Canton commission approves water-study contract with attorney review, accepts Beavercreek project and audit, OKs municipal advisor agreement and waives picnic-‎

The Canton City Commission approved several items at its meeting, including a citywide water-system modeling and rate-study proposal contingent on review and edits by the city attorney; acceptance of the Beavercreek emergency repair project's completion and final payment; acceptance of the 2024 audit; approval of a municipal advisor agreement; and a change to the city's picnic‑table and bleacher rental policy for nonprofits and fundraisers.

Water study and rate study: Justin, a consultant presenting the proposal, described the two-part effort as an "infrastructure driven" water-modeling project that will analyze the entire system, run field testing, recommend water-storage and main-sizing needs, and produce a living rate-study model tied to operations, maintenance and capital needs. Justin said the water model would take roughly four months, with field testing before winter and a final report aimed for December; the rate study would follow and take roughly four to six months with likely adoption around February. Commissioners raised contract language concerns; Commissioner Amanda (last name not specified in the record) said the proposal's general terms and conditions raise liability and insurance concerns and recommended the contract be subject to city‑attorney edits. The commission approved the proposal contingent on city‑attorney approval (motion seconded), with the roll call recorded as ayes from Commissioners Figurs, Carlson, York, Garbers and Mayor Mary Lundstrom.

Beavercreek emergency repair: The commission accepted certification from Myron Adam of JSA that H and W Contracting had completed the Beavercreek emergency repair project. The final payment request (Payout No. 2) to H and W Contracting was $118,331.91. The originally awarded construction contract was $724,237.50; the final as‑constructed total was $665,774.15, and the record states there were no change orders. The commission moved to accept the project and authorize final payment; the motion passed on a roll call with aye votes from Commissioners Carlson, York, Garbers, Figurs and Mayor Mary Lundstrom.

2024 audit: The commission received the 2024 audit report from ELO CPAs and Advisors (formerly Quamberg & Post PC). Commissioners noted the standard audit finding concerning separation of duties common to small towns; otherwise the audit was described as "good." The commission voted to accept the audit report; roll-call ayes were recorded from Commissioners Figurs, Carlson, York, Garbers and Mayor Mary Lundstrom.

Municipal advisor agreement: Collier's Securities submitted a municipal advisory agreement covering TIF No. 1. The commission discussed that Collier's had been performing work previously under a different arrangement and the stand‑alone agreement reflects the new corporate structure. After brief discussion and an attempt to verify linked documents, the commission approved the municipal advisor agreement by roll call (ayes from Commissioners Garbers, Takers, Carlson, York and Mayor Mary Lundstrom).

Picnic tables and bleachers policy: Commissioners discussed removing the $30 rental fee for nonprofits and the city's role in transporting tables and bleachers. Staff reported most bleacher rentals are infrequent and that moving multiple picnic tables for events is labor‑intensive for public‑works staff. After discussion the commission moved to waive rental fees for nonprofits and fundraisers and to adopt operational changes to reduce hauling; the motion was made and seconded and passed by roll call (ayes from Commissioners Figurs, York, Carlson and Mayor Mary Lundstrom; recorded as passed).

Votes at a glance: - Water‑system modeling and rate study (consultant proposal): Approved contingent on city‑attorney contract edits. Vote: ayes — Figurs, Carlson, York, Garbers, Mayor Mary Lundstrom; outcome: approved. - Acceptance and final payment for Beavercreek emergency repair: Final payment $118,331.91; originally awarded $724,237.50; final as‑constructed $665,774.15; no change orders. Vote: ayes — Carlson, York, Garbers, Figurs, Mayor Mary Lundstrom; outcome: approved/accepted. - Acceptance of 2024 audit (ELO CPAs and Advisors): Vote: ayes — Figurs, Carlson, York, Garbers, Mayor Mary Lundstrom; outcome: accepted. - Municipal advisor agreement (Collier's Securities for TIF No. 1): Vote: ayes — Garbers, Takers, Carlson, York, Mayor Mary Lundstrom; outcome: approved. - Picnic‑table/bleacher rental policy: Fee waived for nonprofits and fundraisers; additional operational guidance to limit off‑park relocations. Vote: recorded as passed.

Why it matters: The water‑modeling and rate‑study approval starts a multimonth planning process that will inform capital projects, storage and rate decisions affecting utility customers. Acceptance of the Beavercreek project finalizes construction and triggers final payment. Audit acceptance concludes the city's annual financial review. The municipal advisor agreement formalizes a vendor relationship for TIF projects. The picnic‑table policy change affects nonprofits, schools and event organizers who rent city tables and bleachers.

Ending: Several approvals depend on follow‑up administrative steps — notably the water contract's finalization by the city attorney and staff implementation of the revised picnic‑table practices.