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City Council Meeting Minutes July 23, 2018

City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting
July 23, 2018

 

Mayor Ottens called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and directed the City Clerk to call roll. On roll call Mayor Ottens, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, and Keith King. Ald. Barb Mask, Dan Nederhoff and Mike VanZuiden were absent. Also in attendance Dave Bartels, Randy Boonstra, Dale Sikkema and Bill Shirk.


The pledge of allegiance was recited; invocation was given by Wayne Wiersema.


Visitors at the meeting included; Harold & Helen Smith, Chuck Dykstra, H. Wiebenga, Scott Stephen, Daniel Nardini, Jacqueline Covey, Travis Hughes, Doreen Hughes, Rev. Catherine Martin, Chris Tennyson and Darrel Hoag. Travis Hughes is earning his eagle scout badge by completing a project at Heritage Canyon. The Early American Crafters are willing to donate $250 to the project if the City of Fulton will match it. Travis is asking for the City of Fulton to match the $250 to help pay for the project. Put on next agenda for a vote.


Mayor Ottens asked if there are any questions on the business ratification from July 9, 2018. Neil Luker stated he is in favor of saving the Drives building, correction has been noted. With no further corrections or questions Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the business ratification. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent).


Mayor Ottens asked if there are any questions on the consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from July 9, 2018 and approve the treasurer’s report. With no questions Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. King to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent).


Business


Approve ordinance authorizing sale of municipally owned real estate to J. Maresca in the amount of $2,500. With no questions Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the sale of property to J. Maresca for $2,500. Roll call vote (6 yes, 3 absent).


Approve ordinance authorizing sale of municipally owned real estate to the Riverbend Ministerial Association in the amount of $1,000. The property is being sold for $1,000 in order to cover closing costs. Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the sale of land to Riverbend Ministerial Association in the amount of $1,000. Roll call vote (6 yes, 3 absent).


Approve ordinance for new Small Wireless Facility Program. This has been recommended by the IML in order for the city to get money, otherwise they could place anywhere and city would not benefit. Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve ordinance for new Small Wireless Facility Program. Roll call vote (6 yes, 3 absent).


Approve waiving the building permit fee for Riverbend Ministerial Association Application. With no questions or concerns Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. King to approve waiving the application fee for Riverbend Ministerial Association. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent)

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Approve to switch phone carriers and equipment. With the switch it will result in a 73% savings on phone expenses annually. Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Banker to approve switching phone carriers and equipment. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent).


Approve the 2017/2018 Audit. Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the 2017/2018 City of Fulton Audit. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent).


Approve writing down the debt from economic development to the general fund of $178,000. This was a suggestion from the auditor to simplify the books. Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Banker to approve writing down the debt from economic development to the general fund of $178,000. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent).


Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent).


With no further discussion Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Banker to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 6:23 PM.


Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Nederhoff
Fulton City Clerk

 

City of Fulton
Committee of the Whole
July 23, 2018


1. Public Input & Presentations


a. Student Resource Officer for Riverbend High School- Superintendent Hoag said the Riverbend School District looked at the budget to see if having a SRO works and so far it all makes sense. Chris Tennyson was present to speak on his experience as an SRO in Mundelein IL, he would like to help any way possible to make the program work. The SRO would help solve crimes, events, safety, work with guidance counselors, and travel to all schools in district. Ald. Banker couldn’t agree more with the program. Ald. Crosthwaite has firsthand experiences with SRO’s, there are less problems after school out since they are talking with the kids. Ald. Field agrees with hiring an SRO. Ald. VanKampen is concerns with the high expenses for the police department, majority of budget goes to police. The way this would work is the school would pay for the service but the SRO would be a city employee with benefits, approximate cost of adding this employee is $13,000. Chief Bartels believes this is a win, win. Once the SRO is in the school the replacement will be no big deal. Admin Boonstra believes this will help with safety concerns from citizens.


b. Report on video gaming- The state is looking to increase allowed amount of video gaming terminals from 5 to 8-9. It was suggested not to do anything and leave it the way it is now. Ald. Banker agrees we should wait and see what the state decides before moving forward. Ald. VanKampen mentioned Kathy Kingery with Manny’s Too has a liquor license application signed by Howard VanZuiden prior to changes made to the amount of liquor licenses. Mayor Ottens said at the meeting he attended earlier this month, mayors requested senators to give the city the power to reject gaming but still issue liquor licenses.


2. Committee chair reports


a. Budget committee- N/A
b. Public Property Committee- N/A
c. Public Safety- N/A
d. Parks & Recreation- N/A
e. Marina- held a meeting, Dedication for the pavilion will be Aug 17, 2018 @ 5 PM
f. Zoning- Fulton Commons will be renting apartments starting September 1 only on the 3rd Floor, invite to tour the facility before opening.
g. Economic Development- N/A


3. Mayor’s Report- July 3 went to meeting with other town Mayor’s and Tony McCombie. The topic of discussion was video gaming.


4. City Administrator’s Report- included in packet


5. Alderman Reports- N/A


6. Public Works Director- not present


7. Police Chief- Went to Officer Hamilton’s house to deliver Woz’s dog house. The concrete slab, fence and roof have already been completed. The City of Fulton already has the K9 dog vehicle and its ready to go. The drug arrests continue including heroin because it is cheaper than meth, becoming an epidemic. The public is working with police to make arrests. Dealers are using bars and video gaming to sell drugs/meth. Of the people arrested 68% of them are local, Fulton residents.


8. Tourism Coordinator- not present


9. Fulton Historical Society- report included


10. Adjourn- Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn committee of the whole back to the regular council meeting. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 absent). The committee of the whole adjourned at 6:22 PM.


Lindsey Nederhoff
Fulton City Clerk