| City Council Minutes: May 18, 2009 |
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CITY OF FULTON
Mayor Russell called the meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll. On roll call, Mayor Larry Russell, 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, Heather Bennett - Tourism Director, Garry Medema - Treasurer, Clink Kettler - Zoning Officer and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Reverend David Austin from Immaculate Conception Church gave the invocation.
Communication from visitors. Jean Roeder told the council about a golf tournament to be held June 6, 2009 sponsored by the Clinton Humane Society and left some entry applications. Roeder also asked the council to consider planting some flowers on the median strip on Rt. 84 at the intersection of Rt. 136; however that is state, not city property. She thanked Dan Clark and the public works crew for the barricades for the Dutch Days run/walk. Roeder asked if the city would consider someday paving a short stretch of gravel that connects 4th Street to the bike trail. She said the loose gravel could cause a runner to fall.
Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve the May 4, 2009 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
The Clerk read aloud the minutes from tonight's public hearing. Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the DCEO grant public hearing minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the bill list as presented. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. There were some comments concerning the decrease in total funds and reminded to watch for the effect of the current economy.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to approve closing the city hall parking lot from 4:00 to 8:00PM on June 11, 2009 for the Summer Night event. Second Reformed Church is hosting the event and will need the parking lot space in addition to the 400 block of 11th Avenue. They have plans for fire truck rides, bounce houses, portable basketball hoop, a band, food, games and face painting.
Ald. Loerop suggested the council discuss the closing of downtown streets and possible come up with some criteria or plan.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to pass Resolution No. 212 and Resolution No. 213 authorizing signers for accounts at Central Bank and Community State Bank. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. These resolutions were necessary to add Mayor Larry Russell to the signature cards.
The next item on the agenda was the Martin House agreement between the City and the Fulton Historical Society. There were some changes to the agreement regarding the funds and the revised agreement was handed out to the City council. The revisions had to do with the funds and whether they could be used for the establishment and maintenance of any community center, centers, museums or museums any where in the city and not restricted by the terms of the will to use only at the Martin House.
Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. Roels to table the Martin House agreement between the city and the Fulton Historical Society until the next meeting. Roll call vote/Ald. Sterenberg, Roels, Loerop, W. Letcher, Juist, Field and Dykstra voted yes/Ald. C. Letcher voted no/motion carried.
Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Sterenberg to pass Resolution No. 214 a Resolution of Support and Commitment of Funds. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. This resolution is required for the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP) grant for the downtown historical district.
Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to pass Resolution No. 215 a Resolution Urging Passage of a Comprehensive Capital Infrastructure Program. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. This resolution is to let the Illinois General Assembly and the Governor know we believe it is necessary to pass a capital infrastructure bill in 2009.
Union Pacific Railroad has guaranteed continued rail access to the Fulton Industrial Park. UP's plans for a new bridge have been finalized and there will be a defined site grade at the Rt. 84 crossing. Many people over the years have said an overpass is needed for safety and convenience.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to pursue a railroad overpass on Rt. 84 just south of Rt. 30. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Mayor Russell informed the council that he and Randy met with Jim Fox from ComEd, there will be an ESDA meeting this week, he is reviewing the TIF district, has regular office hours and he would like to appoint Paul Wolf to the vacancy spot on the zoning board.
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to support the Mayor's appointment of Paul Wolf to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Roll call vote/Ald. Sterenberg, Roels, C. Letcher, and Dykstra voted yes/Ald. Loerop, W. Letcher,
Juist and Field voted no/motion failed. The aldermen who voted no said they would have liked more time to review the appointment before voting.
Randy Balk reported to the council Representative Manzullo's request for federal funding for the U.S. 30 four lane project in Whiteside County. Balk told the council that contract work on 14th Avenue will begin soon and they have said one lane will be open throughout the project, which must be completed by Labor Day.
Old Business. Ald. Loerop said there has been significant clean up at the marina but would like to see more clean up done, specifically behind the repair shop.
New Business. Ald. Juist said there are some residents putting items such as leaves, branches, rebar and concrete blocks along the street edges to keep people from parking along the street. He said they are encroaching on city right of way and could be liable if someone damages their car. He wondered if curb and gutter would be installed on more city streets and avenues.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Linda Hollis, City Clerk |