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City Council Meeting Minutes July 5, 2016

City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
July 5, 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, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher, Dan Nederhoff and Howard VanZuiden answered, “present.” Ald. M. VanZuiden was “absent.” Also in attendance were, Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Jeremy Leitzen (Police Officer), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Dan Clark (Public Works Director) and April Eschelman (Director Chamber of Commerce).

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne Wiersema gave the invocation.

During the communication from visitors April Eschelman announced she started a new job with the Prison in Thomson, IL. April is still working with the chamber to work on getting the position filled her position as the Director of the Chamber of Commerce. Ald. Mask wished her luck on the new position. Other visitors at the meeting include Chuck Dykstra, Jane Orman-Luker, Darwin Johnson, and Mike & Jenny McClary.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions regarding the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration are the June 20, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes and the Appointment of Dean Brackemyer to the Zoning Board of Appeals (replace Lynn Zahnle). Ald. Letcher made a correction to the meeting minutes regarding the repairs to the roof at the old Drives Building. The city is willing to pay up to $40,000 to make repairs to the roof. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Unfinished Business:

The Drives Building had a bad A/C that leaked and soaked the carpet; the carpet has to be torn up. Boonstra Heating and Air Conditioning fixed the A/C and another one that was having an issue. These issues hopefully are going to be resolved before the American Queen stops in about three weeks. Admin. Cannon explained Beckwith repaired two parts of the roof but are not able to repair the North part until September/October. Public Works is going to be placing a tarp on the North section to prevent more damage. Jane Orman-Luker asked who will be checking the property and how often to make sure further damage does not occur to the building. Admin. Cannon expressed there is no requirement to check the building since it is not being used however he will be making regular visits until all repairs have been made.

New Business:
Awesome Town Music has recently relocated to the old Trinity Church on 13th Ave. They are currently leasing the property with the potential to buy in one year. Charlie Krieder was present to inform the council of the plans they have for the new location. From movie events, concerts, youth/adult programs and much more. They will be beginning to look for more volunteers in the near future.

Chuck Dykstra was present to discuss the Township Toad and Bridge Property Tax Transfer. As discussed previously from the handout (on green paper) the township levy gives $33,238 to the city each year, he is asking they use these funds to help fix the roads instead of putting it in reserves. The council will take this into consider the information and appreciate the information regarding the levy. With no further questions or concerns the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

Mayor Russell talked about the Sewer Backup Issues and Recommendations for the future. Mayor Russell expressed his sympathy to the homeowners that were affected during the storm. The findings show no one can be blamed for the results of this nature. If these types of incidents continue to happen the city will have to start a new program to survey problem areas to minimize illegal rainwater into the sanitary sewer system.

A new recommended fee schedule for Building Permits and Petitions to Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals has been put together. The current fees have not changed in over 10 years; the new fees are based off of other surrounding area town’s current fees. With the new permit cost each permit would cost a minimum of $55. With no further questions or concerns the council moved to the next item on the agenda.

The last item on the agenda is the MFT Revised Resolution and Estimate of Maintenance Costs. The revised resolution includes updates to street patching projects and allocation of MFT reserves to replace the Salt Dome roof. Public Works Director Clark highlighted where the funds will be going and pointed out the other estimate they received to replace the dome roof was $40,000. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the MFT Revised Resolution and Estimate of Maintenance Costs. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Reports:

Mayor Russell included his written report.

Administrator Cannon included his written report.

Ald. Crosthwaite announced Saturday July 23, 2016 @ 10 AM there will be a dedication of the Andresen Nature Center.