CITY OF BENTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
April 27, 2026
5:00 P.M.
901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois 62812
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Messersmith called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
City Clerk: Attorney Tom Malkovich (serving as Acting City Clerk in the absence of the regular City Clerk Brook Craig and Deputy City Clerk Damien Wilburn)
Present: Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.
Absent: City Clerk Brook Craig.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Kays presented the minutes from the regularly scheduled April 13, 2026 meeting. No corrections or amendments were noted.
Commissioner Kays moved to approve the minutes from the April 13, 2026 meeting as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
PROPERTY REPORT – COMMISSIONER STOREY
Commissioner Storey reported no purchase orders, no public use of city property, and no updates.
- Fascia Repairs at the Fire Department – Bid Approval
Two bids were received for fascia repairs at the fire department:
- Kathlynas: $49,000.00
- HUF Construction: $43,000.00
Attorney Malkovich confirmed that HUF Construction provided proof of insurance, holds a valid roofing contractor license, and the scope of work is comparable to the competing bid.
Commissioner Storey moved to accept the bid from HUF Construction in the amount of $43,000.00. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
WATER, SEWER, STREETS AND IMPROVEMENTS – COMMISSIONER COCKRUM
- Purchase Orders
Purchase Order #00245 – Traffic Drums and Barricades
Roadrunner Services, Carbondale, Illinois – $2,392.56. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Purchase Order #00879 – Polaris Ranger 1000
Weeks, Benton, Illinois – $15,900.00. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Purchase Order #00595 – Snow Plow with Installation and Labor
Woody’s Municipal Supply – $33,087.50. Commissioner Cockrum noted that the cost reflects the need to integrate hydraulic plumbing into the truck in addition to the plow and salt spreader, completing a full snow removal kit. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Pool Adjustment
Commissioner Cockrum presented a pool adjustment for Samantha Williams, 605 Election Street, Benton. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve the pool adjustment. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Sublease Approval
Sublease located at 53 Lewis Lane from Megan and Brian Lyles to Preston Baker. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Public Works Director Job Ordinance – Discussion and Approval
The ordinance was included in council packets. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Hiring of Seasonal Public Works Employees – Discussion and Approval
Following extensive interviews conducted by Commissioner Cockrum and the Public Works Director, two candidates were selected:
- Peyton Bayless – Water Department seasonal position. Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Landon Abney – Street Department seasonal position (weeding and summer work). Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Water Rate Increase – Discussion and Approval
Commissioner Cockrum presented the proposed water rate increase for council consideration, noting that Rend Lake raised their rates approximately 5%, which necessitates a review of the City’s rates. Commissioner Kays discussed the City’s revenue fund challenges and various rate increase options presented in the packet, noting the minimum bill with a 5% increase would be approximately $62.25 (water, sewer, and trash combined). Commissioner Kays noted that the revenue fund has been an area of ongoing concern and that continuing to absorb rate increases is not sustainable. However, both commissioners agreed that additional review and research were needed before taking action.
Commissioner Cockrum moved to table the water rate increase at this time. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Two-Way Stop Sign – Oliver and Stotlar Street – Discussion and Approval
Commissioner Cockrum and Commissioner Kays noted that there are currently no stop signs at the four-way intersection of Oliver and Stotlar Street. The installation of north/south stop signs was requested by area residents due to speeding concerns and the presence of young children in the area. Council discussed and agreed a two-way stop (northbound and southbound) is appropriate.
Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve the placement of a two-way stop at Oliver and Stotlar Street for northbound and southbound traffic. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY – COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA
- Purchase Order #00163 – School Resource Officer Conference
Hampton Inn, Bloomington, Illinois – Two rooms, June 16–19, 2026 – $957.60. Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Purchase Order #00454 – Morning Pride Firefighting Gear
Leo Ellebracht – 3 sets of Morning Pride gear to replace outdated equipment – $10,366.92. Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Sesser Fire Protection District Automatic Aid Agreement – Discussion and Approval
Commissioner Garavalia presented an update to the automatic aid agreement that has been in place since 1996. The revised agreement adds provisions addressing unavailability to respond when another call is active, a provision not included in the original document. Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve the updated automatic aid agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 3. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, and Commissioner Garavalia. Nays: 2. Commissioner Kays and Mayor Messersmith.
Mayor Messersmith noted his nay vote was due to not having seen the original agreement for comparison and stated no substantive objection. Motion carried.
- Letter of Intent – Enforcer PUC Pumper (MacQueen & Pierce Manufacturing, Stock Bid #308)
Commissioner Garavalia reported that, following council approval approximately six weeks prior to pursue acquisition of a pumper, staff identified a stock unit available from MacQueen & Pierce Manufacturing. She noted that fire engine prices have increased approximately 60% since 2020 and that custom units currently carry lead times of 22–48 months (Pinckneyville has waited 49 months for a unit, at a cost of approximately $1.4 million). The available stock unit is expected to be delivered within five to six months and at approximately half the cost of a new custom unit. The unit would replace the City’s 31-year-old Engine 803, currently out of service with a cracked engine head. A letter of intent was needed immediately to secure the price and delivery position before the unit is sold.
Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve a letter of intent for the Enforcer PUC Pumper from MacQueen & Pierce Manufacturing (Stock Bid #308). Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Fire Protection Services Agreement – Village of West City – Tabled
Commissioner Garavalia moved to table discussion and/or approval of an agreement for fire protection services for the Village of West City. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE – COMMISSIONER KAYS
- Payroll – April 24, 2026
Total: $118,345.36 ($95,010.63 from the General Fund; $23,334.73 from the Revenue Fund). Commissioner Kays moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Payroll – May 1, 2026 (Clothing Allowance, Education Bonus, and Advanced Stipends)
Total: $10,125.00 – all contractually required payments due May 1st. Commissioner Kays moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Year-End Bill Run
Total: $98,175.92, all from the AP Fund, to close out the fiscal year. Commissioner Kays moved to approve. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- FY 2026-2027 Budget – Deferred to Budget Hearing
This item was deferred and taken up following the budget hearing. See Budget Hearing section below.
- Discussion – Commissioner Compensation for Future Council
Commissioner Kays opened a discussion regarding compensation for the next council, noting that by the time the next council is seated, compensation will have been stagnant for 11 years. If no action is taken by this council, compensation will remain unchanged until at least 2032. Commissioner Kays suggested commissioners receive approximately $9,000–$10,000 annually, with a 30–40% increase for the mayor’s position. He noted that by law, a council cannot set its own compensation—changes only apply to future councils.
Discussion followed among commissioners. Commissioner Storey and Commissioner Cockrum expressed that they serve for the benefit of the city, not for compensation, though acknowledged that inflation and the hours invested make the current compensation inadequate. Mayor Messersmith expressed opposition to raising compensation rates. Commissioner Kays noted that the previous council may have improperly modified compensation during the current council’s term and cited relevant provisions of the Illinois Constitution prohibiting mid-term compensation changes.
No motion was made. Commissioner Kays indicated the topic will be brought back for further discussion, with a goal of action no later than July 2026, prior to petition season.
RECESS FOR BUDGET HEARING
Commissioner Kays moved to recess to conduct a budget hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Commissioner Kays moved to begin the budget hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Budget Hearing – FY 2026-2027
No members of the public were present to comment on the budget.
Street Department employee Brian Chard asked for clarification on four line items on page 15 of the budget marked ‘new’ for FY26, including a ‘Street Department Shop’ line item. Commissioner Kays explained that the new shop was part of a ten-year strategic plan established in late 2023. Approximately $75,000–$400,000 has been earmarked as a starting allocation toward construction of a new shop facility. The current building lacks adequate bay space, climate control, and covered access for the department’s trucks and equipment. Commissioner Kays confirmed that funds are allocated for the street department and that the goal is to eventually provide a four-to-five bay climate-controlled facility.
Mayor Messersmith highlighted two budget items for the council’s attention:
- Demolition (Demo) – A significant increase in demolitions is reflected in the budget, which the Mayor noted has been a long-standing need.
- Grant Fees – A notable increase reflects the active work of the City’s grant administrator, who is concurrently pursuing four grants. If all are obtained, multiple areas of the city could be under construction in the coming years.
The Mayor also sought clarification on the reduction in the Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) line item from approximately $1,000,000 (FY25-26) to $656,000 (FY26-27). Staff explained this reflects a change in how the overlay program is funded—it will be carried as a separate MFT project rather than within this line item. No MFT revenue is being lost.
Commissioner Kays noted additional highlights:
- Facade Grant Program – Increased by $10,000, returning the program to $50,000. Council encouraged to promote use by downtown businesses. This is TIF-restricted funding.
- Fire Truck Payment – Increased from $65,000 to $140,000 to begin reserving funds for the pumper truck authorized via letter of intent earlier in the meeting.
- Pension Funding – The City is well ahead of the state-required 90% funded status by 2040 for police and firefighter pension funds. IMRF is 100% funded per state requirement. Catch-up contributions may be tapered off as the funding ratio improves, allowing reallocation of funds.
- Revenue Fund – Remains an area of concern. Moving trash collection expenses entirely to the Revenue Fund is one strategy being implemented to stabilize it. The payoff of the wastewater treatment plant in future years will provide relief.
- I-57 Interchange Fund – Approximately $359,655.88 remains in the fund, accruing interest, following suspension of the original interchange project. Council may unrestrict these funds for use on other appropriate projects.
Commissioner Kays moved to close the budget hearing. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
RETURN TO REGULAR SESSION
Commissioner Kays moved to return to regular session. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
FY 2026-2027 Budget – Approval (Item 7C)
Commissioner Kays moved to approve the FY 2026-2027 budget as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Meeting Start Time Ordinance – Discussion Only (Item 7E)
Commissioner Kays presented a proposed ordinance codifying a 6:00 p.m. minimum start time for all regular and special city council meetings. He noted that 5:00 p.m. is too early for working residents and 7:00 p.m. is too late, and that codifying the time provides more stability than the current policy-based approach.
Attorney Malkovich referenced 5 ILCS 120/2-02(a), which requires public bodies to set meeting schedules at the beginning of each calendar or fiscal year. He noted that the council set its meeting schedule at the December 8, 2025 meeting, and opined that any ordinance change would need to be effective no earlier than January of the following year. He observed that no emergency or extraordinary circumstance appears to necessitate an immediate change.
Commissioner Cockrum expressed concern about restricting the council’s flexibility for special meetings that may need to occur during business hours. Commissioner Garavalia reiterated his ongoing recommendation that the public be given the opportunity to address action items before they are voted on.
No action was taken. Commissioner Kays indicated this item will be placed on the next meeting agenda.
Pay Resolution #26-07 – Non-Contractual, Non-Bargaining Unit Employees (Item 7F)
Commissioner Kays moved to approve Resolution #26-07 establishing pay for non-contractual, non-bargaining unit employees (office staff). Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Write-Off of Bad Debt – End of Fiscal Year (Item 7G)
Commissioner Kays presented the annual bad debt write-off. All reasonable collection steps have been taken. Debtors who reconnect to water service will be required to satisfy outstanding balances. Amount to be written off: $3,694.84.
Commissioner Kays moved to approve the write-off. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
MAYOR’S REPORT – MAYOR MESSERSMITH
- Cigarette Vending Machine License Fee – Amendment (Item 9C)
Attorney Malkovich reported that following the council’s prior approval of a cigarette vending machine license, a prospective licensee contacted the City to note that the $1,000.00 fee was significantly above national and Illinois standards. Attorney Malkovich and City staff conducted research and determined that a fee of $250.00 would be on the higher end of the Illinois range while aligning with fees in heavily regulated states such as New York and California. This would also align the fee with video gaming machine licensing fees.
Commissioner Kays moved to amend the cigarette vending machine license fee to $250.00 per machine. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 4. Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 1. Commissioner Cockrum. Motion carried.
- Purchase Orders
Mayor Messersmith reported no purchase orders.
- Community Announcements
Mayor Messersmith announced that the Rend Lake Water Festival begins this week, with the parade scheduled for Saturday morning. The downtown square will be closed from approximately 7:30–8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Veterans Affairs representative Liam Mungovan will be featured. The Mayor noted additional upcoming announcements to be shared at future meetings.
OTHER BUSINESS
Miscellaneous Business: None.
Old Business: None.
New Business: None.
Matters from the Public: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Kays moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5. Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
Mayor Messersmith asked all to be safe and to check on neighbors, loved ones, first responders, and public works personnel with the inclement weather forecasted for this evening.
Meeting adjourned.
