City Council Meeting Minutes – February 23, 2026

City of Benton

Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
Date: February 23, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Benton City Hall

1. Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance

The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Roll Call

Present:

Commissioner Garavalia
Commissioner Kays
Mayor Messersmith

Absent:

Commissioner Cockrum
Commissioner Storey

A quorum was present.

3. Reading and Approval of Minutes

February 9, 2026 – Regular Meeting Minutes
Commissioner Kays stated there were no changes.

Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

February 11, 2026 – Continued Meeting Minutes
No changes were requested.

Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

4. Department Reports / Administrative Items

Commissioner Storey was absent.
No purchase orders under his department.
No public property use permits.

5. New Business

(C) RC Drag Racing

Discussion was tabled pending additional information from Mr. Wells.

Motion to Table: Commissioner Garavalia
Second: Commissioner Kays
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

Sewer Treatment Plant Purchase Order

Mayor Messersmith presented a purchase order for CNC Pumps and Supplies for a motor for the non-potable water system in the amount of $4,560.00.

Motion: Commissioner Garavalia
Second: Commissioner Kays
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

No pool adjustments and no lot lease transfers were reported.

(D) Hiring of Part-Time Water Clerk

Discussion was held regarding staffing needs due to upcoming retirement and increased workload. Consensus was to begin with a part-time position and reassess if needed.

Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

(E) Excessive Water Use Adjustment Policy

Permission was requested to explore updates to the policy and return with a revised form.

Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

(F) Carter Drive Project Bids

No action taken pending additional information from the City Engineer.

(G) West Main Street Project Bids

No action taken.

6. Purchase Orders

PO #00448 – Sentinel Emergency Solutions
Five SCBA cylinders at $5,449.36 each, total $17,392.32. Discussion included grant possibilities and compliance needs.

Motion: Commissioner Garavalia
Second: Commissioner Kays
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

PO #00160 – Zimmerman’s Garage
Strut assembly replacements totaling $910.98.

Motion: Commissioner Garavalia
Second: Commissioner Kays
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

7. Intergovernmental Agreement – Browning Township

Discussion regarding renewal and amendment to reflect additional insured language per insurance carrier requirements.

Motion: Commissioner Garavalia (to approve pending insurance approval and final document)
Second: Commissioner Kays
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

8. Payroll

Payroll dated February 27, 2026, totaling $114,617.26

General Fund: $89,432.51
Revenue Fund: $25,184.75
Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Garavalia – Yes, Kays – Yes, Mayor Messersmith – Yes
Motion carried.

9. Additional Purchase Orders

PO #00593 – Conference Registration
Community Economic Development Conference, Springfield, IL, for Damien Wilburn – $325.00.

Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Unanimous
Motion carried.

PO #00594 – Hotel Accommodations
Conference lodging for Damien Wilburn – $727.32.

Motion: Commissioner Kays
Second: Commissioner Garavalia
Vote: Unanimous
Motion carried.

10. City Attorney Report

No updates.

11. Public Affairs

No purchase orders.
No update from Take Action Today.

Benton Area Little League Sponsorship
Council approved a $300.00 donation, with no names on signage, to be used for youth equipment.

Motion: Commissioner Garavalia
Second: Commissioner Kays
Vote: Unanimous
Motion carried.

Community Investment Fund balance reported at $1,500.00.

12. Miscellaneous Business

Recognition of Benton Rangers athletes and teams advancing to state and postseason play.
Decorative heart remains lit on the square in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month.
Hospital Auxiliary dinner announced; proceeds benefit student scholarships.
Volunteer groups announced an Easter Egg Hunt on March 28, 2026, at the Benton Community Baseball Fields.

13. Old Business

None.

14. New Business

Commissioner Garavalia requested council consideration of a potential wage adjustment for Police Department Administrative Assistant Karastin Sheedy. No action taken.

15. Public Comment