CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES
MARCH 15, 2010
5:30PM

Mayor Russell called the meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll.  On roll call, Mayor Larry Russell, Aldermen Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Merle Sterenberg, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Bill Loerop and Ron Roels answered present.  Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Heather Bennett - Tourism/Chamber Director, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Garry Medema - City Treasurer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.  The invocation was given by Pastor Roy Anne Mathews of the Fulton Assembly of God Church.

Communications from visitors.   Steven Mennenga, a local Boy Scout, addressed the council regarding a recent incident at Heritage Canyon.  He was with some kids who damaged property in the canyon and offered his apologies to the Mayor and Council for not doing anything to stop them from doing the damage.

Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the March 1, 2010 regular meeting minutes.    Roll call vote/Ald. Dykstra, Field, Juist, C. Letcher, W. Letcher, Loerop and Sterenberg voted yes/Ald. Roels abstained/motion carried.

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

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

Ald. Field said he was not in favor of amending Fulton Oil's liquor license (current B license is to sell beer and wine for off premise consumption) as requested.  Only one class A1 (liquor sales for off premise consumption) exists per city ordinance.  Ald. Field said he thinks there is more control over hard liquor sales at the existing package store than there would be at a gas station.  Ald. W. Letcher said the close proximity of Fulton Oil to the marina would be able to offer more to boaters if they had a class A1 license. 

Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to table the Fulton Oil Request to amend their liquor license from selling beer and wine for off premise consumption to selling all liquor for consumption off premise.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to pass Resolution No. 219 for Maintenance of Streets and Highways by Motor Fuel Tax Fund (MFT) for 2010.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Mayor Russell said the recent senior surveys findings indicate a downtown location for a senior center is preferred.   Whiteside County officials are interested in setting up a satellite center for already established Whiteside County Health Department and Senior center programs.

Randy Balk, who is on the senior services team said they are planning a spaghetti dinner for next month at the Robert Fulton Commons.  Fulton Township and Fulton Community Fund boards have been approached about being financial partners in the effort to set up a senior center at RFC.  There is an opportunity for a couple of grants to re-hab the building, including one for a commercial kitchen with 100% funding.

Heather Bennett reviewed some of the highlights of her quarterly report which was included in the council packets.   Since the last report, there have been 3 ribbon cuttings, Christmas Walk, planning session and a site visit to Fulton Corp.  Two legislative luncheons are planed for this month.   The Chamber is raising funds to erect an Illinois State Historical Marker for the Reagan family plot in the Catholic cemetery.  The successful summer night events will continue again this year with 4 nights in a new location; Den Besten Park and along 1st Street in front of the windmill.  A Fulton/Morrison night will again be held at a Lumberking's game.  The 175th birthday celebration of the founding of Fulton along with a public arts event will be held this year.  April 24th and 25th will be the grand opening dates for the Windmill Cultural Center.  On April 10th a volunteer appreciation event will be held at Manny's. 

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to enter executive session to discuss purchase or lease of property and salary schedules.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

The council entered executive session at 6:40PM.  Executive session minutes are recorded elsewhere. 

The council returned to regular session at 7:15PM and immediately adjourned.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk