CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 18, 2011
5:30PM

Mayor Russell called the meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll.  On roll call Mayor Larry Russell, Alderpersons Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Randy Boonstra and Ron Roels answered present.  Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Heather Bennett - Tourism Director and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police. 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.  There was no invocation and no communication from visitors.

Mike Mudge of Rock River Energy Services was on the agenda to give the council an Electric Aggregation update, but has not yet arrived.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by W. Letcher to approve the April 4, 2011 public hearing minutes and the April 4, 2011 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. W. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the bill list as presented.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Boonstra to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to pass Resolution No. 226 for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Municipality under the Illinois Highway Code.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the Dutch Days street closure requests.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Dykstra to waive bids and approve the fence quote from River City Fencing Inc. in the amount of $26,400 for a new ball field at Drives Park.

Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The ball field is expected to be completed by mid-summer. 

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the "due to" General Fund/ "due from" Economic Development Fund journal entries for fiscal year end and two other transfers needed to close out inactive funds (Brownfields and Museum Grant).  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Mayor Russell reported that he will be attending an all hazard training in Genoa on Thursday.  He is concerned about Harbor Crest and employee lay offs.  Consultants were in town today to visit with Harbor Crest.  Supporters of Schmaling library group sponsored a program at the Senior Center, which was very well attended.  Russell said he attended a recent Whiteside County Enterprise Zone meeting and was elected chairman of the CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) committee.

Randy Balk reported that he and Heather Bennett met last week with the Peoples Economic Development Corporation and the downtown project is moving forward.  Some of the original downtown corridor team members attended as well.  The scope of the project includes landscape, traffic flow, alley assessment between 4th Street and 3rd Street and plans for rebuilding the Blecha building (1000 4th Street), which was destroyed by fire.

Chief Rhoades commended Karen Abbott and other staff and volunteers at the Senior Center, stating that it has been a wonderful addition to the community.  He announced that the Savanna/Sabula bridge was closed at 2:00pm due to flooding.  It is anticipated that a section of Rt. 84 south of Fulton near Albany may be closed in the near future due to flooding.

Old Business. Ald. Boonstra, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to modify next fiscal year's budget to include $2,250 from Fund 18 for Windmill Area promotions/advertising via the City Tourism Department.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  This is per the agreement between the Windmill Area Steering Committee and the City.

There will be two public hearings on Electrical Aggregation information at 3:00pm and 6:00pm on Thursday, April 28, 2011 in the Council Chambers.  A quorum of five of the Corporate Authorities (this includes the Mayor) is needed at each hearing. 

Balk said there are potentially 12 electric companies who want to bid rates.  The city will only move forward with a new electric supplier if it will be significant savings to the citizens of Fulton.  If no substantial savings can be realized, we will stay with ComEd.  Citizens and small businesses will be notified by mail and if a new supplier is chosen, they may opt out and remain with ComEd.

Mayor Russell thanked Ald. Charlie Letcher and Ald. Ron Roels for their years of service to the council.  The 2nd ward position being vacated by Ald. Letcher will be appointed by the Mayor.  Mayor Russell said he is open for suggestions to fill the vacancy.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to adjourn.  Voice vote/all yes/motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk