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CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 2, 2011
5:30 PM
Mayor Russell called the meeting to order and directed the city administrator to call the roll. On roll call Mayor Larry Russell, Alderpersons Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, and Randy Boonstra answered present. Also in attendance were Randy Balk - City Administrator, Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police, and Heather Bennett - Tourism Director.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. There was no invocation and no communication from visitors.
Mayor Russell swore in the newly elected aldermen; Charles Dykstra (1st Ward), Wes Letcher (3rd Ward), and Randy Boonstra (4th Ward) to 4 year terms and Howard Van Zuiden (4th Ward) to a 2 year term. All answered, they would, and took their seat in the council.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the April 18, 2011 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Mayor Russell presented the following appointments for council approval:
1 Year Term
Bill Shirk - City attorney
Garry Medema - City Treasurer
Dr. Steve Harrison - Health Officer
Howard Van Zuiden - Mayor Pro Tem
Linda Hollis - City Collector
5 Year Term
Don Loftus - Zoning Board of Appeals
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the appointments as presented. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Mayor Russell presented Dan Nederhoff as a possible appointment to fill the 2nd Ward seat until the next election 2013. Council discussed the appointment and Ald. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to appoint Dan Nederhoff to the 2nd Ward seat. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Comments were heard on the request by Nave Inc. for an extension of their "Special Use" permit. Matt VanKampen, president of Nave Inc., spoke to the economics of his company. Because of the downturn in the economy Nave Inc. lost business accounts and payments for their work. VanKampen said because of this downturn he has found it difficult to make a move to another location. He hopes with an extension to remain in Fulton, but at another location. Ald. Crosthwaite commented that she had visited the site and with the machinery turned on did not feel there was a noise problem. Alderpersons asked VanKampen various questions about operation.
Randall and Myra Houzenga spoke against the special use extension. They stated that they have come before the council numerous times asking that the residential area not be compromised by giving this special use permit extension. Cory Wade and Annette Nave spoke in favor of granting the extension.
Wade mentioned he works at Nave Inc. and lives in the area. Nave said she spoke with the neighbors, except the Houzengas, and that the loud noises that had been an issue before do not occur anymore.
Ald. Juist moved, seconded by VanZuiden to grant a 9 month extension with the following stipulations added to the previous special use permit:
•1) 10 hour days starting at 7:30 a.m.
•2) Monday through Friday
•3) Deliveries in back
•4) All other requirements remain the same
Roll call vote/Ald. VanZuiden, Boonstra, Letcher, Juist, Crosthwaite, and Field voted yes/Ald. Dykstra voted no/motion carried.
Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the additional storage in the lower level of the windmill. H. Bennett explained the reasons for this request and how the lower level would be modified. Roll call vote/all yes/ motion carried.
Ald. H. VanZuiden moved, seconded by C. Dykstra to grant the sale and vacation of the alley in support of Bill and Pam Blecha's request at a cost of $432.00. An ordinance will be prepared for our next meeting. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. W. Letcher moved, seconded by G. Field to approve the Electrical Aggregation's Request for Proposal Form and the Plan of Operation and Governance Plan. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Mayor Russell discussed the need for a process that would allow wine tasting or sampling. Current laws appear to be ambiguous. We will continue to work with our city attorney and the State of Illinois to discover a process that will allow this opportunity.
Mayor Russell discussed with the council other appointments for their consideration. The following list was presented:
Executive Committee - Margaret Crosthwaite & Wes Letcher
Budget Committee - Randy Boonstra & Larry Russell
Windmill Steering Committee - Charles Dykstra
Tourism Committee - Margaret Crosthwaite & Gene Field as alternate
Electrical Aggregation ad hoc Committee - Warren Juist & Howard Van Zuiden (city council representatives) & Charlie Letcher (citizen)
Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the appointments. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
City Administrator R. Balk shared with the council that the city's water fluoridation supply ranks 41st out of over 1500 public water supplies. The city has achieved this high standard of compliance since 1994.
Balk also stated that the city received no bids for the former Heritage Baseball Field. The council will next review a plan that will allow us to sell the 6 lots individually or multiple lots.
Under old business Ald. Boonstra brought up the soccer field location and asked for further discussion and consideration.
Ald. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. Voice vote/all yes/motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Randy Balk, City Administrator
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