De Immigrant Windmill

City Council Minutes January 4, 2016

City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
January 4, 2016

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 VanKampen, Mike VanZuiden and Howard VanZuiden answered “present.” Ald. Len Janis was absent. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), James Rhoades (Chief of Police), and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Kevin Verhoeven gave the invocation.

During the communication from visitors Mayor Russell noted that everyone present was here regarding matters on the agenda. Jeff DenBesten and Greg Hardy from Timken Drives were present regarding the Vacation ordinance, after the vote Mayor Russell asked them if they were happy with the decision and when they were planning on starting the work. DenBesten and Hardy were happy with the decision and expressed they were going to wait until the weather changed with a general date of June 2016.

Mayor Russell with regret announced the resignation of Len Janis from the City Council (Ward 3) effective immediately. Due to ongoing health issues Janis will no longer be able to serve the City of Fulton.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments regarding the last regular City Council meeting minutes. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the December 21, 2015 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent) motioned carried.

The first item on the agenda was to appoint the new City Clerk. Mayor Russell pointed out the City Clerk term will be through the remaining term (May 2017). Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to appoint Lindsey Renkes as the new City Clerk. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent) motioned carried.

Second item on the agenda was to discuss establishing a consent agenda for the City Council. Ald. Barbara Mask asked a few questions regarding the change to a consent agenda; City Attorney Bill Shirk clarified the questions asked, noting that the mayor or alderman can remove an item from the agenda and vote separately on that item. The consent agenda will eliminate multiple roll calls and speed up the process and flow of the meeting. The ordinance to establish a consent agenda for the City Council will be amended, discussed and voted on at a later date.

The third item on the agenda was the ordinance vacating a portion of 18th Ave North of Lots 5, 8, and 9 in Block 11 of Blake’s Addition, City of Fulton. City Administrator Ed Cannon has been working with employees of Timken Drives in order to satisfy their need, before voting on the ordinance the price mentioned throughout the process was 0.30 per square foot which comes to a total of $1,680. City Attorney Shirk clarified that they must sell the land for something since it is more than half of the total lots. With no further questions Ald. M. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the ordinance. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).

Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Russell expressed his appreciation for Ald. Janis, stating he would be sending him a thank you card. He also asked for any ideas on who could replace his spot until the term expires. Mayor Russell also shared the thank you notes he received from John Blount and Tammy Garibay in appreciation of the Christmas bonus. He also wanted to congratulate the town on raising $10,000 fro the salvation army, $9,000 for the families of Fulton to make sure all kids have presents under the tree and 5,000 meals were served at the Christmas dinner at the fire station.

Administrator’s Report:
Administrator Cannon included his written report and pointed out the Rock Island Economic Development bought four properties and plan on starting construction soon will a completion time of June 2016. Cannon also mentioned Fulton qualifies for the USDA Rural Business Development Grant, we have missed the 2016 deadline but can wait until 2017 to apply. The grant is for up to $99,000 with an expected cost to fix the water main of $200,000. If granted the funds the remaining amount would come from bonds. It was also noted City Attorney Shirk checked into the Liquor licenses and video gaming and we do not have the power to decide who can or cannot get a gaming licenses, they come hand in hand when granting a liquor license.

Reports:
Chief of Police Rhoades wanted to express appreciation for the Christmas bonus the officers received, he knows how hard they work and the bonus was a good way to reward them.

Public Works Director Clark also wanted to express appreciation for the Christmas bonus; he had many of them verbally thank him for the bonus.

Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 5:58 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk