Revisiting the ever attention consuming topic of the town’s recent water meter project, the Canton City Council went about outlining the latest on the subject during their July 12 meeting. With a mere 24 left to install, six of which are assigned for trailers, the once seemingly momentous undertaking is undoubtedly coming to a close. Nearly all of those who have yet to receive updated meters have been contacted, while other properties will simply be neglected due to their lack of inhabitance. Additionally, it was agreed upon to secure five meters solely as inventory.
Though the physical labor regarding the task is nearing its end, rates have continually earned their fair share of debate. After deliberate discussion, monthly sewer and water rates consisting of a $33 base rate and additional $0.0024 per gallon used, and a $12.50 base rate and additional $0.003 per gallon used, respectively, were agreed upon. Perhaps best said by Mayor Donivee Johnson herself, “The rates may change, and we just have to start somewhere,” before further commenting that “This seems to be a fair and accurate way to do it.”
Councilmember Charlie Warner also presented the position of Dave Caldwell in initiating a citywide appliance clean-up. Explaining that the alleged individual had believed he was to have received compensation for organizing and carrying out the occurrence in previous years and having never done so, combined with the current insufficient price of scrap, a lack of interest in again hosting the ordeal was expressed.
Regarding the newly funded Storlies Portable Pit, which was originally intended for those active in softball, upon recent discovery of the absence of such and having already ordered and obtained the port-a-potty, the decision was made to move it to the historical property. The matter soon came to a close, Johnson noting of the object’s handiness and their willingness to put it to use with payments already having been made.
The liquor inventory previously held in Mayor Johnson’s basement has since been picked up for sale at ZZTap. A list was also provided giving the prices the alcohol was to be sold at prior to the store’s closing in hopes of implementing a starting point for the fees.
Again bringing up the playground equipment located on the old school property, still having failed to hear of anything from the daycare in Mabel, the council concluded to try again to get ahold of the interested bidder. With Councilmember Randy Gossman remarking of others’ interest in the equipment, it was agreed upon to give the child care center a set amount of time to finalize the deal before pursuing other options.
As for new business, it was brought to attention that Canton collected some $6,888 from the state for the purpose of street repair. The money will be placed in the city’s fund for this specific means of investment.
The council also approved a widespread listing of dates Abby’s Concessions has requested the use of the shelter due to the hosting of what are to be known as “burger nights,” also expressing its gratitude for her continued generous donations in return for its contributions.
Conferring of the planned advancements centered around the town’s gazebo, all present agreed that with Canton Day Off so near, it was best to postpone the project until after the town celebration to avoid a muddy mess that could otherwise spoil the greatly anticipated event.
Councilmember Cindy Shanks brought up a variety of issues requested by residents, one of which was the possibility of the establishment of a city website. Shanks went on to argue that many question the lack thereof while other cities have them. Though members consistently admitted to the convenience and prospect of the idea, they also voiced the need for the hiring of one to update the page. With all showing support for paying someone for this particular task and with the possibility of publicly displaying such things as ordinances, meeting schedules, and upcoming events, the council resolved to visit area cities’ sites in hopes of determining and therefore enabling contact between those who maintain them.
With both The Pub and The Villager closed, what can be done as far as economic development for the purpose of bringing businesses to town is frequently questioned. However, though many things show promise in Canton, Johnson openly articulated that to bring about such change takes a committee full of people who are devoted and radiate staying power.
Regarding LED lighting on a select few of city buildings, it was also inquired whether or not a rebate from MiEnergy was acquired. While concluding that it never was, searching for the possibility of any grants was settled to be carried out before any projects similar were to be conducted in the near future.
Noting of the hectic schedules characteristic of nearly everyone’s lives, the possibility of increasing the hours of which the city office is open was also discussed. However, with current hours of 7 a.m.-3 p.m. and the unarguably confusing aspect of having different hours for different days of the week, members did not see the absolute need for such. Though many do happen to work late, questions were raised about how much business did one necessarily need to conduct at the city office. Furthermore, not wanting to alter the hours for one sole person, City Clerk Lolly Melander reasoned that she is always available to communicate with by phone and during extended hours on the second Wednesday of each month before council meetings.
Lastly, Shanks proposed the possibility of placing an electronic sign on the highway for announcements. Noting Lanesboro’s recent ability to do this by receiving grants, the council determined that they would also look into doing the same.
The next Canton City Council meeting will be held at Canton City Hall on August 9, at 7 p.m.
Leave a Reply