City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
February 16, 2016
Alderman Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM announcing he would serve as Mayor Pro Tem and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Dan Nederhoff, Sue VanKampen, Mike VanZuiden and Wes Letcher answered “present.” Mayor Russell was absent and Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite and Lindsey Renkes (City Clerk) showed up late. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), Jeremy Leitzen (Police Officer) and Amanda Fosdick (City Treasurer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Roy Ann Matthews gave the invocation.
Pro Tem Mayor VanZuiden asked if there were any visitors wishing to speak, there was no communication from any visitors.
First, Pro Temp Mayor VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regarding the items on the consent agenda; approve the meeting minutes from February 1, 2016, Treasurer’s Report, and Bill List. With no questions or concerns Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the items on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).
Second, item for consideration was oath of office for Wes Letcher. Ald. Letcher took the oath of office as third ward alderman.
Third, after the presentation on the Drives Building from last meeting Ald. Mask asked if there were any questions or concerns, with a request for the alderman to tour both the Martin House and Drives building. Ald. Mask stated they would like to get the reception hall up and running as soon as possible, in order to do so they need to replace the roof. She is asking for the help of the city to get the roof replaced. Ald. Crosthwaite asked, “How much the roof is going to cost?” Jeff DenBesten does not have an estimate for the building yet, he has spoke with a company that will take a look at it while in town looking at the current Drives building. Jeff did know there are multi year warranties (up to 25 years) on the roof replacement. Ald. Nederhoff stated he struggles with the idea of the renovation because he is here for the taxpayers; instead of the renovation we should be fixing city streets. Ald. M. VanZuiden wanted to remind everyone about the issue with the Martin House in 2002, he passed out information and requested Alderman to read the meeting minutes during that timeframe with a final statement of “this project has merit but do not like the funding.” Pro temp Mayor VanZuiden wants a list of money figures showing how much everything is going to cost for the renovation.
Fourth, discuss any alternative proposals for the development of the old JT Cullen site. Administrator Cannon says there are no other proposals and there is nothing to discuss.
Fifth, to approve the Purchase Agreement and Ordinance with Bear Capital, LLC. There was one comment made by City Attorney Shirk referencing section 16.9. This section states that the purchaser could sell the property to someone else for more than they paid. As long as it’s a fair price there should be no worries of the purchaser selling the property to anyone else. With no further questions or concerns Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the Purchasing Agreement and Ordinance with Bear Capital, LLC. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Sixth, Ed Cannon and Dan Clark came up with a mitigation plan to follow if the City of Fulton were to ever suffer from a natural disaster. With this mitigation plan in effect it qualifies the town for funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve Resolution 261 Adopting the Mitigation Plan. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Seventh, Public Works Director Clark received two quotes to fix the bar screen at the water treatment plant. Based on the two quotes Clark would recommend to go with the quote for $15,000, it really needs to be fixed and would fix the problem the city workers are currently doing. Ald. Field asked who would be adjusting the bar screen in the future, Clark clarified no city worker with touch the new screen once set up and running. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to approve using Fund 55 reserves to repair the bar screen at the Waste Water Treatment Plant. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Eighth, to approve the City Auditor Engagement with WIPFLi. WIPFLi served as Fulton’s Independent auditor for the year ending April 30, 2015. The fee for this service is $16,800 which is a $300 increase over last year. At this point in time the city does not want to change auditors. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve to Engage WIPFLi as Fulton’s auditor for 2016.
Old Business:
Pro Tem Mayor VanZuiden asked if there was any old business to discuss, there were no comments or concerns.
Administrator’s Report:
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
Public Works Director Report:
Director Clark included his written report.
Police Chief Report:
Chief Rhoades included his written report.
Tourism/RFCC Director:
Director Lehman included her written report. Regina pointed out a graph in her report that compares Fulton/Whiteside County to other counties in our area.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to enter closed session regarding collective bargaining and employment of city employees. Roll call vote (7 yes). The council entered closed session at 6:40 PM.
Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to exit closed session. Roll call vote (7 yes). The council exited closed session at 7:22 PM.
With no further business, Ald. Letcher motioned to continue the meeting on February 22, 2016 at 5:30 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk