{"id":6660,"date":"2026-03-24T14:20:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T14:20:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6660"},"modified":"2026-05-15T14:20:55","modified_gmt":"2026-05-15T14:20:55","slug":"city-council-meeting-minutes-march-9-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6660","title":{"rendered":"City Council Meeting Minutes – March 9, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS<\/strong><\/p>\n

REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING<\/strong><\/p>\n

MINUTES<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, March 9, 2026\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 P.M.<\/p>\n

Council Chambers, Benton City Hall\u00a0 |\u00a0 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

    \n
  1. CALL TO ORDER<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Attorney Malkovich called the meeting to order and directed City Clerk Brook Craig to take roll.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. ROLL CALL<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Present: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

      Absent: <\/strong>Commissioner Kays, Mayor Messersmith<\/p>\n

       <\/p>\n

      III. APPROVAL OF BILLS AND MINUTES<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Bills \u2013 February 23, 2026 Regular Meeting<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Attorney Malkovich requested a motion to approve bills from the regularly scheduled council meeting of February 23, 2026.<\/p>\n

        Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

        Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

        Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 2 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Abstain: Commissioner Storey abstained\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION DID NOT PASS<\/p>\n

        Attorney Malkovich stated these minutes will be reviewed for approval at the next city council meeting.<\/p>\n

         <\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Minutes \u2013 Special Called Meeting, February 27, 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Attorney Malkovich requested a motion to approve the minutes of the special called Benton City Council meeting of Friday, February 27, 2026.<\/p>\n

          Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

          Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

          Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

           <\/p>\n

            \n
          1. PUBLIC PROPERTY REPORT \u2014 Commissioner Storey<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Commissioner Storey reported no purchase orders or updates to present.<\/p>\n

             <\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Approval of Mowing Bids<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Commissioner Storey made a motion to approve accepting sealed mowing bids for city property, nuisance yards, and related areas. Bids must be submitted by March 23, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. Sealed bids will be opened at the March 23, 2026 council meeting.<\/p>\n

              Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

              Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

              Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

               <\/p>\n

                \n
              1. Approval of Mosquito Abatement \u2013 2026 Season<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                Commissioner Storey invited Dylan Young, Owner of Little Egypt Pest Control, and Lead Technician Lane Reed to address the council. Mr. Young reported that pricing will remain unchanged from the prior year at $15,000.00 for the season. Lane Reed provided an overview of mosquito control services, including:<\/p>\n

                (1) ULV (Ultra-Low Volume) Applications \u2013 fogging treatments targeting foliage, trees, shrubs, and structures where mosquitoes harbor;<\/p>\n

                (2) Granule Applications \u2013 applied using a hand spreader to create a protective layer limiting mosquito activity;<\/p>\n

                (3) Mosquito Dunks \u2013 EPA-regulated discs deployed in standing water (ditches, ponds, low spots) to prevent larval development within a 100-square-foot radius over approximately 30 days.<\/p>\n

                Services are provided every 21\u201330 days, weather permitting, for the full six-month season set by the Illinois Department of Agriculture: April 15 through October 15. This will be Little Egypt Pest Control’s fourth season of service to the City.<\/p>\n

                Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                 <\/p>\n

                  \n
                1. Decorative Street Light Repair\/Replacement<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                  Commissioner Storey reported three decorative street lights in need of repair or replacement. Parts are reportedly unavailable, and replacement may be necessary. Commissioner Storey indicated that McCollum Electric will be contacted to assess the situation and return with pricing.<\/p>\n

                  Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey (to proceed with obtaining pricing)<\/p>\n

                  Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                  Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                   <\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Street Light \u2013 1204 Enterprise Street<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    Commissioner Storey noted that a street light at the fire department on Madison Street is being addressed by street department staff. He also reported that a resident at 1204 Enterprise Street on the west side of her property does not have a street light and that the area is very dark, with pedestrian activity observed at night.<\/p>\n

                    Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey (to investigate street light installation at 1204 Enterprise Street)<\/p>\n

                    Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                    Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                     <\/p>\n

                      \n
                    1. STREETS, WATER & SEWER REPORT \u2014 Commissioner Cockrum<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                      Commissioner Cockrum reported no purchase orders, pool adjustments, or lake lot lease transfers.<\/p>\n

                       <\/p>\n

                        \n
                      1. Stormwater Study<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                        Commissioner Cockrum reported that the Housing Authority has contacted the city regarding installation of culverts on streets in the northeast part of town where federal housing is located. A map was included in council packets. Before proceeding, Commissioner Cockrum requested that an engineer be hired to study whether the existing culvert pipe under the railroad track is sufficient to handle the additional drainage.<\/p>\n

                        Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum (to hire an engineer to conduct a stormwater study in the affected area)<\/p>\n

                        Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                        Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                         <\/p>\n

                          \n
                        1. Water Service Line GIS Mapping \u2013 Grant Application<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                          Commissioner Cockrum reported that the city has been working for several months on a project to map water service lines using a GPS\/GIS system. A quote was presented. The proposal includes applying for a $40,000.00 grant to fund the project, with an annual maintenance fee of $6,800.00 thereafter. Commissioner Cockrum noted that Item 7 of the proposal indicates the city would be responsible for that cost.<\/p>\n

                          Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum (to authorize engineers to move forward with the $40,000.00 grant application for GIS water service line mapping)<\/p>\n

                          Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                          Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                           <\/p>\n

                            \n
                          1. FIRE, POLICE & EMS REPORT \u2014 Commissioner Garavalia<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n
                          2. Purchase Order #00449 \u2013 Fire Department Station Alerting System<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                            Approval of Purchase Order #00449 to 911 Systems LLC for a station alerting system for the fire department in the amount of $3,582.69. The system provides differentiated signals and lights for various response needs. To be paid from the Ambulance Revenue Fund.<\/p>\n

                            Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                            Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                            Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                             <\/p>\n

                              \n
                            1. Purchase Order #100451 \u2013 Hazmat Supplies<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                              Approval of Purchase Order #100451 to Mid-America Fire for Peat Sorb, Chem-Oil Away, and spill socks in the amount of $1,943.09. To be paid from Hazmat Funds.<\/p>\n

                              Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                              Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                              Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                               <\/p>\n

                                \n
                              1. Purchase Order #00452 \u2013 Gear Rack<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                Approval of Purchase Order #00452 to Fire Penny for a gear rack in the amount of $4,446.65. The plan is to relocate existing gear racks to one side for paid-on-call (POC) firefighters, providing a designated space to keep clean and dirty gear separated.<\/p>\n

                                Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                                Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                                Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                 <\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                1. Fire Truck Plant Visit \u2013 Informational Item (No Action Required)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                  Commissioner Garavalia reported, for informational purposes only, that four firefighters attended the Pierce Manufacturing fire truck assembly plant on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Attendees were: Fire Chief, John Owens, Matt Warren, and Eric Davis. The trip was taken at the firefighters’ own expense and on their own time. All expenses were paid by Pierce Dispatch Company, which invited the crew to tour the facility. The plant encompasses approximately one million square feet of manufacturing space across multiple buildings and is the single-source leader in custom fire trucks in the United States, owned by Oshkosh Corporation. No overtime was incurred. Station coverage was maintained throughout.<\/p>\n

                                   <\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  1. Tabled: Police Department Administrative Assistant Compensation<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                    Commissioner Garavalia moved to table the discussion and\/or approval of Police Department Administrative Assistant (Karastin Sheedy) compensation, out of respect for the absent Finance Commissioner. Commissioner Garavalia asked council members to review the materials provided in their packets prior to the next meeting.<\/p>\n

                                    Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia (to table this item)<\/p>\n

                                    Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                                    Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED \u2014 ITEM TABLED<\/p>\n

                                     <\/p>\n

                                    VII. ACCOUNTS & FINANCE<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      \n
                                    1. Payroll Approval<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                      Attorney Malkovich presented the following payroll for approval:<\/p>\n

                                      General Fund:\u00a0 $67,409.88<\/p>\n

                                      Water and Sewer Revenue Fund:\u00a0 $19,378.34<\/p>\n

                                      Total Payroll:\u00a0 $86,788.22<\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                                      Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                                      Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                      City Clerk Brook Craig noted that the meeting will be continued until Friday, March 13, 2026, for payment of bills.<\/p>\n

                                       <\/p>\n

                                      VIII. CITY ATTORNEY REPORT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                      Attorney Malkovich reported no updates.<\/p>\n

                                       <\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      1. MAYOR’S REPORT \u2014 Airport Purchase Orders<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                        Attorney Malkovich presented three purchase orders on behalf of the Mayor. Airport Manager Mr. Harrison was present and addressed the council.<\/p>\n

                                         <\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        1. Purchase Order #00505 \u2013 Airport Fuel Pump Dispenser<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                          Purchase Order #00505 to Mid-South Steel Products for one (1) airport fuel pump dispenser in the amount of $13,810.00. Mr. Harrison reported the existing fuel pump dates to approximately the late 1990s and has continued to experience problems. Cost includes equipment and travel time from Cape Girardeau.<\/p>\n

                                          Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                                          Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                                          Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                           <\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          1. Purchase Order #00506 \u2013 Airport Electrical Work<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                            Purchase Order #00506 to FW Electric for $3,510.00 to run a new electrical circuit from the terminal to the fuel tank and address significant safety concerns with existing wiring that has not been updated since the fuel tanks were originally installed.<\/p>\n

                                            Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                                            Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                                            Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                             <\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            1. Purchase Order #00507 \u2013 Airport Tractor Fuel System Repair<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                              Purchase Order #00507 to H&R Agri Power for airport tractor fuel system repair in the amount of $910.05.<\/p>\n

                                              Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                                              Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                                              Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                               <\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              1. PLANNING, ZONING & TIF<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n
                                              2. Downtown TIF Fa\u00e7ade Program \u2013 Extension for Calendar Year 2026<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                Attorney Malkovich noted that Brian Calcaterra has been heavily involved with this program. Mr. Calcaterra reported no changes from the prior year. The program allocates $40,000.00 from the Downtown TIF Fund as a dollar-for-dollar matching grant, up to $5,000.00 per applicant.<\/p>\n

                                                Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum (to extend the Downtown TIF Fa\u00e7ade Program for calendar year 2026 under the same terms)<\/p>\n

                                                Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                                                Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                                 <\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                1. Special Use Permit \u2013 414 West Taylor Street (Single-Wide Mobile Home)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                  Attorney Malkovich presented an application, photographs, and supporting documentation for a special use permit for an existing single-wide mobile home at 414 West Taylor Street. Mr. Calcaterra reported that the Zoning and Planning Commission recommended approval with no objection. An occupancy inspection was completed and passed. Mr. Calcaterra described the residence as likely the nicest on the lot.<\/p>\n

                                                  Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum (to approve Ricky Clark’s right to own and occupy the existing single-wide mobile home at 414 West Taylor Street)<\/p>\n

                                                  Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Storey<\/p>\n

                                                  Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                                   <\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  1. MISCELLANEOUS, OLD BUSINESS, NEW BUSINESS & PUBLIC COMMENT<\/u><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                                                    No miscellaneous business. No old business. No new business. No matters from the public audience.<\/p>\n

                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                    XII. CONTINUATION OF MEETING FOR PAYMENT OF BILLS<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    Attorney Malkovich requested a motion to continue the meeting to Friday, March 13, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. for payment of bills.<\/p>\n

                                                    Motion: <\/strong>Commissioner Cockrum<\/p>\n

                                                    Second: <\/strong>Commissioner Garavalia<\/p>\n

                                                    Vote: <\/strong>Yeas: 3 (Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Garavalia)\u00a0 |\u00a0 Nays: 0\u00a0 |\u00a0 Result: MOTION CARRIED<\/p>\n

                                                     <\/p>\n

                                                    XIII. ADJOURNMENT<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

                                                    The meeting was adjourned at 5:25 P.M.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                                    CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Monday, March 9, 2026\u00a0 |\u00a0 5:00 P.M. Council Chambers, Benton City Hall\u00a0 |\u00a0 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois   CALL TO ORDER The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Attorney Malkovich called … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/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\/6660"}],"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=6660"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6660\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6661,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6660\/revisions\/6661"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6660"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6660"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6660"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}