The Canton City Council discussed where to place two additional AEDs at their regular meeting on September 14, 2016.
The City of Canton will be getting two additional Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). An AED is a portable device that automatically diagnoses and treats certain life-threatening heart conditions. Sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in this country and an AED is an easy to operate tool for people with no medical training.
Canton currently has two AEDs, one at city hall and the other is on one of the Canton Fire Department’s trucks. The city council discussed where to place the additional two. Suggestions for the locations included First Southeast Bank, Canton Post Office, Town Hall, ZZ Tap, Canton Pub, Sarah’s Diner and the car wash. The devices need to be secure from theft and in an environmentally controlled facility. The council decided to place one AED at town hall and one in the bank’s entryway.
Other business
The council reviewed the projected budget for 2017 and currently the increase from this year is projected to be 8%. Mayor Johnson asked the council for a motion to set the tax levy at 8%. The motion was made and passed.
Mayor Johnson noted that the levy can be decreased after it is set, but it cannot be increased, and historically it has gone down before the budget is finalized and approved. City Clerk Lolly Melander provided a detailed itemization of the city’s income and costs, along with projections for the rest of the year and next year, for the councilmembers to study at their convenience. The budget will be reviewed every month through December.
Public Works Manager Jon Nordsving reported that the fire hydrant at West Street and Prairie Avenue needs to be replaced. It is one of the oldest hydrants in town. The cost for a replacement hydrant and valve is estimated to be around $4,000.
Mayor Donivee Johnson informed the Council that resident Danny Whalan met with Attorney Greg Schieber to discuss his nuisance violations and has requested an additional 21 days to clean up his property. She added that Scheiber will work with Whalan directly if the council approves the extension. He previously had 30 days to do the clean-up and the deadline was the same day as the meeting.
Council member Charlie Warner asked about the cost of the attorney’s work. Mayor Johnson replied that the total cost was not yet known. Warner made a motion to approve the 21-day extension on the condition that Whalan pay the related attorney’s fees. The motion was unanimously approved.
Two abandoned vehicles on Hudson Avenue will be ticketed and then towed. The owner will have 15 days after it is towed to pay the all of fees and fines, otherwise they will become the property of Herman’s.
Abby Hanson will be setting up her food truck in town again on Sunday, September 18. The public is welcome. Hanson will make a donation to the city to offset her use of electricity.
The next regular meeting of the Canton City Council is on Wednesday, October 12 at 7 p.m. at Canton City Hall.