The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About08-04-2026 Canton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 04, 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 August 4, 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 Treasurer Paula Grigsby, and Finance Director Caitlyn Leingang. OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: City Attorney Chris Jump, City Engineer Keith Plavec, and Joe Hitchcock. 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 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: City Attorney, Chris Jump, recommended tabling Item B under Public Safety and Legal and Item D under Public Works. Additionally, a finance related item concerning the service agreement with Schooley Mitchell was moved up to Mayoral Communications for presentation and discussion purposes only. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: There was no public comment. MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: Mayor McDowell noted that a new mural is now installed on the south wall of Advanced Rehab at the Opera House Plaza, completed in collaboration with the Orendorff family. Upcoming events in the plaza include a picnic, a story time, and the Van Halen tribute concert scheduled for August 21. Mayor McDowell reported a significant water main break at Elm and White Court, noting that the system maintenance crew responded effectively and that follow-up work would be completed the following week. DISCUSSION OF SERVICE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND CRYSTAL CREEK ADVISORY GROUP, DBA SCHOOLEY MITCHELL (SM). Joe Hitchcock of Crystal Creek Advisory Group, doing business as Schooley Mitchell, delivered a presentation on telecom and utility cost optimization services for the City. Hitchcock explained that municipalities typically manage communication and utility expenses in departmental silos, resulting in fragmented vendor relationships and a lack of enterprise – wide cost visibility. He noted that, based on the City’s fiscal year 2025 budget, Canton’s telecom expenditures were estimated between $110,000 and $120,000 annually, with water/wastewater infrastructure costs reaching approximately $670,000 annually – a 46.5% increase from the prior fiscal year – and street lighting at approximately $110,000, representing a 22% increase. He indicated that the City is currently using three different cellular providers across departments, which consolidation could address. Hitchcock referenced a recent engagement with the City of Atlanta, Illinois, where his firm identified four unused legacy landlines and two obsolete internet circuits that were still being billed, and successfully negotiated improved fiber speeds at no additional cost. He stated that his firm averages approximately 10% in savings, suggesting a potential savings opportunity of approximately $100,000 annually for Canton. He described his firm’s process: gathering invoices directly from vendors via a letter of authorization, conducting a comprehensive review, presenting findings to the Council, and allowing the Council to decide whether to proceed. His fee structure is contingency based. He takes no money upfront and his compensation is 50% of realized savings over a three-year contract term, applied annually. He emphasized that he takes on 100% of the risk, receiving nothing if no savings are identified or if the Council declines to implement recommendations. The Council engaged in substantive discussion. Alderperson Grimm expressed concern that the 50% fee applied in years two and three would compensate the firm for savings that were identified only once in year one, making the ongoing payments difficult to justify. Hitchcock acknowledged this is a characteristic of contingency-based consulting and noted that continued bill monitoring , market rebate tracking, and vendor management services are provided throughout the contract term as part of the ongoing value. Attorney Jump raised a legal concern regarding the three- year contract term, noting that Canton, as a non-home-rule municipality, generally cannot enter into contracts exceeding one year without specific statutory authority, and asked whether a one-year agreement might be possible. Hitchcock acknowledged he had not encountered this issue before and deferred to Jump’s judgment, noting that his franchise’s home office sets the standard contract structure. Alderperson Ketcham asked whether savings events in subsequent years would create new compensation obligations. Hitchcock confirmed that newly identified savings would be subject to a fresh baseline, consistent with the ongoing nature of the engagement. Mayor McDowell clarified that this agenda item was presented for discussion only and that the matter would be placed on a future agenda for formal Council action. CITY CLERK COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: City Clerk, Andi Smith-Walters, had no communications. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS: Acting Treasurer, Paula Grigsby, had nothing to report. Police Chief, Corey Miller, was not in attendance due to an active public safety situation in the city. Mayor McDowell noted that he was being kept informed and that the situation was being resolved. Fire Chief, Lance Lusk, was not in attendance due to the same public safety situation. Street Superintendent, Dash Wilson, had no formal report. Mayor McDowell noted that the system maintenance crew had done commendable work responding to the water main break at Elm and White Court. CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD JULY 21, 2026. APPROVAL OF THE CLOSED MEETING MINUTES HELD 10/21/2025, 11/04/2025, 11/18/2025, 12/02/2025, 12/16/2025, 01/06/2026, AND 01/20/2026. RESOLUTION AS TO WHETHER (1) THE NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY STILL EXISTS AS TO ALL OR PART OF THE CLOSED MINUTES OR (2) THAT THE CLOSED MEETING MINUTES OR PORTION THEREOF NO LONGER REQUIRE CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT AND ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION. It is Attorney Jump’s recommendation to keep the closed session minutes confidential. BILL LIST DISBURSEMENT REPORT TREASURER’S REPORT PUBLIC WORKS REPORT POLICE REPORT FIRE REPORT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Grimm/Nelson to approve the consent agenda. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent 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 Alderperson Nelson reminded the public that school would be resuming in approximately two weeks, urging motorists to watch for children and school buses. He also announced that the Police Department is seeking crossing guard applicants and that interested parties should contact Chief Miller. Additionally, he noted that buses would be running practice routes over the next week. Mayor McDowell noted that an update on the new fire truck delivery was pending at the manufacturing plant in Appleton, Wisconsin. The area had been struck by a tornado, though initial reports suggested limited damage to the facility. A confirmation from the manufacturer was expected. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2027 FORD F350, AND RELATED OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES, AND WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO SAME. This item was tabled. REGULATORY AND POLICY ALDERPERSON ANGELA HALE, CHAIR APPROVAL OF A CLASS F, SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST FROM WHITE OAK TAP INC. FOR THE VAN HALEN EXPERIENCE, JUMP EVENT TO BE HELD AUGUST 21 AT THE OPERA HOUSE PLAZA. Mayor McDowell noted that the entertainment district would be activated for the event, running from 12:00pm to midnight. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Pickel for approval of a Class F, Special Event Liquor License request from White Oak Tap INC for the Van Halen Experience, Jump event to be held August 21 at the Opera House Plaza. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent 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 also announced that a Liquor Commission meeting would be held on August 13 at 4:00pm to process license applications and waivers for establishments wishing to participate in the entertainment district. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALDERPERSON JOHN LOVELL, CHAIR PUBLIC WORKS ALDERPERSON DAVE PICKEL, CHAIR REVIEW AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE BID FOR THE MFT HMA RESURFACING OF VARIOUS STREETS IN THE CITY OF CANTON. City Engineer, Keith Plavec, presented the bids received for the MFT HMA resurfacing project. Three contractors were invited to bid; two submitted proposals. The streets included in the ththth project are 6 Avenue from Cherry to Hickory (mill and overlay), Olive Street from 11 to 13 Avenue, Avenue C from Oak to Hickory, Beech Street from Main to Avenue B, and Hickory Street th at 6 Avenue. The street selection was derived from a multi-year roadway analysis and prioritization plan. The low bid was submitted by Tazewell County Asphalt Company in the amount of $202,724.99. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Lovell to approve Tazewell County Asphalt in the amount of $202,724.99 for the MFT HMA resurfacing of various streets in the City of Canton. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. REVIEW AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF THE BID FOR THE MFT SPRAY PATCHING ON VARIOUS STREETS IN THE CITY OF CANTON. Plavec reported that three contractors were solicited for spray patching, but only one submitted a bid – Ace in the Hole. The company has performed spray patching for the City for several years. They also do private work for the City. The project involves crews from the public works departments traveling to various locations throughout the city. The sole bid was presented as a reasonable and historically reliable option in the amount of $62,585.50. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Lovell to approve the MFT spray patching contract with Ace in the Hole in the amount of $62,585.50. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent 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 AND RATIFYING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) VERSALIFT SST-40-EIH AERIAL UNIT AND RELATED OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES, WAIVING COMPETETIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO SAME. This item was tabled. FINANCE ALDERPERSON ANDRA CHAMBERLIN, CHAIR IT AND CYBERSECURITY LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALDERPERSON RALPH GRIMM, CHAIR APPROVAL OF STEP 2 ANSWERS TO GRIEVANCES FILED BY MEMBERS OF THE ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LABOR COUNCIL, UNIT #840 (GRIEVANCE NOS. GR-260508- MMOR, GR-260508-STWH). Alderman Grimm presented the labor and employment committee’s recommendation to deny the three grievances filed by members of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, Unit #840. Attorney Jump indicated that formal written Step 2 responses would be executed by Alderman Grimm following the vote. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Grimm/Lovell to approve to deny grievance nos. GR-260508-MMOR, GR-260508-PCXB, and GR-260508-STWH and to authorize issuance of formal step 2 written responses. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent Alderperson Pickel x Alderperson Ketcham x Alderperson Hale x Alderperson Grimm x Alderperson Lovell x Alderperson Nelson x Alderperson x Chamberlin The motion carried. PROPERTY ALDERPERSON PATRICK KETCHAM, CHAIR Alderperson Ketcham commended the water department and street department for patch work completed near the warehouse facility and for rapid concrete repair on Martin Avenue. APPROVAL OF THE BID QUOTE #32351 FROM M&O ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANY FOR AN ASBESTOS ABATEMENT AT THE FORMER FUNERAL HOME LOCATED AT 209 E. CHESTNUT STREET The property at 209 E. Chestnut was purchased by the City and is receiving a shelter grant through DCO, with the intent to partner with the Salvation Army to convert the building into a shelter facility. Environmental assessments had identified asbestos, lead, and radon in the structure. A prior public bid for abatement received no responses. DCO indicated that progress was needed to maintain grant eligibility, and staff consultant Doug Graham of Graham & Associates advised that addressing accessible asbestos as soon as possible was critical to keeping the project on schedule. M&O Environmental Company, a firm with which the City has an established working relationship, was approached directly for a quote. Plavec noted that the owner’s illness had contributed to M&O’s failure to respond to the prior bid solicitation. The quote came in under the threshold requiring formal competitive bidding, allowing the City to proceed by quote. The cost would be covered by City funds, including TIF money. Plavec noted that the general contractor, G&H, is expected to bid the broader renovation project in approximately October, and the asbestos removal must be completed prior to that work beginning. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Pickel for approval of the bid quote #32351 from M&O Environmental Company for an asbestos abatement at the former funeral home located at 209 E. Chestnut Street in the amount of $24,100. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent 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 Nelson/Lovell to adjourn. ROLL CALL Yes No Absent 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