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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-05-2026 Canton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes (2nd Meeting) CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2026, at 6:33 p.m. (SECOND MEETING) 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 May 5, 2026 (6:33pm) 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, Comptroller Beka Shultz, and George Markle with Maurer-Stutz. MEDIA IN ATTENDANCE: Fulton Democrat MEETING CALLED TO ORDER Called to order at 6:33pm. 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: Two modifications to the agenda were noted: item(d) under John Lovell’s committee, Community and Economic Development, was tabled until the next meeting, and item(C) under Andra Chamberlin’s committee, Finance, was held pending the arrival of Alderman Justin Nelson, as a supermajority would be required for that vote. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: No public participation. MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: APPROVAL OF SEATING CHART FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Ketcham for approval of seating chart for the new municipal year. 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. CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND ASSIGNMENTS FOR MUNICIPAL YEAR. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Grimm/Pickel to approve city council committee appointments and assignments for municipal year. 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. DEPARTMENT HEAD / ASSISTANTS APPOINTMENTS AND/OR RE-APPOINTMENTS. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Ketcham to approve department head/assistants appointments and/or re-appointments. 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. BOARD/COMMISSION/ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS AND/OR RE-APPOINTMENTS. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel to approve board/commission/advisory committee appointments and/or re-appointments. 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 APPOINTING CITY ATTORNEY AND APPROVING AN ENGAGEMENT LETTER PERTAINING TO LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF CANTON. They Mayor introduced a resolution appointing Christopher J. Jump of Davis and Campbell LLC as City Attorney and approving an engagement letter pertaining to legal services for the City of Canton. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel to approve a resolution appointing City Attorney and approving an engagement letter pertaining to legal services for the City of Canton. 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 APPOINTING CITY ENGINEER AND APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH MAURER- STUTZ, INC TO PERFORM CITY ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE CITY OF CANTON. They Mayor introduced a resolution appointing Keith Plavec of Maurer-Stutz Inc. as City Engineer and approving and agreement with Maurer-Stutz Inc. to perform city engineering services. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Grimm/Ketcham to approve a resolution appointing City Engineer and approving an agreement with Maurer-Stutz, Inc to perform city engineering services for the City of Canton. 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. They Mayor announced the return of Operation Cleanup, noting that is had achieved approximately a 90% compliance rate in the prior year. The initiative would engage the code enforcement officer along with day and second shift officers to address nuisance properties. City Attorney Jump offered context on the enforcement process, emphasizing that compliance is prioritized over fines, that the process involves notices to abate before citations are issued, and that legal timelines can extend the process. The mayor encouraged residents to report complaints to the Police Department or to code enforcement staff. Street Superintendent Wilson described the existing bulk item pickup program, available at $10 per item through his office, as a resource for residents dealing with unwanted large items. The Mayor acknowledged that communication back to complaints following action on a report was an area being improved. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS: Acting City Treasurer, Paula Grigsby – No communications. Police Chief, Corey Miller – No communications. Fire Chief, Scott Roos – No communications. Street Superintendent, Dash Wilson – No communications. CITY CLERK COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: City Clerk Andi Walters reported no council items for council action. CONSENT AGENDA - None, the consent agenda was addressed during the first meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC SAFETY AND LEGAL ALDERPERSON JUSTIN NELSON, CHAIR ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT AND AUTHORIZING ST THE LOCAL LIQUOR COMMISSIONER TO ESTABLISHING RULES AND REGULATIONS THERETO (1 READING). The ordinance was described as being largely modeled after the City of Rockford’s counterpart ordinance, with some modifications. Concern was raised regarding the geographic scope of the proposed district, with discussion indicating the intent is for it to be focused on the downtown area rather than encompassing the full BDD. Attorney Jump noted he is researching additional questions, particularly regarding the city’s non-home-rule status and compliance with Illinois Liquor Control Commission requirements. No action was taken; this was presented as a working draft for review and comment. REGULATORY AND POLICY ALDERPERSON ANGELA HALE, CHAIR APPROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST FOR THE CANTON CRUISE IN TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026. In the absence of Alderperson Hale, the Mayor presented a request for approval of a Downtown Special Event for the Canton Cruise In, scheduled for dates in June 2026. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel for approval of a downtown special event request for the Canton Cruise In to be held on Friday, June 19, 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. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALDERPERSON JOHN LOVELL, CHAIR ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CANTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND MODERN HEALTH AND FITNESS, LLC. Alderman Lovell presented this item as the first of two smaller Business Development District (BDD) redevelopment agreements from a previously established bucket of funds for smaller projects. He noted that the ordinance contained a drafting error referencing a reimbursement rate of 30% and clarified that the correct rate is 50%. The total project cost is $34.95 with a city reimbursement of $1,747.50. The project involves parking lot improvements by Modern Health and Fitness. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Gossett for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Canton Business Development District redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Canton and Modern Health and Fitness with a total project cost of $1,747.50 with a reimbursement not to exceed 50%. 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. ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CANTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND TED BAKER. Alderman Lovell presented the second BDD agreement involving a building owner, Ted Baker, who is making modifications to accommodate a new business tenant. The project involves primarily electrical work, with a total cost of $3,900 and a city reimbursement of $1,950 at 50%. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Grimm for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a Canton Business Development District redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Canton and Ted Baker with a total project cost of $3,900 and a reimbursement not to exceed $1,950 or 50%. 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. ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A CANTON BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND JESSE KIDD D.B.A DON AND NANCY’S. This item was tabled. PUBLIC WORKS ALDERPERSON GREG GOSSETT, CHAIR RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE APPROVING THE ALLOTMENT OF $323,403.17 FROM THE MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS TO PAY FOR PHASE I AND II PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO LINN STREET FROM MAIN TH STREET TO 5 AVENUE, AND MAIN STREET FROM LINN STREET TO HICKORY STREET. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel to approve a resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code approving the allotment of $323,403.17 from the Motor Fuel Tax Funds to pay for phase I and II preliminary engineering services for improvements th to Linn Street from Main Street to 5 Avenue, and Main Street from Linn Street to Hickory Street. 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 LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MAURER- STUTZ INC. FOR $323,403.17 TO COMPLETE PHASE I AND II ENGINEERING SERVICES ON LINN TH STREET TO 5 AVENUE, AND MAIN STREET FROM LINN STREET TO HICKORY STREET. MFT FUNDS WILL BE UTILIZED TO PAY FOR THE ENGINEERING SERVICES. City Attorney Jump noted for the record that the city maintains an ongoing satisfactory relationship with Maurer-Stutz, Inc. Markle clarified that the approved dollar amount represents the full authorized ceiling for the engineering agreement, and that actual expenditures will be invoiced and drawn down incrementally over the anticipated three-year engineering term as work progresses. He also noted that IDOT will require federal funds to be used for construction, while Motor Fuel Tax Funds cover engineering. Alderman Lovell inquired about the scope of work on Linn Street, specifically regarding the sidewalk conditions. Markle explained that the engineering study will examine a “road diet” scenario in which the existing narrow sidewalks would be widened from approximately four feet to five or seven feet, potentially at the expense of some on-street parking. He noted that a public hearing would be held during the engineering process to gather community input on the preferred configuration. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel for approval of a local public agency engineering services agreement with Maurer-Stutz Inc for $323,403.17 to complete phase th I and II engineering services on Linn Street to 5 Avenue, and Main Street from Linn Street to Hickory Street. MFT Funds will be utilized to pay for the engineering 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. RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE APPROVING THE ALLOTMENT OF $38,552.74 FROM THE MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS TO PAY FOR PHASE II TH PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ADA CURB RAMP IMPROVEMENTS TO 6 THTH AVENUE FROM ELM STREET TO DEAD END, HANLON STREET FROM 4 AVENUE TO 7 THTH AVENUE, SPRUCE STREET FROM 6 AVENUE TO 7 AVENUE, AND THOMPSON CT FROM LOCUST STREET TO ASH STREET. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel to approve a resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code approving the allotment of $38,552.74 from the Motor Fuel Tax Funds to pay for phase II preliminary engineering services for ADA curb ramp ththth improvements to 6 Avenue from Elm Street to Dead End, Hanlon Street from 4 Avenue to 7 thth Avenue, Spruce Street from 6 Avenue to 7 Avenue, and Thompson Ct from Locust Street to Ash Street. 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 LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MAURER- STUTZ INC. FOR $38,552.17 TO COMPLETE PHASE II ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ADA CURB TH RAMP IMPROVEMENTS TO 6 AVENUE FROM ELM STREET TO DEAD END, HANLON STREET THTHTHTH FROM 4 AVENUE TO 7 AVENUE, SPRUCE STREET FROM 6 AVENUE TO 7 AVENUE, AND THOMPSON CT. FROM LOCUST STREET TO ASH STREET. MFT FUNDS WILL BE UTILIZED TO PAY FOR THE ENGINEERING SERVICES. City Attorney Jump again noted the city’s ongoing satisfactory relationship with Maurer-Stutz for the record. Markle provided important context: IDOT requires that all curb ramps be ADA complaint before Motor Fuel Tax funds can be used to resurface any street. The city conducted a comprehensive rating of all streets the prior fall and winter, identifying these locations as having the worst pavement conditions. The planned sequence is to complete ADA ramp design in the current year, construct the ramps the following year, and then resurface the streets in the third year. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Grimm for approval of a local public agency engineering services agreement with Maurer-Stutz Inc for $38,552.17 to complete phase th II engineering services for ADA curb ramp improvements to 6 Avenue from Elm Street to Dead thththth End, Hanlon Street from 4 Avenue to 7 Avenue, Spruce Street from 6 Avenue to 7 Avenue, and Thompson Ct from Locust Street to Ash Street. MFT Funds will be utilized to pay for the engineering 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. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND CANTON TOWNSHIP FOR THE PURPOSE OF GARBAGE PICKUP. This agreement covers garbage pickup service at one location on Old West Locust Street, which the city has been providing under contract for several years. The agreement is valued at $300 per month, or $3,600 annually. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Ketcham for resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Canton and Canton Township for the purpose of garbage pickup. 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. FINANCE ALDERPERSON ANDRA CHAMBERLIN, CHAIR ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE OFFICE OF DEPUTY TREASURER, APPOINTING ANDREW FAHRENBRUCH AS DEPUTY TREASURER, AND AUTHORIZING THE DEPUTY TREASURER AS SIGNATORY IN LIMITED CIRCUMSTANCES. Attorney Jump explained that Fahrenbruch’s prior appointment as Deputy Treasurer had expired on April 30 per the terms of the previous ordinance, necessitating a reappointment. The new ordinance also expands the authorizing language to allow Fahrenbruch to serve as a signatory on behalf of Treasurer Grigsby in circumstances where she is absent or otherwise unable to act, as required by the city’s banking institutions. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Grimm/Lovell to approve an ordinance establishing the office of Deputy Treasurer, appointing Andrew Fahrenbruch as Deputy Treasurer, and authorizing the Deputy Treasurer as signatory in limited circumstances. 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 AND FINANCING OF LADDER/TOWER TRUCK FOR CANTON FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO SAME. Fire Chief Scott Roos emphasized that he used aerial truck market is extremely competitive, noting tat the department had previously lost out on a suitable truck because they could not make a timely commitment to purchase. The waiver of competitive bidding requirements was requested in recognition of this market reality, where available trucks are scarce and opportunities arise and pass quickly. Chief Roos outlined the financial parameters of the ordinance stating the truck fund currently holds $366,866 and an additional $900,000 is budgeted for the truck fund in the FY27 budget, bringing the projected total to approximately $466,886. The ordinance sets a maximum purchase price of $900,000, thought the Chief noted this represents the top of the truck line under consideration; if a suitable trick is found at a lower price – for example, $825,000 – the department would proceed at that lower figure. Based on available funds, the anticipated loan amount would be up to $450,000, with approximately $18,000 retained in the truck fund to service loan payments until the old tower truck is sold. Chief Roos indicated the existing 1997 tower truck is expected to fetch between $80,000 and $110,000 at trade-in or sale, and that those proceeds would be applied directly towards paying down the new loan. He clarified that the old truck cannot be sold until the replacement is secured. Attorney Jump noted that the sale of the old truck would require a separate ordinance, and that the current ordinance is limited to this fiscal year – if no purchase is made before the year’s end, the ordinance will expire and the matter will be revisited. In response to a Council question about the age of the trucks under consideration, Chief Roos stated the department would look at trucks no older than approximately 14 years, with pump hours and engine hours being key evaluation criteria. He also addressed whether a truck without an onboard pump could be considered, explaining that with the department now operating engines – up from two previously – a tower truck without a pump is a viable option, as the engines can supply water to the tower. This flexibility opens up additional inventory and potentially lower price points. The Chief emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the 1997 truck is very old and that the used market has very limited availability. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Grimm/Nelson for an ordinance authorizing purchase and financing of ladder/tower truck for Canton Fire Department and waiving competitive bidding requirements in relation to same. 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 A PROPOSAL FOR ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES FROM GRAHAM AND HYDE ARCHITECTS, INC. AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT RELATED TO SAME. This related to the planned emergency shelter project. The city recently held a productive meeting with WIRC and other stakeholders to discuss next steps. Jump emphasized significant time pressure, as grant funds supporting the project must be spent by June 2027. Architectural services are estimated at approximately $200,000, which the grant does not cover; however, the city anticipates recovering these costs through a future lease arrangement once the facility is operational. The city has a prior working relationship with Graham and Hyde Architects, Inc. Approval of this resolution is necessary to keep the project on schedule and to allow construction plans to be completed in time for bidding. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Grimm for resolution approving a proposal for architectural services from Graham and Hyde Architects, Inc,. and authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement related to same. 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 LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALDERPERSON RALPH GRIMM, CHAIR PROPERTY ALDERPERSON PATRICK KETCHAM, CHAIR EXECUTIVE SESSION/CLOSED MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION/CLOSED MEETING PURSUANT TO 5ILCS 120/2(C)(11). Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Ketcham to go into executive session/closed meeting pursuant to 5ILCS 120/2(C)(11). 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. The meeting reconvened at 7:03pm. Also noted that Alderman Nelson arrived at 6:50pm. ADJOURNMENT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Nelson 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