CITY OF FULTON
PUBLIC HEARING
AND
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 4, 2011
5:30PM

Mayor Russell opened the public hearing at 5:30pm for the purpose of taking public comment on the 2011/2012 budget.  There was no public comment and the hearing was closed.

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

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

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the March 19, 2011 budget workshop minutes and the March 21, 2011 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Boonstra to pass Ordinance No. 1429 Adopting the Annual Budget for 2011-2012.  Ald. Dykstra wanted to amend the budget by increasing the hotel/motel tax revenue line item from $35,000 to $38,000 and increasing the publishing/advertising expense line item from $8,700 to $11,700.  Ald Roels said they could amend the budget later if hotel/motel tax is tracking above budget but he did not want to amend his motion.  Roels said we should be very cautious and stay on the conservative side.  Mayor Russell expressed concern with the agreement with the Windmill Area Steering Committee.  He said the agreement is changed from what it was 9 months ago.  There is $5,000 in the salary budget for a PT employee at the Windmill Area.  There is still a balance in Fund 18.  Roll call vote/Ald. Roels, Boonstra, W. Letcher, Crosthwaite and Field voted yes/Ald. Dykstra voted no/motion carried.

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to pass Ordinance No. 1430 Authorizing a Variance of Certain Property in the City of Fulton - Scott Bielema, 1010 16th Avenue.  The Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted to recommend a front yard set back relief of 5 feet for a two story house addition.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to grant a 5 year extension to the Revolving Fund loan to Danielson Properties, LLC.   Mike Ottens of Danielson Properties has made 60 payments on the original loan which was to have a balloon payment of the principal balance due on April 15, 2011.  Ottens requested a 5 year extension.  The Revolving Fund committee recommends the council approve the extension request.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to pass Resolution No. 225 MFT Bike Trail Project as required by IDOT.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Mayor Russell reported that the Senior Center continues with Monday, Wednesday and Friday meals, has acquired pool tables and a piano.  TCEDA will be conducting interviews for a new director.

Randy Balk told the council members that in the past council members have opted not to take pay for committee meetings.  If they wish to be paid for attending special committee meetings they can submit a written request for payment to the clerk.  Copies of the Electric Aggregation Agreement are available and can be picked up on the way out of tonight's meeting.  There will be two public hearings on April 28, 2011 at 3:00pm and 6:00pm.

Old Business.  None

New Business.  None

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Boonstra to enter executive session to discuss personnel.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The council entered executive session at 6:10pm.   Executive session minutes are recorded elsewhere.

The council returned to regular session at 6:30pm.  Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk