HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-24-2005 Public Hearing Minutes PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF CANTON
MECHANICAL COMMITTEE
PROPOSAL TO SELL BONDS
MAY 24, 2005 @ 6:00 P.M.
A Public Hearing was held on May 24, 2005 at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, at the
Historic Depot 50 North 4`h Avenue, Canton, Illinois.
In attendance was Mayor Rodney W. Heinze, City Clerk Nancy Whites, City Attorney
Jim Elson; Aldermen Jim Hartford, Craig West, Kevin Meade, Eric Schenck.
Public Works Director Cliff O'Brien, Wastewater Supt. Joe Carruthers, Street Supt.
George Spahn, Fire Chief John Stanko, Keith Plavec of Maurer Stutz Inc., Donald
Edwards former mayor, Don Inmon and business partner Sally.
Mayor Heinze opened the meeting at 6:00 p.m.
City Clerk Nancy Whites read the following Notice. PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the City of Canton, Fulton County, Illinois (the "City), will hold a public
hearing on the 24t4 day of a May, 2005 at 6:00 o'clock P.M. The purpose of the hearing
will be to receive public comments on the proposal to sell bonds of the City in the amount
of not to exceed $36,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs of improving the
waterworks and sewerage system of the City.
End of Legal Notice for Public Hearing
Mayor Heinze ask the public if they had any comments.
Former Mayor Donald E. Edwards 900 South Main Street, Canton, Illinois. Don
mentioned that in the past history of this City it takes time to pass ordinances. Don said
he could not remember the City borrowing this amount of money without back up
funding from the federal government. This plan of seeking $36,000,000 is not accepted
by the citizens of Canton, and council members need to seek a second opinion from
former city engineers Crawford, Murphy& Tilly.
Don ask if the ordinance for the bond issue includes a built in back-door referendum? If
revenues fail to pay off the bonds, the city will have to rely on city taxes. Don felt the
citizens should be able to vote on this water/sewer project in a referendum.
Don said when he was mayor the City received a letter from Peoria Water Company
interested in buying Canton lake and all infrastructure. At that time Harlan Banister
Economic Advisor for the city told the Peoria Water Company the City of Canton was
not interested.
Freeman Coal Company considered building a new lake N.E. of Canton Lake. It would
drain by a canal, and in exchange they would strip our water shed. Not to long after that
Freeman Coal Company closed down. The option today is build a new lake where
Freeman Coal Company was going to build. In my administration the design phase for
pumping capacity in a day of 4,176,000 gallons of water, now you are capable of
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Public Hearing 5-24-05
pumping 2.5 million. What's wrong here? Debt limitation you put on the backs of tax
payers. Remember this!
Don finished his remarks at 6:10 p.m.
Don Inmon next speaker. Don said he deals with a higher group of low management type
of people and agrees with Don Edwards. The utility bills for these people are higher than
the rent. We need to take another look at this bond issue.
Don Inmon finished his remarks at 6:12 p.m.
Alderman Joe Berardi chairman of the Public Works, Water & Sewer Committee. Joe
said we have listen to having a second alternative, but we have not seen anything to
consider. If we start looking backwards we will not have growth, and that is what we are
trying to do make our city grow. Don't sell this council short, as I believe we are on the
right track, and don't sell the people involved in this short. Joe wanted to know if the
City tried to get any grants to fund this project, and you won't get an earth dam built?
The City of Cuba is looking for an alternate source for their water as our water is getting
high, they can't afford it anymore.
Joe Berardi finished his remarks at 6:16 p.m.
Alderman Eric Schenck chairman of the Public Safety & Traffic Committee. This is the
biggest issue facing Public Works. My understanding of this is we will not be issuing the
whole $36,000,000. I feel I have a better understanding of the ideas, plans, and what the
needs are.
Eric Schenck finished his remarks at 6:18 p.m.
Alderman Kevin Meade chairman of the Legal & Ordinance Committee. Kevin
remarked that he has great respect for former Mayor Don Edwards and his integrity and
experience. Kevin expressed if the city has gone about this the right way because
matching funds always accompanied the package. Kevin said he favors the steps that
have been taken, and suggested lets take our time and move slower. We need to consider
what Don Edwards said.
Kevin Meade finished his remarks at 6:19 p.m.
Alderman Jim Hartford chairman of Streets & Garbage Committee. A time line was
given early as we needed to know what was to be done, when, and where. The City was
going to try for grant funding. We are moving along and have to do certain things first.
Jim Hartford finished his remarks at 6:21 p.m.
Alderman Craig West chairman of Community & Industrial Development Committee.
The longer we wait to do this, the more we will pay for it. Not disagreeing with what
Don Edwards said. I have not heard about seeking grant funding, but we should apply
for grants to help in the cost.
Craig West finished his remarks at 6:23 p.m.
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Public Hearing 5-24-05
Mayor Heinze asked if there were any further comments, and nobody responded.
Mayor Heinze closed the Public Hearing at 6:24 p.m.
v'
Nancy Wh , City Clerk
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