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Home My WebLink About07-21-2026 Canton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JULY 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 July 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 Lance Lusk, Street Superintendent Dash Wilson, and Finance Director Caitlyn Leingang. OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: Attorney Tarryn Gardner 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: There were no additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: There was no public comment. MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: Mayor McDowell offered several communications. He extended thanks to the fire department, police department, public works, and Alderman Lovell’s committee for their work in connection with the recent downtown concert, which drew an estimated 1,000 attendees. Local businesses reported strong activity during the event, and the mayor expressed his view that the downtown plaza has proven to be a sound investment. The mayor also recognized the work of retiring Public Works Director, Joe Carruthers, noting that while a grant application to repaint the tin man water tower did not yield sufficient funds for that purpose, Carruthers pursued an alternative by installing decorative lighting on the water tower, which has been well-received by the community. Mayor McDowell further announced the Canton High School student Brian Nelson has been elected Illinois FFA State President for 2026-2027, calling it a significant achievement for the student, the FFA program, and the school. He noted the city is working with IDOT to install recognition signage at the city limits in his honor. Finally, the Mayor acknowledged that this would be Alderman Greg Gossett’s last meeting, as Alderman Gossett has relocated outside of his ward. The mayor noted that Alderman Pickel would be reassigned to Alderman Gossett’s Public Works committee, with Alderman Pickel’s current committee, IT and Cybersecurity assignment remaining open until formally addressed at a future meeting. Mayor McDowell presented Alderman Greg Gossett with a plaque of recognition for his service as Ward 3 Alderman from June 2021 through July 2026. The mayor offered personal remarks expressing gratitude for Alderman Gossett’s dedication and contributions to the council and community. CITY CLERK COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: Nothing to report. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS: Acting Treasurer, Paula Grigsby, had nothing to report. Police Chief, Corey Miller, noted that the June chief’s report had been distributed and invited council members to review it and direct any questions to him. Chief Miller also announced that he would be participating in a dunk tank fundraiser on the coming Saturday, sponsored by a local organization to raise money for the Honor Flight program, which transports veterans to Washington, D.C. Fire Chief, Lance Lusk, noted that the monthly report had been distributed and was available for council review. Street Superintendent, Dash Wilson, had nothing to report. CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD JULY 7, 2026. APPROVAL OF THE SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD JULY 13, 2026. BILL LIST TREASURER’S REPORT PUBLIC WORKS REPORT POLICE REPORT FIRE REPORT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Gossett 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 REGULATORY AND POLICY ALDERPERSON ANGELA HALE, CHAIR Mayor McDowell presented for Alderwoman Hale. APPROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL PARADE TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 19. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel for approval of a Downtown Special Event and Road Closure for the Friendship Festival Parade to be held September 19. 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 FOR THE CHS HOMECOMING PARADE TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 25. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Gossett for approval of a Downtown Special Event and Road Closure for the CHS Homecoming Parade to be held September 25. 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 ESTABLISHING A DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT; ESTABLISHING A NEW CLASS OF LIQUOR LICENSE; AND AUTHORIZING THE LOCAL LIQUOR COMMISIONER TO ESTABLISH RULES AND REGULATIONS TO THE DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Lovell noted that the district had been discussed over several prior meetings and that the council had arrived at a workable framework, with the understanding that adjustments could be made in the future. A key discussion centered on the geographic boundaries of the district. Alderman Lovell and the mayor identified a modification to exclude the area by Van Buren between Elm Street and Chestnut to the east, as that area was deemed unnecessary for inclusion. The revised boundary would run along the south side of Elm Street, cut north between Brew-N-Cue and Cefcu, incorporate the alley and city parking lot behind Brew-N-Cue, and extend to Avenue A northward to Locust Street in order to retain the event center and the hotel within the district. The council discussed the importance of keeping the alley within the district boundaries to allow passage between establishments. It was agreed that the ordinance would be approved with these boundary changes noted, and that the City Attorney would prepare a final updated map for the mayor’s signature. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Nelson for approval of an ordinance establishing a Downtown Entertainment District; Establishing a new class of liquor license; and authorizing the local liquor commissioner to establish rules and regulations to the Downtown Entertainment 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. ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A BUSINESS DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND CODY AND EMILY CRUMB. This is related to the renovation of the former K-mart building for use by DHS and ECFS. Lovell noted the project is already underway. The agreement provides for reimbursement to the Crumbs in three annual payments of approximately $29,845.42. Lovell noted that under the city’s established evaluation matrix, the Crumbs qualified for a 20% reimbursement rate, illustrating that the process for assessing BDD applications has become more consistent and transparent. There was a brief discussion about the need for a clear and reader-friendly report showing BDD fund balances, accrued commitments, and projected expenditures, which the mayor confirmed is in progress with the city’s financial team. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Pickel for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a business district redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Canton and Cody and Emily Crumb. 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. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING REIMBURSEMENT OF IMPROPERLY ASSESSED BDD SALES TAXES TO BIPIN PATEL D/B/A EASTSIDE LIQUOR. Alderman Lovell explained that Eastside Liquor was recently added to the Business Development District; however, the Illinois Department of Revenue determined that the property had been within the BDD since its original establishment and assessed back BDD taxes accordingly. Mr. Patel paid approximately $7,766.80 in back taxes. Despite the city’s efforts – including written correspondence and phone calls to the Department of Revenue – to contest the assessment, no relief was obtained. Rather than continue to dispute the matter, the council agreed to reimburse Mr. Patel directly for the amount he paid. Alderman Lovell noted that the city does ultimately receive those funds through the state, and the reimbursement simply returns them to the business owner who was improperly assessed. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Nelson for approval of a resolution authorizing reimbursement of improperly assessed BDD sales taxes to Bipin Patel D/B/A Eastside Liquor. 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. PUBLIC WORKS ALDERPERSON GREG GOSSETT, CHAIR ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) VERSALIFT SST-40-EIH AERIAL UNIT AND WAIVING COMPETETIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO SAME. Gossett explained that the truck chassis for this bucket truck was purchased in the prior fiscal year, and this ordinance covers the acquisition of the aerial lift unit to complete the vehicle. Street Superintendent Wilson confirmed the details. Competitive bidding requirements were proposed to be waived in connection with this purchase. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Ketcham to approve an ordinance authorizing the purchase of one (1) versalift SST-40-EIH aerial unit and waiving competitive bidding requirements 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. FINANCE ALDERPERSON ANDRA CHAMBERLIN, CHAIR IT AND CYBERSECURITY ALDERPERSON DAVE PICKEL, CHAIR LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALDERPERSON RALPH GRIMM, CHAIR PROPERTY ALDERPERSON PATRICK KETCHAM, CHAIR APPROVAL OF A REQUEST FROM ERIC AND JACKIE SCHENCK FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT ND FOR A SHORT-TERM RENTAL LOCATED AT 308/312 N. 2 AVENUE, CANTON, IL 61520. The mayor expressed personal familiarity with the applicants and confidence that the property would be well-managed. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Pickel for approval of a request from Eric and Jackie Schneck for a conditional use permit for a short-term rental located at 308/312 N. nd 2 Avenue, Canton, IL 61520. 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. EXECUTIVE SESSION/CLOSED MEETING ADJOURNMENT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Gossett/Pickel 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