With 5 alderman in attendance and nothing on the agenda for executive session, the council heard from multiple guest speakers on August 8:

• Toni Wargo had 2 concerns to share with the council. First, she asked if the city could cut the library’s grass since it was a city building afterall and it would be less expense for the library. Toni estimated it would save the library $50-75 a month. Jim Savant agreed with Toni, but told her he was advised a few years ago to not cut it. Savant went on to say that he has no problem cutting the grass, but later in the meeting Chiarodo said the alderman can pitch in some time and take care of it. The second thing Toni mentioned was the repair on the library. The library has received three bids and the library will choose a bid Wednesday evening. Wargo said the library may have to close for a temporary time, but the chances are very slim.
• Lynn Fraelle told the council that permanent bike route signs will be installed if there is no problem. All the hardware for the signs will be provided and Build Benld will install them. There was no concern by the council. Fraelle also said that Build Benld will be painting curves and the Fire Department is planning to paint the fire hydrants.
• Gloria advised the council that the Build Benld art fair will be held in conjunction with the Croatian Picnic. She asked the council if they could volunteer an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening to help set-up and tear down. The council agreed.
• Jerry Saracco then asked the council the status of the red collection box for clothes. The council stated at a previous meeting they were getting rid of the boxes, but they are still in sight and there has been no progress made. The council had called the company already, but mayor Hendricks said the city will make another phone call.
• Ferdinand Girardi then suggested the council take “Department” out of the ordinance and change it to “District” since the Fire Department is a district now. Girardi said it would be less confusing if you change it. Girardi also wanted to know the status of the installation of ditches in the town. Mayor Hendricks said he is still working on it. Girardi said, “I would like to see more dug and if I live another 30 years – I may get to witness it.”

Vertichio updated the city on the Tenikat property.

Rick Vertichio then updated the city that they acquired the RECA Ltd. Partnership property at 218 West Walnut in Benld.

Next on the agenda were reports. The police report was carried 5-0 along with the the 5-0 carry of the treasurer’s report. There was discussion under the committee reports:

• Robinson updated the council on city property. First, Robinson said on any fire, you have to watch the water carefully. Jim Savant, city maintenance worker, was commended by the council for responding within 5 minutes to the Coliseum fire. Savant corrected the water shortage and had to learn how to work problems with the new tower in an emergency and he did just that. Robinson went on to say he cannot approve 2 invoices because they are missing information. Robinson said there is a collapse in the sewer line in the north-east corner. To find this out, workers had to drain the grease pit and send a camera down to find the collapse. Robinson also went on to say the stage door at the city park was kicked in yet again, but Savant replaced all the hinges and reinstalled it.
• The finance committee approved all bills, but said the chief of police should be in attendance at all the meetings because not only is it stated, but half of the budget supports the police force.
• The police committee approved all bills.
• The maintenance committee commended the maintenance crew on a splendid job at the Coliseum fire; all other bills were paid.
• All sewer bills were approved and paid.
• All water bills were approved and paid.
• Motion made by Hedricks to approve all warrants, carried 5-0.

In old business, Mayor Hendricks said the city is free to move forward on the Tenikat property and he suggested, “No mercy, move quickly as possible.” Hedricks said the property can be put up for bid and then someone else can tear it down and then own the property. Lynn Fraelle asked if the city would consider giving the property away if there are no bids; the city council said yes.

In new business, the prevailing wage resolution was carried 5-0 with a motion made by Robinson. In other business, Bernot recommended a utility nonpayment rate amendment. The late payment percentage is now 10% and Bernot recommended increasing it to 20%. “The ordinance states that if you pay the water bill after 15 days of billing, you are slapped with a 10% late fee percentage. I want to raise it to 20%, Gillespie just raised theirs. I think it is very minimal and late payments are becoming a big problem.” Robinson made sure that the amendment is not pertaining to the water turn off. Bernot assured the council that no action is being taken with that, the water is till to be turned off after the bill has not been paid 31 days after the bill was received. The amendment was carried 4-1, motion made by Tilashalski and objected by Chiarodo.

Ferdinand Girardi said he would like to see more ditches dug.

In other updates, Mayor Hendricks said the city should make arrangements to bury the time capsule soon. Hendricks went on to say he is in the progress of writing formal thank-yous to everyone involved in the Coliseum fire. “I was amazed by the job everyone did and by the fantastic job of all the surrounding communities,” Hendricks said.

Robinson updated the council that a 5 member committee was formed to keep something in remembrance of the coliseum in Benld. “I just want to make everyone aware, something is being done,” Robinson said.

Jerry Sarracco then asked if anything was being done with the repairs needed at the city park. Mayor Hendricks said the city is in the process of dealing with the insurance company, but there is progress being made.

Lastly, Bernot suggested the alderman take a cut. The cut proposed was to abolish the phone compensation the alderman presently receive from the city. The alderman receive about $17 per month for phone usage. The cut will save the city around $1,800 each year. “Every little bit counts,” Tilashalski said. The motion was carried 4-1, with Robinson voting present.