CITY OF BENTON
CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 27, 2026 — 5:00 P.M.
Council Room, Basement of the Campbell Building
901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois 62812
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.
Absent: None.
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES
- Regular Meeting — July 13, 2026
Commissioner Kays noted two corrections: (1) under bullet point two, the date of the continued meeting should read June 23 rather than June 22; and (2) on the third printed page under the Finance Commissioner’s report, the payroll vote should reflect Yeas and Nays rather than being omitted.
Motion: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the July 13, 2026 regular meeting minutes with the noted corrections. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 4 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Abstained: Commissioner Cockrum.
- Continued Meeting — Friday, July 17, 2026 (9:00 A.M.)
Commissioner Kays noted no changes were necessary.
Motion: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Special Meeting — July 17, 2026 (9:15 A.M.)
Commissioner Kays noted no changes were necessary.
Motion: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the minutes as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Messersmith reminded speakers to approach the podium, state their name for the record, and that each speaker is allotted five minutes. Public comment is addressed to the council as a whole, not to individual members.
Tom Carter
Mr. Carter addressed the citizens of Benton. He stated that he was present to comment on the council’s handling of EPA violations and the public disclosure of related information. He expressed the view that information should have been shared with the public sooner, and questioned what other matters may remain undisclosed.
Lisa Meno — Former City Treasurer (28 Years)
Ms. Meno identified herself as the former Benton City Treasurer, having held the position for 28 years before retiring two years ago. She stated that she had been drawn into recent public controversy after her name was cited in connection with allegations she did not authorize. She noted that only Commissioner Kays contacted her directly for clarification.
Ms. Meno spoke at length on the legal requirements governing city funds under Illinois State Statute 65 ILCS 5/3.1-35-40 (Treasurer Duties) and the city’s revised code of ordinances, Division 7, Section 1-2-7. She stated that only the city treasurer and/or the finance commissioner are authorized to endorse checks on behalf of the city, and that this applies to all funds, including donations. She noted the fire department’s Toys for Tots collections as a recurring example of funds being handled outside proper channels.
Ms. Meno stated that when the honor system breaks down, the treasurer has no way of knowing — but that commissioners, who spend time in city departments and vote on monthly bills, have an obligation to ensure proper handling of city funds. She concluded by urging the council to focus on their respective departments and the needs of taxpayers.
John Daugherty
Mr. Daugherty stated he was present to defend Ms. Meno’s reputation and record, and expressed frustration that misinformation had been spread about her. He stated that Commissioners Kays and Mayor Messersmith had acted with integrity on the matters at hand, while other council members had not. He suggested the council owes a public apology for allowing a vote of no confidence against those acting within their legal obligations.
John Owens
Mr. Owens expressed concern about the priorities of certain council members, citing a focus on social media content over serious issues such as EPA violations and deteriorating infrastructure. He noted that the EPA violation matters were presented to the Illinois State Police and the State’s Attorney’s office, and that both found no wrongdoing. He raised concerns about an alleged Open Meetings Act violation involving a commissioner posting executive session content on social media, and asked what action the council intended to take.
Mayor Messersmith responded that such a violation would be handled the same as any other Open Meetings Act violation. Mr. Owens also raised questions about cell phone use during open meetings, FOIA discrepancies between the city’s response and documents obtained from the Illinois State Police, and the release of executive session notes. He called on the council to be fully transparent with the public.
Rocky Morris
Mr. Morris raised concerns about a water bill he had reviewed and questioned whether residents were receiving safe water. He stated that disabled individuals, nursing home residents, and pregnant women should not be drinking from a potentially compromised public water supply. He acknowledged speaking with Public Works Director Dailus Richardson about the matter and with the previous superintendent. Mr. Morris expressed concern that the public was not notified of the EPA violations in a timely manner, and asked whether the city is now in full compliance and what steps are being taken to prevent future violations.
PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT — Commissioner Storey
- Purchase Orders
None.
- Fire Station Back Ramp Replacement
Commissioner Storey referenced a prior discussion with Craig Miles regarding the back ramp of the fire station and moved to restart that project.
Motion: Commissioner Storey moved to proceed with the fire station back ramp replacement project. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Malkovich Park — West Fence Replacement
Commissioner Storey noted that the existing fencing on the west side of Malkovich Park has been removed and that the area is in poor condition. He moved to solicit bids for a replacement fence along the west side of the park, replacing what was previously taken down.
Motion: Commissioner Storey moved to seek bids for a new fence on the west side of Malkovich Park. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
WATER, SEWER, STREETS & IMPROVEMENTS — Commissioner Cockrum
- Purchase Order #00901 — Replacement Blowers, Municipal Equipment ($16,703.40)
Commissioner Cockrum presented a purchase order to Municipal Equipment for the replacement of two blowers. Note: Commissioner Kays indicated a freight charge of approximately $600.00 was not included in the stated total and should be noted accordingly.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve Purchase Order #00901 in the amount of $16,703.40 (plus approximately $600.00 freight). Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Lake Lot Lease Transfers
None.
- Pool Adjustments
Commissioner Cockrum presented pool adjustments for the following addresses:
- Heather Young — 209 West Webster Street
- Elizabeth Gennett — 403 Taft Street
- Kyle Bacon — 513 Clearview Place
- Stephanie Smith — 107 West Bond Street
- Tammy Kopplin — 206 College Street
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve the pool adjustments as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- EPA Violations — Public Works Director’s Statement
Commissioner Cockrum invited Public Works Director Dailus Richardson to address the council and public regarding recent EPA violations. Mr. Richardson provided the following statement:
Mr. Richardson acknowledged public concern regarding EPA violations and the city’s drinking water. He stated that the city received EPA notices, worked with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to identify issues and implement corrective actions, and confirmed that as of March 24, 2026, the city has returned to full compliance. He emphasized that the violations did not involve contamination posing an immediate health risk, but rather related to monitoring, reporting, and operational requirements. He committed to regular testing by certified laboratories and transparent communication going forward.
Following his statement, Mr. Morris asked clarifying questions. Mr. Richardson confirmed there were no actual fines assessed — only the potential for fines had compliance not been achieved. He explained that the violations involved paperwork and reporting timelines, not failures in the water sampling or testing process itself. Commissioner Cockrum added that the primary issue was a documentation requirement: cataloguing the type of water service at each individual address, which required significant time and effort under both the previous superintendent and Mr. Richardson.
Mr. Morris acknowledged compliance has been achieved but reiterated his concern that public notification of the violations was not made in a timely manner.
- West Main Street Water and Sewer Relocation — Bid Acceptance (Wiggs Excavating)
City Engineer Rodney Potts presented results of the rebid for the West Main Street water and sewer relocation project, required in advance of an IDOT road improvement project. Two plan holders submitted bids: Kiefer Brothers Construction (Mount Carmel) and Wiggs Excavating (Benton). The low bid from Wiggs Excavating — covering both water and sewer — totaled $2,161,661.00, approximately $600,000–$700,000 below the initial cost estimate.
Mr. Potts noted the project was redesigned to route utilities away from the annex building (scheduled for demolition) and to minimize disruption to businesses by boring under parking areas where feasible. Sanitary sewer work will require open excavation to a depth of approximately 12 feet and is expected to begin construction in the fall, ahead of IDOT’s anticipated spring start. IDOT is currently expected to bid West Main in November, with construction beginning approximately the first of October of next year. The city anticipates having all easements secured and materials ordered by end of August.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to accept the bid from Wiggs Excavating in the amount of $2,161,661.00 for the West Main water and sewer relocation project. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- MFT Program — BAM (Bituminous Patching Material) Bid Acceptance (Illini Asphalt)
Mr. Potts presented bids received for bituminous patching material (BAM) used for pothole repair prior to oil and chip surfacing. The low bid was received from Illini Asphalt at $59.25 per ton, below the city’s estimate of $65.00 per ton. Total bid: $59,250.00.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to accept the bid from Illini Asphalt for BAM at $59,250.00. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- MFT Program — Strengthening Base Rock (No Bids Received)
Mr. Potts reported that no bids were received for the strengthening base rock (C8-10 or C8-6 gravel) portion of the MFT program, despite Doris Trucking being listed as a plan holder. Per IDOT guidelines, when no bids are received after proper advertisement, the city may solicit three informal price quotes without re-advertising or declaring an emergency. Mr. Potts agreed to contact vendors on the city’s behalf.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to authorize Mr. Potts to obtain three price quotes for strengthening base rock and return to the council. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- MFT Program — Oil and Chip Surfacing Bid Acceptance (Illini Asphalt)
Mr. Potts presented a bid from Illini Asphalt for oil and chip surfacing of various city streets (single and double coat applications across multiple zones). Total bid: $186,020.66.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to accept the bid from Illini Asphalt for oil and chip surfacing at $186,020.66. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Carter Drive Sewer Line — Emergency Bid Authorization
Mr. Richardson explained that during work on the new Carter Drive sewer main, it was discovered that four buildings in the area were all connected into a single private sewer line running to the city’s main — a configuration that constitutes a violation. Mr. Potts provided additional context, noting that such daisy-chained connections were common practice historically and were not violations at the time of installation, but must now be brought into compliance. The city intends to connect all four buildings to the new main via separate service lines.
Given the threshold for competitive bidding ($25,000), the council discussed treating this as an emergency to allow Mr. Richardson to solicit three informal quotes rather than go through a 30-day formal bid process.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to authorize Mr. Richardson to seek emergency bids (minimum three quotes) for the Carter Drive sewer service line connections. Seconded by Commissioner Storey.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- RLCD (Rend Lake Conservancy District) Water Contract
Commissioner Cockrum presented the RLCD water contract for approval. Commissioner Kays noted the contract includes a 5% rate increase, and referenced an accompanying memo from RLCD General Manager Gary Williams explaining the justification: approximately $23 million in capital improvement projects to the district’s system, including water main reliability upgrades, treatment plant electrical improvements, raw water intake upgrades, and EPA-mandated projects. Commissioner Kays noted that all communities served by Rend Lake received the same contract and encouraged the public to review the RLCD capital improvement plan. City Engineer Potts confirmed he had attended similar presentations in other communities served by the district.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve the RLCD water contract. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 4 — Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 1 — Commissioner Storey. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY — Commissioner Garavalia
- Purchase Orders
None.
- Updates
Commissioner Garavalia reported that police department vehicles are being equipped with new computers; approximately half have been completed.
- Fire Truck Purchase Agreement — McQueen
Commissioner Garavalia reported that she and another commissioner moved forward to sign the purchase agreement with McQueen for the new fire truck. She stated that the council had previously voted unanimously to authorize the purchase, but the agreement had not been executed despite repeated requests. With McQueen expressing concern about the delay, and after consulting with city legal counsel, two commissioners signed the agreement to preserve the city’s relationship with the vendor and ensure the purchase proceeded. Commissioner Garavalia noted that only the signature page was included in council packets, as the full agreement had been previously distributed.
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE — Commissioner Kays
- Payroll — July 31, 2026
Payroll dated July 31, 2026 totaling $120,874.44 ($95,199.03 from the General Fund; $25,675.41 from the Revenue Fund). Commissioner Kays noted the higher-than-typical total is attributable to PTO sellback payments totaling $26,012.90 across all departments, along with elevated accrued payroll in two departments.
Motion: Commissioner Kays moved to approve the payroll as presented. Seconded by Commissioner Cockrum.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Bills
None.
- Grant Management Policy Book — Authorization to Begin Development
Commissioner Kays requested council approval to begin developing a formal grant management policy book. The city has a grant administrator currently receiving training. A written policy is needed to guide grant administration practices going forward.
Motion: Commissioner Kays moved to authorize the development of a city grant management policy book. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT
No updates.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS — Mayor Messersmith
- Purchase Order #00910 — Flowers by Dave (Tent Rental, $755.00)
Mayor Messersmith announced that the city is hosting a ceremony honoring Bob Rea this Saturday at 11:00 a.m. The event will include music, remarks from dignitaries, and tours of the county jail. Purchase Order #00910 is for a tent and chairs from Flowers by Dave at a cost of $755.00, to provide shade for attendees. City Clerk Brook Craig coordinated the arrangements.
Motion: Commissioner Kays moved to approve Purchase Order #00910 for Flowers by Dave in the amount of $755.00. Seconded by Commissioner Garavalia.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
- Fall/Winter Family Movie Night — Authorization (Not to Exceed $2,500.00)
Mayor Messersmith reported that the summer family movie night series has been well-received, with resident surveys confirming public interest. He proposed extending the series into fall/winter with one event in October. City Engineer Rodney Potts’ firm has volunteered to sponsor the LED screen rental ($2,000.00). Movie rental cost is approximately $500.00. Total not-to-exceed cost: $2,500.00.
Motion: Commissioner Cockrum moved to approve the fall/winter family movie night at a cost not to exceed $2,500.00. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS
Flock Safety Block Cameras — Discussion (Commissioner Kays)
Commissioner Kays stated that he has had ongoing reservations about the city’s use of Flock Safety license plate reader cameras. While he praised the police department’s conduct, his concern is that data is stored on Flock’s servers rather than locally, and that other agencies may be able to access the data. He suggested the council have a deeper discussion about the continued use of the cameras in the community.
Police Chief responded that the Flock system sends notifications when another department requests access, and the department can approve or deny such requests. Access has only been granted to agencies within Southern Illinois. The chief noted the cameras only retain data for 30 days and only retrieve information upon a system hit, and expressed confidence there is no local misuse.
Commissioner Kays acknowledged the department’s responsible use but reiterated his concern about loss of local control over data once it leaves city servers.
No formal action taken. Further discussion encouraged.
Infrastructure Progress — Commissioner Kays
In response to public comments about road and water infrastructure, Commissioner Kays acknowledged the concerns are valid but noted the council has made substantial progress since taking office. He cited the East Main Street water main replacement (funded by a CDAP grant), the current West Main project, a prior project near the high school replacing 172 service lines, and a pending CDAP grant application for East Main. He attributed the current state of infrastructure to previous councils’ reliance on grants that did not materialize, and noted that the 1% Home Rule sales tax is now providing funding for ongoing improvements. He acknowledged that costs continue to rise and that projects are addressed one at a time as they are discovered.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner Storey moved to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Kays.
Vote: Yeas: 5 — Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
