CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 16, 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. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Len Janis, Mike Van Zuiden and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk- City Attorney, Dan Clark- PW Director, Regina Lehman- Tourism & Community Services Director, James Rhoades- Chief of Police, Amanda Fosdick- City Treasurer, Ron Shear – Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Clink Kettler- Zoning Officer.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne gave the invocation.
There was no communication from visitors.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular City Council meeting minutes. With no further discussion Ald. Van Kampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to approve the November 2, 2015 regular Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/all yes/ motion carried.
Next, the Council reviewed the Bill List. Ald. Crosthwaite asked about a $1500 charge for tree removal on 11th Ave. Mayor Russell asked Dan to take the tree down. He was unaware that it would cost that much. He asked if they could discuss this later in the agenda. With no further discussion Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the Bill List. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Next, the Council reviewed the Treasurer’s Report. With no further discussion Ald. Janis motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Mayor Russell addressed the first item on the agenda which was reviewing proposals from Moring Disposal and Republic Services Inc. for municipal garbage service. The Finance Committee recommends renewing the contract with Moring Disposal. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to renew the municipal garbage service contract with Moring Disposal. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Second, the Finance Committee recommends adding a $.80 monthly administrative fee to the municipal garbage rate. The fee allocates garbage billing costs to the garbage utility fund instead of the general fund. This will save the General Fund $15,642.00 a year. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked why they would start doing this now if they’ve never done it before. Mayor Russell explained that it’s just good accounting to allocate funds for garbage expenses. Ald. Mask agreed this was a good accounting practice and motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to add $.80 administrative fee to the municipal garbage rate. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 2 no/ motion carried.
Third, Mayor Russell asked the Council to discuss their thoughts on changing the downtown parking time limit from 2 hours to 4 hours. Administrator Cannon explained that there were some issues with patrons only having a two hour window to park downtown. Larry Leonard, owner of Large One’s Pub said he lost customers because patrons of his establishment were issued a ticket while they were in one day watching a football game. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked why even have a limit at all if you’re going to increase it to 4 hours. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden agrees with not having a limit at all if the City of Fulton wants the downtown to be welcoming. Ald. Van Kampen said she believes it’s up to the owner of that building/business to police their employees and/or tenants from parking on 4th Street. Mayor Russell appreciated everyone’s input on the topic.
Fourth, Mayor Russell asked the Council to discuss two available lots owned by the city in Heritage subdivision on 5th Ave between 9th and 10th streets. The lots are listed as “surplus” so the city cannot sell them for less than 80% of their appraised value. Removing these two properties from surplus will allow the City to accept bids or list the property with a realtor which should expedite their sale. Ald. Mask asked to see what it would cost the city to get sewer, water, and a street there.
Fifth, Matthew and Betsy Robinson wish to sell back to the City the property they purchased in the Heritage subdivision in October 2013. According to the Cash Sale Contract, Fulton has the right to repurchase the property should the Robinson’s fail to build a residence within 42 months. The Robinson’s explained that they found a house in Fulton that they would like to purchase instead of building, but cannot do so until they sell the lot. They cannot sell the lot easily with this contract in place either. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked why the City would want to buy back more land when they already own 2 lots there. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to release the option to buy back the lot so Robinson’s can sell the lot on their own. Roll call vote/ 5 yes, 3 no/ motion carried.
Sixth, the Zoning Board of Appeals presented a recommendation to grant a rezoning request for the property located at 812 18th Avenue owned by Timken Drives. The request: rezone said property from residential to industry. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the variance request. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Seventh, the Council was asked to approve street closures during the annual Christmas Walk festivities on Friday, December 4, 2015. Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the street closures for the Christmas Walk. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Lastly, the Council discussed authorization to connect a lateral line to City storm sewer system on 13th Street to replace the current illegal connection to the City sanitary system subject to terms to be negotiated between Warren Amman and the City Administrator. Mr. Amman explained that they have an ongoing water problem in their back yard. Every time there is 1 inch of rain he gets five other people’s rain water in his back yard. He has sump pumps in the back yard that pump to 11th Ave currently. Mr. Amman is proposing to bore a 4” PBC pipe 150 ft. to the street at their own expense. Then asking the city to ty into the storm drain and amend the sidewalk. PW Director asked whose responsibility the pipe would be down the road. There are issues about being able to locate the pipe down the road if people don’t know it’s there because it’s not city property. Ald. Mask would like to know the cost to the city for dropping the line in the sewer and sidewalk repairs. Mayor Russell apologized for the $1500 tree removal fee. It was another element to this problem and in hind sight should have just trimmed a limb. He was trying to help fix the bigger problem. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to proceed with negotiations with Mr. Amman on fixing this problem. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell included his written report. He also announced Jackie Wilkin has resigned as City Clerk effective January 1, 2016.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
REPORTS:
Chief of Police Rhoades included a written report.
PW Director Clark included a written report.
With no further business, Ald. Mask moved, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to adjourn to reconvene Thursday, November 19th for a Capital Budget Workshop. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 6:50 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk