Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2021 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, OCTOBER 25, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001775 TO LA CROSSE FOOTWEAR FOR FOUR (4) PAIRS OF RUBBER BOOTS FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT WITH A 6-MONTH WARRANTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $400.00.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG TO EXPLAIN THE REQUEST FOR PURCHASE.  MRS. CRAIG STATED THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT REQUESTED A STURDIER PAIR OF BOOTS TO BE PURCHASED TO CUT DOWN ON THE NUMBER OF TIMES THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED.  MRS. CRAIG STATED THAT THE BOOTS ARE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CITY OF BENTON AND NOT THE EMPLOYEE AND THEREFORE NOT PART OF THE CLOTHING ALLOWANCE GIVEN TO EACH WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THE MOTION.  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. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD BEEN APPROACHED REGARDING PLACING A SIGN ON TAYLOR STREET AT THE AREA WHERE THERE IS A “Y” WITH STOTLAR STREET.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAS SPOKEN WITH MR. TOM CARTER REGARDING THIS AREA AS IT IS NEXT TO MR. CARTER’S HOME.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT THERE WERE STOP SIGNS IN THIS AREA IN THE PAST.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WILL CHECK THE ORDINANCES TO SEE IF THERE IS AN EXISTING ORDINANCE FOR A STOP SIGN ON TAYLOR OR STOTLAR AT THIS INTERSECTION AND THAT IF THERE IS NOT, HE WILL HAVE ONE DRAFTED.  THIS STOP SIGN IS BEING QUESTIONED DUE TO SAFETY REASONS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00363 TO IAMRESPONDING FOR A YEAR’S SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE ANNUAL ALARM NOTIFICATION SYSTEM IN THE AMOUNT OF $735.00.   SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00365 TO NOVACOM FOR COMMUNICATION, LIGHT, AND SIREN INSTALLATION ON THE F-150 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $950.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00364 TO THIN LINE PUBLIC SAFETY FOR AN EMERGENCY RESPONDER FOR THE FORD F-150 IN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,301.80.  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 #00048 TO CONCEPTE OF ILLINOIS FOR 600 GB OF CLOUD BACKUP AND 1 EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE IN THE AMOUNT OF $944.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION

AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE UNION CONTRACT UNTIL THE DRAFT CONTRACT CAN BE READ.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO ACTION TAKEN ON ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPATCH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S CURRENT RADIO REPEATER IS OLD AND IN NEED OF BEING REPLACED.  IT IS ALSO CURRENTLY LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF BENTON NEAR BOWLING ALLEY ROAD.  ACCORDING TO POLICE CHIEF MIKE ANDREWS THIS MAKES HEARING CALLS FROM DISPATCH VERY DIFFICULT AND SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE.  CHIEF ANDREWS IS ASKING THE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER PURCHASING A NEW REPEATER AND HOUSING IT IN THE MIDDLE OF TOWN IN A CLIMATE-CONTROLLED BUILDING.  THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS PROJECT WOULD BE $19,000.00.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO TABLE THE PURCHASE OF A NEW RADIO REPEATER UNTIL A FURTHER MEETING.  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 BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $306.263.92.  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 OCTOBER 29, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $42,977.96 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $38,482.61 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $81,460.57.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED A CONTRACT WITH LITTLE EGYPT MOSQUITO COMPANY FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM AT THE COST OF $15,000.00 PER YEAR.  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 UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE ATTENDED THE PLAYOFF FOOTBALL GAME AND WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE ATMOSPHERE.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE IS VERY PROUD OF THE EXCELLENT ATHLETES AND SCHOLARS WE HAVE IN BENTON. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT FOR LOT #1 IN THE AIRPORT INDUSTRIAL PARK SUBDIVISION WHICH IS 13.8 ACRES SOUTH OF THE ETHANOL PLANT.  THIS CONTRACT WILL BE TO SHIRM USA.  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 WOULD LIKE A MOTION TO REZONE 422 EAST MAIN STREET FROM B1 TO I-1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA THANKED CRAIG MILES FOR POURING THE CONCRETE PADS AT THE AIRPORT FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND THE FLAG POLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT SOME OF THE MERCHANTS ON THE SQUARE ARE LOOKING INTO HAVING A FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS.  CITY CLERK BROOK CRAIG ALSO STATED THAT COVID VACCINES AND BOOSTER SHOTS AT THE CITY HALL ON NOVEMBER 17, 2021 AND DECEMBER 1, 2021 FROM 8:30 A.M. TO 3 P.M. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE MOSQUITO COMPANY WOULD BE FOGGING OR TREATING.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED IF A LETTER HAD EVER BEEN PROVIDED TO THE EPA REGARDING SHANNON TIOGO AS THE LEAD IN THE SEWER PLANT GIVING HIM PERMISSION TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE CITY. 

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

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 25, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE AS WELL AS IN PERSON.

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, OCTOBER 11, 2021.  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 THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED RICK LINTON WITH REND LAKE TOURISM TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. LINTON WAS ACCOMPANIED BY BARBARA LINTON, CATHY CRAWFORD, AND RACHEL GARTNER.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THE S3DA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT (SCHOLASTIC 3D NATIONAL ARCHERY TOURNAMENT) WILL BE HELD AT REND LAKE ON JUNE 16, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 19, 2022.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS EVENT WILL BRING AN ESTIMATED 1,000+ STUDENT ATHLETES INCLUDING AN ADDITIONAL 3,000 FAMILY MEMBERS AND SPECTATORS FROM THE UNITED STATES AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES.  VISITORS WILL REQUIRE 500 HOTEL ROOMS PER NIGHT AND WHEN NOT IN COMPETITION THESE VISITORS WILL BE IN OUR SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES LOOKING FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT THIS EVENT WILL HAVE AN ESTIMATED REGIONAL IMPACT OF $3,000,000.00 TO $4,000,000.00.  MR. LINTON STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE CITY OF BENTON FOR BEING A HOST CITY FOR THIS EVENT. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO DENY APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFER #31 FROM LINDA MUSULIN TO DAN GRABEL.  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 THE HIRING OF A WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EMPLOYEE.  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. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT CHALK BENTON WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 30, 2021 AROUND THE BENTON SQUARE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT COLLEGE STREET WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE PLAYOFF FOOTBALL GAME FOR TAILGATING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00362 TO MORROW BROTHERS FORD FOR A 2020 FORD RESPONDER F-150 CREW CAB WITH TITLE AND LICENSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $37,115.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY TOOK NO ACTION ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE UNION CONTRACT. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN WOULD TAKE $15,000.00 OUT OF THE BUDGET FOR PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS AS WELL AS SAVE ON OVERTIME IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,000.00 TO $28,000.00. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REMOVE PAID ON CALL FIREFIGHTERS DAYLON KELLEY AND ZACHARY HALSTEAD FROM THE PAID-ON CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  BOTH CANDIDATES ARE LEAVING DUE TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF NEW POSITIONS.  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 KENNETH WROBLEWSKI TO THE PAID-ON CALL ROSTER.  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 SHE HAD NO ITEMS FOR THIS MEETING. 

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

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 TO HANDLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF RELEASE OF MORTGAGE DOC #2014-0975.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD SPOKEN WITH EACH COUNCIL MEMBER INDIVIDUALLY REGARDING RELEASE OF THIS MORTGAGE IN THE AMOUNT OF $90,000.00.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RELEASE OF MORTGAGE DOC #2014-0975.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING DECORATING THE TOWN FOR UPCOMING PLAYOFF GAME. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO RAISE RATES FOR STREET SWEEPING. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED WHAT THE NAME OF THE NEW ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IS AS WELL AS HIS STARTING SALARY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT HIS NAME IS BRIAN CALCATERRA AND HIS STARTING SALARY IS $38,500.00.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT HE MET THE NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EMPLOYEE, COLE LEVANTI, AND THAT HE HAS OFFERED TO HELP HIM WITH ANY ELECTRICAL WORK.  MR. CARTER QUESTIONED COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ON WHETHER CROSSWALKS WILL BE PAINTED ON THE SQUARE ONCE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COURTHOUSE IS FINISHED.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THIS IS PART OF THE PLAN.  MR. CARTER ASKED IF THE COUNCIL HAD DISCUSSED THE POSSIBILITY OF FOUR WEEKS OF PAID LEAVE UNDER THE PRESIDENT’S NEW PLAN AND IF SO, CAN THE CITY AFFORD IT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS HAS NOT BEEN DISCUSSED AT THIS TIME. 

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

6:40 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 18, 2021 AT 8:30 A.M.   MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO APPOINT BRIAN CALCATERRA FOR THE ZONGIN ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER POSITION.  DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT HE WOULD BE RETIRING ON JANUARY 4, 2022 AND MR. CALCATERRA WOULD BE STARTING ON NOVEMBER 1, 2021.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED WHAT THE STARTING PAY WOULD BE FOR MR. CALCATERRA.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE STARTING PAY WOULD BE $38,500.00 AND BENEFITS WOULD BE PRORATED FOR THE FIRST YEAR AND A 2% RAISE WILL BE GIVEN ON May 1, 2022.   MR. GARAVALIA ALSO STATED THAT MR. CALCATERRA CURRENTLY LIVES IN WEST FRANKFORT AND WILL BE REQUIRED TO MOVE INTO THE BENTON GRADE SCHOOL DISTRICT WITHIN 180 DAYS.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. CALCATERRA WOULD RECEIVE A 2 YEAR CONTRACT FOR THIS POSITION. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF BRIAN CALCATERRA FOR THE POSITION OF ZONING AND CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER. SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. VOTE WAS TATKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ .  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:40 A.M.   

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY OCTOBER 11, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020, THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE AS WELL AS IN PERSON.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ INVITED DAVID HARP TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL.  MR. HARP GAVE AN UPDATE ON THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  MR. HARP STATED THAT THE PROJECT IS STILL MOVING FORWARD. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #001774 TO IMCO FOR 1 REPLACEMENT FIRE HYDRANT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,020.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ASKED CITY ENGINEER RODNEY POTTS OF JOHN H. CRAWFORD AND ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT THE BID AWARD FOR THE HIGH SERVICE PUMP PROJECT.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT THREE BIDS WERE RECEIVED.  THE FIRST BID WAS FROM F.W. PLUMBING AND HEARING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS FOR $526,787.00.  THE SECOND BID WAS FROM WIGGS EXCAVATING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS FOR $471,410.00.  THE THIRD BID WAS FROM MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN BENTON, ILLINOIS FOR $447,800.00.  MR. POTTS STATED THAT HE HAS WORKED WITH MIDWEST PETROLEUM IN THE PAST AND IS WELL SATISFIED WITH HIS WORK AND THEREFORE BASED UPON PAST EXPERIENCES AND LOW BID, HE RECOMMENDED THE CITY AWARD THE PUMP HOUSE RENOVATION BID TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING.  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. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT RESURFACING OF NORTH MCLEANSBORO STREET AND JOPLIN STREET WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 12, 2021.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ALSO STATED THAT ON 10/30/2021 A “CHALK BENTON” EVENT WILL HAPPEN ON THE SQUARE.  THIS WAS PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED AT A COUNCIL MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00359 TO THE FIRE STORE FOR TWO PAIRS OF GLOBE FIREFIGHTING BOOTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,028.49.  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 #00360 TO AMERICAN TEST CENTER FOR ANNUAL LADDER TESTING FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,137.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00361 TO MID-AMERICA FIRE FOR THREE 100-FOOT SECTIONS OF SUPPLY HOSE IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,052.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE WILL BE LEAVING ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A 6^TH FIREMAN ON THE AGENDA EVERY TIME.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM THIS EVENING. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE POLICE UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  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 TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPATCH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY DISCUSSED MANDATORY COVID-19 TESTING AND/OR MANDATORY VACCINATIONS.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AT THIS TIME.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE AIRPORT FUEL TO SELL.  THE FUEL IS $3.62 PER GALLON AND WILL BE SOLD FOR $4.19 PER GALLON.  THE AMOUNT PURCHASED IS 7,916 GALLONS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $337,392.68.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR OCTOBER 1, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $46,106.06 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,133.12 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $85,239.18.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR OCTOBER 15, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $41,988.64 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $49,379.51 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $91,378.15.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT FOR THE ARPA (AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT) FUNDS TO BE DEPOSITED IN.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #21-07 FOR CAFETERIA PLAN FOR INSURANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING ENTRY OF INDIVIDUALS INTO CITY HALL IN REGARDS TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD LIKE PEOPLE TO FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CDC INCLUDING IF YOU ARE EXPOSED TO COVID-19 DO NOT COME INTO CITY HALL UNTIL YOU HAVE TESTED NEGATIVE OR BEEN IN QUARANTINE FOR THE ALLOTTED NUMBER OF DAYS. 

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

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE APPROVAL OF STRIPING OF THE NORTH EAST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT OFF THE SQUARE. 

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING MODIFICATION TO THE REAL ESTATE SALES CONTRACT WITH 618FIXMYRV, LLC BY CHANGING THE NAME TO 5 HINMAN HOLDINGS, LLC.  MOTION TO ACCEPT THIS MODIFICATION WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR A 2022 FLEETWOOD 28 X 64 MOBILE HOME LOCATED AT 1399 BAILEY LANE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT AT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE #21-08 AMENDING THE I-57 ENTERPRISE ZONE TERRITORY.  MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT WAS MADE BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY ENTERPRISE ZONE INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS AMENDMENT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING THE ENTRANCE TO THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT AND THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE SEMIS HAULING SLUDGE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LOOK INTO THIS. 

IN OLD BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT HAS STATED THE ADOPT A LIGHT POLE PROJECT.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT VOLUNTEERS ARE WHAT MAKE BENTON SPECIAL. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM’S CARTER STATED THAT HE HAS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WATER PLANT ROAD AND QUESTIONED WORKER’S COMPENSATION AND COVID-19 PAY. 

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

7:05 P.M.

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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M.   THIS MEETING WAS HELD BY IN PERSON AND COMPUTER ATTENDANCE PURSUANT TO THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 ISSUED MARCH 16, 2020. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ATTENDED VIA ZOOM CONNECTION AND COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ ATTENDED THE MEETING IN PERSON. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ABSTAINED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ATTORNEY MALKOVICH PRESENT ITEM (D) UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ALLEY CLOSING.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WAS HELD AT 5:45 P.M. REGARDING A PETITION RECEIVED FROM KIMBERLY A. LARSEN FOR AN ALLEY TO BE VACATED LYING WEST OF THE RAILROAD RIGHT OF WAY AND LYING EAST OF GRAND STREET.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE VACATION OF THIS ALLEY.  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 PURCHASE ORDER #001773 TO THE TRAFFIC SAFETY STORE FOR 40 FOLDING BARRICADES IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,977.20.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE PAID FOR FROM THE ILLINOIS PUBLIC RISK FUND SAFETY GRANT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS UNTIL MORE DISCUSSION CAN BE HELD ON THIS LEASE.  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 HIRE COLE LEVANTI FOR A FULL-TIME POSITION IN THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT CONTINGENT ON POST OFFER, PREEMPLOYMENT TESTING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO LET THE COUNCIL NOW THERE IS CURRENTLY A PROBLEM WITH THE ELEVATOR AT CITY HALL.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR CRAIG MILES HAVE FORMED A COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM AND FIX THE SITUATION.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT AT THIS TIME THE ELEVATOR IS CLOSED FOR SERVICE AND HE STATED THAT HE WILL UPDATE THE COUNCIL AS THE PROBLEM IS REMEDIED. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #21-06 CLOSING VARIOUS ROADS FOR THE BENTON CONSOLIDATED HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING PARADE ON OCTOBER 1, 2021 FROM 1:15 P.M. TO 2:45 P.M.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF ACTIVITIES OVER THE PREVIOUS WEEKEND IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT TRAFFIC FLOW WAS GOOD AND HE WAS VERY PLEASED WITH HOW OUR EMPLOYEES KEPT THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC THROUGH THE CITY. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT BOAT FOR SURPLUS TO CLINTON COUNTY IN THE AMOUNT OF $7,500.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF POLICE UNION CONTRACT AND ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF DISPATCH NEGOTIATIONS/CONTRACT WOULD BOTH BE DISCUSSED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $559,302.03.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH ERICK CHRISTY REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF A CYBERSECURITY INSURANCE POLICY.  MR. CHRISTY STATED THAT HE BELIEVES THE CITY OF BENTON WOULD BENEFIT FROM HAVING THIS TYPE OF POLICY.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO PURCHASE A CYBERSECURITY INSURANCE POLICY IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,895.00 FOR A ONE-YEAR TIMEFRAME.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

CITY ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAD SOME ITEMS TO DISCUSS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO DISCUSS ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF VIDEO GAMING PUSH TAX ORDINANCE IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE RESIGNATION FROM ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD MEMBER KYLE NEAL.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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 NEEDED A MOTION TO ACCEPT A RESIGNATION FROM ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD MEMBER COY COCKRUM.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN MOHR TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA 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 ASKED FOR A MOTION TO APPOINT ADRIENNE MASON TO THE ZONING AND PLANNING COMMISSIONER BOARD.  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 SET TRICK OR TREAT HOURS FOR OCTOBER 30, 2021 FROM 5 P.M. TO 8 P.M. IN THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE THIS MOTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO COMMENT ON HOW GREAT THE LARGE FLAG HUNG BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AT CAPITAL PARK AND THE FOOTBALL GAME ON SEPTEMBER 11, 2021 LOOKED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED HOW NICE IT WAS TO SEE EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE ALL THE EVENTS HAPPEN.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO THANK LISA MENO, MELISSA HUNGATE, AND BROOK CRAIG FOR THE WORK THEY PUT IN ON THE PHOTO COLLAGE THAT WAS PLACED AT CAPITAL PARK FOR THE VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO THANKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA FOR ALL THE WORK SHE DID IN PUTTING THE 9/11 MEMORIAL PROGRAM TOGETHER. 

ALSO, UNDER MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE THE COUNCIL CONSIDER SAYING A PRAYER BEFORE BEGINNING COUNCIL MEETINGS.  HE STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE TO INVITE PASTORS FROM THE COMMUNITY TO LEAD THIS PRAYER BEFORE THE COUNCIL MEETINGS.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE WOULD DO SOME RESEARCH ON THIS TOPIC AND GET BACK TO THE COUNCIL WITH WHAT COULD LEGALLY BE DONE. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

IN NEW BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE RECENTLY ATTENDED A BACK TO BUSINESS GRANT WORKSHOP THROUGH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.  HE STATED THAT THIS WAS LED BY JASON SIGLER OF THE SIU OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH HAD MENTIONED TO MR. SIGLER THAT THIS WAS A GREAT PROGRAM, HOWEVER, HE WISHED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IN THE EVENING WHERE THERE COULD BE GREATER ATTENDANCE.  MR. SIGLER HAS AGREED TO DO ANOTHER WORKSHOP ON SEPTEMBER 28^TH AT 6 P.M.  THIS WORKSHOP WILL BE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE BUZZ IN BENTON AND IT WILL BE HOSTED BY THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE IS NO CHARGE TO THE CITY FOR THIS EVENT.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE EDGE CLASS, WHICH CONSISTS OF STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS FRANKLIN COUNTY SCHOOLS AND IS TAUGHT BY HIM, WILL BE HOLDING A FALL FESTIVAL AND WOULD LIKE PERMISSION TO USE THE NORTH EAST MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT.  THIS WOULD BE FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M. ON OCTOBER 23, 2021.  ALSO, DURING THIS TIME, A GROUP THAT CALLS THEMSELVES “CHALK BENTON” WOULD LIKE TO DO HALLOWEEN THEMED CHALK PORTRAITS AROUND THE SQUARE.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THIS WOULD NEED TO BE PLACED ON THE NEXT AGENDA AND APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL.  ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE EDGE PROGRAM WOULD ALSO HAVE TO FOLLOW ALL THE RULES OTHER GROUPS HAVE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO USE THE MUNICIPAL PARKING LOT FOR THE FESTIVAL. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE MURAL ON THE SIDE OF THE BENTON/WEST CITY CHAMBER BUILDING WAS TOUCHED UP OVER THE WEEKEND.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ENCOURAGED PEOPLE TO GO AND SEE HOW NICE THE MURAL LOOKS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF THE NEW HIRE FOR THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT HAS ELECTRICAL EXPERIENCE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE WAS NOT SURE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT IF THE NEW HIRE NEEDED SOME HELP WITH IT, MR. CARTER WOULD VOLUNTEER TO TEACH HIM.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WHY THE NEW HIRES ARE HAPPENING AFTER THE VERBAL AGREEMENT WAS MADE TO NOT HIRE ANYONE IN EXCHANGE FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE OF RETIREES.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE DID NOT FEEL THIS WAS RIGHT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE RESPECTED MR. CARTER’S OPINION. 

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

6:45 P.M.

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

7:50 P.M.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE POLICE UNION CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  SECOND 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 CONTINUE DISPATCH CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS.  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 ORDINANCE #21-07 FOR A VIDEO GAMING PUSH TAX ORDINANCE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  3.  COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  ABSTAINED:  1.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH. 

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

7:55 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE CONTINUED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY AUGUST 13, 2021 AT 8:30 A.M. IN THE BENTON MUNICIPAL BUILDING LOCATED AT 1403 SOUTH MAIN STREET BENTON, ILLINOIS.

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS PAYABLE ON AUGUST 13, 2021 IN THE AMOUNT OF $288,867.49.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.   YEAS:  4. COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

8:32 A.M.