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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-21-2026 Canton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Historic Depot-Donald E. Edwards Way th 50 North 4 Avenue, Canton, Il 61520 A regular meeting of the Canton City Council was held on April 21, 2026 (6:30pm) at the Historic th Depot located at 50 North 4 Avenue Canton Illinois. STAFF IN ATTENDANCE: Mayor Kent McDowell, City Clerk Andi Smith-Walters, Acting City Treasurer Paula Grigsby, Police Chief Corey Miller, Fire Chief Scott Roos, and Street Superintendent Dash Wilson. OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: City Attorney Chris Jump, City Engineer Keith Plavec, and Comptroller Beka Shultz. MEDIA IN ATTENDANCE: Fulton Democrat MEETING CALLED TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE OPENED THE MEETING INVOCATION – Mayor Kent McDowell ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA: Alderman Gossett requested to table both of his agenda items for the evening. Alderman Ketcham removed item E on the agenda under his committee. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: None. PUBLIC HEARING: PUBLIC HEARING ON TENTATIVE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2026 AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2027. The public hearing commenced at 6:34 p.m. Dana Smith, Executive Director of Canton Main Street, addressed the council about the value of Main Street to the community. She detailed the organization’s 17-year history since becoming a designated Main Street community in 2009, highlighting their focus on historic prevention and economic vitality of downtown Canton. Smith outlined Main Street’s contributions to the community, including bringing arts through RMA Fine Arts Festival, creating a farmer’s market, hosting the Spoon River Scenic Drive that brings thousands to downtown annually, and creating the successful Main Street Merry Mingle holiday event. She noted that all these events generate sales tax revenue for the city. She detailed financial investments Main Street has made, including purchasing wayfinding signage for downtown, investing $10,000 in the Majestic Theatre project, and awarding over $20,000 in micro grants to downtown businesses since 2018. Smith announced her retirement in June after the Art on Main Fine Arts Festival and requested the city include Canton Main Street in the 2027 budget to allow for hiring a committed and talented executive director to replace her. The public hearing closed at 6:37 p.m. MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: Mayor McDowell addressed citizen calls regarding the tornado sirens that sounded three times during a recent weather event. He clarified with the director that there is no “all-clear” signal when tornado sirens sound. The first two sirens were for two separate tornadoes approaching Canton simultaneously, and the third siren was activated because the first one experienced a technical hiccup and wasn’t long enough. He reminded the public that when sirens sound, citizens should immediately seek shelter and rely on weather radios or television for updates, as there will not be an all-clear signal. CITY CLERK COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: No communications. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS: Acting Treasurer, Paula Grigsby – No communications. Police Chief, Corey Miller – No communications. Fire Chief, Scott Roos – Chief presented two items to the council. First, he announced the thth annual firefighter testing scheduled for June 13, with applications due by May 29. Applications are available on the city website and fire department Facebook page. He noted they had 23 applicants in the last testing cycle, which was an improvement from previous years when numbers had declined. The chief’s second and more significant item concerned the fire department’s aging 1997 tower ladder truck, which is nearly 30 years old. He explained they have been actively seeking a used replacement truck rather than purchasing new equipment, which would cost approximately $2.5-2.6 million. The challenge is that most replacement trucks exceed the 12-foot height limit of their station doors, requiring door modifications budgeted at approximately $50,000. Chief described missing out on a suitable truck that would have cost $850,000 because they lacked authority to act quickly enough. With $368,000 in their truck fund plus an additional $100,000 available and considering a potential trade-in value of $80,000 - $100,000 for the current tower, they would need financing for approximately $250,000 - $300,000. The chief requested authorization for future emergency purchases, noting that suitable used ladder tricks become available infrequently and must be secured quickly. He emphasized the critical need for this equipment, especially after a recent incident where the current ladder truck experienced a mechanical failure during a fire emergency, requiring mutual aid assistance. City Attorney Jump suggested preparing an ordinance that would waive competitive bidding requirements and authorize the fire chief or mayor to proceed with purchases up to a specified amount, with proper documentation of the city’s best interest. The council expressed support for this approach. Street Superintendent, Dash Wilson - No communications. CONSENT AGENDA : APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD APRIL 7, 2026. BILL LIST DISBURSEMENT REPORT TREASURER’S REPORT PUBLIC WORKS REPORT POLICE REPORT FIRE REPORT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Nelson to approve the consent agenda. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC SAFETY AND LEGAL ALDERPERSON JUSTIN NELSON, CHAIR RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT TO CONSOLIDATE PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS AND PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATOR STAFF. st Attorney Jump explained this long-awaited consolidation agreement, with hopes for a June 1 go-live date pending resolution of logistical issues. The affected labor bargaining units have been notified and received copies for review. Minor changes may still be needed as they work out details with the county. The plan involved a 53-47 percent cost split between the county and city respectively. Initially, operations will be housed at Canton’s facility until the new 911 center is built at the former lumberyard property. Chief Miller confirmed plans for 13-14 employees and noted they are working through logistical challenges, particularly regarding the county’s jail door operations that dispatchers currently handle. From a budgeting perspective, this will change how certain expenses are handled, with the county taking over levying responsibilities for IMRF, insurance, and other items the city currently manages. Attorney Jump explained that Canton’s dispatchers, currently under FOP, will essentially be laid off from the city, while county dispatchers under AFSCME will transition to a new joint employer structure between the county and ETSB. There will be an entirely new employer for bargaining purposes, with a personnel handbook initially implementing policies similar to the county’s. Compensatory time will be paid out, while other accrued time may carry over with proper consents. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Grimm to approve a resolution approving intergovernmental agreement to consolidate public safety answering points and public safety telecommunicator staff. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. ORDINANCE IMPOSING A FEE FOR LIFT-ASSIST SERVICES PROVIDED BY CITY’S FIRE DEPARTMENT. Fire Chief Roos explained this ordinance implements new authority granted by Illinois Municipal Code in January, allowing billing for lift assists at assisted living and nursing home facilities after they exceed six calls. The fee structure is $35 per firefighter per hour, applying to facilities like Heritage Woods, Renaissance, and Sunset Nursing Home. The chief emphasized this does not affect residential lift assists, which the department continues to provide as community service. The ordinance addresses the problem of facilities understaffing and over-relying on fire department services. Last year, Canton had only five such calls, so the financial impact should be minimal. Attorney Jump noted this authority became available because Canton is a non-home rule municipality that previously couldn’t enact such ordinances. The $35 hourly rate aligns with other statutory emergency service fees and represents actual personnel costs. Discussion ensued about whether to charge by actual time or flat fee, with the decision to start with hourly billing and adjust if administrative burdens prove excessive. The ordinance includes authority to bill for personnel costs but initially excludes vehicle wear-and-tear expenses. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Lovell to approve an ordinance imposing a fee for lift-assisted services provided by the city’s fire department. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. REGULATORY AND POLICY ALDERPERSON ANGELA HALE, CHAIR APPROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST FROM CANTON HISTORY AND ARTS ALLIANCE FOR THE SWING INTO SPRING EVENT TO BE HELD MAY 2, 2026. Jenny Grove from the Spoon River Partnership and Canton History and Arts Alliance presented details about this unique event featuring 23 descendants of the Orendorf family returning to Canton for a family reunion. The event includes a community mural project where residents can participate in painting alongside the Orendorf descendants, with live music by Rooftop Big Band in the plaza area beginning at 5:30 PM. The mural, designed by Tracy and Scott Snowman as a paint-by-numbers format featuring the steel plow logo, will measure 8 feet by 16 feet. Mayor McDowell will present information about the Orendorf family, who were instrumental in Canton’s founding and development, including the library and other civic infrastructure. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Pickel for approval of a downtown special event request from Canton History and Arts Alliance for the Swing into Spring Event to be held May 2, 2026. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. APPROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUEST FOR CANTON HISTORY AND ARTS ALLIANCE FOR THE LIVE AT THE PLAZA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES TO BE HELD ON MAY 22, JULY 17, AUGUST 21, SEPTEMBER 4, AND SEPTEMBER 26. This request covers the tribute band concert series planned for May 22, July 17, August 21, September 4, and September 26. Similar to Art on Main events, it will involve blocking the east side of the square from approximately 3 or 4 PM until 11 PM for each event. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Ketcham for approval of a downtown special event and road closure request for Canton History and Arts Alliance for the Live at the Plaza summer concert series to be held on May 22, July 17, August 21, September 4, and September 26. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALDERPERSON JOHN LOVELL, CHAIR ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CANTON BUSINESS DISTRICT NO. 1 REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS AND CHJG ENTERPRISES, INC. This agreement authorizes tax increment financing not to exceed $200,000 for a new car wash project on Locust Street, paid out over five years at $40,000 annually. The car wash will feature a subscription-based model with license plate readers for automatic access. The old car wash has already been demolished to make wat for the new state-of-the-art- facility. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Chamberlin for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Canton Business District no.1 redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois and CHJG Enterprises, INC. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin Mayor McDowell x The motion carried. PUBLIC WORKS ALDERPERSON GREG GOSSETT, CHAIR APPROVAL OF THE MFT IMPROVEMENT RESOLUTION FOR $323,403.17 OVER THE 3 ½ YEAR SCHEDULED ENGINEERING AGREEMENT. Item was tabled. RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE. IMPROVEMENTS CONSIST OF PROVIDING PHASE I AND II PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF LINN/MAIN STREETS IN THE CITY OF CANTON IN FULTON COUNTY. Item was tabled. FINANCE ALDERPERSON ANDRA CHAMBERLIN, CHAIR ORDINANCE ADOPTING THE BUDGET FOR ALL CORPORATE PURPOSES OF THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS IN LIEU OF AN APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2026, AND ENDING APRIL 30, 2027. The budget adoption allows for future amendments as needed, particularly given expected changes from the dispatch consolidation agreement. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Chamberlin/Nelson to approve an ordinance adopting the budget for all corporate purposes of the City of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois in lieu of an appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026, and ending April 30, 2027. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF CANTON FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING MAY 1, 2026. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Chamberlin/Nelson to approve an ordinance establishing compensation for certain employees of the City of Canton for the fiscal year beginning May 1, 2026. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN OUTSOURCING PREPARATION STATEMENT OF WORK WITH CLIFTONLARSONALLEN LLP FOR CERTAIN ACCOUNTING SERVICES. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Chamberlin/Lovell to approve a resolution approving an outsourcing preparation statement of work with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP for certain accounting services. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. IT AND CYBERSECURITY ALDERPERSON DAVE PICKEL, CHAIR RESOLUTION APPROVING A SERVICE AGREEMENT WITH SYNERGETIC TECHNOLOGIES FOR IT SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF CANTON EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2026 TO APRIL 30, 2027. The agreement totals $5,785.80 for the fiscal year. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Gossett for approval of a resolution approving a service agreement with Synergetic Technologies for IT services for the City of Canton effective May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2027. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALDERPERSON RALPH GRIMM, CHAIR PROPERTY ALDERPERSON PATRICK KETCHAM, CHAIR ORDINANCE APPROVING RE-ZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 157 W. HICKORY FROM R-2 TO B-2. Mayor McDowell explained this involves a small lot where an abandoned residence was demolished. The lot is too small for another residence, so the owner seeks to construct a storage building, requiring the zoning change from residential to business use. The planning and zoning committee approved this unanimously. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Grimm for approval of an ordinance approving re-zoning of property located at 157 W. Hickory from R-2 to B-2. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SALE OF 360 E. LINN STREET, CANTON, IL TO FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS. This ordinance authorizes the sale of the former lumberyard property to Fulton County for the new 911 center, contingent upon finalization of the intergovernmental agreement. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Gossett for approval of an ordinance authorizing sale of 360 E. Linn Street, Canton, IL to Fulton County, Illinois. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE IN ENTERPRISE INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT City Engineer Keith Plavec explained this involves acquiring approximately 0.292 acres from Ben Hendricks for $1,700 to ensure the industrial park lift station sits entirely on city property rather than in easements. The current pump station, which serves the correctional facility and industrial park, needs upgrading from the current “canned unit” system requiring workers to climb down into wet wells to submersible pumps that can be serviced from above ground. The property lines were originally created following elevation contours, creating irregular boundaries. Hendricks had been working with Jones Corp to clean up property lines, and this acquisition will provide the city with proper ownership of all pump station infrastructure including overflow pipes. Attorney Jump recommended obtaining a small title policy as reasonable closing costs to ensure clean title transfer. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Pickel for approval of an ordinance authorizing purchase of real estate in enterprise industrial district. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. Mayor McDowell commended the morning meeting with Wastewater Treatment Plant Manager Michael Courtney, noting the challenging conditions plant operators face during the major construction project. He emphasized the fortunate timing of the new plant construction, as the existing 1939-era infrastructure is failing and would have created serious problems without the replacement project. City Engineer Plavec and Street Superintendent Wilson confirmed the plant’s deteriorating conditions, with pumps requiring rebuilding and major components shutting down. The new $46-47 million facility is progressing with digesters already constructed and headworks building under construction. The phased approach allows continued operations while replacing primary clarifiers with oxidation ditches and eventually constructing new secondary clarifiers and administrative buildings. The mayor praised the plant staff for maintaining operations under extremely difficult conditions and invited council members to tour the facility to better understand the scope and importance of this infrastructure investment. EXECUTIVE SESSION/CLOSED MEETING ADJOURNMENT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Gossett to adjourn. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Gossett x Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. _________________________________________________________________ Andi Smith-Walters, City Clerk _________________________________________________________________ Kent McDowell, Mayor