CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JULY 6, 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. Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Len Janis, and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Ald. Barb Mask and Mike Van Zuiden were absent. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk- City Attorney and Dan Clark- Public Works Director, Jim Rhoades- Chief of Police, and Casey Simpson- Patrol Officer.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Youth Pastor John Kershner gave the invocation.
Andrew Meyers, Fulton resident, requested a street closure on the 500th block of 6th Ave for a block party on August 8, 2015. Administrator Cannon told him there is a street closure request form that he can fill out at City Hall.
Administrator Cannon introduced Regina Lehman as the new Tourism and Community Services Director. Ms. Lehman previously worked at J.T. Cullen and has been working in Human Resources for the last 15+ years. She shared her excitement and readiness to start a new career with the City of Fulton.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular meeting minutes. With no further discussion Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to approve the June 15, 2015 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 2 absent/ motion carried.
For the first item for consideration, Mayor Russell invited Wendy Ottens to speak on behalf of the Downtown Retail Group associated with the MAPPING group. Ms. Ottens explained the five original goal groups formed during the MAPPING process have merged and there are now three groups which include: Retail and Industrial, Parks, Recreation, & Riverfront, and Tourism. The combination of groups will help reduce the number of meetings people need to attend and prevent overlap of projects. Ms. Ottens explained the number one goal of their committee is to make downtown Fulton more attractive and inviting for residents, tourists, and potential business owners. She briefly explained the banners that have been ordered for the downtown and that the committee is raising funds for this project by having a Trivia Night July 23, 2015 at 7:00 PM at the RFCC. Secondly, Ms. Ottens proposed the idea to the Council to change 4th Street to a one-way traveling north between 13th Avenue and 10th Avenue. She stated that the committee surveyed about 21 business owners in the downtown on the one-way project and about 75% agreed to the change. The number one reason for the change was the one-way would provide additional parking. The second reason being it would be safer. There was brief discussion with the Council about the flow of traffic through the downtown. Administrator Cannon showed the Council a picture of parking spaces at a 30 degree angle on both sides of 4th Street. This change would provide an additional eight spaces and enough handicap spots to be compliant. He said there is money available for this project. Ms. Ottens asked the Council for a motion for the group to keep moving forward with the project. Ald. Janis motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen for the group to keep working on the project and to come back with a definitive parking plan. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 2 absent/ motion carried. Mayor Russell thanked the committee for their work on this project.
Second, the Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals held a Public Hearing on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 6:30 PM to rezone city-owned property at the old JT Cullen property and Mr. Joseph Maresca’s property on 16th Avenue from Industry to Business. Chairmen of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Ron Shear, presented that the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted to rezone the property from Industry to Business.
Third, Administrator Cannon said that the Housing Task Force is presenting its recommendation for utilizing the $250,000 Attorney General Mortgage Foreclosure Settlement grant. Their recommendation focuses on a combined buyer assistance and home rehab plan. Mayor Russell asked if the contractor would be local since the realtors being used would be local. Administrator Cannon didn’t know if the City was able to choose the contractor and will check into that. Ald. Nederhoff motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the task force recommendation. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 2 absent/ motion carried.
Fourth, the City of Fulton and the Fulton Police Officer union (FOP) have reached a tentative agreement for the 2015 – 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Administrator Cannon briefly reviewed his executive summary outlining the agreement.
Fifth, Fulton Lodging, LLC is refinancing its loan with Community State Bank to First Trust and Saving Bank in Albany, IL. This requires new Intercreditor and Subordination agreements. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve Intercreditor and Subordination agreements. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 2 absent/ motion carried.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell summarized his written report and highlighted a few citizen issues from his report.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon summarized his written report which included a recap of Blessing of the Bikes, an update on the Drives building, and an economic development update.
With no further business, Ald. Howard Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 7:11 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk