Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

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.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY MARCH 14, 2022 AT 6:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS, 62812.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #001781 TO MCCOLLUM ELECTRIC FOR REWIRING OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT AND NEW LIGHTS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE LOW BID OF BOOKER’S MOWING SERVICE FOR THE 2022 MOWING BID AT THE RATES LISTED BELOW.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A UTILITY TRACTOR WITH OLD EQUIPMENT TRADE IN FROM H&R AGRI-POWER IN THE AMOUNT OF $18,500.00 FOR THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ENTERING INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH THE REND LAKE CORPS OF ENGINEERS FOR WATER AND SEWER SERVICE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REPLACING THE DRIVEWAY AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ON THE MAPLE STREET ENTRANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, AND COMMISSIONER STOREY.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ARRIVED AT THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 6:07 P.M. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00371 TO DAVE SCHMIDT TRUCK SERVICE FOR REPAIRS ON ENGINE #803 IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,067.65.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $294,669.14.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MARCH 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,770.16 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,653.32 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,423.48.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR MARCH 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,121.59 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,913.80 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $84,035.39.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A MOTION WOULD BE NEEDED TO ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE ILLINOIS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY’S STRONG COMMUNITIES’ PROGRAM.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS GRANT WOULD BE FOR $27,353.16.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THIS WOULD BE RESOLUTION #22-04.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS RESOLUTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  NAYS:  0.

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE STREET DEPARTMENT IS DOING A GREAT JOB ON THE WHEELCHAIR RAMP BEING BUILT AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, ROB WILMING FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES ADDRESSED THE COUNCIL.  MR. WILMING STATED THAT THE HEAD DRIVER FOR THE CITY OF BENTON’S TRASH DISPOSAL HAS A HEALTH CONDITION THAT HAS CAUSED HIM TO MISS SOME WORK.  HE STATED THAT THE COMPANY IS TRYING TO GET THINGS BACK ON TRACK AND EXPECTS THEM TO BE BACK TO NORMAL VERY SOON. 

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

6:15 P.M.

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

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WAS CALLED OUT OF TOWN FOR AN ILL FAMILY MEMBER AND HAS ASKED FOR PERMISSION TO ATTEND THE MEETING REMOTELY.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ALLOW COMMISSIONER CATHY GARAVALIA TO ATTEND THE MEETING VIA TELEPHONE CONFERENCE.  THIS MOTION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ATTENDED VIA PHONE CONFERENCE AND ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-03 AUTHORIZING THE SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ABSTAINED:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED SHE HAD A HARD TIME HEARING THE MOTION OVER THE PHONE AND THEREFORE WOULD ABSTAIN. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF ARCGIS PROFESSIONAL BASIC SUBSCRIPTION WITH ESRI THAT INCLUDES EDITING CAPABILITIES FOR ZONING CHANGES AND LAND ANNEXATIONS.  ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE GIS MAP WE USE THROUGH FRANKLIN COUNTY AND THIS SUBSCRIPTION WOULD COST $700.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO OPEN ALL MOWING BIDS THAT HAD BEEN RECEIVED IN HER OFFICE.  BIDS WERE RECEIVED AS FOLLOWS: 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF THE MOWING BIDS UNTIL ALL INFORMATION COULD BE VERIFIED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE AN ESTIMATE FROM ALL STARS -N- STITCHES FOR A SIGN AT THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $920.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW A SURVEY OF THE STREET DEPARTMENT PROPERTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,800.00 TO BE DONE BY JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES FOR INSTALLATION OF A SECURITY FENCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-02 FOR CLOSING OF THE PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 10 A.M. TO 2 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYMENT OF INVOICE #21 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $16,460.22 TO CHASTAIN AND ASSOCIATES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00369 TO FIRE APPARATUS AND SUPPLY TEAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $575.49 FOR REPAIR OF A WATER LINE ON ENGINE #803.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00370 TO SANDRY FIRE SUPPLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,731.00 FOR HYDRAULIC RAM EXTRICATION MATERIAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FIRE DEPARTMENT UNION NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF DAKOTAH REED TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ADDITION OF MATTHEW WARREN TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF KYLE SYNDER TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF THE 2011 CHEVY TAHOE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT FOR THE BID RECEIVED FROM IBID IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,500.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS, BILLS, OR PAYROLL TO APPROVE FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” AND (D) “DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW TITLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT” IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

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

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

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FELT THE STREET DEPARTMENT DID A GREAT JOB WORKING ON OUR SNOW- AND ICE-COVERED STREETS THIS YEAR.  FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER STOREY BOTH STATED THAT THE STREETS WERE THE BEST THEY HAD EVER LOOKED DURING A STORM. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAD A MEETING WITH THE CITY AND IF THE DISCREPANCY WAS RESOLVED.  CITY TREASURER LISA MENO WAS IN THE AUDIENCE AND COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED HER TO ADDRESS THESE QUESTIONS.  MRS. MENO STATED THAT THE DISCREPANCY WAS A TYPO AND THAT THE AUDITORS WILL BE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE CITY TO RESOLVE ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS CURRENT AUDIT. 

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 MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

6:38 P.M.

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

7:45 P.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 7 (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF SECOND.  

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO GIVE CHRISTINE KRAFT A $5,000.00 RAISE ON MAY 1, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM 7 (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF NEW TITLE FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

ATTORNEY MALKOVICH ASKED FOR A MOTION TO ADJOURN.  CITY TREASURER LISA MENO ASKED IF SHE COULD SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL ADJOURNED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ AGREED. 

LISA MENO STATED THAT SHE THOUGHT THE COUNCIL WAS VERY KIND AND GENEROUS FOR GIVING CHRISTINE KRAFT A $5,000.00 RAISE AND THEREFORE BELIEVED THAT THEY SHOULD ALSO AFFORD THE SAME TO THE CITY CLERK, THE BILLING CLERK, AND THE TREASURER POSITIONS.  SHE STATED THAT ALL EMPLOYEES SHOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY AND THAT ALL JOBS HAVE CHANGED SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN AND NOT JUST THE POSITION OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED IF MRS. MENO HAD A NUMBER IN MIND AND SHE STATED THE NUMBER WAS $5,000.00.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THEY COULD TALK ABOUT THIS AT A LATER TIME. 

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

7:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT ANY TIME THE MUNICIPALITY IS DEALING WITH FEDERAL MONEY, A CERTAIN CRITERION MUST BE FOLLOWED.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT A QBS POLICY MUST BE PASSED AS WELL AS RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. DOUG CIME FROM HANSEN PROFESSIONALS ACCOMPANIED MR. POTTS AND STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING EASEMENTS FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. CIME STATED THAT 21 OFFERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THIS TIME.  THERE ARE 8 SIGNED EASEMENTS, 2 THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT AND WAITING TO SIGN, AND THERE ARE 11 PENDING AND IN NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS POLICY FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE EVERY 5 YEARS AND THAT SINCE IT WAS A VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS, IT IS GOOD FOR ANY PROJECT DONE WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RELEASE OF RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LAKE LOT LEASE LANGUAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE TO ONLY BEING ABLE TO TERMINATE A LAKE LOT LEASE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS LANGUAGE OR MAKE NO CHANGES AT ALL.  NO MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REWIRING OF THE STREET BARN AND TO GET PRICES FOR THIS TO BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A DISCUSSION HAS BEEN HELD REGARDING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS COMPLETED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON PARKING. 

 COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-01 FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER PARADE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MONTHLY “CRUISE” SERIES PUT ON BY MR. JEFF SHOCKLEY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST SECTIONS OF THE SQUARE FROM MALKOVICH PARK TO CAFÉ BLOOM, AND IF NEEDED THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO APPROACH THE COUNTY FOR CARES FUNDING TO REPAIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00367 TO EVAPAR FOR EMERGENCY GENERAL REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $649.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #22-01 AUTHORIZING LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE MOVE OF DISPATCH HAS GONE VERY WELL AND THAT HE FEELS THE SERVICE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WEST CITY PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,325.96.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,439.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,498.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,388.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,688.52 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,739.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,427.52.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS TOTAL INCLUDES POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,108.94.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS TO SPEAK ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING THIS YEAR AND HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIS $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR COMPUTER CRIMES INVESTIGATOR TO BE GIVEN TO CHRISTINE KRAFT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT CHRISTINE HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAS BEEN HANDED A LOT OF NEW DUTIES WITH THE NEW POLICE REFORM AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES A SALARY INCREASE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MRS. KRAFT RECEIVE A $7,000.00 A YEAR RAISE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE MRS. KRAFT’S SALARY TO $43,900.00 A YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS VERY GOOD AT HER JOB AND ALWAYS APPEARS BUSY WHEN HE IS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS PROPOSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS NOT PREPARED TO VOTE ON THIS AT THE CURRENT MEETING AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BEFORE THE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SEEK BIDS FOR FENCING OF THE STREET AND WATER PROPERTIES AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOLAR POWER FOR CITY PROPERTIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CRAIG MILES, LEE MESSERSMITH, AND RODNEY POTTS TO RESEARCH SOLAR POWER FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO POSSESS A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME ALREADY PLACED ON BROWN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION ALLOWING AN ORDINANCE TO BE DRAFTED FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO HAVING A DRIVE THRU WINDOW PLACED IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CITY’S QUESTIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AN IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED.  LENNIE SHELTON, DIRECTOR OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STATED THAT SHE APPRECIATES ALL THAT THE CITY DOES FOR THE CHAMBER AND THEIR EVENTS. 

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

7:24 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY FEBRUARY 14, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 224, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT ANY TIME THE MUNICIPALITY IS DEALING WITH FEDERAL MONEY, A CERTAIN CRITERION MUST BE FOLLOWED.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT A QBS POLICY MUST BE PASSED AS WELL AS RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. DOUG CIME FROM HANSEN PROFESSIONALS ACCOMPANIED MR. POTTS AND STATED THAT HIS COMPANY HAS BEEN IN THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING EASEMENTS FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. CIME STATED THAT 21 OFFERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN AT THIS TIME.  THERE ARE 8 SIGNED EASEMENTS, 2 THAT ARE IN AGREEMENT AND WAITING TO SIGN, AND THERE ARE 11 PENDING AND IN NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS POLICY FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THIS HAS TO BE DONE EVERY 5 YEARS AND THAT SINCE IT WAS A VARIOUS VARIOUS QBS, IT IS GOOD FOR ANY PROJECT DONE WITH FEDERAL FUNDS FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RELEASE OF RFQ FOR THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED ATTORNEY MALKOVICH TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF AMENDING LAKE LOT LEASE LANGUAGE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE CITY HAD BEEN APPROACHED AND ASKED TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE IN THE LEASE TO ONLY BEING ABLE TO TERMINATE A LAKE LOT LEASE FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS LANGUAGE OR MAKE NO CHANGES AT ALL.  NO MOTION WAS MADE FROM THE COUNCIL ON THIS ITEM. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REWIRING OF THE STREET BARN AND TO GET PRICES FOR THIS TO BE DONE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A DISCUSSION HAS BEEN HELD REGARDING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO WAIT UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS COMPLETED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON PARKING. 

 COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #22-01 FOR CLOSING THE SQUARE FOR THE REND LAKE WATER PARADE.  SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MONTHLY “CRUISE” SERIES PUT ON BY MR. JEFF SHOCKLEY TO TAKE PLACE IN THE PARKING SPOTS ON THE SOUTH AND SOUTH EAST SECTIONS OF THE SQUARE FROM MALKOVICH PARK TO CAFÉ BLOOM, AND IF NEEDED THE USE OF CAPITOL PARK.  THIS MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW HIMSELF TO APPROACH THE COUNTY FOR CARES FUNDING TO REPAIR INFRASTRUCTURE AND SIDEWALKS AROUND THE SQUARE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00367 TO EVAPAR FOR EMERGENCY GENERAL REPAIR IN THE AMOUNT OF $649.50.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ORDINANCE #22-01 AUTHORIZING LATERAL HIRING IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE MOVE OF DISPATCH HAS GONE VERY WELL AND THAT HE FEELS THE SERVICE IS BETTER THAN WHAT WEST CITY PROVIDED. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $378,325.96.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 4, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,439.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $40,498.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $89,388.77.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR FEBRUARY 18, 2022 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $59,688.52 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,739.00 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $110,427.52.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS TOTAL INCLUDES POLICE DEPARTMENT BACKPAY IN THE AMOUNT OF $15,108.94.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ASKED POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS TO SPEAK ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SALARY ADJUSTMENT FOR THE POSITION OF POLICE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WILL BE RETIRING THIS YEAR AND HE WOULD LIKE TO GIVE HIS $5,000.00 STIPEND FOR COMPUTER CRIMES INVESTIGATOR TO BE GIVEN TO CHRISTINE KRAFT.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT CHRISTINE HAS BEEN WITH THE CITY FOR 12 YEARS AND HAS BEEN HANDED A LOT OF NEW DUTIES WITH THE NEW POLICE REFORM AND HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES A SALARY INCREASE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE MRS. KRAFT RECEIVE A $7,000.00 A YEAR RAISE.  CHIEF ANDREWS STATED THAT THIS WOULD TAKE MRS. KRAFT’S SALARY TO $43,900.00 A YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT MRS. KRAFT IS VERY GOOD AT HER JOB AND ALWAYS APPEARS BUSY WHEN HE IS IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES SHE DESERVES WHAT CHIEF ANDREWS HAS PROPOSED.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE IS NOT PREPARED TO VOTE ON THIS AT THE CURRENT MEETING AND WOULD LIKE A CHANCE TO RUN THE NUMBERS BEFORE THE VOTE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE NEXT MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO PREPARE A RESOLUTION FOR SALE OF SURPLUS CITY OWNED REAL ESTATE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INCREASE SECURITY MEASURES AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO SEEK BIDS FOR FENCING OF THE STREET AND WATER PROPERTIES AS WELL AS INSTALLATION OF CAMERAS AT ALL CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON ITEM (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR SOLAR POWER FOR CITY PROPERTIES. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF CRAIG MILES, LEE MESSERSMITH, AND RODNEY POTTS TO RESEARCH SOLAR POWER FOR CITY OWNED PROPERTIES.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR DOROTHY VOICE TO POSSESS A SINGLE WIDE MOBILE HOME ALREADY PLACED ON BROWN STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE A MOTION ALLOWING AN ORDINANCE TO BE DRAFTED FOR REQUIREMENTS FOR ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE IS LOOKING INTO HAVING A DRIVE THRU WINDOW PLACED IN THE WATER DEPARTMENT. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE AUDITORS HAVE RESPONDED TO THE CITY’S QUESTIONS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT AN IN-PERSON MEETING HAS BEEN SCHEDULED.  LENNIE SHELTON, DIRECTOR OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STATED THAT SHE APPRECIATES ALL THAT THE CITY DOES FOR THE CHAMBER AND THEIR EVENTS. 

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

7:24 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 24, 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.  ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT IN PERSON AT CITY HALL.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, JANUARY 10, 2022.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO GO OUT OF ORDER ON THE AGENDA AND ALLOW CIRCUIT CLERK JIM MUIR TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. MUIR STATED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE AN OFFICIAL INVITATION, BUT HE WANTED TO PRESENT A “SAVE THE DATE” OF SORTS FOR THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION.  MR. MUIR STATED THAT THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION IS APRIL 22, 2022 AT 11 A.M.  CITIZENS WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE WEST SIDE ENTRANCE OF THE COURTHOUSE, BE GIVEN A TOUR, AND EXIT THROUGH THE SALLY PORT WHERE HOTDOGS, BURGERS, AND OTHER SANDWICHES WILL BE SERVED.  THE FOOD IS BEING DONATED BY THE LOCAL BANKS.  MR. MUIR ALSO STATED THAT THAT EVERYONE IN ATTENDANCE WILL RECEIVE A COMMEMORATIVE COIN AND BOOKLET THAT ARE BEING PAID FOR BY ADVERTISING IN THE BOOKLET. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO ASKED DAVID HARP TO SPEAK BEFORE THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP STATED THAT THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT IS PROCEEDING WELL AT THIS TIME. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF LAKE LOT LEASE #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO BRETT LOHMEYER AND JULIE LOYMEYER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT RENEWAL WITH EVAPAR FOR THE GENERATOR AT CITY HALL IN THE AMOUNT OF $650.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE QTPOD SUPPORT AGREEMENT AND ANNUAL CELL PLAN FOR THE AIRPORT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,425.00.  THIS SUPPORT IS WHAT ALLOWS THE USE OF THE “PAY AT THE PUMP” FUEL SYSTEM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE ADVERTISING FOR ACCEPTANCE OF MOWING BIDS FOR TWIN OAKS, BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, BENTON CITY HALL, AND THE BENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT HAS MOWED THE CITY HALL, POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND TWIN OAKS IN THE PAST, BUT THIS YEAR THEY WILL BE CONCENTRATING ON REPLACING WATER LINES INSTEAD.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE SAW NO REASON TO BID OUT THE AIRPORT AS LAST YEAR’S MOWING PERSONNEL DID AN EXCELLENT JOB.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE FELT IT WAS ONLY FAIR TO BID ALL OF THE AREAS THAT NEED TO BE MOWED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. 

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

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY FOR THE WATENA STREET CROSSING.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS PART OF THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT AND MONEY HAS BEEN ALLOTTED TO COVER THE COSTS ASSOCIATED.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT IN JULY OF 2022 THE I-57 EXPANSION PROJECT WILL BE COMING TOWARDS BENTON, BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 71 AND 77.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00052 TO NOVACOM FOR A CAMERA SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,574.95 TO BE PAID FROM THE DUI FUND.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY HAS THE MONEY TO DO THIS, BUT WE ARE USING OUR MONEY IN OTHER PLACES AS OPPOSED TO WHERE IT SHOULD.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR JANUARY 21, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $47,750.99 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,443.91 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,194.90.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION THAT NO ADDITIONAL COVID BENEFITS BE PAID TO CITY EMPLOYEES RETROACTIVE TO DECEMBER 31, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ PRESENTED PURCHASE ORDER #00659 IN THE AMOUNT OF $900.00 TO PURCHASE A PAGE IN THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HISTORY SOCIETY/COURTHOUSE DEDICATION BOOKLET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PURCHASE ORDER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE FELT THE SECURITY DEPOSIT FOR TWIN OAKS NEEDED TO BE RAISED FROM $100.00 TO $200.00 TO COVER THE COSTS OF CLEANING AND REPAIRS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 2022 AT 10 A.M. THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD CEASE DISPATCH WITH WEST CITY AND BEGIN WITH CENTRAL DISPATCH. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, JEFF SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE FELT NOT ALLOWING HIS CAR SHOWS ON THE SQUARE WAS A MISTAKE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.  MR. SHOCKLEY STATED THAT HE HAD ONE SHOW WITH 68 CARS, HAS THE APPROPRIATE INSURANCE, AND HAS ASKED BUSINESSES ON THE SQUARE IF THEY MIND HIS SHOWS.  MR. SHOCKLEY WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIS CAR SHOWS ON THE 2^ND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH APRIL THROUGH OCTOBER FROM 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SEPTEMBER, WHICH WOULD BE THE 3^RD SATURDAY TO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE CHAMBER CAR SHOW.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM AND COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THEY WOULD DO SOME CHECKING WITH THE BUSINESSES AROUND THE SQUARE AND REPORT BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH THEIR FINDINGS AT THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. 

1. TOM CARTER STATED HE HAD SOME QUESTIONS REGARDING THE AUDIT. HE STATED THAT THE DID NOT BELIEVE THE AUDIT WAS ACCURATE AS IT SHOWED A $600,000.00 DEFICIT IN THE WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENTS. CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG STATED THAT THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT WAS AWARE THERE WERE SOME PROBLEMS AND MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED WITH THE AUDITING FIRM TO DISCUSS THIS AND OTHER ITEMS.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE COUNTY IS $2½ MILLION DOLLARS BELOW BUDGET ON THE COURTHOUSE AND HE BELIEVES THEY ARE DOING A GOOD JOB. 

AIRPORT MANAGER MATTHEW HARRISON STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS MOWER AT THE AIRPORT PROPERTY CHARGED $200/00 PER MOW.  HE ALSO REPORTED THAT THE TREE REMOVAL HAS ALMOST BEEN COMPLETED, THE TERMINAL HAS BEEN PAID OFF, AND THERE WERE APPROXIMATELY 2,500 TAKE OFF AND LANDINGS THAT OCCURRED AT THE BENTON MUNICIPAL AIRPORT THIS YEAR.  MR. HARRISON ALSO STATED THAT 20,000 GALLONS OF FUEL WERE SOLD THIS YEAR AT THE AIRPORT AND THIS PRODUCED APPROXIMATELY A $5,000.00 PROFIT.  MR. HARRISON STATED THAT THE RUNWAY PAINTING WILL OCCUR IN THE SPRING, A REDO ON RUNWAY LIGHTING WILL BE PLACED FOR BID, AND THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF A CORPORATE SIZED HANGER BEING BUILT AND A RUNWAY EXTENSION.  MR. HARRISON ANNOUNCED THAT THE 2^ND SATURDAY FOOD TRUCK FLY INS WENT VERY WELL LAST YEAR AND WILL BE DONE AGAIN THIS YEAR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ THANK MR. HARRISON FOR ALL HIS HARD WORK AND STATED THAT WHEN THE GOVERNOR AND TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY VISITED THE AIRPORT, THEY WERE VERY PLEASED WITH ALL THE UPDATES. 

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

6:55 P.M.