| City Council Minutes: March 21, 2011 |
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CITY OF FULTON
Mayor Russell opened the public hearing at 5:30pm for the purpose of taking public comment on the ordinance vacating a part of 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue in the City of Fulton. There was no public comment and the hearing was closed.
Mayor Russell called the regular council meeting to order and directed the clerk to call the roll. On roll call Alderpersons Charles Dykstra, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Charlie Letcher, Warren Juist, Wes Letcher, Randy Boonstra and Ron Roels answered present. Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Garry Medema - Treasurer, Dan Clark - Public Works Director and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.
The pledge of allegiance was recited and the invocation was given by Pastor Roy Anne Mathews of the Fulton Assembly of God Church.
Communication from visitors. Barb Suehl Janis reported on her recent trip to Washington, DC. She and Betty Steinert from Whiteside County Economic Development Director attended along with a group from Iowa. The group wanted to continue to push for the 19 mile stretch of Highway 30 (becoming 4 lane) and opening the Thomson Prison. They met with Senators and Representatives to express the extreme need for both of these items. Barb handed out the 12 page handout they presented to the legislators.
Tom Hochbaum, former city employee asked to speak to the council in closed session later in the meeting.
Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. C. Letcher to approve the March 7, 2011 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to approve the bill list. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. C. Letcher moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the Treasurer's Report. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to pass Ordinance No. 1428 Vacating a Part of 4th Avenue and 5th Avenue including the vacation and dedication plat, attached as Exhibit "A". Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to approve the Mayor signing an American Red Cross Proclamation. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.
Mayor Russell said the fire department and the flood district are keeping an eye on the river levels and there will be a meeting at 5:15pm next Monday. Tomorrow, March 22nd will be the local foods meeting at the former Fulton Journal building.
Randy Balk said the well #4 rehabilitation paperwork has been submitted. He will be meeting Friday with Senator Mike Jacobs regarding electrical aggregation.
Old Business. Ald. Dykstra said he is back on the chamber board and wanted to share information from a downtown business owner survey. He said regarding the placement of a 4 way stop sign at the intersection of 4th Street and 11th Avenue (currently a 2-way stop); 14 responded yes, 9 no and 2 no response. It was decided to wait until the Peoples Economic Development Corporation meets with downtown property owners before making a decision.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to enter closed session to discuss personnel issues. Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried. The council entered closed session at 6:08pm. Closed session minutes are recorded elsewhere.
The council returned to regular session at 6:30pm. Tom Hochbaum was asked to put in writing his request to change his personnel file and termination records. Upon receipt of his letter, it will be determined if this would be legally possible.
Ald. Roels moved, seconded by Ald. W. Letcher to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 6:35pm.
Minutes recorded by, Linda Hollis City Clerk |