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MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS.<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO ORDER.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH WERE PRESENT FOR ROLL CALL.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM OCTOBER 27, 2025 WITH THE EXCEPTION OF ONE TYPO IN THE OLD BUSINESS SECTION.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 4.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM ABSTAINED.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE WERE A FEW PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE WITH PRESENTATIONS AND THEREFORE HE WOULD BE GOING OUT OF ORDER OF THE AGENDA.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED JUSTIN MILLER, CPRS, WITH TAKE ACTION TODAY TO SPEAK TO THE COUNCIL.\u00a0 MR. MILLER HANDED OUT A FOLDER TO EVERYONE AT THE COUNCIL TABLE AND IN THE AUDIENCE AS WELL.\u00a0 THE FOLDER CONTAINED A REPORT ON THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER, WARMING CENTER GUIDELINES, AND A PROGRAM GUIDELINE.\u00a0 MR. MILLER STATED THAT THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER IN WEST CITY WAS OPEN A TOTAL NUMBER OF 90 NIGHTS WITH A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,080 HOURS OPEN.\u00a0 THERE WERE 59 UNIQUE GUESTS AND A TOTAL NUMBER OF 1,332 VISITS.\u00a0 THERE WERE 2,637 MEALS SERVED, 45 REFERRALS MADE, 169 SHOWERS TAKEN, LAUNDRY SERVICES WERE USED 26 TIMES, AND 48 PEOPLE HAD CLOTHING DISTRIBUTED.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE OPIOID FUNDS HAVE STRICT GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT THE MONEY CAN BE USED FOR.\u00a0 HE STATED THAT HE FELT THE CITY COULD DONATE $2,400.00 FROM THE OPIOID FUND TO HELP THE CRISIS WARMING CENTER OPERATE.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THIS IS THE AMOUNT THAT THE CITY DONATED LAST YEAR.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE THIS MOTION.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 4.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 1.\u00a0\u00a0 COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED BROOKLYN WITHROW AND CLAIRE GULLEY WITH THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.\u00a0 THE LADIES DESCRIBED THE PROGRAM AS AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM THAT HELPS STUDENTS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY BEGIN BUSINESSES.\u00a0 IN ORDER TO START THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY WILL BE HOLDING A FUNDRAISER TO GET FUNDS TO START FROM.\u00a0 THIS YEAR\u2019S FUNDRAISER IS A \u201cHOOPS & HOLLY TOURNAMENT & WINTER FESTIVAL\u201d.\u00a0 THIS WILL CONSIST OF A 3 ON\u00a0 3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WITH 3 AGE GROUPS.\u00a0 THERE WILL ALSO BE VENDORS FOR THE WINTER FESTIVAL.\u00a0 THE LADIES STATED THERE ARE MULTIPLE SUPPORTER LEVELS AND ASKED IF THE COUNCIL WOULD CONSIDER DONATING AT ONE OF THE LEVELS.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO DONATE $750.00 TO THE FRANKLIN COUNTY EDGE PROGRAM, WHICH IS A CANDY CANE CONTRIBUTOR.\u00a0 THIS INCLUDES A LARGE COMPANY LOGO ON THE FLYER, SOCIAL MEDIA RECOGNITION, SPONSORSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT, COMPANY NAME AND LOGO LISTED ON EVENT PROGRAM, AND COMPANY NAME ON T-SHIRT.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 4.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, AND COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0 MAYOR MESSERSMITH ABSTAINED AS HE IS PART OF THIS PROGRAM.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH ASKED RANDY HOUSE TO COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.\u00a0 MR. HOUSE STATED THAT HE WAS ASKED BY THE CITY\u2019S INSURANCE AGENT, BOB REA, TO LOOK INTO SOME HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS FOR THE CITY OF BENTON.\u00a0 MR. HOUSE STATED THAT THE CITY WAS LOOKING FOR A MORE AFFORDABLE OPTION FOR THE EMPLOYEES TO BE ABLE TO ADD FAMILY IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO.\u00a0 MR. HOUSE FIELDED QUESTIONS FROM SEVERAL EMPLOYEES IN THE AUDIENCE REGARDING COVERAGE WITH THE PROPOSED PLAN FROM CLEARWATER INSURANCE.\u00a0 AFTER THE PRESENTATION COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AT THIS MEETING REGARDING SWITCHING HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE COUNCIL WILL RECONVENE AT 9 A.M. ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AFTER GETTING ANSWERS TO MANY POSED QUESTIONS.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HE HAD NO ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THIS MEETING.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00242 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 1999 DUMP TRUCK IN THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $1646.00.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00241 TO FAST TRUCK SERVICE FOR TIRES FOR THE 2007 DUMP TRUCK FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $763.00.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT HE HAS NO POOL ADJUSTMENTS AND NO LAKE LOT LEASE TRANSFERS.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A POLICY FOR TRASH SERVICE FOR NON-WATER USING CUSTOMERS IN THE CITY OF BENTON.\u00a0 THE POLICY STATES THAT CUSTOMERS INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS THAT DO NOT WISH TO HAVE WATER SERVICE SERVICES, THE CITY WILL NOT PROVIDE TRASH SERVICES TO THE RESIDENCE.\u00a0 CUSTOMERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTACT A TRASH COLLECTION AGENCY FOR SERVICE.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 4.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 1.\u00a0\u00a0 COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE A WATER SAMPLE COLLECTION POLICY.\u00a0 THIS POLICY STATES THAT THE WATER DEPARTMENT WILL PROVIDE A LETTER WITH THE SAMPLING KIT TO INSTRUCT CUSTOMERS THAT IF THEY COMPLETE AND RETURN THE SAMPLE KITS WITHIN 14 DAYS, THEY WILL RECEIVE A $25.00 CREDIT ON THEIR WATER BILL.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM STATED THAT DAMIEN WILBURN WILL BE MOVING INTO A GRANT ADMINISTRATOR POSITION.\u00a0 BECAUSE OF THIS NEW POSITION, A PART-TIME EMPLOYEE WILL NEED TO BE HIRED FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER STOREY ASKED HOW MANY GRANTS PER YEAR MR. WILBURN WILL BE DOING.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT IT CAN VARY.\u00a0 FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM ASKED IF MR. WILBURN COULD START BILLING FOR HAZMAT SERVICES SINCE HE WOULD BE DEALING WITH MONEY FOR THE CITY.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE CITY IS NOT READY FOR THAT CONVERSATION AT THIS TIME.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO ADVERTISE FOR A PART-TIME WATER CLERK POSITION AT $15.00 PER HOUR FOR 20 HOURS PER WEEK.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 4.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 1.\u00a0\u00a0 COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO TABLE ITEM (G) DISCUSSION AND\/OR APPROVAL OF AGREEMENT WITH IDNR.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE APPLYING FOR PERMITS AND OBTAINING ESTIMATES FOR THE SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON THE BENTON SQUARE.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE RESOLUTION #25-12 FOR ROAD CLOSURE OF THE BENTON PUBLIC SQUARE FOR THE ANNUAL HOMETOWN CHRISTMAS ON NOVEMBER 29, 2025.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00148 TO NOVACOM FOR 1 PHOENIX LIGHT BAR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,899.84.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00441 TO IFSI FOR ADVANCED FIREFIGHTER CERTIFICATION FOR JAMES NEFF AND MATT WARREN IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,950.00.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00442 TO LEO ELBRECHT FOR 3 SETS OF BUNKER GEAR IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,310.39.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PROVIDED CALL REPORTS FROM THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS TO THE COUNCIL.\u00a0 THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANSWERED A TOTAL OF 604 CALLS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.\u00a0 THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD A TOTAL OF 58 INCIDENTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA PRESENTED AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR COMMUNICATION SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF BENTON AND THE FRANKLIN COUNTY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THIS AGREEMENT GOES INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 1, 2025.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
COMMISSIONER KAYS NOTED THAT THERE WILL BE A 3% INCREASE IN THE AMOUNT OF THE ANNUAL COST EVERY YEAR.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT YEAR 1 IS $135,473.84, YEAR 2 IS $139,538.05, AND YEAR 3 IS $143,724.19.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ADDITION OF WARREN ALLEN SMOTHERS TO THE BENTON PAID-ON-CALL FIREFIGHTER ROSTER.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO ALLOW THE MERIT BOARD TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF A TEMPORARY FIREFIGHTER.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER STOREY.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PAYROLL DATED NOVEMBER 17, 2025 FOR THE GENERAL FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,572.22 AND FOR THE WATER AND SEWER FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,460.56 FOR A TOTAL PAYROLL OF $108,032.78.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE PURCHASE ORDER #00874 TO BENTON SAVE A LOT IN THE AMOUNT OF $2,150.00 FOR QUARTER 2 SAFETY STIPENDS FOR THE FULL TIME EMPLOYEES.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE MONTHLY BILLS FROM THE AP FUND IN THE AMOUNT OF $733,238.63, FROM TIF IN THE AMOUNT OF $39,579.23, FROM COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,071.20, AND FROM MOTOR FUEL TAX IN THE AMOUNT OF $217,042.07 FOR A TOTAL BILL AMOUNT OF $990,931.13.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE TAX LEVY ORDINANCE #25-09.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER KAYS STATED THAT THE INCREASE ON THIS TAX LEVY OF 0.987% AND IS THE LOWEST TAX LEVEL HE HAS SEEN BY THE CITY IN MULTIPLE YEARS.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDED PAY RESOLUTION #25-13 ADDING POLICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT KARASTIN SHEEDY TO THE RESOLUTION AT A BASE OF $36,400.00 AND AMENDING THE SALARY OF CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS AT A BASE SALARY OF $37,440.50.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER KAYS MADE A MOTION TO APPOINT JOHN DAUGHERTY AS AN AUTHORIZED AGENT FOR THE CITY OF BENTON WITH THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL RETIREMENT FUND.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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ATTORNEY MALKOVICH STATED THAT HE HAS NO UPDATES FOR THIS MEETING.<\/p>\n
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UNDER PUBLIC AFFAIRS REPORT, MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT VETERAN\u2019S DAY CELEBRATIONS HAPPENING AROUND SOUTHERN ILLINOIS ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025.\u00a0 MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT THE AMERICAN LEGION WILL HAVE A SERVICE AT MASONIC & ODDFELLOWS CEMETERY AT 11AM. AFTER THE SERVICE THEY WILL FIRE THE GUNS AND PLAY TAPS AT THE CEMETERY BEHIND THE POST. AFTER THIS EVERYONE IS INVITED INSIDE THE POST FOR CHILI AND HOTDOGS<\/p>\n
THE BENTON ELKS WILL BE SERVING A FREE BRUNCH TO ALL VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS FOR THIS EVENT ARE MR. AND MRS. TROY WILLIAMS OF THE 3D U.S. INFANTRY REGIMENT, “THE OLD GUARD”.<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE HAD NO PURCHASE ORDERS FOR THIS MEETING.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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MAYOR MESSERSMITH STATED THAT HE NEEDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENT OF VICTOR SHOCKLEY AND GARRET COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER STOREY MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT VICTOR SHOCKLEY TO THE ZONING BOARD.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA MADE A MOTION TO REAPPOINT GARRETT COLLIER TO THE ZONING BOARD.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER COCKRUM.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, ZONING ADMINISTRATOR BRIAN CALCATERRA, STATED THAT CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER CALEB CAVINS HAS BEEN DOING A GREAT JOB, BUT HE IS GOING TO BE ATTENDING SOME TRAINING TO ADD MORE TOOLS.\u00a0 MR. CALCATERRA STATED THAT MR. CAVINS IS GOING TO BE CERTIFIED WITH IPMC AND WILL BE ABLE TO BE STRICTER IN ENFORCING CODES AFTER THIS.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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ALSO IN MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS, COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED HE RECENTLY HAD A FAMILY MEMBER SEEN AT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER STOREY STATED THAT HIS FAMILY RECEIVED WONDERFUL CARE WHILE AT THE HOSPITAL AND HE FEELS THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO BETTER CARE ANYWHERE.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA STATED THAT THE FRANKLIN COUNTY HOSPITAL ALSO HAS A WONDERFUL LADIES AUXILIARY.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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NO OLD BUSINESS.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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NO NEW BUSINESS.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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NO MATTERS FROM THE PUBLIC AUDIENCE, FIRE CHIEF SHANE COCKRUM STATED THAT TOYS FOR TOTS COLLECTION WILL BE BEGINNING ANY TIME.\u00a0 CHIEF COCKRUM ALSO STATED THAT THE BENTON FIRE DEPARTMENT WILL BE AT THE NORTH MAIN DOLLAR GENERAL ON DECEMBER 3, 2025 COLLECTING FOR TOYS FOR TOTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 P.M.\u00a0 POLICE CHIEF CHRIS FUNKHOUSER STATED THAT SHOP WITH A COP WILL BE HAPPENING ON DECEMBER 19, 2025.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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COMMISSIONER COCKRUM MADE A MOTION TO CONTINUE THE COUNCIL MEETING UNTIL MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025 AT 9 A.M.\u00a0 SECOND BY COMMISSIONER KAYS.\u00a0 VOTE WAS TAKEN.\u00a0 YEAS:\u00a0 5.\u00a0 COMMISSIONER COCKRUM, COMMISSIONER STOREY, COMMISSIONER GARAVALIA, COMMISSIONER KAYS, AND MAYOR MESSERSMITH.\u00a0 NAYS:\u00a0 0.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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6:45 P.M.<\/p>\n
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ATTEST:<\/p>\n
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CITY CLERK<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MINUTES OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED BENTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD MONDAY NOVEMBER 10, 2025 AT 5:00 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL ROOM OF THE CAMPBELL BUILDING LOCATED AT 901 PUBLIC SQUARE, BENTON, ILLINOIS. MAYOR MESSERSMITH CALLED THE MEETING TO … Continue reading