{"id":6616,"date":"2026-03-10T21:13:39","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T21:13:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6616"},"modified":"2026-03-16T21:15:38","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T21:15:38","slug":"city-council-meeting-minutes-february-23-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6616","title":{"rendered":"City Council Meeting Minutes &#8211; February 23, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>City of Benton<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Regular City Council Meeting Minutes<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Date:<\/strong> February 23, 2026<br \/>\n<strong>Time:<\/strong> 5:00 p.m.<br \/>\n<strong>Location:<\/strong> Benton City Hall<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>1. Call to Order &amp; Pledge of Allegiance<\/h3>\n<p>The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>2. Roll Call<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Present:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Mayor Messersmith<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Absent:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A quorum was present.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>3. Reading and Approval of Minutes<\/h3>\n<p><strong>February 9, 2026 \u2013 Regular Meeting Minutes<\/strong><br \/>\nCommissioner Kays stated there were no changes.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>February 11, 2026 \u2013 Continued Meeting Minutes<\/strong><br \/>\nNo changes were requested.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>4. Department Reports \/ Administrative Items<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Commissioner Storey was absent.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>No purchase orders under his department.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>No public property use permits.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>5. New Business<\/h3>\n<h4>(C) RC Drag Racing<\/h4>\n<p>Discussion was tabled pending additional information from Mr. Wells.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion to Table:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Sewer Treatment Plant Purchase Order<\/h4>\n<p>Mayor Messersmith presented a purchase order for CNC Pumps and Supplies for a motor for the non-potable water system in the amount of <strong>$4,560.00<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>No pool adjustments and no lot lease transfers were reported.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>(D) Hiring of Part-Time Water Clerk<\/h4>\n<p>Discussion was held regarding staffing needs due to upcoming retirement and increased workload. Consensus was to begin with a part-time position and reassess if needed.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>(E) Excessive Water Use Adjustment Policy<\/h4>\n<p>Permission was requested to explore updates to the policy and return with a revised form.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>(F) Carter Drive Project Bids<\/h4>\n<p>No action taken pending additional information from the City Engineer.<\/p>\n<h4>(G) West Main Street Project Bids<\/h4>\n<p>No action taken.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>6. Purchase Orders<\/h3>\n<p><strong>PO #00448 \u2013 Sentinel Emergency Solutions<\/strong><br \/>\nFive SCBA cylinders at $5,449.36 each, total <strong>$17,392.32<\/strong>. Discussion included grant possibilities and compliance needs.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>PO #00160 \u2013 Zimmerman\u2019s Garage<\/strong><br \/>\nStrut assembly replacements totaling <strong>$910.98<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>7. Intergovernmental Agreement \u2013 Browning Township<\/h3>\n<p>Discussion regarding renewal and amendment to reflect additional insured language per insurance carrier requirements.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia (to approve pending insurance approval and final document)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>8. Payroll<\/h3>\n<p>Payroll dated <strong>February 27, 2026<\/strong>, totaling <strong>$114,617.26<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>General Fund: $89,432.51<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Revenue Fund: $25,184.75<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Garavalia \u2013 Yes, Kays \u2013 Yes, Mayor Messersmith \u2013 Yes<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>9. Additional Purchase Orders<\/h3>\n<p><strong>PO #00593 \u2013 Conference Registration<\/strong><br \/>\nCommunity Economic Development Conference, Springfield, IL, for Damien Wilburn \u2013 <strong>$325.00<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Unanimous<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>PO #00594 \u2013 Hotel Accommodations<\/strong><br \/>\nConference lodging for Damien Wilburn \u2013 <strong>$727.32<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Unanimous<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>10. City Attorney Report<\/h3>\n<p>No updates.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>11. Public Affairs<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>No purchase orders.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>No update from Take Action Today.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Benton Area Little League Sponsorship<\/strong><br \/>\nCouncil approved a <strong>$300.00 donation<\/strong>, with no names on signage, to be used for youth equipment.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Unanimous<br \/>\n<strong>Motion carried.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Community Investment Fund balance reported at <strong>$1,500.00<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>12. Miscellaneous Business<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p>Recognition of Benton Rangers athletes and teams advancing to state and postseason play.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Decorative heart remains lit on the square in recognition of Heart Health Awareness Month.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Hospital Auxiliary dinner announced; proceeds benefit student scholarships.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p>Volunteer groups announced an Easter Egg Hunt on <strong>March 28, 2026<\/strong>, at the Benton Community Baseball Fields.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>13. Old Business<\/h3>\n<p>None.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>14. New Business<\/h3>\n<p>Commissioner Garavalia requested council consideration of a potential wage adjustment for Police Department Administrative Assistant Karastin Sheedy. No action taken.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>15. Public Comment<\/h3>\n<p>None.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>16. Adjournment<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Motion:<\/strong> Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Second:<\/strong> Commissioner Kays<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Vote:<\/strong> Unanimous<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<p><strong>Meeting adjourned at 5:18 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; City of Benton Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Date: February 23, 2026 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Benton City Hall 1. Call to Order &amp; Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6616\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_cbd_carousel_blocks":"[]"},"categories":[28],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6616"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6616"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6617,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6616\/revisions\/6617"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}