The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne Wiersema gave the invocation.
Visitors present at the meeting included Nick Moffit (Clinton Herald), Chuck Dykstra, Barb Suehl-Janis, Joe Maresca, Marsha Notman, Brandi Langner, Colleen Temple, Kyle Huebner, Randy Boonstra and Mike Ottens.
Mayor H. VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regardsing the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration Approve Meeting Minutes from February 6, 2107, Budget to Actual, Bill List and Proclamation recognizing April 6, 2017 as Jr. Achievement Day in the City of Fulton. With no questions Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the items listed on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Unfinished Business
The Marina Lease Agreement presented last council meeting must be approved in order to all Nathan Smith to lease the space in a city building and adjacent land. Mike Ottens asked, “Will there will be outside boat storage?” Director Clark clarified there will not be outside boat storage. With no further questions Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the Marina Lease Agreement to Nathan Smith. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
An extension has been requested by Bear Development to extend the existing contract for closing. Just needed another extension to tie up loose ends not asking for any money. As far as Attorney Shirk knows the right of way has been vacated and resolved, they have not raised any issue about it. With no further questions Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the extension to amend the existing contract for Bear Development. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
A new usage policies and procedures for Chapel and Park Rentals at Heritage Canyon was presented to the council last meeting for review. Ald. M VanZuiden asked how often the canyon is rented. No one had exact numbers as to how often the Canyon is rented each year. He asked if raising the rent was a good or bad thing, maybe not if it prevents wear and tear in the Canyon. Deputy Clerk Tammy said the city only received $100-$150 when festivals occurred at the Canyon. The City of Fulton was suppose to receive the gate fee and had to pay for expenses as well. With no further discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the Usage Polices and Procedures for Chapel and park Rentals at Heritage Canyon. Roll call vote (5 yes, 1 no, 1 absent).
New Business
Barb Suehl-Janis was present to give an update for the Chamber of Commerce and their Funding Request. Barb provided the Council with a handout showing the income and expenses for the Chamber of Commerce. In order to break even the Chamber will need $10,000 from the City to break even. Brandi the Director let the Council know she received a call from a pharmacist that is interested in coming to Fulton. This person reached out the Chamber and thankfully Brandi was able to speak with this person and get them in contact with someone who can help in the process. Randy asked how the Chamber tried to get people involved in TCEDA’s Build It, Grow It program. Brandi send letters and emails to every Chamber member and did not receive any interest at all. Instead TCEDA started the program in Warren and Freeport, IL. With no further discussion the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Approval needed for Easement Agreement between City of Fulton and Timken Drives. The agreement allows the city to install a water transmission and distribution system in a tract of land owned by Timken Drives. With no questions Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the Utility Easement between City of Fulton and Timken Drives. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Bear Development is requesting to waive the requirement to install separate water meters for each individual dwelling. It is easier for the City to have separate meters for access to shut off and bill each individual. Instead there will only be only one meter for all of the units. Attorney Shirk suggested updating the ordinance for water meters. Wit no further discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the request per Section 51.05B by majority vote of the council. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Director Clark made the council aware three different pumps are needing to be repaired or replaced. He is currently getting estimates on the pumps but he is estimating the repairs will cost anywhere from $15,000-$20,000. Two of the pumps are for waste water the other is a water booster. Once the estimate is received he will bring the numbers back to the council. With no further discussion the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Matt Huizenga is looking for approval to take a training class for his Class B Operations, lodging, travel and meal expenses. Currently Director Clark is the only one with a Class B license. With no further questions Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the request for Matt Huizenga to attend training for his Class B Operations License. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Director Lehman is looking for approval to attend the IL Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism in Sprinfield on March 21, 2017. She has submitted the requested document for review by the council. With no further discussion Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to Approve Regina Lehman request to attend the IL Governor’s Conference in Springfield on March 21, 2017. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Regina Lehman received two different requests to rent space at the RFCC. Eric and Stacey Strackbein are interested in renting the kitchen because it is licensed to prepare food. They are looking to prepare food for their upcoming business as a Food Truck Vendor. They did not say what days, time or how much cost would be. Attorney Shirk said the City needs a Food Vendor Ordinance, it would be a license agreement between the city and vendor. The council would like Eric Strackbein to attend the next council meeting in order to find out more information. Colleen Temple and Kyle Huebner are looking for a space to rent for their workout facilities. Both own there own business and looking for more space due to small size of current locations. They would like to move forward as quickly as possible. Attorney Shirk will draw up a license agreement to be presented at the next council meeting. With no further questions Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to bring license to city for Fit Assist and KT3. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Reports
Ald. Mask presented report on Video Gaming.
Chief Rhoades included his written report.
Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to enter closed session to discuss Sale of Property and Personnel. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent). The council entered closed session at 6:40 PM.
Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to exit closed session. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent). The council exited closed session at 7:05 PM.
Budget Discussion: Ald. VanZuiden asked if city should be serving meals at the RFCC, is not the city’s responsibility to provide meals. If the RFCC is not making enough money city needs to sell building. Ald. mask thinks the utility tax is the best way to get revenue. Ald. VanZuiden says, “city is leaking money, need to cut somewhere.” Ald. asked when the budget needs to be decided on? Deputy Garibay handed out document stating deadline for budget approval. Tentative budget needs to be approved by March 6, 2017. With no further discussion the council decided to meet Monday February 27, 2017 at 5:30 PM for another budget workshop.
With no further business Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 7:44 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk