CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 21, 2015
Mayor Russell 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 Van Kampen, Len Janis, Mike Van Zuiden and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk- City Attorney, Regina Lehman- Tourism & Community Services Director, Dave Bartels- Patrol Officer, and Amanda Fosdick – City Treasurer.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Roy Ann Mathews gave the invocation.
During communication from visitors Mayor Russell introduced Lindsey Renkes. Ms. Renkes is interested in the City Clerk position.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular City Council meeting minutes. With no further discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the December 7, 2015 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/ motion carried.
Next, the Council reviewed the Bill List. Ald. Field asked about an expense for a motor at the marina. Administrator Cannon clarified the use of the motor. Ald. Field also asked about an advertising expense. TCS Director Lehman clarified the advertisement will be ran in four issues. Ald. Van Kampen asked about an expense for a directional bore. Administrator Cannon explained that Public Works had to bore under Highway 84 for the new development at the intersection of Highway 136 and 84. Ald. Mask asked about expenses for Nextel and cell phone reimbursements. Administrator Cannon explained the Police Department and Public Works use radios and cell phones to communicate and these are the costs for them to do so effectively. With no further questions, Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the bill list. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Next, the Council reviewed the Treasurer’s Report. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the Treasurer’s Report. With no further discussion there was a roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
The first item on the agenda was the 2015 Property Tax Levy and Bond Abatement Ordinances. The 2015 property tax levy is $495,467. This is a 5% increase over 2014. Additionally two ordinances abating $355,158 in debt service obligation on three General Obligation Bonds (Series 2012A, 2012B, and 2012C) are also being presented to the Council for consideration. The abatement ordinances must be filed with the County Clerk and notifies the County Clerk not to levy taxes for these debt payments. Ald. Mask voiced her concern about making a decision based on the possibility that there will be a tax freeze. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden reminded the Council of their discussion during their Budget Planning Workshop and how this was needed to balance the budget. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve 2015 Tax Levy Ordinance 1531 and Bond Abatement Ordinances 1532 & 1533. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Second, Administrator Cannon explained that Timken requested the city vacate the eastern 100 feet of the 800 block of 18th Avenue. The Council reviewed the maps provided in the agenda to get a better idea of the request. Ald. Mask said she was supportive of the request. City Attorney Shirk told the Council they’d have to charge something per square foot for the request.
Third, Administrator Cannon submitted a Request for Proposal to solicit proposals to replace the city accounting software. Administrator Cannon explained that the average lifespan of municipal software is 7-9 years. The City of Fulton’s accounting software is about 20 years old. They are having compatibility issues and at risk of losing a significant amount of data. The cost to replace the software would be $25,000- $35,000, whereas the cost to upgrade would be around $6000. Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the request for proposal. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Fourth, Mayor Russell explained that a Christmas bonus of $200 for Fulton full-time employees and $100 for part-time employees has been given since 2003. He said this is not an obligation, nor part of the employees’ benefits package, but a way for the Council to let employees know they appreciate their work. Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to approve the bonus. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Fifth, Mayor Russell wanted to inform the Council that there is concern with the number of liquor/video gaming licenses the city has. If there are new businesses coming to town then will there be enough licenses for everyone. Mayor Russell clarified that no new business has inquired about getting a license yet.
Lastly, there has been a request for additional self-storage buildings on someone’s personal property which is already zoned industry. Mayor Russell said there are already so many storage units in this city that it’d be nice to see industry zoned property to be used for a business that would generate jobs. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden agreed the city has too many storage units, but isn’t interested in telling someone what to do with their personal property.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
REPORTS:
Patrol Officer Bartels reported that they think the person who burglarized Shell is the same person who has committed other burglaries in neighboring communities.
With no further business, Ald. Mike Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 6:42 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk