF PARK STREET.  IT WAS STATED THAT THE CITY WOULD STILL MAINTAIN AN EASEMENT OF THIS STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENTED A FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION MADE BY AKASH PATEL.  REIMBURSEMENT WOULD BE $5,000.00 AND ESTIMATED COMPLETE DATE OF THIS PROJECT IS OCTOBER 1, 2022.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS FAÇADE GRANT APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LEASING A LOT IN THE BENTON INDUSTRIAL TIF UNTIL A FUTURE DATE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (H) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT WE HAVE A BIT OF A HOMELESS PERSON PROBLEM IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  DISCUSSION WAS HELD WITH NO SOLUTIONS AGREED UPON.   COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DOESN’T BELIEVE WE SHOULD TURN OUR BACK ON THE HOMELESS POPULATION. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF VACATING THE SECITN OF PARK STREET WOULD CAUSE ISSUES BECAUSE OF MANHOLES IN THE ROAD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THERE IS NO SEWER IN THIS AREA.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED WHAT THE CITY IS PLANNING TO DO ABOUT ELECTRIC AGGREGATION.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE CITY’S BROKER, REG ANKROM, IS WATCHING THE MARKET CLOSELY.  SHE STATED THAT THE CITIZENS WILL BE SWITCHED BACK TO AMEREN AND THAT THE RATE IS PROJECTED TO BE $0.1067 KWH WHERE OTHER SUPPLIERS ARE COMING IN WITH RATES BETWEEN $0.16 KWH AND $0.17 KWH.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT CITIZENS HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE THEIR ELECTRIC SUPPLIER, BUT SHE URGED THEM TO READ THE FINE PRINT BEFORE SIGNING OFF ON ANYTHING.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF THE CITY PLANS TO CLEAN UP THE MESS IN THE CLARIFIERS AT THE OLD WWTP.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT DUCKS ARE BUILDING NESTS IN THEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

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

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 23, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MAY 9, 2022.  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 IF THERE WERE ANY UPDATES REGARDING ITEM (C) UNDER THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THERE WERE NO UPDATES AT THIS TIME AND REQUESTED THAT THIS ITEM BE TABLED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  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 ZONING OFFICIAL BRIAN CALCATERRA TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF VACATING AN ALLEY LOCATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A PETITION TO VACATE A 20-FOOT-WIDE ALLEY RUNNING NORTH AND SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 352.5 FEET THAT IS SITUATED WEST OF LOTS 102 THROUGH 108 AND EAST OF LOTS 109 THROUGH 115 IN CRISP, COPPLE, AND MARTIN’S ADDITION TO THE CITY OF BENTON, SITUATED IN FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND THAT ALL FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS HAD BEEN PAID.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE VACATING THIS ALLEY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND THE COUNCIL FOR ACTING ON THE ITEMS THEY HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS HE FEELS THAT THE CITY OF BENTON HAS BEEN OVERLOOKED, BUT HE FEELS THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE REALLY HAS SET BENTON OFF AND HE FEELS WE ARE ON OUR WAY TO BETTER OPPORTUNITIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED HIS DEPARTMENT REPORT.  BETWEEN MAY 1, 2022 AND MAY 23, 2022 THERE WERE SERVICE LEAKS ON BOWLING ALLEY ROAD, SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, POPE STREET, FIFTH STREET, NINTH STREET, SHERIDAN DRIVE, FOURTH STREET, AND COMMERCIAL STREET.  THERE WERE WATER MAIN BREAKS ON EAST MAIN STREET AND SPANI STREET.  THERE WAS ONE NEW SERVICE PUT IN AT LAKE MOSES.  THERE WERE SEWER ISSUES AT THE HOSPITAL (3 TIMES), SINK HOLE ON FIRST STREET, SEWER ON SOUTH MCLEANSBORO STREET, LIFT STATION ON CLEARVIEW, SEWER SINK HOLE IN THE 200 BLOCK OF MITCHELL STREET, AND SEWER AT JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER (5 HOURS).  GENERAL WORK IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT CONSISTED OF THE MONTHLY SHUT OFF LIST, 76 JULIE CALLS MARKED, AND CLEANED OUT 13 METER PITS FOR METER REPAIRS. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM DAVID BOOKER FOR AN INCREASE IN HIS PAYMENT FOR MOWING AT TWIN OAKS AND THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  MR. BOOKER’S REQUESTED STATED HE WAS ASKING FOR AN INCREASE OF $25 AT THE AIRPORT PER MOW AND $20.00 PER MOW AT TWIN OAKS DUE TO FUEL PRICES REACHING OVER $5.00 PER GALLON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT SINCE THE BID HAD BEEN ACCEPTED, THE CITY HAS SOLD TWO PIECES OF PROPERTY INCLUDED IN THE TWIN OAKS MOW AND THEREFORE HE DID NOT FEEL THE TWIN OAKS INCREASE WAS WARRANTED.  HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PROBLEM WITH GIVING AN INCREASE IN THE AIRPORT PRICE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE PAYMENT TO DAVID BOOKER TO $225.00 PER MOW FOR THE AIRPORT PROPERTY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  NAYS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A REQUEST TO PERMIT A CAMPER TO SIT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TWIN OAKS ON JUNE 6, 2022.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALLOW THIS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THIS AS IT HAD BEEN DONE IN THE PAST AND FELT THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ALLOW IT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO NOT ALLOW A CAMPER TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY AT TWIN OAKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER STOREY AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  CITY CLERK CLARIFIED THAT THE MOTION WAS TO NOT ALLOW THE CAMPER TO PARK ON THE PROPERTY. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED THE REPORT FOR HIS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER.  THE REPORT STATED THAT THERE WAS CONCRETE WORK DONE ON THE SIDEWALK ON THE FIRST BLOCK OF JOPLIN STREET AND A DRIVEWAY POURED BACK ON WHISPER WAY FROM REPAIRING A WATER LEAK.  THERE WAS A NEW TILE PLACED ON MITCHELL STREET.  A NEW TRAFFIC CONTROL LIGHT AT THE INTERSECTION OF ROUTE 37 NORTH AND ILLINOIS AVENUE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TO DATE 40 TON OF COLD PATCH AND 20 TON OF BAM HAVE BEEN USED.  THE STREET DEPARTMENT SPENT FOUR DAYS WEED EATING AND CLEANING THE MAIN PARADE ROUTE.  THE MECHANIC HAS COMPLETELY REDONE THE WATER DEPARTMENT DUMP TRUCK, COMPLETED SERVICE ON THREE OF THE BACKHOES, AND DONE ALL THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE ON THE OTHER VEHICLES.  THE MOWER IS BEING RAN EVERY DAY.  FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MONTH OF MAY, THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE PATCHING HOLES LEFT FROM THE WET WINTER AND SPRING AS WELL AS WORKING ON A MAJOR DRAINAGE ISSUE BEHIND THE APARTMENTS ON LINCOLN DRIVE. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IF HE COULD FIND OUT WHY THE ISLAND BESIDE US BANK HAS NOT BEEN MOWED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND GET AN ANSWER FOR THE MAYOR. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #0057 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR EQUIPMENT FOR TWO NEW POLICE SUVS IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,658.65.  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 #00058 TO LAWMAN FOR ANNUAL SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE AND SUBSCRIPTION IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT.  FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL, 2022, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 8 FIRES, 1 OVERPRESSURE RUPTURE/EXPLOSION/OVERHEAT (NO FIRE), 27 RESCUE AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES, 5 HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS (NO FIRE), 5 SERVICE CALLS, 3 GOOD INTENT CALLS, AND 4 FALSE ALARM/FALSE CALLS.  THIS CAME TO A TOTAL OF 53 CALLS RESPONDED TO BY THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTER CODY SHOCKLEY DUE TO CHANGES IN HIS WORK SCHEDULE.  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 ADD ANDREW CAIREL TO THE PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  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 HIRE MATT WARREN AS A FULLTIME FIREFIGHTER ON A 60-DAY-TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT AT A RATE OF $15.00 PER HOUR WITH NO BENEFITS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO INCREASE THE RATES FOR “TREAT NO TRANSPORT” AND MILEAGE FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CALLS.  CURRENTLY “TREAT NO TRANSPORT” IS $0.00 AND IT WOULD BE RAISED TO $300.00 AND MILEAGE IS CURRENTLY $12.00 PER MILE AND WOULD BE INCREASED TO $18.00 PER HOUR.  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 NO PURCHASE ORDERS OR MONTHLY BILLS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MAY 13, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,635.15 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $54,648.26 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,283.41.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 CONSTRUCTION OF A DRIVE-UP TUBE SYSTEM FOR THE BENTON CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,656.00.  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 CONSTRUCTION OF A DROP BOX FOR WATER BILLS AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,603.80.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REQUEST BIDS TO REPLACE THE FENCING AT MALKOVICH PARK.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO CEASE PROVIDING INSURANCE FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AS OF JUNE 1, 2022.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE RECOMMENDED THE COUNCIL DISCUSS THIS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION BEFORE A DECISION WAS MADE. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT A BAD DEBT WRITE OFF POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  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 ADOPT A SUSPENSION AND DEBARMENT POLICY FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER STATED THAT HE WAS GLAD THE COUNCIL DID NOT INCREASE THE PAY FOR MOWING AS IT WOULD BE A BAD PRACTICE TO INCREASE A LOW BID.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE WOULD LOVE TO SEE THE COUNCIL MEMBERS ATTEND A COUNTY BOARD MEETING. 

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JASON SEDDON OF 1215 GRAYSON STATED THAT THE BENTON SQUARE LOOKS WONDERFUL.  HOWEVER, MR. SEDDON ASKED IF THE COUNCIL COULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT HIS NEIGHBORHOOD WHERE THERE IS EXCESS TRASN, A PERMANENT YARD SALE, AND COOPER BURNS ALONG WITH “METH AND CRACK PROBLEMS”.  HE ALSO STATED THAT THERE ARE MOSQUITO PROBLEMS AND A LOT OF SPEEDING.  MR. SEDDON ASKED THAT HE IS VERY HAPPY THAT THE DOWNTOWN AREA LOOKS NICE, BUT ASKS THAT THE COUNCIL NOT FORGET THE REST OF TOWN. 

MATTHEW HARRISON, AIRPORT MANAGER, STATED THAT THE NEW SIGN HAS BEEN PLACED AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE AIRPORT.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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 MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

7:45 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION IN REFERENCE TO ITEM 7(E) UNDER ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE TO CEASE ALL INSURANCE BENEFITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS EFFECTIVE JUNE 1, 2022.  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 ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

7:50 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 25, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022.  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 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PRESENT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FY 2022-2023 BUDGET BECAUSE CITY TREASURER LISA MENO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00671 FROM LENSING BUILDING SPECIALTIES FOR TWO MAGIC FORCE SINGLE AUTO OPERATOR DOORS, INSTALLED, FOR A TOTAL OF $7,995.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS WILL MAKE THE ENTRY DOORS AT CITY HALL ADA COMPLIANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID FROM WYANT CONSTRUCTION FOR A WINDOW AND WALL IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA BROUGHT A MOTION TO THE FLOOR TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THE MOTION MADE BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS ABLE TO HAPPEN.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT UNFORTUNATELY FOR COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, THE SECOND MOTION IS THE ACTIVE MOTION AND MUST BE ACTED UPON FIRST.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN SECONDED THE MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE FUNDING FOR THE VACTOR SEWER TRUCK FROM STATE BANK OF WHITTINGTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000.00 WITH A 3.5% INTEREST RATE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT TREASURER LISA MENO AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WILL BE SIGNERS ON THIS ACCOUNT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASING MATERIALS FOR THE PARRISH STREET WATER MAIN PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR NON-DOWNTOWN TIF BUSINESS OWNERS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-05 FOR THE BCHS GRADUATION PARADE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO HIRE LOGAN DARR IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THIS POSITION WILL MAINLY BE FOR MOWING AND THAT MR. DARR WILL START ON 05/09/22 PENDING MR. DARR PASSING HIS PRE-EMPLOYMENT TESTING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT MR. DARR WOULD START AT $17.40 PER HOUR.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR THE MFT ROCK BID AS THE BID TABULATION HAD NOT BEEN RECEIVED.  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 #00056 TO MORROW BROTHERS FORD FOR TWO 2022 FORD EXPLORER POLICE INTERCEPTORS IN THE AMOUNT OF $73,160.00.  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 NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF APPOINTING CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS POLICE CHIEF WITH A 15-MONTH CONTRACT SINCE OFFICER FUNKHOUSER HAD A DEATH IN HIS FAMILY AND HAD NOT HAD TIME TO GO OVER THE CONTRACT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE DID NOT THINK WE SHOULD WAIT TO APPROVE THIS.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO START THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS FOR LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO START THE TESTING PROCESS FOR THE POLICE OFFICER ELIGIBILITY LIST.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  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 THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $35,044.65.  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 FOR APRIL 14, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,163.50 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,237.03 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $83,400.53.  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 APRIL 29, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $53,456.54 AND FOR ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,683.04 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $99,139.55.  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 A PAY RESOLUTION FOR NON-CONTRACT/NON-UNION EMPLOYEES GIVING THE CITY TREASURER, CITY CLERK, BILLING CLERK, WATER CLERK, AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR A $2,100 RAISE TO THEIR BASE SALARY ONE TIME AND A 2% INCREASE IN FY 2023-2024.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DISCUSS THIS ITEM IN EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 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 MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA AND COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH THE NEW OWNERS OF THE LAKE HAMILTON LOTS AND THAT THEY ARE VERY HAPPY. 

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

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT GRUENINGER AVIATION WAS NOT READY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THE AVIATION LEASE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  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 A MOTION APPROVING BROWN AND ROBERTS AS THE AIRPORT SPONSOR.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE LAND OWNER AT LAKE BENTON, WHERE THE STORM SIREN IS LOCATED, HAS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THIS SIREN RELOCATED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IF THIS IS RELOCATED, IT WILL BE MOVED TO CITY HALL TO HELP WITH STORM NOTIFICATIONS ON THE SOUTH END OF TOWN. 

ALSO, IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE AN UPDATE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MOWING FOR THE CITY OF BENTON HAD BEGUN, THERE WERE 11 SERVICE LEAKS FIXED, NUMEROUS SINK HOLES FILLED, ELECTRICAL AT THE STREET BARN HAS BEEN COMPLETED, THERE WAS A POWER OUTAGE AT THE WATER BARN THAT HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE PARRISH STREET WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT WILL BEGIN IN JUNE, THE WATER DEPARTMENT IS WAITING ON EQUIPMENT FOR GROUND STORAGE, AND WHEN SCHOOL LETS OUT THE DAMAGED FIRE HYDRANT IN FRONT OF THE HIGH SCHOOL WILL BE REMOVED AND CAPPED AS THERE ARE FIRE HYDRANTS ON BOTH ENDS OF THE PROPERTY EVEN AFTER THIS HAS BEEN REMOVED.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT RODNEY POTTS WITH JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES AS APPLIED FOR THE WATER PERMITS FOR WEST MAIN STREET, DUQUOIN STREET, AND MAPLE STREET. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE NEW EMPLOYEE IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT WILL BE GRADER CERTIFIED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THIS TIME, MAJORITY OF THIS POSITION WILL BE FOR MOWING.  MR. CARTER ASKED COMMISSIONER COCKRUM IF THE VACUUM TRUCK THAT IS BEING PURCHASED IS THE SAME AS WHAT THE CITY ALREADY HAS AND IF ANYONE HAS SEEN A DEMONSTRATION OF THIS MACHINE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAS SEEN A DEMONSTRATION AND THAT THIS IS THE SAME MACHINE, BUT MORE MODERN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE CAPABILITIES OF THIS MACHINE HAVE INCREASED.

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, CITY TREASURER LISA MENO STATED THAT SHE HOPED THAT THE NON-CONTRACT/NON-UNION EMPLOYEES PAY RESOLUTION WOULD NOT BE DENIED AS COLLATERAL DAMAGE DUE TO A WAR AMONGST THE COMMISSIONERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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 COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:55 P.M. 

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

8:00 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN PAY FOR THE TREASURER, CITY CLERK, BILLING CLERK, WATER CLERK, AND ZONING ADMINISTRATOR OF $40 PER WEEK FOR FY 2022-2023 IN LIEU OF PASSING A PAY RESOLUTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN STATED THAT SHE DID NOT FEEL GOOD ABOUT DOING THE INCREASE THIS WAY AND WOULD IMMEDIATELY LIKE TO WITHDRAW HER MOTION.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN MADE A MOTION TO ADOPT PAY RESOLUTION #22-06 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 AND 2023-2024.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  2.   COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

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

8:05 p.m.

                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MAY 9, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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 PUBLIC HEARING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED TO GO OUT OF ORDER FOR THIS MEETING AND BEGIN WITH COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS BENTON POLICE CHIEF WITH A 15-MONTH CONTRACT AND A STARTING SALARY OF $67,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AT THIS TIME.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF UNION CONTRACT FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO HIRE A 6^TH FIREMAN.  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 THE COUNCIL SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED A REPORT IN THEIR PACKET FOR POLICE DEPARTMENT INCIDENTS IN THE MONTH OF APRIL.  THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 431 DISPATCH CALLS THAT INCLUDED 28 ALARM CALLS, 3 AMBULANCE CALLS, 1 ARMED PERSON CALL, 2 ASSAULT/BATTERY CALLS, 16 DISORDERLY CALLS, 21 DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, 4 FIGHT-IN-PROGRESS CALLS, 15 JUVENILE PROBLEM CALLS, 2 MISSING JUVENILE CALLS, 1 PROWLER CALL, 24 SUSPICIOUS PERSON CALLS, 19 THEFT CALLS, 13 WELFARE CHECKS, AND OTHER CALLS IN THE AMOUNT OF 289.  THE REPORT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 13 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTS COMPLETED, 24 TRAFFIC STOPS, AND 9 TOTAL CRIMINAL ARRESTS. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA TO PRESENT THE ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE REPORT TO THE COUNCIL AT THIS TIME. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $236,912.40.  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 MAY 2, 2022 FOR THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,125.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A WRITTEN POLICY ON WHETHER OR NOT THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE REMEMBERED THE COUNCIL MAKING AN AGREEMENT TO NOT TAKE THE HEALTH INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT AT THE TIME HE SAID HE DIDN’T CARE EITHER WAY BECAUSE HE HAD INSURANCE AT THAT TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CIRCUMSTANCES HAVE SINCE CHANGED AND HE RECENTLY BEGAN TAKING THE HEALTH INSURANCE THROUGH THE CITY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD DONE SOME RESEARCH ON INSURANCE THAT IS AVAILABLE THROUGH CONTINENTAL TIRE (WHERE COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH’S WIFE WORKS) AND THAT COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH IS ABLE TO GET INSURANCE THROUGH THAT COMPANY.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE FELT CALLING HIS WIFE’S EMPLOYER WAS AN OVERSTEP AND THAT IF INFORMATION ABOUT HIS WIFE’S INSURANCE WAS NEEDED, HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN APPROACHED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO FORM A COMMITTEE TO OFFER THEIR RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER THE CITY SHOULD OR SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO OFFER HEALTH INSURANCE TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WANTED NO PART OF THIS COMMITTEE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF THIS COMMITTEE AND THEN SECONDED THE MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

CITY ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ IF HE HAD SKIPPED HIS TURN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WAS NOT SKIPPING ANYONE, JUST GOING OUT OF ORDER FOR THE EVENING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.   

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH IF THERE WERE ANY FURTHER UPDATES ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AIRPORT GROUND LEASE TO GRUENINGER AVIATION.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT MR. MARK GRUENINGER WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND ASKED IF HE HAD ANY UPDATES.  MR. GRUENINGER STATED THAT HE HAS A MEETING ON MAY 11, 2022 WITH PEOPLE’S BANK TO REVIEW THE LEASE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED IF A MOTION COULD BE MADE BY THE COUNCIL TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL A FURTHER DATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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 STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A RESIGNATION FROM THE ZONING BOARD FROM JOHN MOHR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION.  MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION OF JOHN MOHR FROM THE ZONING BOARD WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT FRED KERLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO CALL A RECESS AT THIS TIME.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED MAYOR KONDRITZ HOW LONG THE RECESS WOULD BE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A 28-MINUTE RECESS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TAKE A 28-MINUTE RECESS, RESUMING SESSION AT 6:49 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:21 P.M.

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

6:44 P.M.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD ONLY RECEIVED ONE BID FOR FENCING AT THE STREET BARN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS BID WAS FOR $95,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE BID FOR FENCING AT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $95,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00662 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR A STOP LIGHT CONTROL MONITOR FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHTS ON NORTH MAIN AND PETROFF ROAD.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ACCEPTING THE LOW BID FOR MFT ROCK FROM BEELMAN LOGISTICS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,980.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE GUYS ALL HANDLED THE PARADE VERY WELL AND THAT ALL CANDY WAS PICKED UP OFF OF THE ROADWAYS. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ TOLD COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH THAT THERE WAS CURRENTLY A POTHOLE ON WHISPER WAY WHERE HE STATED “CARS DISAPPEAR”.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS RECEIVED SOME BIDS ON CONSTRUCTION IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT AT CITY HALL FROM ERWIN BUILDERS TO BUILD A WALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $8,610 AND RELOCATE THE DROP BOX IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,600.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD PRESENT THESE AT THE NEXT BOARD MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO HURT ANYONE FEELINGS WHEN DISAGREEING ON AN ITEM.  HOWEVER, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SHE WILL REMAIN FAIR AND WILL ALWAYS ADVOCATE FOR THE CITIZENS OF BENTON AND THEIR TAX DOLLARS BEING SPENT WISELY. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH MATTHEW HARRISON ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF RAISING THE FUEL COSTS AT THE AIRPORT. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AIRPORT IS AT LEAST BREAKING EVEN WITH THE FUEL SALES.  CITY CLERK, BROOK CRAIG, STATED THAT SHE BELIEVED A PROFIT WAS BEING MADE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS QUESTION WILL BE ASKED OF MATTHEW HARRISON. 

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

6:55 P.M. 

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

7:11 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION CONTRACT RETROACTIVE TO MAY 1, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 30, 2025.  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 ADJOURN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

7:15 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY APRIL 11, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ READ A POST FROM FACEBOOK REGARDING ALL THE GRAFFITI AROUND TOWN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT SEVERAL BUSINESSES, THE PARK, AND CAPITAL PARK HAD BEEN VANDALIZED WITH THIS GRAFFITI.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE RESPONSIBLE PARTIES WOULD BE PROSECUTED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (C), (D), (E), AND (F).

5. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO VACATE A PORTION OF CRIP AND COPPLE STREETS. MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE VACATING A PORTION OF CRISP STREET AND A PORTION OF COPPLE STREET ADJACENT TO THE CITY OF BENTON STREET DEPARTMENT FACILITY. 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. 

635. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FROM LANA BAIN OF BAIN AND ASSOCIATES. MRS. BAIN’S RECEIPTS SHOWED THAT SHE SPENT A TOTAL OF $6,635.00 AND THEREFORE SHE IS ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH THE GRANT OF $3,317.50. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS APPLICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

1. CALCATERRA STATED THAT HE ALSO RECEIVED AN APPLICATION FOR THE DOWNTOWN TIF FAÇADE PROGRAM FROM DAVID KIMMEL OF KIMMEL INSURANCE. MR. KIMMEL PRESENTED RECEIPTS SHOWING HE SPENT APPROXIMATELY $32,000.00 ON HIS PROJECT. THE MAXIMUM ALLOWED REIMBURSEMENT PER PROJECT IS $5,000.00.  MR. CALCATERRA ASKED FOR APPROVAL FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO MR. KIMMEL IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,000.00.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

5. CALCATERRA PRESENTED A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR HEIDI ZSIDO TO OWN AND OPERATE A HOME OCCUPATION (HAIR SALON) AT HER RESIDENCE OF 1354 WHISPER WAY. THIS WAS APPROVED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

500. CALCATERRA PRESENTED AN APPLICATION FOR A SPECIAL USE PERMIT MADE BY DOROTHY VOICE TO OWN AND OCCUPY A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AT 411 S. BROWN STREET. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AN EASEMENT HAS BEEN OBTAINED BY MRS. VOICE AFTER THIS WAS RECOMMENDED BY THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER. MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THE VOICE’S WERE INFORMED THEY COULD NOT PLACE THE MOBILE HOME IN THE CITY LIMITS WITHOUT A SPECIAL USE PERMIT AND THEY PLACED THE MOBILE HOME IN THE CITY LIMITS ANY WAY.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT IF THE COUNCIL APPROVES THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT, THEY WILL BE MAKING HIS JOB HARDER IN THE FUTURE AS THE VOICE’S DID NOT FOLLOW CITY ORDINANCE.  MRS. VOICE ASKED IF SHE COULD ADDRESS THE COUNCIL AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ALLOWED THIS.  MRS. VOICE STATED THAT THEY HAVE PLACED ALL THEIR RETIREMENT INTO THIS HOME AND IT WILL COST THEM ANOTHER $2,500.00 IF THEY ARE MADE TO MOVE THIS HOME. 

AFTER A LENGTHY DISCUSSION REGARDING THE PLACEMENT OF THE VOICE’S MOBILE HOME, COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO LEAVE THE MOBILE HOME WHERE IT IS AND APPROVE THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF THE MOTION BEING ON THE FLOOR, IT DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THEN MADE A MOTION TO DENY THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO OWN AND OCCUPY A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AT 411 SOUTH BROWN STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.

2022. CALCATERRA STATED THAT AN AUCTION WAS HELD AT THE BENTON CITY HALL ON APRIL 9, 2022. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 102 ALEXANDER DRIVE RECEIVED A BID OF $15,000.00. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $15,000.00 FOR 102 ALEXANDER DRIVE FROM JIM HUGHES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

800. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 104 ALEXANDER RECEIVED A BID FOR $10,800.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $10,800.00 FOR 104 ALEXANDER FROM JOHN DIETRICH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

200. CALCATERRA STATED THAT 105 ALEXANDER RECEIVED A BID OF $19,200.00. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE BID OF $19,200.00 FOR 105 ALEXANDER FROM JOHN DIETRICH. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001780 TO C AND C PUMPS AND SUPPLY FOR A NEW LIFT STATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,087.30.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.   VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00660 TO COE EQUIPMENT FOR A VACTOR SEWER TRUCK IN THE AMOUNT OF $315,000.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT IT WILL TAKE ONE YEAR FOR THIS TRUCK TO BE READY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOTS 12 AND ½ OF 11 FROM JIM AND VICKI PAGE TO DUSTIN AND CHELSEA CRISP.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CREATING A FAÇADE PROGRAM FOR BUSINESSES IN THE CITY LIMITS OF BENTON THAT ARE NOT IN THE TIF DISTRICT.  THE PROGRAM WOULD BE FOR A TOTAL OF $40,000.00 TO BE PAID FROM RESTRICTED FUNDS AND EACH BUSINESS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE UP TO $5,000.00 BACK FROM THE CITY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION # 22-04 FOR FUNDING THE EAST MAIN ROAD PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND EVERYONE OF THE NEW FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 11 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  THE PUBLIC SQUARE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DURING THIS TIME.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT FRANKLIN COUNTY WILL BE STRIPING THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE INSIDE OF THE SQUARE AND THEY HAVE ALSO AGREED TO RESTRIPE THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE SQUARE AS WELL AS REPAINT THE CROSSWALKS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00053 TO DATAPILOT FOR SOFTWARE RENEWAL FOR COMPUTER FORENSICS IN THE AMOUNT OF $995.00.  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 #00372 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICES FOR REPAIRS TO ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,761.98.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED ATTORNEY THOMAS MALKOVICH TO ADDRESS ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CONTINUING UNION NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THEY ARE CLOSE TO AN AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE FIREFIGHTERS ARE NEGOTIATING WAGES TO BE ABLE TO HIRE A SIXTH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM.  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 NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $365,357.20.  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 POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,401.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,176.11 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $101,577.93.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND CITY TREASURER LISA MENO FOR ALL THE WORK SHE HAS DONE TO PUT THE BUDGET TOGETHER THIS YEAR. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PLACING THE FY 2022-2023 BUDGET ON DISPLAY AT CITY HALL FOR A PERIOD OF TWO WEEKS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REQUIRE MONTHLY REPORTS FROM EACH DEPARTMENT TO BE READ AT THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS BEGINNING IN MAY OF 2022.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE DEPARTMENTS COULD SPLIT THE MEETINGS UP AND NOT EVERYONE PRESENT AT THE SAME MEETINGS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO UPDATES FROM ATTORNEY MALKOVICH FOR THIS MEETING. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMEND ACTING CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER FOR HOW TUNED IN HE HAS BEEN WITH THE GRAFFITI SITUATION IN TOWN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT ACTING CHIEF FUNKHOUSER IS DEFINITELY THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE JOB AND ASKED WHEN WE COULD APPOINT HIM AS FULL TIME CHIEF.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WHEN PREVIOUS CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS HAS BEEN PAID OUT HIS TIME, THIS COULD TAKE PLACE, AND CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN DONE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED COMMISSIONER STOREY TO GET THIS COMPLETED. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE IS STILL WORKING ON THE INSTALLATIONS OF PLAYGROUNDS THAT MAYOR KONDRITZ HAD ASKED HIM TO LOOK INTO.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE PROPERTY HE IS LOOKING AT IS IN A TRUST AND HE HAS TWO BANKS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN FUNDING THIS PROJECT.  THE PROPERTY USED TO HOUSE THE LINCOLN SCHOOL.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD UPDATE THE COUNCIL AS HE GAINS MORE INFORMATION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM SOMEONE ON THE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD LETTING HER KNOW THAT THE CITY CAN HAVE THE BENCHES THAT USED TO BE ON THE COURTHOUSE PROPERTY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO PLACE THESE BENCHES AT CAPITAL PARK. 

ALSO UNDER OLD BUSINESS, ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT PREVIOUSLY THE COUNCIL HAD BEEN ASKED TO REVISE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LAKE LOT LEASE FOR LAKE BENTON IN AN EFFORT FOR CERTAIN BANKS TO PROVIDE MORTGAGES FOR THESE PROPERTIES.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL DECIDED NOT TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE.  THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY APPROVED A LAKE LOT TRANSFER FOR LOT #31, BUT BECAUSE OF THIS LANGUAGE THE FAMILY COULD NOT OBTAIN A MORTGAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY WILL BE REFUNDING THE TRANSFER FEE OF $150.00 AT THE REQUEST OF THE BUYER. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. WILLIAM MCPHERSON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A PLAQUE OF SOME KIND PLACED BY THE MR. A STATUE SO THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT FROM BENTON WILL KNOW WHO THE STATUE IS OF AND WHY IT WAS PLACED THERE.  DAVE SEVERIN ASKED IF HE COULD ADDRESS THIS MATTER.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. 

REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN STATED THAT A PLAQUE IS BEING PLACED BY THE COMMITTEE WHO BROUGHT THE STATUE IN.  THE PLAQUE WILL HAVE NAMES OF DONORS WHO DONATED OVER $1,000.00 FOR THE PROJECT AND THERE WILL BE A QR CODE TO BE SCANNED BY YOUR SMARTPHONE THAT WILL TELL A STORY. 

REPRESENTATIVE SEVERAL SO STATED THAT THE BUDGET FOR THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAS BEEN PASSED AND REMAPPING IS COMPLETE.  IN ADDITION, HE STATED THAT THE PRIMARY WILL TAKE PLACE ON JUNE 28^TH THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO BEING DONE IN APRIL.  OTHER MATTERS ADDRESSED BY REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN INCLUDED A PORTION OF ROUTE 37 JUST OUTSIDE AND TO THE NORTH OF BENTON BEING RENAMED TO FRANK DUNBAR HIGHWAY, THE LOCAL FUNDS ARE BEING INCREASED A LITTLE BIT, THERE ARE EIGHT NEW SCOOTERS BEING BUILT IN THE SOUTHERN ILLINOIS REGION, THERE ARE NEW FLIGHTS FROM CHICAGO TO MARION WITH A PRICE OF AROUND $100.00 PER FLIGHT, AND THERE IS A LINCOLN GOLF TRAIL WITH HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE WORKS.  REPRESENTATIVE SEVERIN ALSO STATED THAT FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WILL BE WHEN SESSER HOMECOMING WILL TAKE PLACE ALONG WITH THE SC3DA NATIONAL ARCHERY TOURNAMENT, PARENT’S DAY AT SIU CARBONDALE, AS WELL AS THE MISS ILLINOIS PAGEANT TAKING PLACE IN MARION.  DUE TO ALL THE EVENTS, ALL HOTEL ROOMS IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ARE BOOKED FOR THAT WEEKEND. 

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

7:05 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 28, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED REG ANKROM OF SIMEC TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT THE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT THE CITY HAS ENTERED IN TO IS EXPIRING. MR. ANKROM STATED THAT ALL THE ELECTRIC RATES HAVE DOUBLED AND HE DOES NOT RECOMMEND THE CITY AGREE TO ANY OF THOSE RATES. MR. ANKROM ASKED THE COUNCIL TO PAUSE THEIR ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PROGRAM FOR 12 MONTHS, BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2022, IN HOPES OF BEING ABLE TO OFFER A BETTER PRICE PER KILOWATT HOUR AT THE END OF THE PAUSE. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO EXTEND THE SIMEC ELECTRIC AGGREGATION CONTRACT FOR 12 MONTHS, BEGINNING IN JUNE OF 2022. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON TO SPEAK REGARDING APPROVAL OF AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER STUDY FOR COMMUNITY HANGAR CONSTRUCTION. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THERE IS A COMPANY INTERESTED IN LOCATING AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT. THE COMPANY IS FUNDING THIS CONSTRUCTION OF THE HANGAR PRIVATELY, BUT THE CITY DOES HAVE TO ALLOW FOR THE STUDY IN ORDER TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER STUDY FOR COMMUNITY HANGAR CONSTRUCTION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF BRIAN CHARD AS A WATER DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE EMPLOYEE. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT MR. CHARD’S FIRST DAY WOULD BE APRIL 11, 2022 PENDING FIT FOR WORK RESULTS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAINTING OF THE WATER TOWER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH PRESENTED AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO ELIMINATE PARKING ONE BLOCK OFF THE PUBLIC SQUARE AND CREATE A BIKE LANE ALONG WITH A PROJECT TO REPAVE EAST MAIN STREET. THE CITY’S PORTION OF THIS PROJECT WOULD BE $8,050.00.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AGREEMENT. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO AUTHORIZE GREATER EGYPT REGIONAL PLANNING TO PROCEED WITH THE APPLICATION FOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNING FUNDS. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE GETTING ESTIMATES FOR AN OVERLAY PROJECT ON MCLEANSBORO STREET. SECOND BY COMMISSIONE4R STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BEGINNING THE HIRING PROCESS FOR A STREET DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL ANDREWS. COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS RESIGNATION. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT CHRIS FUNKHOUSER AS ACTING/INTERIM POLICE CHIEF. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

THERE WAS NOTHING FROM THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT TO BE DISCUSSED AT THIS MEETING.

ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH WAS ABSENT AND NO UPDATES WERE LEFT FOR THE COUNCIL FOR THIS MEETING.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF PURCHASING A LAUNCH KIT FROM SIDWELL TO CREATE AND CONFIGURE THE ArcGIS SUBSCRIPTION. MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT WHEN HE PRESENTED THE ArcGIS SYSTEM TO THE COUNCIL PREVIOUSLY, HE DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS A LAUNCH KIT THAT HAD TO BE PURCHASED BEFORE THE SYSTEM COULD BE UTILIZED. THIS KIT IS $4,222.00. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE OF THE LAUNCH KIT FROM SIDWELL. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. VOTE WAS TAKEN. YEAS: 4. COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ. NAYS: 0.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS.

IN OLD BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHING SOLAR ENERGY FOR USE IN CITY PROPERTIES. MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT THERE SEEMS TO BE A SHORTAGE OF FIRST RESPONDERS IN THE UNITED ST A TES AND IT IS STARTING TO AFFECT OUR AREA AS WELL.

NO NEW BUSINESS.

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED ABOUT THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMUNITY HANGAR. MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE PRIVATELY FUNDED, BUT THE ENGINEERING STUDY MUST BE COMPLETED BY THE AIRPORT ENGINEER, BROWN AND ROBERTS. MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED ABOUT THE OVERLAY PROJECT ON MCLEANSBORO STREET. COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ANSWERED AND STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE SIMILAR TO NORTH MAIN STREET AND WILL BE A 2-INCH OVERLAY.

ALSO, IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. AMON (MIKE) NEWBERRY OF 605 N MCLEANSBORO STREET SPOKE TO THE COUNCIL REGARDING A HOUSE NEXT TO HIS. MR. NEWBERRY STATED THAT THE HOUSE NEXT TO HIS IS COVERED IN GRAFFITI AND IS AN EYESORE. MR. NEWBERRY STATED THAT THE HOME DOESN’T EVEN HAVE FLOORS IN IT. THE COUNCIL MEMBERS STATED THAT THEY WOULD LOOK INTO THIS SITUATION.

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

6:50P.M.