CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 3, 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, Merle Sterenberg, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Bill Loerop and Ron Roels answered present.   Also in attendance were Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer, Bill Shirk - City Attorney and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.

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

Steve Ames, Clinton Regional Development Corporation updated the council on the Quality Jobs 4 a Strong Future Program.   It is now 2 years into the 5 year program with 470 new jobs.   The CRDC website has a scorecard for tracking the number of new jobs.  Ames said the recent trip to Springfield, which Randy Balk attended also, was very successful and they were able to advocate Fulton projects.  Ames said Fulton has a huge potential for industrial development with highway, rail and river access.   

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the minutes of the February 18, 2008 regular meeting and the February 23, 2008 adjourned meeting.  Corrections to the adjourned meeting noted by Ald. Field will be made.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Chief Rhoades presented proposed changes to fines charged by the Police Department for various violations.  Ald. Roels objected to raising the parking violation fine from $5.00 to $25.00.  Ald Juist objected to the Curfew fine being increased to $100, stating that was too steep.  Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to authorize the preparation of an ordinance to amend the fines as presented.  Roll call vote/Ald. Loerop, W. Letcher, C. Letcher, Sterenberg, Field and Dykstra voted yes/Ald. Roels and Juist voted no/motion carried.

The budget revenue workshop on the agenda was skipped over as Randy Balk was ill and unable to attend the meeting.  The council agreed to adjourn tonight's meeting until Saturday, March 8, 2008 at 8:00AM to continue with budget work.  Ald. C. Letcher said he would not be able to attend and Ald. Sterenberg said he did not know if he would be there.  The remainder of the council said they would be there.

Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to replace the carpeting in the living room and 1 bedroom and to fix the bathroom at the Heritage Canyon Caretaker house before the new caretakers move in, with costs not to exceed $4,000.  Roll Call vote/all yes/motion carried.   Loerop suggested these expenses be covered by hotel/motel tax since he thinks the revenue in that fund will exceed the budgeted amount. 

Ald. W. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to pass Ordinance No. 1367 Authorizing the Sale of Personal Property Owned by the City of Fulton (H & K USC45 Carbine Rifle).  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  Chief Rhoades explained that a buyer has been located for the rifle and with the money the Department will purchase two rifles for use in the patrol squads.

Old Business.  Ald. Roels said he thought the downtown parking situation has improved after the Public Works employees scraped all the ice from the curb area of the downtown parking places, enabling vehicles to pull in all the way. 

Ald. Dykstra stated he had received a call from Gene Poel, the resident who addressed the council at their previous meeting regarding parking in the downtown area.  He told Ald. Dykstra that since the last meeting people read about him in the paper and are chiming in to agree with him that it is not safe.  Chief Rhoades said he has noticed extended cab pick ups parking on the sidewalk to be out of the traveled portion of the roadway.

As mentioned at the last meeting, the Streetscape Committee is looking at the issues.  Ald. Roels said he doesn't want to wait for the streetscape committee to do something to change the parking because it could take too long. 

New Business.   Ald. Loerop informed the council that the insurance committee met today with the City's insurance broker, Todd Lohman.  The health insurance premium renewal rates decreased by 2%, with the same coverage we have currently.  If another employee is added it will be a net increase of 3.5%.  The dental insurance quote is an increase of 15%; however, Lohman will look into changing to another dental plan. The committee still recommends putting money into the reserve fund for insurance.

Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to permit the Dutch Days committee to use the old Fire Department building during Dutch Days.    Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  It was noted that there are no longer any tables and chairs at the Fire Department.

At 6:30PM, Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to adjourn to March 8, 2008 at 8:00AM for a budget workshop.   Voice vote/all yes/motion carried.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk