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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-18-2026 Canton City Council Regular Meeting Minutes CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 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 18, 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, Police Chief Corey Miller, Fire Chief Lance Lusk, Street Superintendent Dash Wilson, and Finance Director Caitlyn Leingang. OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: City Attorney Chris Jump, City Engineer Keith Plavec 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: No additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: No public comments were received. MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: Mayor McDowell noted that the previously scheduled Dumpster Days event (September 8-12) has been moved to September 17 and onward in response to the ongoing flood cleanup efforts. DECLARING A LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY AND ECECUTIVE ORDER They Mayor reported on the ongoing response to the significant flash flooding event that struck the community on August 15-17, 2026. McDowell noted that a coalition of local, state, and federal stakeholders had been convening daily, including representatives from the Salvation Army, Congressman Sorrenson’s office, and Senator Anderson’s office. McDowell indicated his intent to extend the existing local state of emergency and executive order to the next council meeting on September 1, 2026. McDowell clarified that the state of emergency declaration does not guarantee federal or state aid, noting that a financial threshold must be met. McDowell explained that city infrastructure sustained significant damage, including to the berm, spillway, and dam at Canton Lake, as well as to the road leading to the lake. Preliminary estimates placed repair costs at approximately $1,000,000. McDowell read from an official press release outlining guidance for affected residents. Key points included:  Residents are strongly encouraged to keep all receipts, document all losses, and photograph damage.  Residents may contact the Salvation Army in Canton for cleanup assistance and to fill out an online disaster survey, which collects information to guide next steps but does not guarantee federal assistance.  Current Illinois SNAP customers may be eligible for replacement benefits if their power was out for more than four hours, with a 10-day window to apply through the Illinois Department of Human Services.  Libraries in Canton and Cuba will provide free computer access to assist residents who cannot complete the online survey.  The city has waived fees and is actively collecting flood-damaged items placed curbside, separate from yard waste. Tires, batteries, and electronics are excluded from curbside pickup; electronics may be dropped off at the health department on Thursday morning from 8:00am to noon.  Residents were cautioned to be vigilant about unlicensed contractors approaching their homes following the disaster and were encouraged to call the police department if they have concerns. Alderman Lovell noted from personal experience that insurance adjusters may need to inspect items before they are discarded, and Mayor McDowell confirmed that curbside pickup will continue indefinitely as long as residents are in need. McDowell commended Jonathan Rudd and Eric Kinsel, who waded into fast-moving floodwaters near Wallace Park on Saturday morning to rescue a motorist whose vehicle became submerged, describing the situation as a likely life-saving intervention. McDowell also commended the public works department, street department, fire and police department, as well as City Hall staff for their coordinated response efforts. McDowell announced that Governor Pritzker had issued a state disaster proclamation covering Fulton County and 14 other Illinois counties for damage occurring August 13-16, 2026. The proclamation was noted to unlock potential access to Community Development Block Grant Disaster Response funds through DCEO, with eligible local governments able to apply for up to $250,000 for cleanup, debris removal, and public infrastructure repairs. Communities have six months from the declaration date to apply. IHDA PRESENTATION BY BECKY DARLING Jenny Grove of the Spoon River Partnership for Economic Development introduced Becky Darling of the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA), who presented findings from a community revitalization planning process that began in September 2024 for Canton, Lewistown, and Cuba. Darling summarized the multi-phase process, which included an online Community Needs Assessment survey (406 responses, over 50% from Canton), a sidewalk-level housing stock survey of every parcel in all three communities conducted with volunteer assistance, and two community meetings. Key findings from the survey included:  Approximately 62% of respondents disagreed that housing in their community is in good condition.  Approximately 85% agreed that more housing options are needed.  Approximately 60% disagreed that housing is currently unaffordable.  Survey respondents expressed interest in a wider variety of housing types beyond single-family homes, including townhomes, small multi-family buildings, and senior independent living options.  Transportation needs were broadly felt to be unmet, while recreation amenities received overwhelmingly positive feedback.  Residents expressed dissatisfaction with commercial and retail development options on the area. From the housing stock survey, 195 residential structures across the three communities were rated in poor condition, representing prime candidates for rehabilitation investment. Darling also noted that rental affordability is mixed across the county, with Lewistown showing the deepest affordability challenges. The plan establishes three goals through 2030: (1) revitalizing the existing housing stock through rehabilitation grants and homeowner assistance; (2) expanding housing options through developer engagement; and (3) improving business retention and commercial offerings. Darling noted that goal one – housing rehabilitation – tends to show the most tangible and rapid results in communities that have used similar plans. In response to council questions, Darling indicated that the plan is expected to remain useful for a minimum of five years, after which updates could be made without undertaking the full two-year process. Darling also confirmed that all parcel-level GIS data collected during the survey belongs to the city and can be shared for use in grant applications and spatial analysis. The plan is intended to serve as a supporting document for a variety of state and federal funding applications, including IHDA’s Low Income Housing Tax Credit program. LOCAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN INFORMATION Mayor McDowell announced upcoming municipal election filing information. Seats open for election include City Treasurer, Ward 1 Alderperson, Ward 4 two Alderperson seats including a 4-year term and a two year unexpired term, Ward 3, one Alderperson (4-year term), and Ward 4, one Alderperson (4-year term). Interested candidates may pick up campaign packages from the City Clerk’s office on the second floor of Canton City Hall. The filing period runs from November 16 through November 23. CEMETERY GIS UPDATE Steve, a representative from the GIS mapping firm under contract with the city, provided an update on the Canton Cemetery GIS mapping project, which began with a pilot in February 2025 and has been under formal agreement since July 2025. The project involves establishing precise horizontal and vertical control across the entire cemetery using static GPS (achieving accuracy within 8-10 millimeters), conducting drone photogrammetry flights, and constructing a detailed cadastral map assigning decedents to their geographic grave spaces. Cemetery employee Kyle Jansen was recognized as instrumental in the project’s progress. As of the update, approximately 90% of cadastral data (sections, blocks, plots, and spaces) is complete. To date, approximately 5,700 individuals have been assigned to grave spaces, 23,558 spaces have been recorded (with Maple Addition not yet fully included), and approximately 3,700 lots have been catalogued. The final total of recorded spaces is expected to rise to 35,000-40,000 once the Maple Addition is complete. The Maple Addition – designed in February 1907 with complex ovate curving geometry – was identified as the most challenging area of the project. The representative noted that all field reconnaissance for the addition is complete, with detailed cadastral data entry continuing. The project completion date is December 2027. All completed data will be integrated into the city’s RPS online account, which can be made publicly accessible. City staff will be able to interact with the map in real time, update records, and attach documents such as obituaries and deeds directly to individual grave space entries. The representative also mentioned the possibility of conducting geophysical exploration using a magnetometer to locate unmarked graves in older sections of the cemetery, at no additional cost to the city. CITY CLERK COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: City Clerk, Andi Smith-Walters, had nothing to report. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS: Acting Treasurer, Paula Grigsby, had nothing to report. Police Chief, Corey Miller, noted that a written report had been distributed and offered to answer any questions. Fire Chief, Lance Lusk, noted that the fire report was included in the packet and invited questions. Mayor McDowell commended Fire Department crews for their efforts during the flooding event, including checking on flooded basements and assisting citizens with safely shutting off electrical power. Street Superintendent, Dash Wilson, had nothing to report. Mayor McDowell also commended the public works, streets, system maintenance, wastewater treatment, and water treatment plants/departments for their exceptional work during the flood response. CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD AUGUST 4, 2026. BILL LIST DISBURSEMENT REPORT TREASURER’S REPORT PUBLIC WORKS REPORT POLICE REPORT FIRE REPORT Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Chamberlin 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 Alderman Nelson noted that school had resumed and reminded the public that when dropping off students at Ingersoll, there are five-drop off spots available in the lot – not just one – and asked parents to pull forward to help ease traffic congestion. Nelson also reminded the public to watch out for children on e-bikes near school zones. 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 vehicle is intended to replace a 2011 Ford Expedition (formerly a police vehicle) with 157,000 miles, which has been in service with the Fire Department for approximately seven years and is becoming mechanically unreliable. The purchase price was established through a cooperative purchasing group, functioning similarly to Sourcewell, which satisfies the waiving of competitive bidding requirements. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Grimm to approve an ordinance authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2027 Ford F350, and related options and accessories, and waiving competitive bidding requirements in relation to same. 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. REGULATORY AND POLICY ALDERPERSON ANGELA HALE, CHAIR Alderwoman Hale mentioned the Cemetery Walk event planned for August 26-27, beginning at 3:30pm and 5:00pm, featuring graveside presentations. Insurance requirements applicable to the event were noted. APPROVAL OF A CLASS U LIQUOR LICENSE FOR 1909 CENTRAL LLC. 1909 Central LLC is associated with the hospital foundation’s new event center. The application was reviewed and passed unanimously by the Liquor Commission. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Ketcham for approval of a Class U Liquor License for 1909 Central LLC. 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. APPROVAL OF A CLASS DED LIQUOR LICENSES FOR ALL APPROVED LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS WANTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT EVENTS. Mayor McDowell gave thanks to Alderman Lovell and City Attorney Chris Jump for their work in establishing the DED. All participating businesses were confirmed to have submitted the required executed waivers and were approved unanimously by the Liquor Commission. The ten participating establishments are: Billy’s Tap, Moore’s Pub, Jack’s, OTO, White Oaks Group, Bistro, The Elks Lodge, Old Dog, Brew-N-Cue. Mayor McDowell noted that the first activation of the Downtown Entertainment District is scheduled for Friday, August 21, from 11:00am to midnight, with Van Halen Experience performing. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Nelson for approval of a Class DED Liquor Licenses for all approved licensed establishments wanting to participate in the Downtown Entertainment District events. 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. COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALDERPERSON JOHN LOVELL, CHAIR ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE BUSINESS DISTRICT REDEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND CODY AND EMILY CRUMB. This amendment authorizes reimbursement of $29,845.42 to the Crumbs upon completion of project requirements. The amendment also removes a provision that would have penalized the business if employment fell below 40 full-time employees, as the council wished to avoid penalizing the business for temporary dips in staffing during normal workforce fluctuations while the business intends to maintain those employment levels. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Nelson for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a first amendment to the business district redevelopment agreement by and between the City of Canton and Cody and Emily Crumb with a reimbursement in the amount of $29,845.42. 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 Mayor McDowell x The motion carried. ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF A BUSINESS DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND MOREY DENNEY. The total project costs is $50,500, with Mr. Denney qualifying for a 30% reimbursement of $17,002 upon meeting project requirements. The project involves repaving and extending a parking lot that Mr. Denney recently purchased from the former Canton Inn hotel property, as the lot had previously been rented and was sold to a new buyer who in turn sold it to Mr. Denney. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Nelson for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of a business district development agreement by and between the City of Canton and Morey Denney with a total project cost of $50,500 with a 30% reimbursement not to exceed $17,002. 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 Mayor McDowell x The motion carried. ORDINANCE APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF AN ECONOMIC INCENTIVE AGREEMENT WITH JAI AMBE MA CORP. Mayor McDowell provided some background explaining that the former owner of Eastside Liquors ( operating as Bipin Patel) had been improperly assessed Business District Development (BDD) charges exceeding $7,000 for the brief period – approximately three to four months – during which the business was enrolled in the BDD. Despite negotiations by the city and its attorneys arguing the charges were unwarranted., the State of Illinois declined to reduce the amount. Because the State required payment of the outstanding balance before issuing a liquor license to the new business owner, the Mayor authorized reimbursement to the former owner from the General Fund. This ordinance formalizes the reimbursement of the General Fund from BDD revenues. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Lovell/Nelson for approval of an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of an economic incentive agreement with Jai Ambe Ma Corp. 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 Mayor McDowell x The motion carried. PUBLIC WORKS ALDERPERSON DAVE PICKEL, CHAIR 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. City Attorney, Chris Jump, noted that the formal ordinance had inadvertently been omitted from the council packet due to a miscommunication, and asked that the council ratify the purchase, which has already been discussed and approved in principle. The item was described informally as the “body truck” or aerial unit for Public Works. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Hale to approve an ordinance authorizing and ratifying the purchase of one (1) Versalift SST-40-EIH Aerial Unit and related options and accessories, waiving competitive bidding requirements related to same. 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. RESOLUTION FOR IMPROVEMENT UNDER THE ILLINOIS HIGHWAY CODE APPROVING THE ALLOTMENT OF $63,997.74 FROM THE MOTOR FUEL TAX FUNDS TO PAY FOR PHASE II PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ADA CURB RAMP IMPROVEMENTS TO HANLON THTHTHTH STREET FROM 4 AVENUE TO 7 AVENUE, SPRUCE STREET FROM 6 AVENUE TO 7 AVENUE, AND THOMPSON CT FROM LOCUST STREET TO ASH STREET. THE CITY HAS AN ONGOING SATISFACTORY RELATIONSHIP FOR SERVICES WITH MAURER-STUTZ, INC. City Engineer, Keith Plavec, explained this item is part of a multi-year Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) improvement plan. The prior council meeting approved mill and overlay work on streets lacking sidewalks. This phase funds engineering services for ADA curb ramp improvements, which must be brought into compliance before future mill and overlay work can occur on those segments, per IDOT requirements. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Ketcham to approve a resolution for improvement under the Illinois Highway Code approving the allotment of $63,997.74 from the Motor Fuel Tax funds to pay for phase II preliminary engineering services for ADA curb ramp ththth improvements to Hanlon Street from 4 Avenue to 7 Avenue, Spruce Street from 6 Avenue to th 7 Avenue, and Thompson Ct from Locust Street to Ash Street. 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. APPROVAL OF A LOCAL PUBLIC AGENCY ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH MAURER- STUTZ, INC FOR $63,997.74 TO COMPLETE PHASE II ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR ADA CURB THTH RAMP IMPROVEMENTS TO HANLON STREET FROM 4 AVENUE TO 7 AVENUE, SPRUCE THTH 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. THE CITY HAS AN ONGOING SATISFATORY RELATIONSHIP FOR SERVICES WITH MAURER-STUTZ, INC. Attorney Jump noted for the record that the city has an ongoing satisfactory relationship with Maurer-Stutz, Inc. The agreement mirrors the resolution amount of $63,997.74, to be funded through MFT Funds. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Ketcham for approval of a local public agency engineering services agreement with Maurer-Stutz, Inc for $63,997.74 to complete phase thth II engineering services for ADA curb ramp improvements to 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. MFT funds will be utilized to pay for the engineering services. 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. FINANCE ALDERPERSON ANDRA CHAMBERLIN, CHAIR IT AND CYBERSECURITY LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALDERPERSON RALPH GRIMM, CHAIR PROPERTY ALDERPERSON PATRICK KETCHAM, CHAIR APPROVAL TO AWARD THE FIRE STATION ROOF REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT PROJECT BID TO HOLTHAUS COMPANIES, INC. Plavec explained that the project was competitively advertised and bid packages were sent to multiple contractors. However, only one responsive bid was received. The sole bid from Holthaus Companies, Inc came in at $228,750 for the base bid to remove and replace the fire station roof, which fell within the project budget of $230,000. It was noted that alternate add-ons (Alternates 1 and 2) would not be pursued. Despite receiving only one bid, the council and staff were satisfied that a competitive process had been followed. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Hale for approval to award the fire station roof removal and replacement project bid to Holthaus Companies, Inc in the amount of $228,750. 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/Hale 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