CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JULY 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, Alderperson Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Howard Van Zuiden and Randy Boonstra answered present.  Also in attendance were Randy Balk - City Administrator, Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Heather Bennett - Chamber/Tourism Director, Clink Kettler, - Zoning Officer, Garry Medema - City Treasurer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police. 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.  The invocation was given by Pastor RoyAnn Mathews of the Fulton Assembly of God Church.  There was no communication from visitors.

Ald. Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the July 5, 2011 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

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

Ald. Nederhoff moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the annual city audit report.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

The proposed keg registration ordinance was discussed.  Bill Balk, owner of Eagle River Liquor was at the meeting with some questions about the ordinance and to offer his input on the keg process based on his experience as a retailer.  It was decided that more information was needed and the item was tabled to the 2nd meeting in August.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to approve a "Christmas in July" staff dinner on July 27, 2011 with a cost not to exceed $1,000 and to close City Hall at 1:00pm on that day.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The dinner will be proceeded by a golf outing (employees pay for their golf).  All council members and spouses are invited to attend.

Mayor's Report.  The Red Cross may coordinate a cooling center at the River Bend Senior Center if needed.   Mayor Russell said the city's water supply issue is critical.  We should get something out to residents explaining the city's debt and plans for refinancing.

City Administrator's Report.  Randy reminded everyone of the August 4, 2011 streetscape design presentation at the River Bend Senior Center from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.  He will be sending out a preliminary calendar for the bond refinancing plan.

Public Works Director Report.  The city's water supply project plan will be presented in detail during tonight's workshop.

Chief of Police.  Officer Casey Simpson and Officer Jeremy Leitzen received Certificates of Appreciation from AAIM (Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists) for exceptional DUI enforcement.   

Ald. Crosthwaite moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to enter closed session to consider employment.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The council entered closed session at 6:12pm.  Closed session minutes are recorded elsewhere.

The council returned to regular session at 6:22pm.  A 5 minute break was taken before the meeting resumed with the Well/Filter workshop.

Engineer Matt Hansen, Vice President of Willett, Hofmann and Associates presented information to the council on the City of Fulton Water System.  The three components to the system are: 1) Wells/water treatment, 2) Elevated storage and 3) Distribution system.   

The current water supply comes from well #2 (drilled in 1908) and well #3 (drilled in 1931).  Well #1 was drilled in 1890 and abandoned in 1938.  Well #4 was drilled in 1961 but has not been used in many years due to the levels of iron and manganese, but could be used as an emergency back up well.   The city's elevated storage tank, new in 2000 increased storage from 100,000 gallons to 750,000 gallons.

Hansen presented a project plan to rehabilitate well #4, build a new filter plant and drill a new well #5 at the same location.  Well #2 has high hydrogen sulfide levels and well #3 has combined radium at or nearing maximum contaminant levels of 5 Pico curies/liter.  The two wells are blended together in the ground level reservoir, thereby meeting EPA standards and reducing the hydrogen sulfide to undetectable levels.   At least two wells are needed to handle the peak daily demand.  Well #5 would replace well #2.

The original project plan report was submitted to the Illinois EPA in April, 2010.  If the council approves, the plan will be amended to include the option of drilling well #5.  Once the IEPA approves the plan the city would have 5 years from the date of approval to complete the total project.

The IEPA offers low interest loans (probably below 2%).  There is a chance that a portion of the loan amount could be granted or forgiven.  The project will improve the water capacity and the quality of city water for decades to come.

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to submit the all inclusive plan which includes well #5 to the IEPA for approval.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to adjourn.  Voice vote/all yes/motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 7:55pm.

Minutes recorded by,
Linda Hollis
City Clerk