| City Council Minutes: September 15, 2008 |
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CITY OF FULTON
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 Randy Balk - City Administrator, Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Dan Clark - Public Works Director, Garry Medema - City Treasurer, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer and Heather Bennett - Tourism Director.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to approve the August 18, 2008 regular meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to approve the bill list as presented. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to approve the Treasurer's report as presented. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to approve the estimate of $1,400 to $1,500 for the construction of shelves in the resource room at the Martin Museum. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. Barbara Mask of the Fulton Historical Society made this request for the shelving of 61 bound volumes of the Fulton Journal which were donated to them.
Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to support the zoning board of appeals recommendation to deny the variance request of Jim and Joan Kramer of 607 12th Avenue. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. This item was tabled from the August 18, 2008 meeting at the Kramer's request so that they could attend the meeting; however, the Kramers were not at this meeting. The zoning board recommended denial of the variance on all three points: Setback for proposed carport would be less than 10 feet from property line, building material would not be similar in appearance to primary residence and lot coverage would exceed the 40% limit.
Attorney Shirk did not yet have temporary structures and storage building samples from other municipalities yet, but will forward them to the zoning board when he does.
The Jo-Carroll franchise agreement ordinance was not ready for approval tonight as a few more details are to be incorporated. Randy Balk and Bill Shirk will work with Jo-Carroll CEO Michael Hastings and bring the finalized agreement to the council. Mr. Hasting was present to answer any questions.
Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to pass Ordinance No. 1377 ComEd agreement with the city of Fulton. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. The agreement is basically the same as the last one passed in 1958.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to pass Ordinance No. 1378 to borrow $60,195 with a 3.6% interest rate for a term of 3 years from Central Bank Fulton for the purchase of a Ford F550 dump truck. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to amend the current year fiscal budget as presented. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. The changes include: Increase the sales tax revenue line item by $7000; establish revenue and expense line items for the Heritage Canyon parking lot loan, the museum loan, the water meter loan and the new dump truck loan; establish a fund and line items for the museum grant; and reallocate the Tourism/Chamber Director salary to administration 70%, parks 30%. Additionally budget amounts (where no amounts had been budgeted) were added to line items in the following funds - water/sewer bond reserve fund, police vehicle fund, health insurance, revolving loan fund, police bond fund, police drug prevention fund and the Martin house fund. The amendments resulted from auditor and budget committee recommendations.
Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to approve the collective bargaining agreement between the Fraternal Order of Police union and the city of Fulton. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. Ron Coplan, attorney representing the city met with Randy Balk, Charlie Letcher and Ron Roels to review the final document. The council had previously approved the economic package and the executive committee of Letcher and Roels recommended approval of the document as a whole. The Mayor and Clerk along with the collective bargaining unit will sign the agreement which will be in effect for three years. Ald. Roels stated that the benefits for the union employees are the same as all other employees, with the only difference being the city is agreeing to abide by the Illinois Public Relations Act in the future; agreeing to arbitration if necessary.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to set Fulton Trick or Treat hours at 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, October 31, 2008. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the street closures, use of the city lot at 10th Avenue and 3rd Street as well as use of the old fire department building as requested by the Fall Festival committee for October 11, 2008 from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. Volunteers from the council were requested.
City Administrator Balk informed the council that the city had received a safety award from the IMLRMA (city's insurance company) for the year 2007.
Randy Balk told the council he has gotten some sketches from Heather Houzenga for the building at School Park.
The two new eye-catching signs at School Park have been installed by the Public Works Department.
Ald. Dykstra asked the council to consider increasing the fee for a variance as a way to eliminate residents coming to the zoning board with frivolous requests. The city currently charges a $50.00 fee and the cost to publish the public meeting in the paper costs $43.00. It was reported that Morrison charges $175.00, Clinton $125.00 and Prophetstown $25.00 for a variance. Ald. Juist and Ald. Roels said they thought it should remain at $50.00.
Randy Balk stated he had received a letter from Jim Bosma, Sr. with a request for better signage or a better route for the bike trail where it crosses 14th Avenue. Dan Clark has contacted the state for help with signage and this item will remain on the agenda under old business while options are researched.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to enter executive session to discuss the sale or purchase of property. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
The council entered into executive session at 6:30pm. Executive session minutes are recorded elsewhere.
The council returned to regular session at 7:20pm and the meeting was immediately adjourned.
Minutes recorded by,
Linda Hollis City Clerk
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