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City Council Meeting Minutes May 16, 2016

City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2016

Mayor Russell called the meeting to order at 5:30 and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher, M. VanZuiden and H. VanZuiden answered, “present.” Ald. Dan Nederhoff was absent. Also in attendance were Bill Shirk (City Attorney), James Rhoades (Police Chief) Dan Clark (Public Works Director), and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).

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

During the communication from visitors Rich Petersen spoke about the Bike Blessing to be held June 5, 2016. The Bike Blessing did not make it on the agenda and will be discussed at the next meeting to finalize all details. Ald. M. VanZuiden suggested having a fence to keep people in beer garden. Chief Rhoades confirmed a 3 ft. barrier must surround the beer garden. Attorney Shirk clarified it must be a rule for the event, not listed in ordinance. Darwin Johnson, 1010 4th Ave wants to know what the city is going to do about the sewer back up that happened late May 11 into May 12. Attorney Shirk stated the city is not liable to pay for damages; it is the responsibility of the homeowner to carry insurance to cover these types of damages. Mike McClary was also present to ask what is going to be done regarding the sewer back up after the storm last week. Everyone else was present regarding an item on the agenda.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions regarding the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration are the May 2, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, Bill List and Nominated Adam Cooprider to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mayor Russell noted to the city clerk the name of the reporter from the Fulton Journal is Kayla. Ald. Crosthwaite asked that item C. Bill List is removed from the consent agenda. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

The Bill list was removed from the consent agenda to be voted on separately. Ald. Field asked why the city was paying so much a month for the copier through RK Dixon. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the Bill List. Roll call vote (6 no, 1 yes, 1 absent). The Bill List was not approved, Ald. Crosthwaite asked for Reimburse for slip rental to be removed from the Bill List. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the Bill List with the correction. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

First item for consideration is the amendment to second and third extension and modification agreement. The amendment adds language relating to number of jobs retained and gained for each modification. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to approve the amendment. Roll call vote (7 yes).

Second item for consideration is the bid opening of the heritage residential lots. The city received one bid from Leon & Katie Groh to purchase the lot to the northeast. They are willing to purchase the whole lot for $25,000 or purchase ½ of the lot that connects to their property for $10,000. The council has 45 days from today to accept or reject any bids.

Third item for consideration is Electrical Aggregation Rates. New prices have been set by ComEd, which are lower than the current rate we are on contract for with community aggregation through September 2018. It is said that the rates could go down, there is a bidding process that can affect the rate for community aggregation. With no further questions or concerns they moved to the next item on the agenda.

The fourth item for consideration is the discussion on whether to amend the number of available liquor license in Fulton. Currently there are still available liquor licenses for a variety of new businesses however if any other businesses were wanting to open with a liquor license would the city want to amend the ordinance to allow another liquor license. Council did not see any need to act on this right away since there are still available licenses. With no further questions or concerns they moved to the next item on the agenda.

The fifth item for consideration is the variance request, which was passed by the Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Brad Houzenga needs a 4-foot setback on the west side of the property to expand the existing single car garage. The variance was passed unanimous by the members of the zoning board. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the variance request. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Old Business:

Warran Amman has been working with the city to make a private connection to the city’s storm sewer. City engineer has approved the construction plans for the private storm sewer connection. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Van Kampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the connection to city storm sewer. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Reports:

Mayor Russell included his written report.
Mayor Russell apologized for requesting a refund for a boat slip with the City of Fulton. After asking the harbormaster for a refund and knowing that refunds were not granted, Mayor Russell had a city employee issue him the refund anyways. Council members were unaware of this situation until almost 3 weeks after the situation occurred. There were mixed emotions regarding the situation and nothing was decided or solved.

Administrator Cannon included his written report.

April Eschelman Director of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce reported the financial standings and how the commerce planed more fundraisers to keep up on accounts.

Chief of Police Rhoades included his written report.

Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining, personnel and setting the price for sale of city-owned property. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent). The council entered closed session at 7:19 PM.

Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to exit closed session. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent). The council exited closed session at 8:13 PM.

With no further business, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk