Village Board Meeting — Minutes

Village of Benton February 18, 2026 Board Meeting Minutes Members present: Ken Farrey, John Perkins, Jill Knight, Scott Cruse, Joseph Slater, Chuck Wartner Absent: Cal Robbins Village employees present: Sonya Silvers, Jared Roling, Others Present: Michelle Savatski, Roger Kern The regular board meeting of the Benton Village Board was called to order by village president Ken Farrey at 6:30 p.m. in the conference room of the Benton Business Incubator Building at 244 Ridge Avenue on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. In compliance with the open meeting law, proper notice of the meeting had been posted in four public places: the Zephyr Depot, Benton State Bank, Benton Post Office, and the Benton Business Incubator Building. The minutes from the village board meeting on January 21, 2026, were presented. Motion (Cruse, Knight) to approve the minutes from the regular village board meeting held on January 21, 2026, as presented. Voice-all ayes. Carried Michelle Savatski updated the board on the progress of the community center project. The shell of the building has been waterproofed, and the roof is being put on. The siding will be put on within the next 2 weeks. Paver colors were picked out, and the HVAC, electric, and windows will be next. The final contract for the WEDC grant was received and will be signed. Jared Roling presented the board with estimated prices for water/sewer utilities on Treganza Street. Ken Farrey asked about capitalizing the project, and that will be discussed with the auditors. Rural Water did flow testing last year, and it was discovered that there are fire hydrants at low pressure levels and one that is too low and will not be used. Jared will flag these fire hydrants. Water samples from Roger Kern’s residence were passed around, and there is visible rust in his water. Another resident on S. County J is having issues as well. Testing has been done, and Jared is looking for solutions besides extra hydrant flushing. Previously the board discussed that the water main project on Main Street should help with some of the issue. Certified Survey Map #1157 was presented from Vierbicher for the lot in the business park. The lot was split into three parcels, and Treganza Street will be added back to separate the lots. Motion (Slater, Knight) to approve the Certified Survey Map #1157 from Vierbircher as presented. Voice-all ayes. Carried. 39 W Main Street has become available for sale, and the village has been offered the first right of refusal by Steve Malone. The FMV is $137,200, and an appraisal for $153,000 was completed in October 2025. It currently rents at $1,100 a month. Ken Farrey announced that 2 anonymous individuals have offered to gift the property to the Village. The board has several questions that would need to be answered by the attorney and feels a contract would be needed. This will be tabled until the next meeting, with more information needed. Motion (Perkins, Cruse) to table the gifting of 39 W. Main Street to the Village of Benton pending more information from the attorney. Voice-all ayes. Carried. Pay the Bills Motion (Wartner, Slater) to pay the bills. Voice-all ayes. Carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:49 P.M. Motion (Slater, Cruse) to adjourn. Voice-all ayes. Carried.