CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
DECEMBER 7, 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, Sue Van Kampen, Len Janis, and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Ald. Mike Van Zuiden was absent and Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite arrived a few minutes late. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk- City Attorney, Dan Clark- PW Director, Regina Lehman- Tourism & Community Services Director, James Rhoades- Chief of Police and Clink Kettler- Zoning Officer.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne gave the invocation.
During communication from visitors Ald. Field asked if they can discuss Christmas bonuses for city employees at tonight’s meeting. Mayor Russell said they will add it to the agenda for December 21st. They could not vote on that tonight since it wasn’t on the agenda.
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. Howard Van Zuiden to approve the November 16, 19, and 30, 2015 Regular and Continuation Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/6 yes 2 absent/ motion carried.
The first item on the agenda was a report from the Fulton Chamber of Commerce. April Eshelman, Director of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce, gave their financial report from the last six months. The Chamber is asking the City of Fulton for the $13,500 for next year again. She explained that they have three fundraisers worked into next year so they will hopefully not need the City’s assistance the following year. Ald. Mask asked where they make their most funds now. Ms. Eshelman said the largest portion of their revenues came from dues from businesses and those memberships are comparable to last years’ numbers. Mayor Russell thanked her for the report.
Second, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve ordinance establishing rates for solid waste disposal. The ordinance establishes new garbage fees which include a $.80 monthly administrative fee. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 1 no, 1 absent/ motion carried.
Third, Administrator Cannon reviewed a Land Use Plan for the 112 acres in the Industrial Center. The Land Use Plan was created by the Fulton Industrial Council and it included: Site Description, Development Goals and Objectives, Commercial District, Industrial District, Target Industries, and Other Takeways from the Land Use Meeting.
Fourth, Illinois Open Meeting Act requires municipalities to give public notice of its annual schedule of regular meetings at the beginning of each calendar or fiscal year. Ald. Janis motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the calendar. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.
Fifth, the Council reviewed the 2016 Municipal Priorities List that were established during the November 19th and 30th Budget Priority Workshops. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the priority list with the following exceptions: remove Housing Priority 4 – Trailer Park Beautification (because it’s privately owned) and adding to Housing Priority 2 “develop assisted living housing”. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.
Lastly, Administrator Cannon said the 2015 property tax estimate is $495,467, which represents a 5% increase over 2014. He also explained that he prepared a preliminary budget this fall which showed the City of Fulton will have about a $50,000 deficit for next year. Because of the deficit Administrator Cannon is recommending a 5% increase for the 2015 Property Tax Levy.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon included his written report and pointed out his Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit bids to replace the city’s accounting and utility billing software. He will present bids in January.
REPORTS:
PW Director Clark said he is receiving a lot of calls about the condition of alleys in town. He said they service them in the fall and spring and it’s because of all the rain that people are having issues.
Chief of Police Rhoades reported that he attended a meeting at the Thomson Federal Prison. They currently have 98 minimum security inmates and about 235 staff members with about 17 more starting in January.
TCS Director Lehman reported that the Christmas Walk was very well attended. She also started a 3rd- 5th grade Kid’s Club in the Community Center.
Ald. Mask submitted the Martin House monthly financial report.
Ald. Van Kampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining matters and set the price for sale or lease of city-owned property. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried. The Council entered closed session at 6:38 PM.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to exit closed session. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried. The Council exited closed session at 6:57 PM.
With no further business, Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 6:57 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk