{"id":6718,"date":"2026-07-14T14:04:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T14:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6718"},"modified":"2026-07-20T14:05:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T14:05:23","slug":"city-council-meeting-minutes-june-22-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/?p=6718","title":{"rendered":"City Council Meeting Minutes – June 22, 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING<\/strong><\/p>\n

BENTON CITY COUNCIL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Monday, June 22, 2026 \u2013 5:00 p.m.<\/p>\n

The City Council of the City of Benton, Illinois, met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Room of Benton City Hall, located in the basement of the Campbell Building, 901 Public Square, Benton, Illinois.<\/p>\n

CALL TO ORDER \/ PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith called the meeting to order and asked those present to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.<\/p>\n

ROLL CALL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith directed Deputy City Clerk Damien Wilburn to conduct roll call. Present were Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith.<\/p>\n

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

Commissioner Kays stated that the Council had a copy of the June 8, 2026 minutes and saw no reason for edits or changes. Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve the minutes as presented. Commissioner Cockrum seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

ITEM 4 \u2013 PUBLIC COMMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith reminded those present that anyone wishing to make public comment should come to the podium, state their name, and the reason for being present. He noted that attendees present that evening had related agenda items and would be heard under those items. No separate public comment was made.<\/p>\n

PUBLIC PROPERTIES \u2013 Commissioner Storey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Storey stated that he had nothing to bring before the Council at this meeting.<\/p>\n

WATER, SEWER & STREETS \u2013 Commissioner Cockrum<\/strong><\/p>\n

Residential Sales Contract \u2013 Lot 31, Lewis Lane<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Cockrum presented a residential sales contract for Lot 31 of Lewis Lane. Buyers: Riley and Leann Roberts. Seller: Hutchinson Properties. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to approve the contract. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Sewer Adjustments \u2013 Swimming Pools<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Cockrum presented sewer adjustment requests related to swimming pools for the following residents: Jamie Tucker, 115 McFall Street; Michelle Eubanks, 809 North Ninth Street; Diana Dillard, 1011 Election Circle; Brittany Easley, 302 North McLeansboro; Brittany Skaggs, 723 East Taylor; Janice Thomas, 1352 Whisper Way; Jared Calcaterra, 707 Old Orchard Drive; Tanya Theile, 1216 East Ruth Street; Janice Hicks, 437 West Church Street; and Doug Hager, 1209 Anna Street. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to approve the sewer adjustments as presented. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Water Tank Maintenance Program \u2013 Viking Industrial Painting<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Representatives of Viking Industrial Painting, Aaron Tevin and Jack Powell, presented a proposed ten-year maintenance program covering inspection, cleanout, and repainting for the City’s three water storage tanks (the ground storage tank, a pedestal\/standpipe tank, and the square water tower), with the ground storage tank recommended to be addressed first. The presenters noted that Viking is affiliated with Newman Company Contractors, which previously painted the exterior of the City’s square water tower. Commissioner Cockrum noted the City presently has no formal tank maintenance program and stated that the City’s civil engineer, Rodney, had reviewed the scope of work and pricing and found them appropriate. Commissioner Cockrum also noted that preliminary budgetary estimates obtained separately for future replacement of the pedestal tank and water tower (not part of this contract) were in the range of seven to eight million dollars, which could be funded over time through a combination of TIF funds, the home rule infrastructure fund, capital funds, and the water\/wastewater revenue fund. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to approve the water tank maintenance contract with Viking Industrial Painting. Commissioner Kays seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY \u2013 Commissioner Garavalia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Purchase Order #00459 \u2013 Dave Schmidt Truck Service<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Repair of Fire Engine #803 (cracked head and bad injectors), $13,197.61. Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Purchase Order #00461 \u2013 Govee<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

400 feet of permanent lighting and two up-down wall lights for the Fire Department, $1,339.96, installed by department personnel; provides both facade lighting and seasonal\/holiday lighting. Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Purchase Order #00164 \u2013 Heartland Office Supply<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

GBC Auto Feed 300X Super cross-cut shredder for the Police Department, $1,179.40. Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Purchase Order #00165 \u2013 Zimmerman’s Garage<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Squad car air conditioning repair (air compressor, dryer, expansion valve, refrigerant, AC oil, AC flush, repair, and labor), $956.75. Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve. Commissioner Cockrum seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Purchase Order #00166 \u2013 K&M Tire<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Four tires for a squad car, $960.00. Commissioner Garavalia made a motion to approve. Commissioner Kays seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Fire Engine Purchase \u2013 McQueen Equipment<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Garavalia presented the finalized purchase agreement for a new fire engine to replace Engine #803, which is more than thirty years old, noting the Council had previously approved an intent to purchase. Fire Chief Cockrum and Mark Kirko of McQueen appeared before the Council. Chief Cockrum explained that the fire engine originally identified under the intent to purchase had since been sold to another buyer; McQueen has since secured a comparable unit currently in production, moving the estimated delivery to February through April 2027. He noted McQueen purchased the unit in advance to protect the City from cost increases tied to new 2027 EPA diesel-engine emissions requirements, at an estimated savings of $40,000\u2013$45,000. Mr. Kirko described the unit as a standardized \u201cDAS\u201d (dealer-allocated slot) engine, which allows limited customization while avoiding the extended lead time of a fully custom build.<\/p>\n

Discussion followed regarding financing. Commissioner Kays noted that $140,000 has been budgeted this fiscal year toward fire engine payments (from municipal utility tax), but that financing for the purchase had not yet been arranged, and raised concern that the purchase timeline limited the Council’s opportunity to secure favorable local financing terms in advance. Chief Cockrum and Mr. Kirko noted that financing could be arranged through McQueen or Pierce Manufacturing, or, consistent with the City’s past practice, through a local lender, and that the City would have until approximately March 2027 to finalize financing since the purchase is not being financed directly through Pierce. Following discussion, Commissioner Kays made a motion to enter into a contract with McQueen to purchase a new fire engine for approximately $1.2 million. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE \u2013 Commissioner Kays<\/strong><\/p>\n

Payroll<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Kays presented payroll dated June 18, 2026, totaling $118,895.85 ($93,515.11 from the General Fund and $25,830.74 from the Water and Sewer Revenue Fund). Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve the payroll as presented. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 4 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 1 \u2013 Commissioner Kays. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Accounts Payable \u2013 Item 8B<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

A second, supplemental accounts payable run \u2013 including expenses related to the rodeo and fascia repair at the Fire Department \u2013 totaling $75,280.97, was presented. Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve. Commissioner Cockrum seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Discussion \u2013 Fixed Asset Inventory System<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Kays raised for discussion the possibility of implementing an inventory\/tracking system (e.g., barcode or QR-coded tags) for the City’s attractive and valuable assets (drills, computers, televisions, and similar items), noting the benefit to insurance coverage, auditors, and tracking of items phased out, lost, or taken out of service. Deputy City Clerk Damien Wilburn noted the City’s current fixed asset policy threshold is $500. Commissioner Garavalia noted a similar list-based effort had been attempted previously without an ongoing tracking mechanism. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to explore an inventory tracking system for attractive\/valuable City assets. Commissioner Kays seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Finance Update<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Commissioner Kays reported that Deputy City Clerk Damien Wilburn and John Daugherty will attend the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) conference in Chicago this year, part of the corrective action plan with the City’s auditors for continuing education on government accounting standards. He also reported that the City’s new auditors, Lauterbach & Amen, are expected on site in July.<\/p>\n

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Attorney Malkovich stated that he had one matter to bring before the Council in executive session.<\/p>\n

PUBLIC AFFAIRS \u2013 Mayor Messersmith<\/strong><\/p>\n

Community Updates<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith reported that banners are up around the square, thanking the Fire Department, Louis Giro, and Diana Dillard for their help. He reported that Family Movie Night the previous Friday was well attended, sponsored by Jameson’s Auto, with activities provided by Seeking Sensory and food\/refreshments provided by the Elks; the next Family Movie Night is scheduled for July 17. He noted the Council will not meet again before the City’s Fourth of July events. He reported the Conservancy District will host a rodeo on July 3\u20134 in partnership with the City, and that the American Legion and American Legion Women’s Auxiliary are seeking volunteers to walk, march, or ride in the Fourth of July parade, stepping off at 10:00 a.m. on McLeansboro Street; interested residents may contact April McCormick (207-459-0933) or Janice Hicks (618-927-5683).<\/p>\n

Commissioner Cockrum reported that the Mount Vernon Elks Honor Guard will bring the large flag down for the event, to be carried in by local football players.<\/p>\n

Item 9F \u2013 Attendance at the Annual IML Conference (Chicago)<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith opened discussion on Council and staff attendance at the Illinois Municipal League (IML) conference in Chicago, noting last year’s attendees included Damien Wilburn, John Daugherty, Commissioner Garavalia, Mayor Messersmith, City Clerk Brook Craig, Attorney Malkovich, and Brian Calcaterra (TIF). Commissioner Kays stated his standing recommendation that, aside from the Mayor, elected officials generally should not attend at City expense, and supported attendance by professional staff, including Public Works Director Dailus Richardson in his first year in the role. Commissioner Garavalia requested to attend. Commissioner Storey proposed that five attend: the City Clerk, the Mayor, the Attorney, the Zoning Officer, and the Public Works Director, with the understanding that Damien Wilburn and John Daugherty could be added later if warranted once the conference track is released, given their attendance at the GFOA conference. Commissioner Kays made a motion to approve attendance by the five individuals named, with the understanding that additional attendees could be added at a subsequent meeting. Commissioner Cockrum seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

Item 9G \u2013 Agreement with Judge Services \u2013 Holiday Lighting of the Square<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith presented a proposed agreement with Judge Services to professionally light the buildings on the square for the holidays (the City will continue to handle light-pole garland and lighting itself). Judge Services would maintain the lighting, including repairs and replacement, for the term of the agreement. The proposal totals $14,429, less $6,000 for garland, for a net cost of $8,429, within the City’s budgeted line item of $12,500 for holiday decorations. Deputy City Clerk Damien Wilburn noted that, for comparison, Judge Services quoted $11,500 to install similar permanent lighting at the Fire Department, versus the approximately $1,340 spent under Purchase Order #00461 for the department to do the work itself. Commissioner Garavalia asked whether permanent, year-round building lighting had been considered; Mayor Messersmith stated the City had explored this option and found it cost-prohibitive given the age of the buildings and the method of attachment required. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to accept the proposal from Judge Services. Commissioner Kays seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

MISCELLANEOUS \/ OLD \/ NEW BUSINESS<\/strong><\/p>\n

None.<\/p>\n

EXECUTIVE SESSION<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith stated a motion was needed to enter executive session. Commissioner Kays made a motion to enter executive session for the following items: Item 9C, discussion and\/or approval of assignment of personnel; Item 9D, discussion and\/or approval of employment of personnel; Item 9E, discussion and\/or approval of possible discipline of city employee(s); Item 13B, discussion of possible and\/or pending litigation; and Item 13C, 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 of the public body or against legal counsel for the public body to determine its validity. Commissioner Cockrum seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

The Council entered executive session at 5:55 p.m. and returned to open session at 7:31 p.m.<\/p>\n

CONTINUATION OF MEETING<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mayor Messersmith stated that a motion was needed to continue the meeting until 9:00 a.m. the following morning. Commissioner Cockrum made a motion to continue the meeting until 9:00 a.m., June 23, 2026. Commissioner Storey seconded the motion. A vote was taken: Yeas: 5 \u2013 Commissioner Storey, Commissioner Cockrum, Commissioner Garavalia, Commissioner Kays, and Mayor Messersmith. Nays: 0. Motion carried.<\/p>\n

The meeting was continued at 7:32 p.m. to reconvene at 9:00 a.m. on June 23, 2026. (See Minutes of the Continued Meeting, June 23, 2026.)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING BENTON CITY COUNCIL Monday, June 22, 2026 \u2013 5:00 p.m. The City Council of the City of Benton, Illinois, met on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Room of Benton … 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\/6718"}],"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=6718"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6718\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6719,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6718\/revisions\/6719"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6718"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6718"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bentonil.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6718"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}