CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 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, Alderpersons Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Randy Boonstra and Ron Roels answered present.  Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Garry Medema - Treasurer, Heather Bennett - Tourism Director, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.

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

Connie Koehn, FACE board member addressed the council regarding the legacy display they had set up in the council chambers.  The panels have been on display on 4th Street in the Masonic Lodge window.  This is Phase I of the display; panels showcasing the individuals who have have left money to benefit others.  Panels will be added in the future to showcase other individuals and recognize their contributions.  The display could plant a seed in peoples' minds to leave a legacy of their own one day. 

Connie introduced the other FACE board members in attendance; Kathy Huizenga, Jeanine Tufty, Ellen Schmitt and Heidi Kolk.  Members not in attendance were Dave Vogel and Troy Hartman.  Their board members have a 6 year term limit.  Since March 2007, almost 1.7 million dollars have been invested through FACE of which 99.5% is under the control of the contributors.   The Martin House funds invested through FACE have a value of $259,362.76 at the end of the 3rd quarter.  The Mayor and Council thanked Connie for the update and bringing the display.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve the November 1, 2010 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

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

Chief Rhoades presented 7 ordinance update recommendations to the council.  He views the updates as a proactive way to deter crime.  The first included the creation of an administrative fee ordinance regarding impounded vehicles.  The fee would apply to vehicles impounded for specific vehicle or criminal code violations.  The suggested amount is $300.  Ald. Roels and Juist said they did not like this idea.  Ald. Crosthwaite said people won't pay their fines, but they will pay to get their cars out from impound.   Crosthwaite asked Rhoades to find out how many of these arrests the department has had involving towing and impounds.

Number 2 would add the charges of Unlawful Possession of Alcohol by a Minor and Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.  The fine would be $100 or mirror the same fine amount as set by the state.  Number 3 would fine the parents of minors charged with Graffiti or Tagging.

Numbers 4 and 5 mirror the revised Illinois Law for failure to stop or yield to pedestrians in crosswalks ($120) and a higher fine in school zones of $150 first offence and the second offense a minimum of $300.

Number 6 is to offer Firearms Safety Courses sponsored through the city's police department for a fee and number 7 is to create a false alarm ordinance.  Residential or businesses would be charged $75 after the third false alarm and any subsequent occurrence.  There was some discussion on whether city owned buildings should be excluded from number 7.

The ordinance recommendations were tabled to the next meeting when they will be reviewed again individually.  Chief Rhoades will gather more information on the number of calls.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve a Salvation Army bucket brigade for Saturday, November 30, 2010 at the intersection of Rt. 136 and Rt. 84 for Kiwanis and the Fire Department to collect money from motorists at the 4 way stop.

A special council meeting on Economic Development progress and the tax levy was proposed for Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 5:30pm.   It was decided not to adjourn to that day, but the Mayor can call a special meeting if necessary.

Mayor Russell reported that other Illinois municipalities are looking at the option to secure lower electrical rates for residential customers.   Morning coffee meetings continue at Corner Treasures and Treats.  There will be a meeting with the flood district in the near future regarding water in the Frisbee golf area.

Chief Rhoades stated that response to the signs in the crosswalks on 4th Street has been about 80% positive and 20% negative.   Newspaper articles and the city newsletter should help educate the public on the purpose of the signs, which is to stop only when pedestrians are in the crosswalk.   Ald. Juist said he has heard nothing but negative comments and they should be up at the schools.  Rhoades said they have not seen a problem up at the schools.   The signs will be taken down in the winter to allow for snowplowing. 

Heather Bennett reviewed a few of the highlights of her 6 page written report which was included in the council packets.  The report covers both chamber and city tourism.  The 10th annual Fall Festival had the best turn out so far.  The upcoming Christmas Walk theme is Gingerbread Lane.  The recent Holiday Shop Hop held on November 12th and 13th had a very good turn out.  The next city newsletter will be mailed in December. The annual chamber planning session will be in January 2011.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn.  The meeting adjourned at 6:50pm.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk