CITY OF FULTON

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

AUGUST 15, 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, Howard Van Zuiden and Randy Boonstra answered present.   Also in attendance were Bill Shirk - City Attorney, Randy Balk - City Administrator, Garry Medema - City Treasurer, and Jim Rhoades - Chief of Police.

The pledge of allegiance was recited and the invocation was given by Pastor RoyAnn Mathews from Fulton Assembly of God Church.

Communication from visitors.  Janice Cramer who resides at 928 15th Avenue said the city's storm sewer backs up into her sewer drains and would like the city to look into the situation.   The Public Works Director will be notified.

Yenghee Han, who resides at 501 13th Avenue wanted to know when the trees in front of her house on the city right of way will be removed/trimmed.   Mrs. Han has been informed that Foley Tree Service has been contracted to do the city's tree removal and trimming and will begin the work as soon as possible.

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the August 1, 2011 minutes with the addition of the following statements the Mayor wants included. The Mayor suggested that we move ahead with our planned $2.5 to $3 million water improvement project with rate discussions by the Budget Committee and City Council and that we avoid reference in the media to "a slight increase in rates" when referencing a potential 8-10% increase in rates.  The Mayor suggested that we defer consideration of the proposed amendment to the plants and weeds ordinance until further language is added to 1) add City Council representation on the Committee and 2) establish minimum requirements before an exemption could be granted.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

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

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

The revised keg sticker ordinance was not available tonight.  The revisions include allowing the Licensee the option to extend the time limit for returning a keg from 60 days to its sole discretion and including the penalties for violations of the ordinance; a minimum fine of $300 the first offense, $500 the second offense and $750 for the third and subsequent offenses.

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Juist to disregard the keg ordinance.  Roll call vote/Ald. Dykstra, Crosthwaite, Nederhoff, Letcher and Van Zuiden voted no/Ald. Field, Juist and Boonstra voted yes/motion failed.  A revised ordinance will be available at the next council meeting.

Ald. Dykstra moved, seconded by Ald. Field to move the next council meeting to Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at 5:30pm as Monday is the Labor Day holiday.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

CITY OF FULTON REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 15, 2011

Mayor Russell suggested that an alderperson be added to the committee for the plants and weeds ordinance and that no exception per section 91.02 be allowed if you are not in compliance with other sections of the ordinance.  

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher to amend Section 91.02 of the plants and weeds ordinance by adding a council member and removing the chief of police from the committee who makes the decision as to whether someone is in compliance.  Roll call vote/all yes/motion carried.

Mayor Russell repeated his suggestion to move forward with the water improvement project, the need for rate discussion and to decide how to recover the cost.  It will not be a slight increase in utility billing; could be 8-10%.  The refinancing plan appears to involve local banks.

Mayor Russell suggested that council take notice of nuisance ordinance violations around town and turn them in.

Randy Balk reminded the council of the Senator Mike Jacobs luncheon tomorrow from 11:30am to 1:00pm at Manny's Too.

Old Business.  22nd Avenue Development will be listed under old business until action is taken.  At some point the council will have to vote on what direction to take.  In 2 or 3 months we could be able to make a decision on the use of the property.

Marina Update.  At the August 1, 2011 council meeting the council voted to schedule a workshop on the marina at a future meeting.

Mike Ottens asked to address the council on some marina concerns tonight.  He showed the council pictures he took to show the appearance, parking and boat storage.  He said the appearance is 10% better than when the new operator took over, but now there is less parking. 

Ottens said the junk boats and trailers should be identified and removed, ordinance violations should be identified and removed, the operator should develop and follow a land use plan and the operator should be held to timelines.

Ottens said in the long term, should the city run the marina?  What are the goals of the city/community and do they diverge from the goals of the operator?  Are we getting our value out of it?

Ald. Boonstra moved, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to adjourn.  Voice vote/all yes/motion carried.  The meeting adjourned at 6:47pm.

Minutes recorded by,

Linda Hollis

City Clerk