| City Council Minutes: January 18, 2010 |
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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 and Bill Loerop answered present. Ald. Ron Roels was absent. Also in attendance were Randy Balk - City Administrator, Dan Clark - Public Works Director and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Terry Merchant of Trinity Reformed Church gave the invocation.
Communication from visitors. Illinois State Representative Mike Boland send a letter to the stating he was unable to be at the council meeting due to a scheduling conflict.
Press release from the City of Sterling Mayor states they have been awarded funding from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program-2. Fulton, along with the other communities (Sterling, Morrison, Prophetstown, and Whiteside County) in the Whiteside Area Housing Opportunities (WAHO) group, submitted a Neighborhood Stabilization Program-1 request and did not receive any funds. The Neighborhood Stabilization Programs allow the communities to purchase foreclosed properties, demo buildings and provide an opportunity for improved housing sites. Fulton, Morrison and Prophetstown did not have enough low income households to apply for the NSP2. Sterling will receive a percentage of this award for administration costs which they will invest in WAHO, allowing the group to continue its efforts in obtaining property and/or providing housing site opportunities.
Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the January 4, 2010 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to approve the bill list. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Sterenberg moved, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the Treasurer's Report. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Loerop to impose a 2½% municipal utility tax on gas and electric bills within the City of Fulton, passing Ordinance No. 1401 Adding Chapter 117, Title XI, of the Fulton Municipal Code Providing for Collecting Taxes for the Privilege of Supply, Distribution and Selling Gas and Ordinance No. 1402 Adding Chapter 118, Title XI, Providing for a Method of Collecting Taxes for the Privilege of Using Electricity Based Upon Kilowatt-Hour Usage of Individual Customer. Roll call vote/Ald. Dykstra, Field, W. Letcher, and Loerop voted yes/Ald. Sterenberg, C. Letcher and Juist voted no/motion carried.
Ald. Dykstra moved to exempt the following taxing districts from the utility tax on gas and electric; City, Library, Flood Control, Fire Protection, Township and River Bend Schools. There was no second to the motion.
Ald. Juist moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to appoint the following as compliance officers as required by the 2010 Revised Sunshine Laws for Open Meetings Act and Freedom of Information Act; Linda Hollis (primary), Tammy Garibay (secondary) and Randy Balk (secondary back up). Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Loerop moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to continue funding 50% of the city employee's gym membership due for the plan year February 2010 to February 2011. Roll call vote/Ald. Loerop, W. Letcher, Juist, Field and Dykstra voted yes/Ald. Sterenberg and C. Letcher voted no/motion carried.
New Business. Ald. Dykstra suggested the aldermen consider suspending their own pay. He stated that in 2009 the total of aldermen salaries was close $12,000. Attorney Shirk said this should be an agenda item. Ald. Loerop said he would agree with Ald. Dykstra to suspend their pay but he believes that they should have time to consider and discuss this in closed session before voting.
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to hold the February 1, 2010 council meeting at The Complex, 1011 22nd Avenue at 5:30PM. Roll call vote/Ald. Dykstra, Field, Sterenberg, W. Letcher and Loerop voted yes/Ald. C. Letcher and Juist voted no/motion carried.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Dykstra to change the February 15, 2010 council meeting to Tuesday, February 16, 2010 due to Monday the 15th being a holiday for city employees. Ald. Dykstra, Field, Juist, W. Letcher, and Loerop voted yes/Ald. C. Letcher and Sterenberg voted no/motion carried.
Ald. W. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn. Voice vote/all yes/motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM.
Minutes recorded by, |