Benton police to crack down on loitering, litter

City officials have announced Monday they will be cracking down on loitering and littering code violations.
Public Safety Commissioner Don Storey brought up the subject during Monday's city council meeting, indicating some residents are violating the ordinances. Storey specifically outlined abuses taking place to the rear of Joe's Pizza and the Peoples National Bank parking lot.
Storey said he has seen beer bottles and cans in the parking lots and trash cans filled to the brim. He said that while city employees have been cleaning up the debris to the best of their ability, the situation has become an eyesore.
"It's embarrassing for people coming into town to see all the junk," Storey said.
Storey and city attorney Tom Malkovich said police have been instructed to employ a "stricter enforcement of the ordinances," indicating tickets may be written if violations occur. It was also recommended that signs be placed at or near the locations where the violations are taking place.
"I think we're going to have to write tickets to correct the problem," Storey concluded.
It was also noted that juveniles may be cited if they are in violation of the city's curfew ordinance.
Also at Monday's meeting, Streets and Improvements Commissioner Don Wyant requested several equipment updates. The council approved the purchase of a jackhammer from Diamond Equipment at a cost of $6,700, with the cost to be shared by the street and water departments. Wyant also received approval to purchase a hydraulic pump from FB McAfoo's for a mower at a cost of $1,400.
Wyant wanted to table the purchase of a brush hog for his department until the fall since it can't be delivered by McAfoo's until the fall. However, the council persuaded Wyant to purchase the mower immediately since there would be a $300 savings by ordering immediately. Council approved the $8,430 purchase.
In other business, the Youth Board was eliminated by ordinance, and approximately $9,200 will be transferred to the city's general fund; an ordinance making the intersection of North Eighth and Ruth streets a four-way stop was approved; and approval of attendance at the annual Illinois Municipal League and TIF conferences was given.