City Council Meeting Minutes — March 23, 2026

CITY OF BENTON

BENTON CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING

March 23, 2026

5:00 p.m.

901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois 62812

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Mayor Messersmith led the Council and those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

ROLL CALL

Members Present:

Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Members Absent:

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

  1. Minutes of February 23, 2026

Commissioner Kays noted that the minutes from the February 23, 2026 meeting had not been approved at the previous meeting due to the inability to achieve a three-vote majority as a result of Commissioner Storey’s abstention. Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 23, 2026 meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Minutes of March 9, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

Commissioner Kays noted that in reviewing the March 9, 2026 regular council meeting minutes, Roman numeral III incorrectly referenced “Bills” in two places, and that both instances should be corrected to read “Minutes.” No other changes were noted. Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve the minutes from the March 9, 2026 meeting as corrected. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (3): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, and Commissioner Garavalia

Nays (0): None

Abstentions: Commissioner Kays and Mayor Messersmith

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Minutes of Continued Meeting of March 13, 2026

Commissioner Kays noted no changes to the minutes from the continued meeting of March 13, 2026. Commissioner Storey made a motion to approve those minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (3): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, and Commissioner Garavalia

Nays (0): None

Abstentions: Commissioner Kays and Mayor Messersmith

Motion CARRIED.

PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT – COMMISSIONER STOREY

  1. Purchase Orders

Commissioner Storey reported no purchase orders.

  1. Department Updates

Commissioner Storey reported no department updates.

  1. Open Bids for Mowing

Commissioner Storey turned the floor over to City Clerk Brook Craig to present the mowing bids received. Clerk Craig reported that ten bids were received. The bids were as follows:

  1. Neighborhood Lawn Pros:

Airport: $1,200.00 per mow | Police Department: $50.00 per mow | Lake Benton & Lake Hamilton: $120.00 per mow | Twin Oaks: $1,050.00 per mow | City Hall: $50.00 per mow | Nuisance Yards: $75.00 (includes mowing, weed eating, and blowing off walks and drives)

  1. Traiteur Lawn:

City Hall: $45.00 | Police Department: $45.00 | Nuisance Yards: $45.00 | Airport: $220.00 | Twin Oaks: $250.00

  1. Reed’s Lawn Care:

City Hall: $35.00 | Police Station: $35.00 | Nuisance Yards: $40.00 | Airport: $185.00 | Twin Oaks: $255.00

  1. Maxx Mowing:

Police Department: $50.00 | City Hall: $60.00 | Airport: $400.00 | Lake Benton & Lake Hamilton: $50.00 | Twin Oaks: $250.00 | All Nuisance Yards: $40.00

  1. BW Maintenance:

Airport: $329.95 per cut | Twin Oaks, Lake Hamilton & Lake Benton: $554.95 per cut | City Hall: $54.95 per cut | Police Department: $54.95 per cut | Nuisance Yards: $54.95 per man hour including equipment (one hour minimum)

  1. Tressler Lawn Care:

City Hall: $125.00 every 10 days / $150.00 every 15 days | Lake Hamilton & Lake Benton: $125.00 every 10 days / $150.00 every 15 days | Police Department: $125.00 every 10 days / $150.00 every 15 days | Twin Oaks: $150.00 every 10 days / $175.00 every 15 days

  1. Chris Kirkpatrick:

Twin Oaks: $275.00 | Airport: $225.00 | Police Department: $30.00 | City Hall: $30.00 | Nuisance Yards: $40.00 per service

  1. Dees Lawn Care:

Airport: $420.00 | Twin Oaks: $310.00 | Lake Hamilton Property: $50.00 | Police Department: $35.00 | City Hall: $35.00 | Nuisance Yards: $50.00 (standard city lot, under 8 inches) / $75.00 (over 8 inches)

  1. Legacy Land Maintenance:

Lake Hamilton & Lake Benton: $50.00 | Twin Oaks: $325.00 | Airport: $300.00 (includes cleanup and blowing) | Police Department: $50.00 | City Hall: $50.00

  1. Booker’s Mowing Service:

Airport: $250.00 per mowing (includes blowing grass from runway) | Twin Oaks: $300.00 per mowing | City Hall: $45.00 per mowing | Police Station: $45.00 per mowing | Nuisance Yards: $45.00 per mowing

Commissioner Storey stated that the Council would review the bids and vote on them at the next meeting. Commissioner Storey made a motion to table the mowing bid award until the next meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Fire Department Fascia – Proposal for Wall Wrap

Commissioner Storey presented a proposal for fascia/wall wrap work on the exterior of the fire department building, noting the project had been in need of attention for approximately four years. Commissioner Storey noted that only one proposal had been obtained and that outreach had been made to multiple contractors who declined to bid. Discussion ensued regarding bid procedure.

Commissioner Kays expressed that while he agreed the work was necessary and could be funded through capital expenditures, his concern was with bid procedure—specifically that the project had not been publicly advertised. City Attorney Malkovich clarified that the submission was properly characterized as a proposal or estimate rather than a formal bid, and that the Council could proceed without advertising if a four-fifths majority voted to approve; however, he acknowledged Commissioner Kays’ concern about public advertisement.

Commissioner Storey made a motion to publish the project for public bid, post the notice the following day for one week, and award the bid at the next council meeting approximately two weeks from the date of the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

PUBLIC WORKS REPORT – COMMISSIONER COCKRUM

  1. Purchase Orders

Commissioner Cockrum presented one purchase order for the sewer plant for ultraviolet bulbs in the amount of $11,340.00. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to approve the purchase order. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Pool Adjustments / Lake Lot Lease Transfers

Commissioner Cockrum reported no pool adjustments or lake lot lease transfers.

  1. 2026 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Resolution

Commissioner Cockrum presented the 2026 MFT Resolution for the annual motor fuel tax program in the total amount of $483,709.20. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to approve the resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Executive Session – Hiring of Public Works Director

Commissioner Cockrum stated his intention to address the discussion and/or approval of hiring a Public Works Director in executive session. (See Executive Session below.)

  1. Water Maintenance Position – Internal Posting

Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to post the water maintenance position internally, noting a current vacancy in the department, pursuant to the terms of the bargaining agreement. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY REPORT – COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA

  1. Purchase Orders / Department Updates

Commissioner Garavalia reported no purchase orders, updates, or department reports.

  1. Paid On-Call Compensation Sheet

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to table the discussion and/or approval of the paid on-call compensation sheet. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. P.D. Administrative Assistant Pay Increase

Commissioner Garavalia stated she wished to discuss the Police Department Administrative Assistant pay increase in executive session. (See Executive Session below.)

  1. Agreement with MacQueen for New Fire Truck

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to table the discussion and/or approval of entering into an agreement with MacQueen for a new fire truck. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Resolution #26-02 – Road Closure for Rend Lake Water Festival Parade

Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve Resolution #26-02 authorizing a road closure of multiple roads for the annual Rend Lake Water Festival Parade. The parade is scheduled for May 2, 2026 at 10:02 a.m., beginning on East Main Street by the Sheriff’s Department and continuing around the square and down North Main Street. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE REPORT – COMMISSIONER KAYS

  1. Payroll Approval

Commissioner Kays presented payroll dated Friday, March 27, 2026 totaling $114,786.69, with $84,714.34 from the General Fund and $30,072.35 from the Revenue Fund. Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve the payroll. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Finance Updates

Commissioner Kays provided the following updates:

OSLAD Grant – Malkovich Park: The City is moving quickly to close out the OSLAD grant for Malkovich Park, with the goal of finalizing all expenses and closing by the end of the month.

Interest-Bearing Accounts: The City Treasurer has renegotiated the majority of the City’s bank accounts, increasing interest rates from approximately 0.4–0.5% to 2.5–3.0%, resulting in significantly improved returns on held funds.

Home Rule Sales Tax: The sales tax warrant expected in early April will reflect the first total collected under the new home rule sales tax implemented for capital improvements and infrastructure. The City anticipates discussions with financial institutions regarding borrowing capacity for West Main and other projects within the next three to four weeks.

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT

City Attorney Malkovich reported no updates.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT – MAYOR MESSERSMITH

  1. Citizen Communications Initiative

Mayor Messersmith noted that the City is working to improve communication with citizens and has a new initiative in development that will benefit citizens, businesses, and organizations by bringing the community together. Further details were not released at this time.

  1. Community Events Council

Mayor Messersmith reported that the Community Events Council held its inaugural meeting the prior week, bringing together representatives from various community organizations to better coordinate events, schedules, and needs. The group intends to meet monthly. Upcoming community events noted include: the Lions Club All-Star Game at Rend Lake College; an Elks membership dinner; an Easter egg hunt at Benton Park from 2:00–4:00 p.m. hosted by Benton Area Volunteers; a Chamber luncheon at La Fiesta; and the Easter Bunny at the Elks Lodge on April 4 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

  1. Purchase Order #00599 – M&M Landscaping – Malkovich Park

Mayor Messersmith presented Purchase Order #00599 to M&M Landscaping in the amount of $2,500.00 for completion of stonework and archway columns at Malkovich Park as part of the OSLAD grant project. Mayor Messersmith recognized Grant Administrator Damien for his work in ensuring project completion prior to the grant deadline. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to approve the purchase order. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. Wit and Wisdom – Sponsorship Discussion

Mayor Messersmith introduced a request received from Wit and Wisdom regarding the possibility of the City providing sponsorship or financial support. Mayor Messersmith presented the organization’s information for council awareness and discussion. Commissioner Kays noted that the Community Investment Fund has approximately $1,200.00 remaining and suggested that any future consideration be budgeted accordingly. Discussion also arose regarding the geographic scope of beneficiaries served. No action was taken. The matter may be considered in future budget discussions.

  1. Airport Farm Property – Discussion and Approval to Accept Bids for Lease

Mayor Messersmith introduced Mr. Calcaterra, who presented information regarding the City’s approximately 113 acres of farmable property at the airport available for lease. Mr. Calcaterra noted that a publication notice had been prepared, that maps from the USDA office were available, and that additional adjacent non-city-owned farmland is available to lease separately through those landowners. The lease is proposed on a cash rent basis, consistent with prior practice. Commissioner Storey noted the urgency given the approaching planting season. Commissioner Storey made a motion to approve advertising the airport farm property for lease bids. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

  1. 404 South Commercial – Removal of Junk, Debris, and Tires

Mayor Messersmith introduced Mr. Calcaterra and Code Enforcement Officer Caleb Cavins to present information regarding the property at 404 South Commercial Street. Mr. Calcaterra noted that a court order had been obtained authorizing the City to enter the property and remove junk, debris, tires, and other items. Three proposals were obtained for the cleanup. The lowest proposal was from My Neighbor’s Junk Removal, Demolition, and Excavation in the amount of $1,600.00. Commissioner Storey made a motion to proceed with cleaning 404 South Commercial Street using the lowest proposal. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS

No miscellaneous business.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business.

NEW BUSINESS

Commissioner Storey invited Chamber Director Lennie Shelton to address the Council regarding the door at the Antique Car Museum. Mrs. Shelton reported that the door and frame are in need of replacement due to water damage, wood rot, evidence of termites, and structural failure of the door hinges. The Council agreed to place discussion and approval of accepting bids to address the door and frame on a future agenda.

MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC

Chamber Director Lennie Shelton requested use of Capitol Park on the evening of May 1 and May 2, 2026 for vendor and food vendor space in connection with the Rend Lake Water Festival. Mrs. Shelton noted the availability of restrooms and stated a facility use form would be submitted. The Council acknowledged the request.

Commissioner Garavalia reminded those present that the Benton Area Volunteers will host an Easter egg hunt featuring 7,000 eggs at Benton Park, with Andy Lamont providing hot dogs and refreshments for children.

Mrs. Shelton also announced that a chili cook-off is being planned for Friday evening as part of the Water Festival activities.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Commissioner Kays made a motion to enter Executive Session pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(c) for the following items:

Item 5(e) – Discussion and/or approval of hiring of Public Works Director

Item 6(c) – Discussion and/or approval of P.D. Administrative Assistant pay increase

Item 14(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

Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED. The Council entered Executive Session at 5:35 p.m.

Commissioner Storey made a motion to return to Regular Session. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED. The Council returned to Regular Session at 6:48 p.m.

ACTION FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE SESSION

Item 5(e) – Hiring of Public Works Director

Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to hire Dailus Richardson as the City’s Public Works Director. Commissioner Kays noted that there will be no employment contract. At the next meeting, the Council will amend the ordinance establishing the Public Works Director position to include the job description parameters, provisions for return to the bargaining unit (given the internal hire), compensatory time arrangements, and a starting salary of $68,000.00, based on longevity, Class D water license, and the responsibilities of the position. Commissioner Cockrum made the motion. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED.

Item 6(c) – P.D. Administrative Assistant Pay Increase

No action was taken on this item.

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.

Vote:

Yeas (5): Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith

Nays (0): None

Motion CARRIED. The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.