The pledge of allegiance was recited.
Visitors present at the meeting included Jerry Lindsey, Nick Moffitt, Joe Schwenker, John Hotvedt, Adam Templer, Randy Boonstra, Chuck Dykstra, Colleen Temple, Kyle Huebner and Drew Nederhoff.
Mayor H. VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regarding the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration Council Meeting Minutes from February 18, 2017, Budget to Actual and Bill List. Ald. Field asked about the expense to Metropolitan Industries, for Public Works for pumps that needed to be fixed. Also asked what the Cabin Fever/Wedding Advertisement was for, advertisement for event Regina held at the RFCC. With no further questions Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Unfinished Business
Amend ordinance #1561Chapter 117 Entitled Utility Gas Tax to change the rate of 2.5% of the gross receipts to 5% of the gross receipts by gas provider. Randy Boonstra asked if the council will be raising other utility tax rates? Bill Shirk clarified yes just do not have all the paperwork completed yet to vote on it. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to amend Ordinance #1561 Chapter 117 Entitled Utility Tax-Gas. Roll call vote (5 yes, 2 no).
Bear Development gave update on Fulton Commons project; need to close million-dollar gap due to tax credits being reduced. Asking for $55,000 deduction on land price to help fill the gap. Ald. Mask thinks the council needs another week to consult other professional advice before making a decision. Joe Schwenker said time is of the essence, the city is getting $300,000 water main. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to table the decision on Bear Development until the next meeting March 27, 2017. Roll call vote (7 yes).
License to use space in a City Building, Kyle Huebner and Colleen Temple are renting space at the RFCC. Council to accept and authorize Mayor and City Clerk to sign license into effect March 22, 2017. It will be a 1-year contract then up for renewal. With no further questions Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the license to use space in a city building to Kyle Huebner and Colleen Temple. Roll call vote (7 yes).
New Business
Police Officers Donnie Pridemore and Jeremy Leitzen wanting to attend training conference on drug investigation. It is a 3-day conference that will include conference fee, lodging, meals and mileage reimbursement. Each officer submitted there own form because one will be staying at a friend’s home while there so plans driving separate. Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve Officers Pridemore and Leitzen to attend the training conference on drug investigation. Roll call vote (7 yes).
The Marina Committee recommends month-to-month slip rental rates to increase by 30%. The yearly rental slip fee will remain the same. There are approximately 80 slips at the marina with over 60 of them rented. With no questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to increase the month-to-month slip rental fee by 30%. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Taxes are due on the Ludvigsen property and exempting the property beginning October 2016. The city must pay back taxes on property from 2014 and 2015. Need to call County Clerk to find out exact amount owed. This was part of the deal when the city originally took over the property. Needs to be done sooner rather than later. With not further questions Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to pay the 2014 and 2015 taxes owed on the Ludvigsen property. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to enter closed session to discuss the sale of property and personnel. Roll call vote (7 yes). The council entered closed session at 6:27 PM.
Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to exit closed session. Roll call vote (7 yes). The council exited closed session at 7:12 PM.
With no further discussion Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 7:12 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk