Category Archives: Meeting Minutes

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY JANUARY 10, 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, DECEMBER 27, 2021.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE WANTED TO UPDATE THE COUNCIL ON THE COURTHOUSE DEDICATION CEREMONY.  THIS WILL TAKE PLACE ON APRIL 22, 2022 FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M.  THE REND LAKE PARADE IS SET TO TAKE PLACE TWO WEEKS LATER.  THE CHAMBER WILL MAKE A DECISION ON ALL THE SPECIFICS AT A LATER DATE.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE INVOICE #20 FOR THE I-57 INTERCHANGE PROJECT.  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 THE SUMMER CRUISE ON THE PUBLIC SQUARE.  NO ACTION WAS TAKEN ON THIS ITEM. 

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 ADDING TO THE PAID ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA. VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS IN THE AMOUNT OF $346,693.20.  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 JANUARY 7, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $52,933.53 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $58,247.10 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $111,180.63.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ SWORE IN BRIAN CALCATERRA AS ZONING ADMINISTRATOR/CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.  STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A THANK YOU LETTER FROM THE BENTON ELKS FOR REDUCING THE GAMING LICENSE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. 

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE ZONING BOARD RECOMMENDED APPROVING THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR SCHIRM USA, INC. TO CONTRACT AN AG CHEMICAL FORMULATION PLANT.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS SPECIAL USE PERMIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  THIS BUSINESS WILL HAVE BETWEEN 15 AND 20 EMPLOYEES IN MULTIPLE POSITIONS.  OPEN DATE WILL BE OCTOBER 1, 2022 AND THEY WILL BE DEALING IN HERBICIDES. 

IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS IT WAS STATED THAT DAVID GARAVALIA HAD WORKED ON 87 DEMOLITIONS BETWEEN 2016 AND 2021. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE.

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. 

6:25 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 27, 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, DECEMBER 13, 2021.  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 #001779 TO VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING FOR A CONTROL PANEL FOR THE DIAL STREET LIFT STATION IN THE AMOUNT OF $33,525.00.  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 APPROVE AUTHORIZATION #2 AND FINAL FOR BALANCING FINAL FIELD MEASURED QUANTITIES FOR THE AIRPORT.  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 PAY ESTIMATE #7 & FINAL TO MIDWEST PETROLEUM AND EXCAVATING IN THE AMOUNT OF $68,801.40.  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 THE IDOT RESOLUTION FOR MAINTENANCE UNDER THE HIGHWAY CODE IN THE AMOUNT OF $475,000.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00051 TO CELLEBRITE, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $4,500.00 FOR IN-PERSON TRAINING FOR INVESTIGATOR KYLE MELVIN IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE.  THIS EXPENSE WILL BE PAID FOR USING THE IMPOUND FUND.  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 NO ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON ITEM (B) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF HIRING A 6^TH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A $10,000.00 DONATION. 

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

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR DECEMBER 22, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,664.81 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $48,312.31 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $92,977.12.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE AUDIT HAD FINALLY BEEN DELIVERED.  FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WERE GONE OVER.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD RECEIVED A THANK YOU LETTER FROM THE BENTON ELKS FOR REDUCING THE GAMING LICENSE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS WAS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION TO SET THE MEETING DATES AND TIMES FOR 2022 FOR ALL BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS WITH THE CITY OF BENTON.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT STATED THAT SHE WOULD MAKE 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 ASKED DAVID GARAVALIA AND BRIAN CALCATERRA TO PRESENT ITEMS (D) AND (E). 

UNDER ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF ASBESTOS ABATEMENT PROPOSAL BY A&A ABATEMENT LLC FOR 300 NORTH TENTH STREET PRIOR TO DEMOLITION BY CHRIS MENCKOWSKI, DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT INSPECTION SHOWED ASBESTOS IN THIS HOME THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE REMOVED.  MR. GARAVALIA STATED THAT A&A ABATEMENT SUBMITTED A QUOTE FOR $8,355.00 TO REMOVE THIS.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS QUOTE.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

DAVID GARAVALIA STATED THAT BETWEEN A GRANT THE CITY RECEIVED FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSES, A NEW PROGRAM THE STATE IS ALLOWING FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSE, AND WHAT IS LEFT IN THE BUDGET FOR DEMOLITION OF HOUSES, THERE IS MONEY TO TEAR DOWN QUITE A FEW HOUSES.  BRIAN CALCATERRA PRESENTED PROPOSALS FROM CHRIS MENCKOWSKI FOR DEMOLITION OF 3 HOMES ON NORTH TENTH STREET. 

THE PROPOSAL FOR 300 NORTH TENTH STREET IS $2,000.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

THE PROPOSAL FOR 301 NORTH TENTH STREET IS $5,700.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

THE PROPOSAL FOR 400 NORTH TENTH STREET IS $3,200.00.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS PROPOSAL.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

1. GARAVALIA STATED THAT A CITIZEN IS TEARING DOWN TWO HOMES ON THIS STREET IN ADDITION TO THE THREE THE CITY WILL BE TEARING DOWN.

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED WHO THE ELECTRIC PANEL FOR THE LIFT STATION WOULD BE COMING FROM AND IF THAT IS ALSO WHO WILL PUT INSTALL IT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT VANDEVANTER IS WHO THE PANEL WILL BE PURCHASED FROM AND HE BELIEVED THEY WOULD ALSO DO THE INSTALL, BUT WOULD ASK CRAIG MILES AND GET BACK WITH MR. CARTER. 

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. 

6:35 P.M.

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY DECEMBER 13, 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, NOVEMBER 22, 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 TUESDAY DECEMBER 7, 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 #001777 TO VANDEVANTER ENGINEERING FOR A 4” PUMP IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,250.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001778 TO BEST ONE TIRE FOR 2 REAR BACKHOE TIRES IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,227.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS.

COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD 890 CALLS ALREADY THIS YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT IT IS TIME FOR A SIXTH FIREMAN TO BE HIRED.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE CAN GUARANTEE A REDUCTION IN OVERTIME WITH THE HIRING OF A SIXTH FIREMAN.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ALSO STATED THAT HE FELT THAT IT WAS PATHETIC TO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH ASKED IF ALL THE CALLS WERE FOR THE CITY OF BENTON OR OTHER COMMUNITIES.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT SOME OF THESE CALLS WERE FOR MABAS.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD CONSIDER THIS A PRIORITY AND LOOK INTO IF IT CAN BE FIT INTO THE NEXT BUDGET YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY THEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF A 6^TH FIREMAN.  MOTION DIED FOR LACK OF A SECOND.   

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE BILLS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $353,041.94.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED THIS MOTION.  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 DECEMBER 10, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $50,851.69 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $19.452.95 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $70,304.64.  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 RESOLUTION #21-09 TO FUND THE LOCAL SHARE OF THE WASTENA STREET PROJECT.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.  COMMISSIONER STOREY.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT WE SHOULDN’T BE ABLE TO LAY ASPHALT IF WE CANNOT HIRE A NEW FIREMAN. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE CHRISTMAS BONUSES FOR THE CITY OF BENTON EMPLOYEES.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE BONUS WOULD CONSIST OF A $50.00 GIFT CARD FOR BENTON SAVE A LOT AND A $25.00 GIFT CARD FOR ACE HARDWARE.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM SECONDED THIS MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1. COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2022 TAX LEVY ORDINANCE, ORDINANCE #21-10.  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 TABLE APPROVAL OF THE 2020-2021 FISCAL YEAR AUDIT AS WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT YET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.

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

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE WOULD LIKE APPROVAL TO AMEND THE LAKE HAMILTON SUBDIVISION COVENANTS.  AFTER DISCUSSION, COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO BEGIN THE PROCESS OF AMENDING THE COVENANTS FOR THE LAKE HAMILTON SUBDIVISION.  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 HAD SEEN A POST ON FACEBOOK THAT SLANDERS THE MAYOR.  MAYOR KONDRITZ READ THE FACEBOOK POST STATING THAT THE MAYOR WAS RAISING GAMING FEES AND THAT HE HAS RECEIVED MANY CALLS REGARDING THIS SITUATION.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS IS A LIE AND THAT HE HAS NO INTENTION OF RAISING FEES AS THE CITIZENS HAVE ENDURED ENOUGH THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE INCREASE IN REVENUE FROM THE ADDED GAMING MACHINES IN THE CITY OF BENTON HAS ACTUALLY ALLOWED HIM THE OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE THE MACHINE FEES.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ASKED FOR A MOTION DECREASING THE GAMING MACHINE FEES FROM $250.00 PER MACHINE TO $200.00 PER MACHINE.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REDUCE GAMING MACHINE FEES FROM $250.00 PER MACHINE PER YEAR TO $200.00 PER MACHINE PER YEAR.  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 ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA TO SPEAK ON LETTER (E) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF CIVICSERV MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR BENTON DOWNTOWN TIF AND BENTON IJRL TIF #2.  MR. CALCATERRA EXPLAINED THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING INTELLIGENCE PLATFORM AND HOW THEY WILL HANDLE TIF APPLICATIONS, SCORING AND TRACKING OF HB0571 JOBS, AND TRACKING COMPLIANCE.  MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT THIS SERVICE NORMALLY WOULD COST $9,000.00, BUT IF WE ADOPT THIS EARLY THERE WILL BE A DISCOUNT OF $3,000.00 MAKING THE TOTAL $6,000.00 PER YEAR.  MR. CALCATERRA ALSO STATED THAT THIS WILL BE PAID WITH TIF FUNDS, $3,000.00 PER TIF.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. RON ROSE QUESTIONED WHY THE CITY IS STILL ALLOWING PARKING ON EAST MAIN STREET.  MR. ROSE STATES THAT HE DRIVES A TRUCK AND THAT THIS IS NOT SAFE.  MR. GREG KIMMEL THAT HE WANTED TO THANK THE CITY OF BENTON FOR GIVING HIM PERMISSION TO COLLECT DONATIONS AND PURCHASE THE GRASS EATING CARP INTO LAKE BENTON.  MR. KIMMEL STATED THAT 300 GRASS CARP WERE LAUNCHED INTO LAKE BENTON ON 10/20/21.  MR. KIMMEL ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE EXTRA DONATIONS AND THAT HE WAS ABLE TO FIX THE BOAT LAUNCH TO LAKE BENTON WITH THOSE DONATIONS.  MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF GAMING FUNDS COULD BE USED TO PAY FOR A NEW FIREMAN.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THIS IS A POSSIBILITY. 

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. 

6:50 P.M.

                                                    ___________________________________

                                                                  MAYOR

ATTEST:

________________________________

CITY CLERK

MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL CALLED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD TUESDAY DECEMBER 7, 2021 AT 9:00 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 GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR ITEM © DISCUSSION OF POSSIBLE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY OR LEGAL COUNSEL, 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.  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. 

9:02 A.M. 

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

9:12 A.M.

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO HIRE DAMIEN WILBURN FOR THE POSITION OF DEPUTY CITY CLERK/WATER CLERK/TREASURER’S ASSISTANT PENDING POST OFFER TESTING/DRUG TESTING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT MR. WILBURN WILL START ON DECEMBER 13, 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 HIRE CHAD SAWYER FOR THE POSITION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT EMPLOYEE PENDING PASSING POST OFFER TESTING/DRUG TESTING.  START DATE WILL BE APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS FROM THIS MEETING.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ .  NAYS:  0. 

UNDER PUBLIC COMMENTS TOM CARTER ASKED THAT THE COUNCIL MAKE SURE WHOMEVER THEY HIRE IN THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT KNOWS HOW TO WORK ON ELECTRIC. 

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. 

9:15 A.M.   

MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 22, 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, NOVEMBER 8, 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 STATED HE HAD NO BUSINESS FOR THIS COUNCIL MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #001776 TO GREEN ELECTRICAL SUPPLY FOR 12 STREET LAMP LIGHTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $736.32.  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 ORDINANCE #21-09 FOR A ONE WAY STOP SIGN TRAVELING NORTH ON STOTLAR AT THE INTERSECTION OF TAYLOR STREET.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATED THAT A GRAND OPENING FOR THE NEW COURTHOUSE IS BEING PLANNED.  HE STATED THAT THE COUNTY HAS REACHED OUT TO HIM AND THAT MORE INFORMATION WILL BE COMING IN THE COMING MONTHS. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00050 TO IDS APPLICATIONS TO MOVE BENTON PD LAWMAN RECORDS FROM WEST CITY TO CENTRAL DISPATCH IN THE AMOUNT OF $6,625.00.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00049 TO NOVACOM FOR A NEW REPEATER SYSTEM AND BUILDING IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,954.94.  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 WEST CITY INITIALLY ASKED FOR $165,000.00 PER YEAR FOR DISPATCH SERVICES.  THE CITY OF BENTON COUNTER OFFERED $135,000.00 PER YEAR FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM.  WEST CITY DISPATCH COUNTER OFFERED $135,000.00 FOR A ONE-YEAR TERM.  COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT CENTRAL DISPATCH IN CHRISTOPHER, ILLINOIS HAS OFFERED THE CITY DISPATCH SERVICES FOR $120,000.00 PER YEAR.  COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE OFFER OF $120,000.00 PER YEAR FOR DISPATCH SERVICES WITH CENTRAL DISPATCH.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0.  ATTORNEY TOM MALKOVICH STATED THAT THE TRANSFER TO CENTRAL DISPATCH HAS TO BE MADE NO LATER THAN 90 DAYS FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2021. 

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

COMMISSIONER STOREY PRESENTED THE POLICE UNION CONTRACT.  COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE POLICE UNION CONTRACT FOR MAY 1, 2021 TO APRIL 30, 2025 PENDING THE TREASURER LOOKING OVER THE PAY RESOLUTION.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  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 MONTHLY BILLS OR PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL FOR NOVEMBER 24, 2021 FOR THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $45,679.82 AND ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $43,277.03 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $88,956.85.  SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  5.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  0. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON ITEM (C) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. 

COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE REOPENING THE DOWNTOWN FAÇADE PROGRAM.  SHE STATED SHE WOULD LIKE TO SET ASIDE $40,000.00 IN DOWNTOWN TIF FUNDS WITH THE SAME RULES FOR THE LAST PROGRAM.  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 TABLE ITEM (D) DISCUSSION AND/OR APPROVAL OF INCREASING LAKE LOT LEASE RENTAL AND TRANSFER FEES.  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 NOTICED SOME DAMAGE TO CAPITOL PARK FROM SKATEBOARDERS.  SHE STATED THAT SHE HAS SPOKEN WITH OUR INSURANCE AGENTS AND HAS BEEN TOLD IF SOMEONE WERE TO BE INJURED, WE ARE LIABLE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO HANG NO SKATEBOARDING/ROLLERBLADING/BIKE RIDING SIGNS AT CAPITOL PARK.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS DOES HELP WITH THE CITY’S LIABILITY IF AN INJURY WERE TO HAPPEN.  A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WAS HELD WITH COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH STATING THAT HE WOULD RATHER SAY “NOT HERE, BUT MAYBE HERE” AS OPPOSED TO JUST SAYING “NO” ALL THE TIME.  COMMISSIONER STOREY SECONDED THE MOTION.  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 HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2022.  COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED IF THIS WAS PUT OUT FOR BID.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT NOT ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES PROVIDE THIS TYPE OF INSURANCE.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH SECONDED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA’ S MOTION.  VOTE WAS TAKEN.  YEAS:  4.  COMMISSIONER MESSERSMITH, COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR KONDRITZ.  NAYS:  1.   COMMISSIONER STOREY. 

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

MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT HE HAD PICKED UP THREE 55-GALLON BAGS OF LITTER AT TWIN OAKS AND WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LITTER STOPPED.  MAYOR KONDRITZ ALSO STATED THAT CITY HALL HAS BEEN CLOSED DUE TO COVID, BUT WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE LOBBY OPEN BACK UP TO THE PUBLIC BY DECEMBER 1, 2021.  A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WAS HELD REGARDING WHETHER CITY HALL WAS CLOSED BECAUSE OF COVID OR BECAUSE OF SHORT STAFFING.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD GET THE INTERVIEWS FINISHED AND HAVE A CANDIDATE TO PRESENT TO THE COUNCIL NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 13, 2021.  THE COUNCIL ALSO AGREED THAT THE LOBBY WOULD OPEN BACK UP FOR 4 HOURS A DAY FOR THE REST OF THIS CALENDAR YEAR AND THE PLAN WILL BE TO REOPEN AS PREVIOUSLY OPEN PURSUANT TO CDC GUIDELINES BEGINNING IN JANUARY OF 2022.

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

NO MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS. 

NO OLD BUSINESS. 

NO NEW BUSINESS. 

IN MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, MR. TOM CARTER ASKED IF PEOPLE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO WEAR MASKS AS THEY ENTER CITY HALL.  HE STATED THAT HE HAD VISITED WEST FRANKFORT CITY HALL AND HE WAS WELCOMED IN AND TOLD HE WAS NOT REQUIRED TO WEAR THE MASK THERE.  MR. CARTER ALSO STATED THAT WEST FRANKFORT EMPLOYS 12 FIREMEN, 12 POLICE OFFICERS, 5 STREET WORKERS, 3 SEWER WORKERS, AND 3 WATER WORKERS.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE BELIEVES NOT HIRING A 6^TH FIREMAN MAKES NO SENSE.  MR. CARTER STATED THAT HE HAS A COPY OF THE WEST FRANKFORT BUDGET FOR MAYOR KONDRITZ AND WILL DROP IT OFF FOR HIM AT CITY HALL.  MR. CARTER ALSO ASKED COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA WHAT THE NEW PREMIUM FOR THE INSURANCE WOULD BE.  COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO GET BACK TO MR. CARTER WITH THE NUMBERS.  MAYOR KONDRITZ STATED THAT THE CITY HALL WILL REQUEST THAT ALL CDC REQUIREMENTS BE FOLLOWED. 

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. 

7:05 P.M.

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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