Peoria Standard

City of Canton City Council met June 2.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

A regular meeting of the Council meeting was held at 6:30PM via zoom webinar.

STAFF IN ATTENDANCE 

Mayor Kent McDowell, Attorney Richard Russo, City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock, Treasurer Crystal Wilkinson, System Maintenance Superintendent Dash Wilson, Street, Superintendent Ron Robinson, Utility Director Joe Carruthers, Comptroller Beka Schultz (Clifton Larson), City Engineer Keith Plavec

MEDIA IN ATTENDANCE: 

Daily Ledger, Fulton Democrat, WBYS

CALL TO ORDER 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

INVOCATION- Mayor Kent McDowell 

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

ROLL CALL

ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS TO THE AGENDA

CONSENT AGENDA

APPROVAL OF COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES HELD MAY 19, 2020 AND THE SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING HELD MAY 21, 2020

BILL LIST

DISBURSEMENT REPORT (APRIL)

TREASURER' REPORT

Alderman Fritz thanked Treasurer Wilkinson for adding the additional reports to the treasurer's report that will give a monthly analysis of the finances in relation to the impact from the coronavirus pandemic. Alderman Fritz further explained that the information reflected in the report "doesn't paint a pretty picture". If the shortfall in the four categories outlined in the report come to reality- these amounts total over $500,000.00 and this will significantly impact our budget. Alderman Fritz said the council needs to think about how this will be handled in the future.

Treasurer Wilkinson said she will continue to do comparisons in the various funds to see how the revenues received compare to the prior years. Treasurer Wilkinson explained that the LGDF (local government distribution fund) which is based on a per capita- and said that the City received $215,815.95 this month (which is based on February sales) compared to the same time last year the City received $146,982.78. Once this information can be obtained Treasurer Wilkinson will look further into the detail. It is a good thing that the amount we received this year is higher, but without seeing the detail, it can't be explained yet.

The City sales tax was also approximately $5,000.00 higher.

Mayor McDowell said he spoke to Senator Koehler and Representative Unes about the LGDF fund. After the last legislative session, it was determined that they would not be holding any money back from municipalities as they did in the past years, which will help municipalities.

Mayor McDowell further explained that he did ask all department heads to hold back on purchases until the City can get a better idea on what the impact will be.

Next week the City will refinance the water/sewer bonds. This will save the City some money. This could result in $15,000.00-$20,000.00 annually.

COMPTROLLER'S REPORT

Motion and second were made by Aldermen West/Lovell to approve the consent agenda, The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

FINANCE ALDERMAN RYAN MAYHEW, CHAIRMAN

LEGAL & ORDINANCE ALDERMAN CRAIG WEST, CHAIRMAN

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND A LEASE AGREEMENT, DATED JUNE 3, 2003 WITH AMEREN CIPS OR ITS SUCCESSORS (1) READING)

Language was recommended by the City's insurance agent for the lease agreement to insure some of the structures on the property. Attorney Jump is currently working with Ameren CIPS on the agreement.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $17,000,000 AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES REVENUE BONDS, SERIES 2020 (GRAHAM HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION PROJECT OF THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS, THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH SHALL BE LOANED TO GRAHAM HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION, AN ILLINOIS NOT-FOR-PROFIT CORPORATION, TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION AND EQUIPPING OF HEALTH CARE FACILITIES LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS; PROVIDING FOR THE PLEDGE AND ASSIGNMENT OF REVENUES AND OTHER AVAILABLE FUNDS FOR THE PAYMENT OF SAID BONDS TO BE ISSUED IN ONE OR MORE SERIES; AUTHORIZING A BOND AND LOAN AGREEMENT AND A TAX COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT, AUTHORIZING AGREEMENTS TO SECURE FURTHER THE PAYMENT OF SAID BONDS; AND AUTHORIZING OTHER ACTIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISSUANCE OF SUCH BONDS

Alderman Justin Nelson asked if the City of Canton issues these bonds how it would affect the City's ability to issue bonds for The City in the future. Mayor McDowell explained that there would be no threat to the City. Alderman Nelson expressed concerns about the state of Illinois credit rating and how this would affect the City's credit rating. Treasure Wilkinson said that she checked with the bond counsel and the city is able to borrow funds in the future if needed. Alderman Nelson said he is just concerned about issuing the bonds for Graham Hospital and how it could negatively impact the City's ability to get bonds in the future for the City.

Robert Senneff explained that it is his understanding that the City is only acting as a conduit to access the tax-exempt market so Graham is able to borrow at a lower rate. Nobody would come back on the City if the loan would default, but rather would go back to Graham Hospital.

Alderman Nelson said that he is more concerned about the City's ability to borrow in the future. If the City needed to borrow funds to get some improvements done at the water plant, Aldermen Nelson said he didn't want to have problems due to having this large bond already issued to Graham Hospital.

Robert Senneff said it is his understanding that this has no impact on the City's ability to borrow money in the future.

Alderman Nelson said there is a difference between tax exempt and bank qualified-which is his concern.

Treasurer Wilkinson suggested having the bond counsel give an explanation on how this would not impact the City's ability to borrow funds in the future and see if they are able to attend the next council meeting.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AMENDING TITLE 1, CHAPTER 28 (SEXUAL HARASSMENT) OF THE CITY CODE FOR THE CITY OF CANTON, ILLINOIS. (1ST READING)

NEGOTIATIONS, GRIEVANCE & PERSONNEL 

ALDERMAN JUSTIN NELSON, CHAIRMAN

COMMUNITY & INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

ALDERMAN JOHN LOVELL, CHAIRMAN

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION FOR CLOSURE OF A STATE ROUTE FOR A SPECIAL EVENT REQUEST SUBMITTED BY THE COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE FOR THE 2020 CENSUS OUTREACH FOR A CAR PARADE TO BE HELD ON JUNE 27, 2020 AT 10:30 AM RESOLUTION #5264

City Clerk Diana Pavley Rock explained that the complete count committee for the 2020 census discussed having a car parade to further encourage participation in the 2020 census. Currently the City of Canton is at approximately a 72% self-response rate for the 2020 census. The committee is wanting to do the same route that is being used for the Friendship Festival Parade. Diana is working with the grant committee to use grant funds to pay for the parade and is asking the council to approve the parade contingent upon receiving the grant funds to pay for the parade.

Diana further explained that citizens can stand outside in front of their homes, but not gather in large areas due to the social distancing that is taking place during the covid-19 pandemic.

Citizens will be encouraged to join in on the car parade.

Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Lingenfelter to approve the resolution for closure of a state route for a special event request submitted by the complete count committee for the 2020 census outreach for a car parade to be held June 27, 2020 at 10:30am.

The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A RESOLUTION FOR CLOSURE OF A STATE ROUTE SUBMITTED BY THE CANTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR A CANTON CRUISE THRU TO BE HELD JULY 11, 2020 RESOLUTION #5265

Carla Bobell explained that the Chamber of Commerce had to cancel the annual cruise in due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Some of the owners of the cars that are typically brought to town contacted the chamber to see if they could do something else. The chamber decided that a car parade would be a good way to get some excitement to the community. The parade route would start at Canton high school and head down Main Street to Linn Street. The route would then come back 1st Avenue to the high school where it would end. The idea is to also bring in people from surrounding communities that would visit the area. A small fee will be charged to participate in the parade. The parade will be held at 10:00am.

Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Nelson to approve the resolution for closure of a state route submitted by the Canton Area Chamber of Commerce for a Canton Cruise thru to be held July 11, 2020.

The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON A BEER GARDEN LICENSE FOR LA FIESTA MEXICAN RESTAURANT

A liquor commission meeting was held earlier today to review the application for the beer garden license for La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant. Zoning Director Bob Ackerman inspected the beer garden. Bob indicated that a couple of items need to be taken care of before a permit is issued. One of those items is the gate that needs to be corrected so it will swing out instead of swinging to the inside. It was the recommendation of the commission to approve the beer garden license.

Motion and second were made by Aldermen Lovell/Nelson to approve the beer garden license for La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant contingent that the changes are made as recommended by Bob Ackerman.

The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.

UPDATE FROM SPRED COLE MCDANIEL 

Downstate Small Business Stabilization Program Update: 

The applications from the first round of the Small Business Stabilization Grant were submitted on April 28th to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. As of writing this on May 27th, we have still not heard back on a decision regarding award recipients. I am hoping by the council meeting to have a further update on the first-round applicants. The second-round applications were submitted on Saturday, May 23". SRPED and the City of Canton have submitted 19 applications for small businesses to DCEO for grant funding through this program in total. After reaching out to Wendy Bell, the Deputy Director of DCEO, she made it clear that there are still funds available for this program, and encouraged us to hold another round if there was still interest from the City and community business owners. There will be a 3rd and final round that has a deadline of June 5"" and the public hearing will be held at the second council meeting in June. I would like to acknowledge the dedication of the elected officials and city staff for working so hard on this program for their community business owners. I believe once we start receiving some notice of awards back, we will all be very happy we took the time to work on, approve, and submit these grant applications.

• Urgent Need Micro Grant: 

After discussing with the SRPED Board and the Canton Main Street Board, I was able to put together a Micro Grant for small business owners who have been negatively affected by COVID 19. Canton Main Street last year decided to fund "Micro Grants" for small business owners in the community. In light of the current situation I had asked CMS to consider reallocating the funds for 2020 for an "Urgent Need Micro Grant" program, and it was approved. Canton Main Street Board members committed the $3,000 to be reallocated and SRPED committed an additional $6,000 to this program. SRPED staff created scoring criteria and a review team from each organization board members to evaluate applications. Overall SRPED received 20 applications for this grant program, and 9 of them were able to be funded at $1,000. The 9 recipients were given their grant award on May 26th and 27th at the Partnership office. These funds were to be used for capital expenditures (mortgage, rent, loan payments, utilities, inventory, insurance premiums, etc.).

• Comprehensive Building Inventory: 

One of my goals coming in as the new Executive Director was to create a comprehensive building inventory for the City of Canton. I plan to start with the Downtown District first, and once that is complete continue to document the rest of the City. In this document I will include all available properties with descriptions, tax information, for lease/sale, pricing, incentive options and photos of the property. Since documents like this are very fluid and can change day by day, I plan to make the document accessible online in order to keep the information as current as possible. I believe having a full list of available properties and buildings within the

City is a very powerful tool to have on hand for economic development when having meetings with potential expansion projects and business owners looking to locate in Canton.

• Comprehensive Business Owner List: 

I have started working on a business owner list that has business name, business address, contact person, and email addresses. I believe it is important to make sure when information is going out from the Partnership to the community that everyone is included and is able to obtain the same information. It has been eye-opening on just how many business owners aren't receiving a lot of the useful information we have been sending out since the start of COVID-19, simply because we do not have their information on hand.

• Participated in Rural Economic Development Initiative (REDI) meeting with USDA, Spoon River College, Purdue University and the University of Illinois. This is an initiative to develop a long term economic development plan and growth initiative. The deadline for the final REDI submission has been extended for one full year due to the current situation. We will continue to work on this in the coming months, and be able to share the final document once completed and submitted.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, ATTRACTION AND SUPPORT

• Had a meeting with a team of 3 developers who are currently breaking ground on their first drive through coffee shop near Peoria, IL. I have worked with one of the developers in my previous role in Havana. They are also investors in a variety of other businesses in Central Illinois. They are interested in some property at Fulton Square and have also expressed interest in the former JC Penny building. I have been in contact with Vice President of Operations, Ron Walker from CFC Properties, and Mr. Walker, The Developers and I are planning a conference call within the next 2 weeks to discuss their interest and overall intentions with the property.

• Tintroduced The Meat Locker business owners to Jim Boyd with the SBDC and they have been working closely with Jim on business planning over the last 3 weeks. We have a follow up meeting planned next week. They have looked at a couple different properties to this point and are waiting to complete their business plan before officially selecting a property for their business.

• There is still a heavy focus on existing business retention due to COVID-19 and the impact it is having on our local community. With the regulated reopening of some businesses in the State of Illinois, I will continue to work with business owners and send them information from the State regarding reopening best practices and other related information.

OTHER

• Prepared for and attended SRPED Board meeting

• Prepared for and attended Canton Main Street's Board meeting

• Submitted monthly Chamber Courier and CMS Newsletter Articles

• Attended Public Hearing regarding the Downstate Small Business Stabilization Applications for Round 2

• Submitted DSSBSP Round 2 Applications to the DCEO on Saturday, May 23".

PUBLIC WORKS, WATER & SEWER 

ALDERWOMAN ANGIE LINGENFELTER, CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC SAFETY & TRAFFIC 

ALDERWOMAN ANGELA HALE, CHAIRMAN

STREETS AND GARBAGE 

ALDERMAN JEFF FRITZ, CHAIRMAN

LAKE, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS 

ALDERMAN QUIN MAYHEW, CHAIRMAN

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO THE CITY OF CANTON LAKESHORE LEASE WITH NICHOLAS R STEVENS AND MARGI A STEVENS ORDINANCE #4193

Alderman Quin Mayhew explained that this dock is being compared to Chuck Taylor's dock at Canton lake. Chuck Taylor's dock is 4 feet shorter than this proposed dock. Alderman Quin Mayhew said both the City dock and Chuck Taylor's dock are both in the open part of the water at the main area of the lake. Mr. Stevens dock would be in a cove. Alderman Quin Mayhew said he would be concerned about the other people wanting to have a larger dock in the cove if this is approved for Mr. Stevens. Alderman Ryan Mayhew said he is also concerned about having the larger docks in the cove area by closing the area in.

Mr. Stevens said he talked to most of the people in the cove area at the lake and they did not have any concerns with the larger dock.

Alderman Nelson said he is not as concerned about the larger dock since it is in the cove and would be more concerned if it were in the open area of the lake. The cove is in a lower speed area, but would feel more comfortable if the dock has lights on it.

Alderwoman Lingenfelter said she would like to see written permission from surrounding neighbors before approving the dock.

Motion and second were made by Aldermen Quin Mayhew/Nelson to approve the amendment to the City of Canton lakeshore lease with Nicholas R Stevens and Margi A Stevens to allow them to place the dock 32 feet from shoreline to the end of the dock. The only boats to be parked at the dock are registered in the name of Nicholas and Margi Stevens. The end of the dock is to be lit at all times.

Further Discussion:

Alderman Lovell said he would be voting yes however; he wants to make it clear that not every request that comes to council for larger docks will be approved. The reason he will be voting yes, is because this dock is in a cove and in a slower boat traffic area. These requests for larger docks need to be discussed and voted on individually.

Alderman West said he would also like to see any request for docks over 15 feet come to the council for a vote.

The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.

DISCUSS, CONSIDER AND VOTE ON AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF CANTON, FULTON COUNTY ILLINOIS TO BORROW FUNDS FROM THE PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY LOAN PROGRAM (1) READING)

Engineer Keith Plavec explained that the EPA will be looking harder at lead service lines. The EPA will also be pushing to do more lead testing and replacement of these lines. The City has recently identified 240 lead water services through some of the meter head replacements. The City submitted a pre-app to IEPA requesting two million dollars. This project is estimated to be 1.5 million dollars. Galesburg did a similar project and are currently on phase 4/5 of their lead service line replacements. You have to follow the EPA loan application process. The City of Canton submitted the application and as been told that we are third on the list. The City would continue with the loan process with the intent that it would all be debt forgiven.

MAYOR COMMUNICATION

APPOINTMENT OF CHAD MURPHY TO THE FIRE PENSION BOARD 

Steven Clark recently resigned from the fire pension board. Chad would replace Steven on the board.

Motion and second were made by Aldermen Nelson/Lingenfelter to approve the appointment. The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.

PURCHASE OF GARBAGE TOTES 

Mayor McDowell encourages citizens to purchase garbage totes from the City. This City does have totes currently available for the public,

PURCHASE LOCAL Mayor McDowell encourages everyone to support local businesses and buy local.

RECOGNITION TO JASON STRANDBERG 

Mayor McDowell congratulated Jason Strandberg for the award on teaching excellence at Spoon River College

RECOGNATION TO LAURA BANDY 

Mayor McDowell congratulated Laura Bandy for the H. Truman Standard award for teaching excellence at Spoon River College.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS 

ADJOURNMENT

Motion and second were made by Aldermen Nelson/Lingenfelter to adjourn without the need for an executive session.

The motion carried by voice vote and was unanimous.

https://www.cantonillinois.org/vertical/sites/%7B3A712A47-3D50-49B4-9E78-DBB8A8D0F159%7D/uploads/06-02-20_Canton_City_Council_Meeting_Minutes.pdf