CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 20, 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 Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Clarence Kettler - Zoning Officer, Garry Medema - City Treasurer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police. 

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the October 6, 2008 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Sterenberg 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. C. Letcher to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Loerop, representing the windmill museum committee, introduced Chris Cacari from Kale Company who presented information on a proposed geo-thermal system for the museum.  The contractor, Kevin Beirne recommended a geo-thermal system to the museum committee.  The system would cost more up front than a traditional heating and cooling system, but would save on heating and cooling costs in the long run. 

Next, Rick Daehler, museum committee member told the council that a few changes had been made to the original plans for the building; the shape of the building will be rectangular, the size of the restrooms was increased per state regulations for handicap accessibility and storage area was increased.  The museum will have a cathedral ceiling, the window glass with contain UV protectant and a loft with an educational center.   The floor will be carpeted to keep noise down.  Daehler showed the type of metal shingle that will be used. 

Ald. Loerop went over the budget figures for the museum and explained the cost increase is in part due to the increase in materials cost since the job was first quoted.   Loerop said he and the museum committee strongly believe the extra expenses can be met through donations and fundraisers.  Loerop urged the council to have faith that this can be accomplished without any cost to taxpayers.

Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to approve the windmill museum total cost of $434,730.27, Beirne Builders contract for $401,980.27 and to waive bids for the project.   Roll call vote, Ald. Dykstra, Field, Sterenberg, C. Letcher, W. Letcher and Loerop voted yes/Ald. Juist and Roels voted no.  Motion carried.

Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to approve geo-thermal heating and cooling system for the windmill museum at an additional cost of $45,000.   Roll call vote/Ald. Dykstra, Field, W. Letcher, and Loerop voted yes/Ald. Juist, C. Letcher, Roels and Sterenberg voted no/Mayor Van Zuiden voted no to break the tie/motion failed.

Laverne Borgman requested resident parking only along property he owns on 16th Avenue near the McDonald Funeral Home.   He is concerned that he will not have access to his property if there are cars parked along the road during a funeral.  Chief Rhoades will talk to Joe McDonald, funeral home owner and see if there is a way to resolve the issue. 

CCI committee members Mike Ottens, Larry Russell, Bill Stoermer, Wendy Ottens, Gaile Brinkman and Charlie Letcher were present at the meeting.   Mike Ottens, co-chair told the council as a result of comparing the 2008 survey results to the 2003 survey results, the committee sees the need for 2 focus groups this year and 2 additional the next year.  Larry Russell, co-chair reviewed highlights of the survey, which included the retention of City Hall, the library and the post office in the downtown district and a community/activity center in the former fire station.   The need for senior services/housing was rated high priority on the surveys.

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve the CCI steering committee recommendation for the following teams:  Community Center, Downtown Development, Annexation/Rezoning and Senior Services.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.   The first two teams will be appointment immediately and the last two sometime next year.

Connie Koehn, Executive Director of FACE (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment) thanked the council for financially supporting the Green Expo held last month and for the use of the city building and city trucks.  She asked the council to consider making this an annual event as many people asked if it would be an annual event and FACE would not be able to sponsor it every year.  The city portion of the bill was $746.70.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Field to create a new line item, 01-11-914 for special council projects with a budget of $4,000.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.   When the council agreed in June to pay up to 2/10ths of the green expo waste disposal bill, a line item was not specified.   The $746.70 owed will be booked to this new line item.

Denny Pate, Moring Disposal General Manager, addressed the council on the possible use of toters for recycling and regular garbage.  He explained that the use of toters would help them to reduce workers compensation injuries and expense.   Several council members said they have received calls from residents and the general consensus was that residents are satisfied with the current refuse and recycling process. 

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to authorize the preparation of a 5 year contract to be effective 12-01-08 between Moring Disposal and the City of Fulton with the services remaining as they are now.   The council is aware that there will be an increase in the cost of services due to Moring's increased cost of operation.   Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to donate the safe in the chamber office at city hall to Unity Christian School for their new thrift store.  Roll call vote/Ald. Juist, C. Letcher, W. Letcher and Sterenberg voted yes/Ald. Dykstra, Field, Loerop and Roels voted no/Mayor Van Zuiden voted no to break the tie/motion failed.   Those who voted no believed that if the city hall building could be sold in the future, having the safe intact would be an advantage.

Old Business.  The revised agreement for service from Jo-Carroll Energy has not yet been received. 

The signs for the re-routing of the bike trail will be ordered for spring.  Dan Clark is working with IDOT on the signage.

Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg 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 7:35PM.   Executive session minutes are recorded elsewhere.  

The council returned to regular session at 8:15PM and immediately adjourned. 

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk