CITY OF FULTON
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 5, 2007

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 present were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Heather Bennett - Tourism Director, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer and Officer Dave Bartels - Sergeant at Arms.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.  The invocation was given by Pastor Scott Bonestroo, Spring Valley Reformed Church.

There was no communication from visitors.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the regular council meeting October 15, 2007.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve the final plat for the Jordan Addition subdivision located in Fulton Township.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The subdivision plat must be approved by the City Council because the subdivision is located within 1½ miles of the city limits.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to authorize the preparation of an ordinance amending the traffic schedules in Chapter 71 to add the following traffic control signs:  Stop sign - 10th Street at 6th Avenue (Northeast corner) for westbound traffic, Stop sign - 12th Street at 6th Avenue (Southwest corner) for eastbound traffic, Yield sign - 11th Street at 6th Avenue (Northwest corner) for southbound traffic.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Heather Bennett presented an overview of the quarterly Tourism and Chamber of Commerce Report.    She reported on Fall Festival, FACE local artist exhibit, Bridal Walk, Wooden Shoe Exhibit, new city website, Lincoln Highway Sales, upcoming Christmas Walk with mitten art display, downtown façade grants and billboard with the Comfort Inn.   The council received her detailed, in-depth report in their packets.   

Old Business.  Randy Balk told the council there will be light refreshments at the November 10, 2007 council workshop and thanked the committee of Ald. Loerop and Ald. Dykstra for their help in preparing the agenda for that meeting.

Myra Houzenga and Charity Houzenga addressed the council regarding the 6 month extension on the special use permit granted to Nave, Inc.  They were not at the previous council meeting to protest the extension because there was a misunderstanding about the time of the meeting.

Included in the council packets was a signed petition from the neighbors in the area of Nave, Inc who do not want the business operating in their neighborhood.   The Houzengas stated that the owner does not comply with the terms of the special use permit, such as working beyond the permitted day time hours and storing materials outside.  They said they have been harassed by employees of Nave, Inc when they are outside.  They were advised to contact the police department when they observe violations.

Ald. Roels stated that he would want to extend the special use permit beyond the 6 month period.   Ald. C. Letcher said he was not in favor of renewing the permit after 6 months and hoped that Mr. Van Kampen would have concrete plans to move the business to a more suitable area.  Ald. Letcher said he is not interested in shutting down the business, but it needs to be in an industrial zone.

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to have Randy draft a letter to Matt Van Kampen, owner of Nave Inc. located at 510 23rd Avenue stating that the City council will not extend the special use permit beyond the 6 month period and to ask Mr. Van Kampen to prohibit his employees from harassing the neighbors.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Loerop to enter executive session to discuss the purchase or lease of property.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

The council entered executive session at 6:00PM.  Executive session minutes are recorded elsewhere.

The council returned to regular session at 6:35PM and immediately adjourned.

Minutes recorded by,
Linda Hollis
City Clerk