City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2016
Mayor Russell called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Dan Nederhoff, Sue VanKampen, and Wes Letcher answered, “present.” Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite showed up late. Ald. Mike VanZuiden and Howard VanZuiden were “absent.” Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), April Eschelman (Chamber of Commerce Director), James Rhoades (Chief of Police) and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Kevin Verhoeven gave the invocation.
Notice of public hearing for Proposed Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Budget as noticed in the Fulton Journal and City Hall on April 7, 2016. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to open the public hearing for the proposed fiscal year annual budget. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
With no questions or concerns from the public Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to close the public hearing for the proposed fiscal year annual budget. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
During the communication from visitors Jason and Brittney Brewer made comments regarding a current ordinance that does not allow residents within city limits to have pigs as pets. The couple is looking to adopt a micro pig (very small pig that weighs 15 lbs. at full growth) as a pet. The council decided to put this ordinance on the list for the next meetings agenda.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions regarding the items on the consent agenda. Items for consideration are the March 21, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. With no questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the items on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
First item for consideration is the variance request for Jimmy Driscoll. Don Loftus from the Zoning board was present to explain the denial from the meeting on March 31, 2016. Fulton code requires a 7’ side lot setback, while Mr. Driscoll is looking for a variance to allow him to build 5’ from the side lot line. Mr. Driscoll explained the garage he is looking to build (as shown on page 4) to the council and as to why he is asking for the 5’ variance. After listening to both Mr. Loftus and Driscoll the city council motioned by Ald. Mask, seconded by Ald. Letcher to send it back to the Zoning Board of Appeals to vote again on the variance request. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
Second item for consideration is to approve the Ordinance to adopt the Annual Budget of the City Pursuant to Section 8-2-9.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code. After completion of the public hearing in accordance with Illinois Municipal Code Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the budget ordinance. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
Third item for consideration is to remove the two Heritage Residential lots from surplus property and allow the City to accept bids to properties. A public notice will be published weekly in the Fulton Journal for three weeks. The City Council has the right to reject any bids. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the ordinance directing the Sale of Real Estate Owned by the City of Fulton.
Fourth item for consideration is the Special Event Policy to establish appropriate rules and regulations and establish an application and license fee for outdoor events. The application idea came from Clinton’s application for their special events. It was decided there needs to be a list of co-sponsored events that are exempt from the application. With many unanswered questions and concerns Ald. Letcher motioned to hold off on the vote and be addressed at a later time after changes to the application have been made.
Fifth item for consideration is to approve the Industrial Center Farm Lease. The contract is to lease 98-acre property to Doug Holesinger for the 2016 crop year; the lease is for $27,225. With no questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve the farm lease. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
Administrator’s Report:
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
Marina Committee Report:
Dan Clark included the marina report.
Martin House Financial Report:
Financial Report for the Martin House was included.
With no further business, Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk