City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
January 18, 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 Howard VanZuiden answered, “present.” Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite and Mike Van Zuiden were absent. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), Amanda Fosdick (City Treasurer), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), James Rhoades (Chief of Police) and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne gave the invocation.
During the communication from visitors, Randy Buikema was present to make sure roads will be closed during their run, “Freezin for a Reason!” It was noted they had 85 participants last year and hope for nicer weather to bring out more participants. Randy explained there will be three different groups traveling to Haiti within the next year. Also we had Denny Pape from Moring Disposal Midwest at the meeting to answer any questions about the agreement to be approved.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the last regular City Council Minutes. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded but Ald. VanKampen to approve the January 4, 2016 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent) motion carried.
Next, the Council reviewed the Treasure’s Report. Ald. Mask asked why the city is paying for the Midwest Museum membership fee; Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director) is going to find out what the fee is for and why the city is paying it. With no further questions Ald. H. Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the January 2016 bill list. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent).
Next, the Council reviewed the Treasure’s Report. Ald. Mask asked about the Tax Levy Revenue, Treasurer Amanda Fosdick pointed out that this amount is behind from one year ago. Ald. Nederhoff asked if the December loan payment from Fulton Lodging has been made to this date yet, it has not been but Treasurer Amanda Fosdick was going to check on it. With no further questions Ald. H. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to the Treasure’s Report. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent).
The first item on the agenda was City Clerk Oath of Office. Lindsey Renkes took the oath of office as City Clerk.
The second item on the agenda was the Freezin for a Reason street closure request. Randy Buikema was there on behalf of the local churches raising money for a mission trip to Haiti to answer any questions regarding the street closure and make sure the bike path is clear of ice/snow for the run. With no further discussion Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. H. VanZuiden to approve the street closure request. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent).
The third item on the agenda was the Moring Disposal and Curbside recycling Agreement. In order to understand the agreement Director Lehman clarified a resident is allowed to set out three bags of trash or three trash cans weighing 35 lbs. Any additional bag or can must have a sticker. The bulky waste pick up will be the first weekend in October; yard waste will remain the same. Ald. Mask appreciated the mass mail sent out to Fulton residents regarding the updates to service. Ald. Field asked about the percentage of people who put out four bags compared to one, Denny Pape with Moring Disposal did not have exact numbers but the goal is to encourage people to recycle more. With no further questions, Ald. H. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the agreement between City of Fulton and Moring Disposal. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent).
The fourth item on the agenda was the ordinance to establish a Consent Agenda for the City Council. City administrator Cannon pointed out that any alderman can remove an item from the Consent Agenda to vote on it separately. With no further comments Ald. Nederhoff motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the ordinance. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent).
The fifth item on the agenda was regarding the Motor Fuel Tax Resolution. Public works director Dan Clark went over the maintenance costs provided pointing out there should be extra rock salt and to improve another road or two. Ald. Mask asked how much it was to improve 10th Ave and how do we decide which roads need to be fixed next. Dan Clark estimated the cost was approximately $100,000, which was about one mile and there is project book that listed which roads are priority to be improved. With no further questions, Ald. H VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the Motor Fuel Tax Resolution. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 absent).
The sixth item on the agenda was to discuss the Recommendation to change City Council meeting from twice a month to one a month. Ald. Mask suggested the idea in consideration of saving money and people’s time. Ald. Field said it is not going to work. City Attorney Shirk mentioned that any meeting can be cancelled with a three-day notice. In order to change the meetings there would have to be a change to the current ordinance. It was suggested the 1st Monday of the month would be for Committee’s and the 3rd Monday would be the City Council Meeting. The change would be comparable to a school board meeting, one night for approximately three to five hours.
Old Business:
Ald. VanKampen asked the Special Event Policy to be put back on the agenda for discussion.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
Administrator’s Report:
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
Police Chief’s Report:
Chief Rhoades included his written report.
RFCC/Tourism Director’s Report:
Director Lehman included her written report.
Public Works Director’s Report:
Director Clark expressed the need for dredging at the Marina in order for larger boats to exit the south end, currently there are $85,000 in reserves for the purpose of dredging. Also they would like to use reserves to do maintenance to the docks.
Zoning Officer Report:
Officer Kettler reported there is nothing new and currently at a stand still.
With no further business, Ald. H. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting was adjourned at 6:47 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk