REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

NOVEMBER 21, 2011

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, Dan Nederhoff, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher and Howard Van Zuiden answered present.  Alderperson Randy Boonstra was absent.  Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Garry Medema - City Treasurer, Heather Bennett - Tourism/Chamber Director and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police. 

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

Ald. Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the November 7, 2011 regular council meeting minutes.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Ald. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to authorize the bill list.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to authorize the purchase of security system with audio and video recording capabilities for the Police Department and City Hall.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.  The system upgrade will be paid with DUI funds.

Ald. Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve a building permit for a location within 1 ½ miles outside city limits, as required by Whiteside County.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Mayor Russell said he will change some wording on his mid-year report, the city's reserves are getting built up again and the public needs to know.  The mayor thanked Nancy Kolk for serving on the Reagan Centennial Commission over the last three years.

New Business.  Walnut Creek Auctions has been holding auctions in the Senior Center, but due to space constraints need another location for a couple of months. They are interested in renting some space downstairs in the former Drives office building. Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Field to approve Walnut Creek Auctions renting space at the former Drives building and authoring the City Administrator to set the rent amount.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Steve Ames, President and CEO of Clinton Regional Development Corporation (CRDC) spoke to the council about efforts to bring in outside dollars, primary jobs and create wealth in the community. He reviewed CRDC's role in providing information and assistance to companies who may be looking to locate in the region.  CRDC markets the region and forms partnerships to ensure positive business development.  They get information out through their website, print advertising, attending site selection conferences and tradeshows.  Ames has 7 recruitment trips scheduled for 2012.  CRDC does not recommend one location in the region over another.  They let businesses know what is available and let them make their choice.

Ald. Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn.  Voice vote/all yes/motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk