CITY OF FULTON
PUBLIC HEARING AND
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
APRIL 21, 2008
5:30 PM

Mayor Van Zuiden opened the public hearing for public comment on the proposed 08/09 budget.   There were no comments from the public.  Ald. Loerop commented on the 2 budget meetings held since the last council meeting.  The meetings were attended by Ald. Loerop, Ald. Dykstra, City Administrator Randy Balk, Treasurer Garry Medema and the department heads.  As a result of the meetings there were general fund revenues increased, the payroll percentages were reallocated, an 8th police officer was added and the water/sewer rates will not increase this year.

The public hearing was closed at 5:45PM.

Mayor Van Zuiden called the council meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll.  On roll call vote, Mayor Howard Van Zuiden, Aldermen Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Merle Sterenberg, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Bill Loerop and Ron Roels answered present.  Also in attendance were Randy Balk - City Administrator, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Heather Bennett - Tourism Director, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer, Garry Medema - Treasurer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.   Attorney Bill Shirk was not in attendance.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Mayor Van Zuiden recognized Boy Scout Troop 117, in attendance at the meeting.   The members of the troop stood and introduced themselves.  Their Troop leader is Randy Long.

Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the minutes of the April 7, 2008 meeting.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the Bill List as presented.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the amended budget as presented for the Fiscal Year 08/09.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to extend the special use permit for Nave, Inc for 6 months.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  Randy Balk will notify the neighbors of the business in writing of the extension.  

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve the Mayor's re-appointments of Linda North and Jan Faber to another 5 year term beginning May 1, 2008.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to amend the FY 07/08 budget to reclassify the cost of the sewer extension project to Revolving Loan Fund.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  Paying for the project from the Revolving Loan Fund was previously approved by the city council.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to approve the preparation of an ordinance amending Chapter 50.04 of the city code of ordinances to increase the cost of a water meter from $90.00 to $200.00.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  This is necessary due to the rising cost of meters.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the promotion of Donnie Pridemore from Sergeant to Lieutenant effective immediately.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Balk informed the council the city is waiting to hear if they have been accepted to the CCI program.  The council will need to review some topics that they would like the steering committee to study.

Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to ask the Dutch Days committee to pay the overtime for the police officers working night security during Dutch Days.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The council agreed that asking them to pay for this year would be unfair since it is so close to the event.  The council directed Randy Balk to write a letter to the committee asking them to repay the city for the officers' overtime beginning next year. 

Balk told the council that a business has expressed an interest in renting some space at the old fire department building for storage.  They would only need 1 or 2 bays for not more than 90 days.  Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to give Randy Balk the power to act in making the arrangements for rental.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to continue meetings of the budget committee quarterly.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Roels asked Balk if there was any marina news.  Balk replied that unless the city hears from Harlan Seeser, the original lease remains in effect and if any defaults occur, Seeser will be notified.

Illinois State Troopers John Clark and Melissa Randick addressed the council regarding their presence during Dutch Days.   Ald. Roels asked if they have a blitz program to descend on Fulton with 8 or 9 cars to raise revenue.            

The Troopers explained that their main job is traffic safety.  They do not write tickets because they need the revenue.  Clark explained that only $7.50 of the $55.00 ticket goes to the state general fund.  The rest of the fee is divided among local roads, county fees and administrative fees. 

Clark also read from state police records which showed the ISP had not been in Fulton during 2006 Dutch Days and last year there was one trooper in town for one hour on Saturday to assist with traffic control.  Their presence during events is not to pick on people but to assist local law enforcement and ensure traffic safety.    He said he makes no apology for enforcing a law that saves lives and prevents tragedies.  Clark said he doesn't buy the idea that their presence turns tourism away.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 6:45PM.

Minutes recorded by,
Linda Hollis
City Clerk