De Immigrant Windmill

City Council Minutes June 15, 2015

CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
JUNE 15, 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. Barb Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Len Janis, and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Ald. Mike Van Zuiden was absent. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Amanda Fosdick- City Treasurer, Casey Simpson- Patrol Officer, Bill Shirk- City Attorney and Dan Clark- Public Works Director.

The pledge of allegiance was recited. No invocation was given.

There was no communication from visitors.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular meeting minutes. Ald. Mask clarified that Intern, Erin Wessels, attends Trinity Christian College. With no further discussion Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the June 1, 2015 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions on the bill list. After a couple questions and brief discussion, Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the bill list. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Next, Mayor Russell asked the Council to review the Treasurer’s Report. Administrator Cannon pointed out that Fund 73 has money left over from a gift that’s not designated toward anything yet. With no further questions, Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

At 5:39 PM Mayor Russell declared the Public Hearing open. Administrator Cannon welcomed Sharon Pepin of Community Funding and Planning Services. Ms. Pepin was hired by the City to help complete the income surveys needed to qualify for a CDAP grant to line city sewers. This public hearing is to allow interested parties an opportunity to express their views on the proposed federal funded CDAP Grant project. Up to $450,000 in grant funds will be used for a sanitary sewer lining project in targeted areas of the city. The lining project is part of the Fulton Capital Improvement Plan, and matching funds will come from 2012C Bond proceeds backed by the ¾% non-home rule sales tax. This Public Hearing is a requirement of the grant program, and is the first of the two Citizen Participation Public Hearings. Ms. Pepin provided a handout describing the project. The Council asked a few questions about the different housing grants available. The Mayor declared the Public Hearing closed at 5:54 PM.

The first item for consideration, Administrator Cannon explained M&J Painting is painting the north bridge and needs access to the area under the eastern approach to the bridge for storing equipment used during the project. The access includes traveling approximately 550’ along the bike path. M&J are also parking their vehicles overnight at the Water Treatment Facility. This lease allows access to these areas and stipulates that they will be responsible for restoring the grassy areas and bike path to original condition should they be damaged. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the lease. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Second, Mayor Russell welcomed Kyle Kopf, Andresen Nature Center Director. Mr. Kopf introduced Sean Ford, an Eagle Scout, who will be working at the Andresen Nature Center on a few projects this summer. The projects include: installing a frontage sign, installing the memorial plaque, and planting barrier trees along the cemetery property line at the Andresen Center. Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the projects at the Andresen Center. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried. Mr. Kopf added that they hope to have the projects completed in September.

Third, Mayor Russell said each year Fulton must pass a prevailing wage ordinance for laborers, mechanics, and other workers working on construction of public works for the City of Fulton. This ordinance adopts the Whiteside County prevailing wage guidelines for the City of Fulton. Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the ordinance. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Fourth, Mayor Russell summarized the Resolution of Support and Commitment of Local Funds pledges Fulton’s support and commitment to use funds from the Capital Improvement Fund in conjunction with an Illinois CDAP grant for a municipal sewer lining project. Included are engineer’s estimates, timelines, and estimated project budget. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the resolution. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:
A Public Hearing is to be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals on July 2, 2015 at 6:30 PM at City Hall for the purpose of considering a petition to rezone 4 properties from Industry to Business.

MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell said the Blessing of the Bikes event went really well. Patrol Officer Simpson agreed that the event was a good experience and had no issues. Mayor Russell responded to an editorial that was published in the Fulton Journal. He stressed that the relationship between the City and the Fulton Chamber of Commerce needs to improve. He defended the gap in staffing right now with the absence of a Tourism/Community Services Director. Administrator Cannon added that if there is a complaint with a city employee he asked it is brought to his attention first instead of airing it in the newspaper.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon summarized his written report.

PW Director Clark reported that Paul Banker painted the RFCC and windmill and that new LED lights are at the Marina. He is getting an estimate on what it would cost to repaint the light posts downtown.

Patrol Officer Simpson reported they are waiting on a new squad car.

ALDERMAN REPORTS:
Ald. Van Kampen said there are eleven abandoned homes in the 3rd Ward. She was in contact with an owner of two of the properties and the property owner said to submit the issues to her and she’ll take care of it. Other property owners have not responded to her yet. Mayor Russell thanked Ald. Van Kampen for taking action on this issue.

Ald. Field was recently added to the Windmill Steering Committee and said he went to the windmill and has a lot to learn!

Ald. Van Kampen said she and Ald. Mask met with Randy Dykstra about the landscaping for the Drives building. The estimate was about $100 over the allotted amount on the project so they’re asking if the city will cover the extra. Mayor Russell and Administrator Cannon agreed the city would cover the overage.

Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to go into closed session to discuss labor negotiations. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried. The Council entered closed session at 6:45 PM.

Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to exit closed session. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried. The Council exited closed session at 7:09 PM.

With no further business, Ald. Crosthwaite moved, seconded by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 7:09 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk