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City Council Meeting Minutes December 5, 2016

City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2016

Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden called the meeting to order at 5:30 and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden, Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher and Mike VanZuiden answered present.” Margaret Crosthwaite was late. Also in attendance were Bill Shirk (City Attorney), James Rhoades (Chief of Police), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), Regina Lehman (Tourism Director), Tammy Garibay and Dale Sikkema (Zoning Director).

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Kevin Verhoven gave the invocation.

Visitors present at the meeting included Nick Moffitt (Clinton Herald), Joe Maresca and Barb Suehl-Janis.

Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regarding the item listed on the consent agenda. Item for consideration Approve Meeting Minutes from November 21, 2016. Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes).

Unfinished Business

The property closing for Eastern Iowa Propane was completed. After small fees for income tax and titling the city netted $74,500. With that money the city was able to pay off Mr. Bemis and apply $49, 242.52 towards the loan with Central Bank. With no questions or concerns the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

A private contractor came out to test the water for the Bear Development Project. It was confirmed with testing the water main would not be able to support the project, would need to be upgraded. They will now take this to the developer in order to decide how to resolve the issue. Director Clark made the council aware the developers asked if the city was still willing to put money towards the upgrade. With no further questions or concerns the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

New Business

The leasing of Industrial Park land will remain the same minus the 5 acres sold to Eastern Iowa Propane. Mr. Holesinger will rent the land for $275 per acre, which comes to a total of $25,850 with half of it being paid on April 1st 2017, and the other half paid on November 1st 2017. Just so the council is aware land can be sold during any time of the year by paying back rent plus $100 per acre. With no further questions Ald. Nederhoff motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to approve the Holesinger Property Lease for 2017. Roll call vote (7 yes).

Chief Rhoades suggests the city amends vendor peddler ordinance. This would put restrictions on door-to-door sales including background checks if we think its necessary. The police have found the majority of people selling without a license are bad people with criminal records or warrants out for their arrest. Ald. Crosthwaite asked if this would include “Vendor fairs, Dutch Days and other community events?” Ald. Mask asked to make an exception for Dutch Days. Attorney Shirk suggested Chief Rhoades and city council alderman to look at Campaigns ordinance. Chief Rhoades based his amendments on Galena, IL since they are similar in size and hold many different community events. With no further questions the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

Zoning Officer Sikkema brought to the councils attention he was originally asked to hold the position from July until December. To Dale’s knowledge he was never appointed. The minutes will need to be reviewed to see and if not it should be added to the next agenda. He asked the council if they would still like him to work on updating city ordinances since they have not been updated in a long time. It was suggested to get a committee together with Zoning members and City Council to start going through the ordinances to be updated. Attorney Shirk said, “It is complicated but can advise where to start and do a little at a time.” With no further questions the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

Mayor Russell submitted his resignation of Mayor on December 1, 2016, as he will be taking a seat with the County Board for District 3. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to accept Mayor Russell’s resignation. Roll call vote (7 yes).

With the resignation of Mayor Russell the council must appoint a mayor until the election in April. Attorney Shirk informed the council they must either get a majority vote to appoint an alderman or go out to the public and find someone. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to appoint Ald. H. VanZuiden as Mayor. Roll call vote (7 yes).

A staff Christmas bonus is recommended for full-time and part-time employees and has been done for many years. It was asked by Ald. Mask if we should continue the bonus since the employees are unionized. Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the Christmas bonus for city employees. Roll call vote (8 yes).

Reports

Public Works Director Clark included his written report.

Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to enter closed session to discuss sale of city property and personnel. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council entered closed session at 6:18 PM.

Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to exit closed session. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council exited closed session at 6:42 PM.

With no further business Ald. M. VanZuiden, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 6:44 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk