Village Board Meeting — Minutes

Village of Benton August 20, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes Members present: Ken Farrey, John Perkins, Jill Knight, Chuck Wartner, Joe Slater, Cal Robbins, Scott Cruse Absent members: Village employees present: Emily Rath, Brian Hammill, Eric Mowry Others Present: Michelle Savatski 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, August 20, 2025. 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 previous village board meeting were presented. Motion (Wartner, Perkins) to approve the minutes from the regular village board meeting held on July 16, 2025, as presented. Voice-all ayes. Carried Michelle Savatski stated that the footings for the Community Center will be poured when weather permits. The WEDC grant is still being reviewed. Ken Farrey and Jared Roling checked with Central Broadband for an estimated cost of getting dark fiber to run to the well houses. Jerry Cullen from Central Broadband quoted a cost of $300 a month. Ken stated this will not be an option. Eric Mowry and Jim Goffinet have been getting prepared for Labor Day and painting curbs. Brian Hammill has been patrolling County J. North to slow down traffic. The Police Department has equipment needs that will be discussed at a finance meeting. Looking into grants is another option. Eric mentioned that the speed sign works when it wants to, and if parts are needed, we will not be able to purchase them because they are obsolete. Committee Reports:  The Park Committee announced that the Boy Scout outhouse has been removed, the leaf blower was fixed, the sign was redone by Chuck Voight, and the Swift Park restroom floors were painted. The Village Park doors need to be painted and installed, Swift Park will need new countertops, and Eric is waiting on an estimate. The 2026 budget timeline was presented. Motion (Knight, Robbins) to approve the 2026 budget timeline as presented. Voice-all ayes. Carried. Approve 2025-2026 operator’s license for Gayle Wilson, Marissa Polfer, and Marcella Polfer. Motion (Perkins, Cruse) to approve the Approve 2025-2026 operator’s license for Gayle Wilson, Marissa Polfer, and Marcella Polfer. Voice-all ayes. Carried. Replacement Class B Retail license for Whitey’s Bar & Grill, McCarthy’s Bar, Joseph McCrea Post 7896, and Lawrence’s Pub and Eatery from 6:00 p.m. August 30, 2025, thru 1:00 a.m. September 1, 2025, for the Labor Day street dance. Village of Benton August 20, 2025 Board Meeting Minutes Motion (Perkins, Robbins) to approve the Replacement Class B Retail license for Whitey’s Bar & Grill, McCarthy’s Bar, Joseph McCrea Post 7896, and Lawrence’s Pub and Eatery from 6:00 p.m. August 30, 2025, thru 1:00 a.m. September 1, 2025, for the Labor Day street dance. Voice-all ayes. Carried. Reappointment of Michelle Savatski and Carol Alexander to the CDA board for a full 4-year term. Motion (Slater, Robbins) to approve the reappointment of Michelle Savatski and Carol Alexander to the CDA board for a full 4-year term. Voice-all ayes. Carried. Scott Cruse announced that the Village of Benton did not get the congressional directed spending grant. Discussion was held, and there will be a water/sewer and finance committee meeting to discuss more. Pay the claims against the village. Motion (Wartner, Slater) to pay the claims against the village. Voice-all ayes. Carried The meeting was adjourned at 6:57 p.m. Motion (Perkins, Cruse) to adjourn. Voice-all ayes.