The pledge of allegiance was recited.
David Gross was present from ComEd to present the change in meters that will occur April-May. There is a notification sent out to all customers with their bill 90 days and 60 days prior to the meter exchange. Also customers will receive a personalized letter and a call the day before the exchange will occur. Personnel changing out the meters will be in a ComEd vehicle and be wearing a badge with name and picture. The meter exchange will take 10 to 15 minutes because they must program the meter. With no further discussion the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Mike Kirchhoff, Andy Sokolovich and Jenelle Kreiling from the Clinton Regional Development Corporation were present to give updates on the previous year. The CRDC had five visions in ranking order expand and retain existing industries, business recruitment, resolve issues that impede growth, communicate with all stakeholders and enhance organizational readiness. A handout was provided with updates from 2016. With no further discussion the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Visitors present at the meeting included Nick Moffit, Jerry Lindsey, Dave Gross, Mike Kirchhoff, Andy Sokolovich, Jenelle Kreiling, Chuck Dykstra, Randy Boonstra, Barb Suehl-Janis, Mike Ottens, Joe Schwenker, Jean Rader, Kyle Huebner, Neil & Jane Luker and Clink & Marian Kettler. Chuck Dykstra urged the council to not make any decisions on the Drives building.
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 21, 2017 and Special Called Council Meeting and Budget Workshop Meeting. With no questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve item listed on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Unfinished Business
Consider increase in the Municipal Utility Tax to help increase income for next years budget. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to prepare ordinance to increase the Municipal Utility Tax on Gas, Electric and Telecommunications to 5%. Roll call vote (4 yes, 2 no, 1 absent).
Joe Schwenker was present from Bear Development to give an update on the process. Due to the tax credit market they are having to make changes to the development. Bear Development is asking the council to move on the purchase price of $175,000 while still getting $100,000 from the city to upgrade water main for project. This needs to be added to the next agenda and allow the council to digest the information provided. Bear Development is still planning on breaking ground in July 2017. With no further discussion the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Ordinance #1560 to Amend Section 51.025 in Chapter 51, Title V of the Code of Fulton Water Meters. Making the amendment in order to allow multiple units of a dwelling to run off a single water meter if approved by the council. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve multiple units of a dwelling to run off a single water meter. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
Estimates to repair/replace lift station and booster pumps at three locations in town, Shell, 15th Avenue and Pleasure Park, to allow money to be taken from reserves. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve money taken from reserves to repair/replace lift station and booster pumps at three locations. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
New Business
Zoning Director Dale Sikkema brought to the councils attention new businesses in town that request a liquor license would be able to get video gaming machines as well. If the city issues a liquor license to a business they have the option to bring in video gaming, no restrictions can be made by the city. The only thing the city can do is regulate the numbers of liquor licenses by reducing or increasing limits. With no further discussion the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Jean Rader discussed road closures with Police Chief Rhoades and Director Lehman about the Freezin’ for A Reason 5K run/walk. The run/walk is scheduled for Saturday March 11, 2017. The scheduled roads closed during the run/walk have been provided. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve street closures Saturday March 11, 2017 for the Freezin’ for A Reason 5K. Roll call vote (6 yes, 1 absent).
The EPA visited Fulton to do a water supply evaluation. Overall the evaluation went well however there were a couple recommendations. This site visitor suggested having surveys sent out to customers to gather information he called it cross connection. The second thing is Well 2 has been out of service for a while and needs to be capped or rehabilitated. The Public Works department is pulling the well out to see what needs to be fixed, most likely the repairs will cost just as much as capping it. With no questions the council moved to the next item on the agenda.
Budget Workshop
A handout was provided to the council with four different options to balance the budget for the next year. Ald. Mask asked if there was any money left in the C Bond, Director Clark said there is approximately $100,000 left. Ald. Mask likes option 3 because more money would go to street depreciation. It was then pointed out that option 3 did not include a new police car. With that information Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve GF Budget Option 2. Roll call vote (4 yes, 2 no, 1 absent).
With no further discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 7:29 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
City Clerk