CITY OF BENTON
BENTON CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
MINUTES
April 6, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Messersmith called the Special Called Meeting of the Benton City Council to order on April 6, 2026.
ROLL CALL
The following members were present:
Commissioner Cockrum
Commissioner Storey
Commissioner Garavalia
Commissioner Kays
Mayor Messersmith
Absent: None
AGENDA ITEMS
ITEM 1 – Discussion and Approval of Mowing Bids
Mayor Messersmith introduced Item 1 and turned the floor over to Commissioner Storey.
Commissioner Storey stated he wished to handle the mowing bids by dividing them between two contractors. He proposed awarding all mowing locations except the airport to Chris Kirkpatrick, who was the low bidder, and awarding the airport mowing to Booker Mowing Service.
Motion 1a – Mowing Bid for Chris Kirkpatrick
Commissioner Storey moved to accept the mowing bid of Chris Kirkpatrick for the following locations: Police Department, 1403 South Main, Twin Oaks, Lake Hamilton, and nuisance yards. Motion seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote:
Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith
Nays (0): None
Motion carried 5–0.
Motion 1b – Mowing Bid for Booker Mowing Service
Commissioner Storey moved to accept the mowing bid of Booker Mowing Service to mow the airport, noting that Booker Mowing Service has done an excellent job at that location. Motion seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote:
Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith
Nays (0): None
Motion carried 5–0.
ITEM 2 – Discussion and Approval to Begin Negotiations for an Intergovernmental Agreement
Mayor Messersmith introduced Item 2, which concerned authorization for the Fire Chief, Public Safety Commissioner, and City Attorney to begin negotiations for an intergovernmental agreement.
Commissioner Garavalia explained that the Village of West City is seeking to fully exit the fire district and has approached the City of Benton regarding a potential intergovernmental agreement. Commissioner Garavalia noted that the City has already been providing fire services to West City due to that village’s struggles with its fire department. Among the potential advantages of the agreement, Commissioner Garavalia noted the City would receive a tender truck capable of holding 3,000 gallons of water. This motion would authorize the appropriate City officials to begin exploring what such an agreement would look like financially.
Commissioner Garavalia moved to approve authorization for the Fire Chief, Public Safety Commissioner, and City Attorney to begin negotiations for an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of West City. Motion seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote:
Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith
Nays (0): None
Motion carried 5–0.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Storey moved to adjourn. Motion seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote:
Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith
Nays (0): None
Motion carried 5–0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:36 a.m.
