CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
AUGUST 18, 2008
5:30 PM

Mayor Van Zuiden called the meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll.  On roll call, Mayor Howard Van Zuiden, Aldermen Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Bill Loerop and Ron Roels answered present.  Ald. Merle Sterenberg was absent.  Also in attendance were Randy Balk - City Administrator, Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Garry Medema - City Treasurer, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police. 

Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to approve the August 4, 2008 regular meeting minutes after correcting the roll call vote for the approval of a Jo-Carroll Energy bill to show that Ald. Sterenberg and Roels voted no.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

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

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to table the Kramer variance request until the September 15, 2008 meeting as the Kramers were unable to be at this meeting.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ron Shear, zoning board of appeal chairman asked the council, on behalf of the zoning board of appeals to look into amending residential zoning to allow for limited oversight of the placement, setback, tenure and aesthetics of the largest and most vulnerable temporary structures, including fabric recreational vehicle enclosures, covered playground apparatus, vehicle maintenance tents and covered animal enclosures in excess of 120 square feet.   The board also suggested new language in the zoning ordinance to clearly prohibit any permanent fabric covered and steel storage buildings in a residential zoned area.  The council directed Attorney Shirk to look at what other municipalities have in their code and bring samples to the council.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher make it city policy that fundraisers will not be allowed during community events on city property.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Bill Shirk brought a copy of a title search done for the 600 block of 16th Place.  At a previous meeting, Len and Barb Janis requested the city improve and maintain the roadway in that block as they believe it to be a city street.   The title search indicates that the area in question is not owned by the city, but is a private drive owned by the land owners.

Randy Balk told the council he will meet with Heather Houzenga since Heather Bennett will be starting maternity leave in the near future and he did not want to overload her schedule.   He will work with Ms. Houzenga to prepare a proposal for the council to consider.

Randy asked the council on behalf of Connie Koehn (FACE member) for volunteers to work at the Green Expo on September 13, 2008.  Randy said he would volunteer and Ald. W. Letcher said he would consider it.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to enter executive session to discuss the sale or purchase of property.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. 

The council entered into executive session at 6:00pm.   Executive session minutes are recorded elsewhere.

The council returned to regular session at 6:35pm and the meeting was immediately adjourned.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis
City Clerk