At 5:30 PM, Mayor Ottens called the Regular City Council Meeting to Order and directed Amanda Fosdick, who was filling in for the City Clerk, to call roll. On roll call Mayor Ottens, Ald. Mike VanZuiden, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Barb Mask, Paul Banker and Keith King. Ald. Nederhoff was absent. Also in attendance was Randy Boonstra, Dwayne Hamilton, Dave Bartels, Dan Clark, Tammy Garibay, Debi Ervin, Bill Shirk and Dale Sikkema.
The pledge of allegiance was recited; Invocation was given.
Visitors at the meeting included: Joann Wiebenga, June Preloger, Harold & Helen Smith, Jackie Wilkins, Marge Bielema, Shelli Eng, Thomas Przytulski; Terry, Chloe, Hunter, Bryce and Mike Ragus, Jean Roeder, Jane Orman Luker and Clink Kettler.
Roll call to open the Public Hearing regarding the proposed 2018/2019 Budget (7 yes). Jane Orman-Luker asked if there was money in the budget for the demolition of the Drives Building and Mayor Ottens responded no. She then asked if there was money in the budget for moving the baseball diamonds. Again, Mayor Ottens responded no. Without further questions, Ald. King motioned to close the public hearing and Ald. Van Kanpen seconded. With all in agreeance, the public hearing was closed.
Mayor Ottens asked if there were any questions on the consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes April 9th, and approve the treasurer’s report. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. King to approve the consent agenda. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve request from Western Illinois University for Police Intern. With no questions or concerns, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. King to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve Micro Energy – Liz Reddington – Introduction to Microgrid Energy leasing land along 22nd Ave for Solar Garden. This would be a special use zoning permit. With no further questions or concerns, Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve Kurt Dreger request to purchase and develop land adjacent to the City for billboard use. With no questions or concerns, Ald. Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve Cattail Solar request to purchase and develop land adjacent to the city. With no questions or concerns, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Vote to Approve Special Use Permit allowing travel trailer parking and occupancy within city limits located at 701 Fowler Road. Most of the neighborhood is against this as it blocks their view and they have concerns that the township is paying the utility bills for the trailer but they are running a business. Ald. VanZuiden has received 5 phone calls against this Special Permit. City Administrator Randy Boonstra tried to contact the 4 closest neighbors, 1 was against it, 1 was for it and 2 were not home. The 4/2/18 Zoning Board voted in support. Ald. King motioned a vote, seconded by Ald. Banker. Roll call vote. (1 yes, 6 no). Motion fails.
Vote to Approve Variance request to have a ground level apartment in the rear of a downtown building. Zoning board of Appeals voted 5-1 in favor. There was discussion of historical policy and the possibility of future precedence. Ald. King motioned for a vote, seconded by Ald. Banker. Roll Call vote. (1 yes, 6 no). Variance Request fails.
Approve Klooster Run Street closures during Dutch Days. With no questions or concerns, Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve Economic Development Loan – David James. Ald. Field has concerns that the city is not in the banking business and that Mr. James should seek the funds from a bank. Mention was made that the State of Illinois has terminated the Revolving Loan Fund program and these funds will be loaned from the Economic Development fund. Motion for a vote made by Ald. Crosthwaite, seconded by Ald. King. Roll Call vote (5 yes, 2 no).
Approve Ordinance for Sale of Surplus Property. With no questions or concerns, Ald. Mask, seconded by Ald. VanZuiden to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve FOP Contract. With no questions or concerns, Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Approve 2018/2019 Budget and Capital Spending Plans. With no questions or concerns, Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve. Roll Call vote (7 yes).
Ald Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. The council adjourned the regular meeting at 5:56. Roll call vote (7 yes). Ald. King left due to a medical emergency.
At 6:43 PM, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn Committee of the Whole Meeting and move to Close Session. Roll call vote (6 yes)
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn Closed Session at 7:43.
Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjoured at 8:36 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Amanda Fosdick
City Treasurer