Canton City Council places conditions on former school sale, approves ordinance change and multiple routine actions

The Canton City Council approved a series of routine but consequential actions during its Feb. 9 regular meeting, including conditions on the public sale of the former school property and an amendment to the animal ordinance.

Mayor Nick Prestby called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and the council quickly approved the agenda and consent agenda. The council then moved through a set of motions affecting city property, funds and local rules.

Carl Ernst moved and Josh Nordsving seconded Resolution 2022-04, which places conditions on the public sale of the city’s former school property; the parcel is scheduled to be auctioned by Fillmore County on March 1, 2022, with a $1.00 tax-forfeiture opening. The council voted to approve the resolution and will share it with the Fillmore County Board of Commissioners.

The council also amended the city’s animal ordinance to permit up to six hens on a residential property, subject to an annual permit. The permit process requires an acknowledgment form signed by all adjoining property owners. The amendment passed on a motion by Carl Ernst, seconded by Randy Gossman.

Financial and property-management actions carried as well. The council authorized redemption of the Mitson Fund certificate of deposit (reported balance $21,592.14 as of Dec. 31, 2022) with funds transferred into the Mitson Fund checking account for future facility improvements. The council granted a partial release of mortgage for the Galligan Estate. Council members approved purchase of a 2022 Hustler Excel zero-turn lawn mower at the quoted price of $2,800 (2022 budget included $3,000).

All motions were recorded as "motion carried" in the minutes; individual roll-call tallies were not included in the record available.

The meeting closed at 7:30 p.m.