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City Council Meeting Minutes July 18, 2016

City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
July 18, 2016

Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher, Dan Nederhoff and Pro Tem Mayor Howard VanZuiden answered, “present.” Mayor Russell and Ald. M. VanZuiden were “absent.” Also in attendance were, Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Jeremy Leitzen (Police Officer), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), Regina Lehman (Tourism Director), and Amanda Fosdick (City Treasurer).

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Royann Matthews gave the invocation.

During the communication from visitors all were present regarding an issue on the agenda. Present as visitors were Adam Cooprider, Lynn Zahnle, James Driscoll, Clink Kettler, Ron Shear and Chuck Dykstra.

Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regarding the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration are the July 5, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes, Appoint Ald. Gene Field and re-appoint Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite to Marina Committee, Approve Treasurer’s Report and Approve Bill List. Ald. Mask asked a few questions regarding the Bill List, Director Clark was able to clarify since they were related to Public Works. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Unfinished business:

Ald. VanKampen asked for the status of the Ludvigson house. Attorney Shirk requested the title information as to who owns the property. The next step in the process is costly, just need to decide if wanting to move forward. With no further discuss the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

It was recommended the Zoning Board of Appeals updated the fee schedule for building permits and petitions. Admin. Cannon stated the fees have not been updated for many years. Research was done to compare fees to neighboring towns; we are not out of line compared to Morrison and Savanna. Ald. Mask did not like the idea of fee increases, she does not feel it is right to penalize homeowners who are wanting to do upgrades to their homes or put up a fence as a safety precaution for their children. With no further questions or concerns the council moved to the net item on the agenda.

Township Supervisor Chuck Dykstra brought to the City Councils attention the money being paid to the City of Fulton from the Fulton Township Levy. Currently the money is being put into the City’s account as reserves. Mr. Dykstra would like to see the money being used to fixed roads, which is what it was meant for. The recommendation is to allocate Township Road Tax to Fulton capital street projects beginning in 2018. With no further questions or concerns the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

New Business:

James Driscoll requested a variance to allow an accessory building to be constructed with material other than what is listed in Fulton municipal code. The Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals recommends denying the variance. Ron Shear was present from the Zoning Board and mentioned they had a long discussion. Ald. Letcher did not see a reason why not to grant the variance after seeing a picture of what the building would look like from the exterior. Ald. Crosthwaite asked if they could set a timeframe as to how long before he would be required to cement the floor inside the building, Attorney Shirk said, “No, must be done with Special U’s.” With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to grant the variance to Mr. Driscoll and review the ordinance for future variance requests. Roll call vote (4 yes, 2 no, 1 absent).

The next item on the agenda is to approve the Grand Administration Agreement with Community Funding & Planning Services (CFPS) for $406,000 CDBG Sewer Lining Grant. By accepting the agreement with CFPS and City of Fulton it would waive bids and approve the agreement. Admin. Cannon suggested not to work with anyone else besides CFPS. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the contract between CFPS and City of Fulton for the Third Ward sewer lining project. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Reports:

Administrator Cannon included his written report.

Police Chief Rhoades included his written report.

The Finance Committee report was included to be reviewed.

Regina Lehman included the Tourism Report.

With no further business Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 6:52 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk