The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne Wiersema gave the invocation.
During the communication from visitors all were present regarding a topic on the agenda. Jeannie Rader was present to request street closures for the Calvary Hill Hustle, which will be held Oct. 1, 2016 at 8 AM. Visitors included: Diane Bausman, Dave Hewitt, Tom Warner Sr., Tom Warner Jr., Dale Thayer, Thelma Warner, Jeannie Rader, Janelle Clayton, Jessica Schmidt and Ben Eschelman.
The Fulton City Lodge presented a certificate of appreciation to the Fulton City Police for everything they do and thank them for their service.
Diane Bausman was present from the Blackhawk Waterway CVB, which started in 1986. The Blackhawk Waterway CVB covers four counties including Whiteside to use hotel/motel tax in order to bring visitors to the area. Of the 6% hotel/motel tax 33.3% of that amount foes directly to the Blackhawk Waterway CVB. They use economic impact in order to bring visitors to the area, at all enter points flyers are there for visitors to see. Most of the advertising these days are done online, with social media being one of the primary ways of getting peoples attention. Diane believes you have to spend money to make money! Ald. Mask and Mayor Russell said their website was awesome and really showed visitors what our area is all about.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions regarding the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration Approve September 6, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes, Appoint Tammy Garibay Fulton Deputy Clerk, Appoint Tammy Garibay Fulton City Collector, Reappoint Linda North to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Approve Treasurer’s Report, Approve Bill List, Fall Festival Street Closure Request: September 24, Homecoming Parade Street Closure Request: September 23, Ordinance #1544 Authorizing a Special Use Permit for Awesometown MVP, Ordinance #1545 Authorizing Variance for Fence Height for Jessica Schmidt. Ald. Mask asked what the $1000 was used for at Cattail Park, a juvenile was caught tearing up the grass and hope insurance will cover the damage and get reimbursed. Correction to the meeting minutes regarding the fence for Jessica Schmidt, the variance was only for the picket fence to be 48 inches high, not onto city property. Ald. M. VanZuiden asked if the Fulton City Lodging was behind on a payment, according to Treasurer Fosdick they are currently only one payment behind but no payment made in September yet. Mayor Russell pointed out there is a good amount in reserves. With no further questions or concerns or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (8 yes).
Unfinished Business
The first item on the agenda is the Fulton Commons Purchase Agreement. Bear Development has asked for a 75-day extension to get a right of way vacated. They are willing to pay to get this done on their own. Joe from Bear Development will be at the October 3 Council Meeting to talk. The is a 4 M development for Fulton! With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the extension for Bear Development. Roll call vote (8 yes).
The second item on the agenda is Restorer in Residence for Township Cemetery. This request is to allow an RV to be parked on Township property within the City of Fulton. According to city ordinance someone is not allowed to be living in an RV while parked in the yard. With no further questions or concerns Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned to deny the request for the restorer to park at the Township building, seconded by Ald. Mask. Roll call vote. (8 yes).
The third item on the agenda is Ordinance #1545 to amend the Section Entitled “Fee” in Chapter 155, Entitled “Zoning” and “Schedule of Fees.” This if changing the fee for a notice of appeal, this allows for changes to be made easier. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the changes for the fee when filing an appeal to the Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals. Roll call vote (8 yes).
The fourth item on the agenda is Jessica Schmidt requesting permission to install fence on city property. Attorney Shirk suggested a license that can be revocable at anytime, must be reviewed every 1-2 years. Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to prepare the license for Jessica Schmidt. Roll call vote (8 yes).
New Business
The fifth item on the agenda is regarding Police Administrative Fees. It has been recommended to amend 131-06 of Fulton Code to change the administrative fees to an administrative penalty. A recent court case ruled in the towns favor because they had signs posted at each major entrance warning people there would be a penalty and no explanation is needed. The city of Fulton currently lists it as a fee and we would be changing it to penalty and adding signs to all major entrances of town. With no further questions or concerns the ordinance is to be prepared and put on the next agenda.
The sixth item on the agenda is the recommendation for the City of Fulton to join TCEDA with a member fee of $1,000. Ald. Mask asked if fee was $500 or $1,000, I concur the membership fee is $500 but Randy Boonstra said other city’s give $1,000. Ald. Mask liked Randy’s explanation and is very supportive of TCEDA. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to join TCEDA and pay the $1,000 membership fee. Roll call vote (8 yes).
Reports
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
Chief Rhoades included his written report.
Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to enter closed session to discuss personnel. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council entered closed session at 6:45 PM.
Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to exit closed session. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council exited closed session at 7:14 PM
With no further business, Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 7:15 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk