CITY OF FULTON

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 20, 2010
5:30 PM

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, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher and Bill Loerop answered present.  Alderpersons Charlie Letcher and Ron Roels were absent.  Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Garry Medema - Treasurer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.

The pledge of allegiance was recited and the invocation was given by Pastor Edie Lenz of First Reformed Church.

Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the September 7, 2010 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the Bill List as presented.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

There were no items for consideration or action.

Mayor Russell announced that he has started a coffee group at Corner Treasures and Treats for anyone who would like to attend.

City Administrator Balk gave the council some handouts to review as part of the council workshop.  The council will use the information in the future as they work on an infrastructure plan. 

Tax levy information from 2007 - 2009, including information on the increases in health insurance, tort insurance and IMRF over the years.  MFT revenue has decreased over the years, while street lighting costs have increased 40%-50% in the last few years.

A sales tax chart tracked the tax from fiscal year 1994/1995 through 2009/2010 fiscal year.  The water and sewer user charge tabulation shows that Fulton charges are among the lowest.

A list of the city fixed assets was given to the council to be used as reference material.  A summary of the fixed assets shows what it would cost to replace existing street, water and sewer infrastructure at current costs.  This would exceed seven and a half million dollars.  The council needs to looks at how much they

can spend each year to keep the infrastructure up to date.

The next handout was the Referendum information for the newsletter which will be sent out to residents in the near future.   Information on the sales tax referendum and the electric supply referendum are addressed in a Question and Answer format and there is a sample of how the November 2, 2010 election ballot will look.

Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn.  Voice vote/all yes/motion carried.   The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk