CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 22, 2011
5:30PM

Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Letcher called the meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll.  On roll call Mayor Pro Tem Charlie Letcher, Alderpersons Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Wes Letcher and Randy Boonstra answered present.   Mayor Larry Russell and Alderpersons Warren Juist and Ron Roels were absent.   Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Garry Medema - Treasurer, Heather Bennett - Tourism/Chamber Director, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer and Police Officer Kevin Soenksen.

The pledge of allegiance was recited and the invocation was given by Pastor Tom Merchant of Trinity Reformed Church.

Communication from visitors.   Anni and Larry Johnson, residing at 500 3rd Avenue addressed the council regarding reflector stakes in the alley across from their driveway.   They have access to their home via the alley only.  Recently the resident across the alley from their driveway put reflector stakes out.  Mrs. Johnson said visitors to their home have struck the stakes, damaging their cars.  She asked the council to request the stakes be removed.   It has been determined that the stakes are not on city property and not a violation of city ordinance.  Attorney Shirk told the Johnsons that this is a civil matter and that they would need to consult an attorney.   Ald. Boonstra suggested to the Johnsons that they look at their trees and shrubs to see if they could modify their property to make it more accessible.

Scott Zahnle asked the council if the sale of the Heritage Park land would affect this season's play on the Heritage ball field and if a new field would be built prior to taking Heritage of out service.  Dan Clark has met with coaches from the schools, as well as Rec League representatives to discuss the option of adding 2 more ball fields at Drives Park (in addition to the 2 there now); one to take the place of Heritage and one to take the place of a Kiwanis Park field.  The new fields would be built where the soccer field is now and the option of relocating the soccer field has also been considered.  Discussions included the possible rehab of Pleasure Park.  Matt Sanderson said he is no longer on the Rec board, but has organized 4 travel teams which practice and play in Fulton.  He said there are not enough fields to accommodate all those wishing to use them.   He asked the city to considering getting another field built before Heritage is taken out of service.   It was agreed that Heritage field will be available this season, because it is not likely that the property will be closed on prior to the end of baseball season in July. 

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the February 7, 2011 regular council meeting minutes.  Ald. Crosthwaite pointed out the name of the Alderperson who seconded the motion to issue a check to the Fulton Historical Society was missing.   The Clerk will make the correction.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

Ald. Crosthwaite moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the Treasurer's Report.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Attorney Shirk went over the timeline for electric supply purchasing.  Publication dates will be March 30th and April 6th for notice of the two public hearings required.  He advised having both on Thursday, April 14th at two different times.  The plan of governance is being completed and can be passed at the April 18th regular council meeting.

Ald. W. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Boonstra to approve sending the draft for the governance plan as prepared by Bill Shirk, Randy Balk and Mike Mudge to ComEd for review.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to have a budget workshop on Saturday, March 19, 2011 from 8:00am to 11:00am.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  If necessary there could be a follow up to the workshop after the council meeting on Monday, March 21, 2011.

Heritage Land Sale agreement will be prepared.  Randy Balk went over the list of guidelines.  Minimum bid $75,000.  City to put in water/sewer to property lines.  Developer responsible for streets, sidewalks, curb and gutters.  Sell all 6 lots together, construction to be completed within 5 years of purchase.  Developer responsible for storm water system.  Developer must warrant the improvements they construct for a period of two years. Developer will be required to build single family residences with a minimum of 1400 square feet and an attached garage.

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to prepare the Heritage Park Development Agreement including the points as discussed.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. W. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to accept the Peoples Economic Development Corporation grant and to increase general ledger line item 01-11-840 from $4,000 to $13,000.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The total amount of the grant, which was applied for over two years ago, is $60,000, with a $10,000 match required from the city.  Five members of PEDC visited with city officials on February 17th.  They will be working with Blechas on architectural plans for rebuilding his historical building, looking at the Drives building and plans for a downtown streetscape.  Fulton is one of 8 pilot communities receiving this grant.  

The 2010 U.S. census results indicate a loss of 400 in the city's population in the last 10 years.   It is possible for the city to submit a request to have the count checked and confirmed for accuracy.  It was reported that River Bend School district lost 250 students during the 10 year period.

Heather Bennett reviewed some of the highlights of her detailed quarterly report covering November 16, 2010 to February 18, 2011, included in the council packets.   The chamber currently has 117 members, held one ribbon cutting during the last quarter, sponsored Fulton's Greatest Love Story contest, and held a site tour at Drives.   The summer night program will continue this year; one each in June, July and August.  The historical Reagan marker was approved and will be located at the family plot in the Fulton Township Cemetery.  A grant was received from the D.S. Flikkema Foundation to

create a Fulton panel to be placed on the Ronald Reagan Trail traveling exhibit.   The Chamber annual planning session indicated a need for downtown alley improvements. 

A survey of 5 questions regarding downtown traffic, parking and safety was recently sent to downtown businesses.   The Christmas Walk was a great success and well attended.  The next city newsletter will go out in March.

Attached to the Chamber/Tourism Report was a Windmill Area Steering Committee report which listed programs and volunteer hours.  The geo thermal heating system at the Windmill Cultural Center is working splendidly.  A membership program has been created to fund exhibits and education.  The final page of the report is an Income/Expense sheet for the Windmill Cultural Center and Windmill.

Ald. Dykstra said he would be asking the council during budget discussions to consider a $10,000 clerical part time (20 hour per week) employee to assist Heather with her clerical work.

Old Business.  12th Avenue parking was tabled to the next meeting.

New Business.  Ald. W. Letcher said Ald. Juist asked him to relay his appreciation to the Police Department and Ambulance personnel for their professional response to his relative's earlier today.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to adjourn.  Voice vote/all yes/motion carried.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk