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Home My WebLink About09-01-2026 Council Meeting Minutes CANTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 01, 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 September 1, 2026 (6:30pm) at the th Historic 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, Finance Director Caitlyn Leingang, Street Superintendent Dash Wilson, and Waste Water Superintendent Michael Courtney. OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: City Attorney Chris Jump and City Economic Developer Cole McDaniel. 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 were requested. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: No public comment was received. PUBLIC HEARING: PUBLIC HEARING FOR A PROPOSED ANNEXATION AGREEMENT (OR “PRE-ANNEXATION”) TH AGREEMENT INVOLVING REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 685 NORTH 20 AVENUE, CANTON, ILLINOIS 61520 (PIN # 09-08-25-201-034 AND 09-08-25-201-008). At 6:31pm, Mayor McDowell opened the public hearing for the proposed pre-annexation th agreement involving real property located at 685 North 20 Avenue, Canton, Illinois 61520 (PIN #09-08-25-201-034 and #09-08-25-201-008). No members of the public came forward to comment. The public hearing closed at 6:32pm. MAYORAL COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: APPOINTING ALDERPERSON FOR WARD 3 TO REPLACE GREG GOSSETT. Mayor McDowell administered the Oath of Office to Collin Davis, who was duly appointed to the position of Alderperson for Ward 3, replacing Greg Gossett. Alderperson Davis was welcomed by the Mayor and fellow council members. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Hale for appointing Alderperson Collin Davis for Ward 3 to replace Greg Gossett. 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 communicated two additional items. First, he announced his intention to extend an existing emergency order through Friday, September 4, 2026, at 5:00pm. The extension was intended to allow Public Works staff to adjust their work hours in response to the heat, beginning earlier in the day to complete debris pickup work before the peak heat of the afternoon. Secondly, an update was provided on Dumpster Days, noting that free debris th drop-off at the city garage for Canton citizens would end on September 4 at 5:00pm. thth Dumpster Days would then run from September 8 though September 13. McDowell also took the opportunity to publicly thank the Public Works Department, the Wastewater Treatment Plant Department, System Maintenance Department, and City Hall staff Nancy Mackey and Carol Kohler for their efforts during the flood recovery period. CITY CLERK COMMUNICATIONS/REQUESTED ACTION: City Clerk, Andi Smith-Walters, had no communications or requested actions. DEPARTMENT HEAD COMMUNICATIONS/REPORTS: Acting Treasurer, Paula Grigsby, had no communications for the Council. Police Chief, Corey Miller, introduced two newly sworn police officers, Keith Anderson and Kevin Meade, who graduated from the Police Training Institute on August 20, 2026, and were beginning their Field Training Officer (FTO) program. Mayor McDowell and the Council congratulated the officers and wished them a long, safe career. Chief Miller confirmed that the department is currently fully staffed at 23 officers. Fire Chief, Lance Lusk, had no communications but Mayor McDowell acknowledged the efforts of both the police and fire departments during the recent flood and heat events. Street Superintendent, Dash Wilson, had no communications for the Council. CONSENT AGENDA: APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON AUGUST 18, 2026. BILL LIST 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. COMMITTEE REPORTS: PUBLIC SAFETY AND LEGAL ALDERPERSON JUSTIN NELSON, CHAIR REGULATORY AND POLICY ALDERPERSON ANGELA HALE, CHAIR APPROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUEST FROM BILLY’S TAP FOR THE LET’S PLAY LIKE KIDS FOR THE KIDS EVENT TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 17. This was described as a side-by-side vehicle event benefiting St. Jude. Mayor McDowell noted this will be the first time the event is coming to Canton and that it typically draws approximately 250 participants and raises significant charitable funds. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Ketcham for approval of a downtown special event and road closure request from Billy’s Tap for the Let’s Play Like Kids for the kids event to be held on October 17. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. APROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE REQUEST FOR THE TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 30. There was no discussion, this is a repeat event. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Davis for approval of a downtown special event and road closure request for the Trunk or Treat event to be held on October 30. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. APPROVAL OF A DOWNTOWN SPECIAL EVENT AND ROAD CLOSURE FOR THE SPOON RIVER SCENIC DRIVE TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 2 AND OCTOBER 9. During consideration of this item, it was noted that the road closure would need to extend across three-day weekends rather than single days. The motion was amended to reflect road closures on the weekend of October 2, 3, and 4 as well as the weekend of October 9, 10, and 11 of 2026. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Pickel for approval of a downtown special event and road closure for the Spoon River Scenic Drive to be held October 2, 3, and 4 of 2026 and October 9, 10, and 11 of 2026. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. APPROVAL OF A CLASS F SPECIAL EVENT LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST FROM OTO FOR RUMOURS THE ULTIMATE FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE BAND EVENT. Mayor McDowell noted for the record that in conjunction with this approval, the Downtown Entertainment District would be declared open from 11:00am to 12:00 midnight on September 4, 2026. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Hale/Ketcham for approval of a Class F Special Event Liquor License request from OTO for Rumours the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band event. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALDERPERSON JOHN LOVELL, CHAIR Cole McDaniel, President of Hometown Consulting and Director of Economic Development for the City, presented a quarterly update covering the previous four to five months of activity and previewed the upcoming first-year annual report and strategic action plan. BDD Projects: McDaniel reported that several Business Development District (BDD) projects have been completed and approved at the council level, with construction activity visible at locations such as the Ledger, Thrifty Bean, and Big Cat’s. He noted that reimbursements are not disbursed until projects are substantially complete. Cardosi Building: McDaniel reported active progress on the Cardosi building, noting that electrical service was restored to the building that same day. He indicated that electrical and mechanical contractors would be entering the building Thursday of that week to develop cost estimates. The team has met with a developer approximately three to four times, including a recent site visit. thth 5 and Linn Property: McDaniel reported significant interest in the vacant lot at 5 and Linn, stating that a developer was ready to move forward. He advised the Council that a discussion would be needed to establish a sale price for the property, noting that the city’s goal should be centered on attracting investment and tax-generating activity rather than maximizing sale proceeds. McDaniel flagged that any sale would require an RFP process and that TIF incentives rather than BDD may be applicable. He requested that the Council be prepared to discuss pricing and direction at a future meeting, likely in October. Alderperson Ketcham requested th that McDaniel compile a full accounting of all city expenditures on the 5 and Linn Parcel, including demolition costs and the existing lease on the corner piece, so the Council could evaluate its investment when determining a sale price. Civic Digital / Scenic Byway Sign: McDaniel raised the long-standing issue of the Civic Digital sign project and its relationship to the Scenic Byway designation. He noted that the existing redevelopment agreement had been extended through the end of the year and asked whether the Council should consider the possibility of carving that specific parcel out of the Scenic Byway designation in order to allow the sign project to proceed. City Attorney Chris Jump and several Alderman acknowledged the complexity of the issue, which involves federal and state level stakeholders, and agreed to revisit the discussion. GIS Mapping Tool: McDaniel demonstrated the City’s new Canton Economic Development GIS map, which layers data parcel, ownership, zoning, tax information, BDD and TIF boundaries, and available properties into an interactive tool used daily by the economic development team. He highlighted the available properties layer, which allows developers to click on individual properties to see photos, zoning, incentive eligibility, cost, size, and direct links to commercial listings or owner contact information. This map will be accessible directly from the City’s economic development webpage. Website Redesign: McDaniel noted that work is underway to redesign the economic development section of the City’s website to consolidate resources from the City, EDC, Chamber, and Canton Partnership without duplicating or displacing existing organizational content. PUBLIC WORKS ALDERPERSON DAVE PICKEL, CHAIR RESOLUTION APPROVING A PRE-ANNEXATION AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF CANTON AND JENNIFER S. AND MARION M. KUZNIAR II INVOLVING REAL PROPERTY LOCATED AT 685 TH NORTH 20 AVENUE, CANTON, IL 61520. There was no discussion. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Hale to approve a resolution approving a pre-annexation agreement between the City of Canton and Jennifer S. and Marion M. Kuzniar th II involving real property located at 685 North 20 Avenue, Canton, IL 61520. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2026 FORD RANGER AND WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO SAME. Street Superintendent Wilson indicated the Ford Ranger was a much needed replacement vehicle. It was noted that the vehicle was sourced through Morrow Brothers in Greenfield, Illinois via a state purchase contract, which offered the vehicle approximately $4,000 cheaper than other available options, justifying the waiver of competitive bidding requirements. The purchase amount is $35,513. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Ketcham to approve an ordinance authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2026 Ford Ranger and waiving competitive bidding requirements in relation to same with a purchase amount of $35,513. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 2027 FORD F350 4X4 RC CC AND RELATED OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES, AND WAIVING COMPETITIVE BIDDING REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO SAME. The F350 purchase included an aftermarket dump bed component. Jump explained that while Morrow Brothers was used for the Ford Ranger, the available F350s on their lot did not include the required dump bed configuration. After researching SourceWell and local dealerships, it was determined that purchasing from a Peoria-area dealer offered the best combination of price and required specifications. The competitive bidding waiver was sought on that basis. The purchase amount is $80,104. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Pickel/Ketcham to approve an ordinance authorizing the purchase of one (1) 2027 Ford F350 4x4 RC CC and related options and accessories and waiving competitive bidding requirements in relation to same with a purchase amount of $80,104. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. FINANCE ALDERPERSON ANDRA CHAMBERLIN, CHAIR IT AND CYBERSECURITY ALDERPERSON COLIN DAVIS, CHAIR LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT ALDERPERSON RALPH GRIMM, CHAIR PROPERTY ALDERPERSON PATRICK KETCHAM, CHAIR ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE SALE OF CERTAIN PERSONAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE CITY OF CANTON. Jump explained that this is a routine ordinance required by statute when the City disposes of personal property through public auction. The auction will be conducted by Gorsuch Realty Auction as an online auction. Vehicles will be sold at a one-day auction on September 26, 2026. All other personal property will be auctioned online from October 27, 2026, through November 7, 2026. The list of items was compiled with the assistance of Chief Miller and other department heads. Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Ketcham/Pickel for approval of an ordinance authorizing and directing the sale of certain personal property owned by 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 Alderperson Davis x Mayor x Kent McDowell The motion carried. EXECUTIVE SESSION/CLOSED MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION/CLOSED MEETING PURSUANT TO 5 ILCS 120/2 (C(5) AND 5 ILCS 120/2 (C) (11). Motion and second were made by Alderpersons Nelson/Chamberlin to go into executive session/closed meeting pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2(C)(5) and 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(11). 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. The meeting went into closed session at 7:32pm. The regular council meeting resumed at 8:19pm. 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 Alderperson Davis x The motion carried. _________________________________________________________________ Andi Smith-Walters, City Clerk _________________________________________________________________ Kent McDowell, Mayor