CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JULY 20, 2015
Ald. Howard Van Zuiden 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, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Len Janis, Mike Van Zuiden, and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Mayor Russell was absent. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk- City Attorney, Dave Bartels- Patrol Officer, Amanda Fosdick- City Treasurer, and Regina Lehman- Tourism and Community Services Director.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne gave the invocation.
Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked if there were any communication from visitors. Randy Schmidt, Fulton resident who lives on 4th Street, said he didn’t support the idea of one-way traffic through downtown. Mr. Schmidt and his wife lived on 4th Street when it was a one-way street a long time ago and hated it. David Dykstra, Fulton resident, says he rides the bus for Self-Help daily which picks up people on 4th Street. Changing the downtown to a one-way would affect the bus route. Ellen Schmidt, Mr. Schmidt’s wife and Fulton resident, said she is also not in favor of the one-way. She said she went downtown at 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 2:30pm one day and each time there were about seven parking spots on 4th Street available so she didn’t agree the change needed to be made due to lack of parking. She was also concerned that traffic heading south will take 5th Street and it will be hard to get onto 14th Ave. Next, Heidi Kolk, downtown business owner and Fulton resident, shared that she wasn’t surveyed and she was not supportive of the change. Ms. Kolk is also a Windmiller and is concerned about the traffic flow from the windmill to downtown. Lastly, Larry Leonard, downtown business owner and Fulton resident, said he also wasn’t surveyed and he didn’t really care if the change was made but he was concerned about added expenses this would place on his business. Mr. Leonard said he would have to install a back door entrance for southbound traffic on 3rd street. He would also need signage and lighting at the back of the building. By making 4th Street one-way it cuts his drive-by clientele in half. He asked that if he has to make all these changes that the city would be lenient on building permits, etc. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden added that about 80% of the people he has spoken to about the one-way are not supportive of the change. He thanked everyone for attending and their input.
Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular meeting minutes. With no further discussion Ald. Janis motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the July 6, 2015 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/ 8 yes/ motion carried.
Next, Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked if there were any questions on the bill list. There was brief discussion on a couple items and Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to approve the bill list. Roll call vote/ 8 yes/ motion carried.
Next, Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked if there were any questions on the Treasurer’s Report. With no further questions, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Roll call vote/ 8 yes/ motion carried.
The first item for consideration, Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked Administrator Cannon to explain. Administrator Cannon explained the intergovernmental agreement allows Whiteside County to prosecute all ordinance violations filed by Fulton with the Circuit Court’s office. In exchange Fulton agrees to pay the Circuit Court $75 for each citation filed. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the intergovernmental agreement. Roll call vote/ 8 yes/ motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS:
Administrator Cannon reported that Bear Development will not be submitting an application this July for Tax Credit housing. Market analysis does not support Senior Section 42 housing. Bear is asking if the city will expand the development to include families. Ald. Mask asked where we’re at with Brian Fritz from Pioneer Property. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden agreed that he would like to meet with Mr. Fritz again and see what his company has to offer. He expressed that if we wait too long on Bear that we may lose Pioneer. Administrator Cannon said that Pioneer has to go through the same process as Bear so the market analysis will be the same but agreed it’s still worth talking to them again.
ALDERMAN REPORTS:
Ald. Crosthwaite updated the Council on progress at the marina. She said they are working on more signage that shows the gas prices and are purchasing bridge planks for additional floats coming in. They are also putting in a fire pit with donated stones and a bike rack. The boat parade will not happen this year as its getting late in the season to start planning for it. Lastly, the committee discussed taking $1000 and dividing it up to give back to slip renters as a thank you.
Ald. Mask reported that two rooms at the old Drives building are decorated for visitors from the American Queen.
Ald. Mike Van Zuiden voiced his concern about the goal of Fulton Forward. He is concerned that it could create a generational battle. He said there are a lot of changes/improvements being proposed from Fulton Forward and we need to make sure they are being presented in a positive way. Regina Lehman, Tourism and Community Services Director, added that she has been involved in Fulton Forward since last October when it all started and the goal of Fulton Forward is actually to have the community (all ages) work together for positive changes.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell included a written report.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon summarized his written report which included an update on Section 42 Housing, 4th Street Traffic Study Update, City Hall remodel, and a Bus Turnaround at Heritage Canyon. The remodel would use the former Chamber office as a front desk for the Police Department. Ald. Mask agreed that change would be beneficial and makes sense. The turnaround would be located between Heritage Canyon and the Andresen Nature Center. It would include 22 standard and 2 ADA parking stalls. The estimated cost for this project is $85,000, but is eligible for an OSLED grant from the state of Illinois.
Ald. Van Kampen reported that four other business owners told her that they were not surveyed for the one-way downtown. Also, people in the 3rd Ward have complained that they cannot hear the sirens when there is ominous weather. Administrator Cannon said they would like to have a third siren in the 3rd Ward near Timken Drives.
Regina Lehman, Tourism and Community Services Director, reported the American Queen will be stopping in Fulton in August and September.
With no further business, Ald. Field moved, seconded by Ald. Mask to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 6:28 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk