City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2016
Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden 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, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher, and Mike VanZuiden answered, “present.” Mayor Russell arrived late to the meeting. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), Amanda Fosdick (City Treasurer), Officers Wherry, Hamilton and Flack (Police Officers) and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne Wiersema gave the invocation.
During the communication from visitors Pro Tem Mayor asked if anyone would like to speak. No one said anything at the time; all were present regarding matter on the agenda. Randy Boonstra was present regarding the budget and old Drives Building. Mike Ottens, Arlene Considine, Trudy Feldt, Chuck Dykstra, Jane Luker, Jeff DenBesten and Kyle Kopf were present regarding the old Drives Building. Nick Moffitt was present on behalf of the Clinton Herald.
First, Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regarding items on the consent agenda. Items on the list include Approval of March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, Approve Treasurer’s Report, Approve Bill List, Proclamations (May 2016 Motorcycle Awareness Month & April 7, 2016 Junior Achievement Day. Ald. M. VanZuiden asked if the Kozyra funds were being used to remodel entire city hall project? Administrator Cannon replied, “Yes the police department wanted the window and entrance changed.” Ald. Mask wanted to know the Police Department was paying for the entire remodel. Admin. Cannon to look into it more as to why. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the items on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Second, the next item for consideration is the Municipal Accounting/Utility Billing Software selection. Page 15 in the meeting packet lists the proposals received from different software companies. It was recommended by city employees and Admin. Cannon to keep the current provider and just update modules and add a few new ones to satisfy needs. Ald. Mask asked with the update if a position would be eliminated. Admin. Cannon said, “No, but employees would possibly work less hours and save time to get other tasks completed.” With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to approve the Billing/Software update. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Third, item on the agenda is approve the FY 2017 municipal budget. The budget was included in the meeting packet, during review Admin. Cannon pointed out line 231 on page 7 of 25, this amount could be raised to $3000 to help business owners replace sidewalks. Ald. Mask supported the idea, Director Clark mentioned laws state owner to fix sidewalks themselves, this would mean the ordinance would have to be changed. Admin Cannon said this would only help offset cost not pay for entire fix. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the tentative budget for public inspection and schedule Public Hearing for Monday, April 4, 2106 at 5:30 PM. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Fourth, item for consideration is Employee Health Insurance. The contract for employee health insurance is due to renew April 1, 2016. The plan includes all non- management employees, even employees in negotiation. With the new plan it would be partial self-funding. Randy Boonstra suggested making an exit strategy if this does not work out as planned, it would say where the reserve funds would go if switched back to normal insurance. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the Employee Health Insurance Contribution. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Fifth, item for consideration is the Employee Health Insurance Contributions. This recommendation is to change employee and family health insurance contributions to 10% for employees and 25% for families. With no questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the employee health insurance contribution policy. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Old Business:
Authorize funds to replace the roof at the Drives building subject to successful $250,000 fund drive and completion of viable business plan. After much discussion it was verbally mentioned the roof repair could not exceed $50,000, 6 months from today must raise $250,000 and a business plan. After much discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve Drives building plan. Roll call vote (3 yes, 5 no). Motion failed to be approved.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
Police Report:
Chief Rhoades included his written report.
Tourism & Community Services Report:
Director Lehman included her written report.
Committee Reports:
Written reports were included from Fulton’s Windmill Cultural Center, Volunteer Millers, Steering Committee, Education Committee, Andresen Cultural Center, and Fulton Historical Society.
Ald. H. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining and personnel. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council entered closed session at 7:25 PM.
Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to exit closed session. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council exited closed session at 8:34 PM.
The last order of business was to decide on the management salary increase. After discussion between the aldermen they decided on an 3% increase. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Nederhoff motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the management salary increase. Roll call vote (8 yes).
With no further business, Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk