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City Council Minutes September 8

CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 8, 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 Bill Shirk- City Attorney, Dan Clark- Public Works Director, James Rhoades- Chief of Police, and Regina Lehman- Tourism & Community Services Director.

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Roy Ann Mathews gave the invocation.

There was no communication from visitors.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular meeting minutes. Mayor Russell clarified that there were not numerous complaints about lights around town, but rather there were two complaints. With no further discussion Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the August 17, 2015 Regular Council Meeting minutes. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Mayor Russell addressed the first item on the agenda which was approving the request of Bear Development to change the proposed Section 42 housing development at the old JT Cullen site from senior housing to family housing. The change will allow Bear Development to go forward with a new PPA application in December 2015, with a final application with the Illinois Housing Development Authority in March 2016. Construction would begin in the fall of 2016. After a brief discussion of the council Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to approve Section 42 Senior and Family Housing. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Second, Chief Rhoades requested to purchase a 2015 Dodge Charger Police AWD car to replace 2012 Dodge Charger Police Squad car that was totaled in May 2015 due to an accident. Chief Rhoades explained they are $9000 short to buy the new car after the insurance reimbursement of $24,957. PD does not have a reserve account to take the extra money from. Mayor Russell said the City has a healthy amount in reserves and PD needs a police car. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the request. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Third, Chief Rhoades explained to the council the 2007 Police Squad car has been nickel and diming their budget since early spring. They have put over $4000 into the repairs and it currently has an electrical issue. The cost to repair the electrical issue is unknown and the car does have over 106,000 miles. It was in Chief Rhoades 10 Year Vehicle Rotation Plan that this one would be replaced this year. The council asked Chief Rhoades to find out more information on a vehicle package that Morrison is currently using that changes cars out at 54,000 miles.

Fourth, the council discussed a possible lighting ordinance establishing lighting requirements to avoid unreasonable interference to residents. Ald. Mask asked if the business has been talked to and are willing to change their lights. She also asked if such an ordinance was in place who will enforce it and how? City of Fulton resident, Lisa Peska, has talked to Drives and they will not change their lights. She said no one along the back side of Drives can enjoy their property at night because of how bright the lights are. Mayor Russell said he and Administrator Cannon will look into the situation more.

Fifth, Ryan Kilburg, Eagle Scout, with the oversight of Brian Tomman, Heritage Canyon Caretaker, is proposing to restore the front entrance to Heritage Canyon. This project includes removing some overgrown bushes and replacing with new plants, leveling the brick around the flag pole, replacing wood frame around the sign, repainting the flag pole, posts and chains around sun dial, and repairing and repainting the cannon. In addition to refurbishing the existing landscape, Ryan would like to build a retaining wall around the entrance sign. The council was appreciative of the work Ryan will be completing. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the request and allow Ryan to move forward with the project. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Sixth, there was a request for street closures during Fall Festival Activities on Saturday, September 26, 2015. It will be the same streets closed as in previous years with the addition of a two block section on 9th Street. Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the street closures. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mayor Russell said it was recommended to hold a public hearing on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 6:30 PM at the Robert Fulton Community Center to hear comments on changing 4th Street between 10th and 13th Ave from two-way to a one-way heading north, including downtown improvements and parking. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden urged that now is the time to have a public hearing because this is a hot topic for many people especially in his ward. Mayor Russell said no decision will be made until the council has their Capital Budget meeting in January. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Janis to approve the public hearing date and time. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor Russell reviewed his written report.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

Administrator Cannon included a written report.

REPORTS:

TCS Director Lehman reported that eighty people were at the Drives building at the last American Queen visit.

Ald. Mask announced that Sunday, September 20, 2015 will be the Martin House Dedication. She also said she is on the Budget Committee now.

Ald. Mike Van Zuiden asked how viable are all the city owned buildings/attractions. He questioned whether the city will be able to keep taking care of all of them. Ald. Mask said if he can get all of his questions together the Budget Committee can give him numbers. Mayor Russell said it’s a valid concern and each entity should have a business plan on how it will sustain itself.

With no further business, Ald. Nederhoff moved, seconded by Ald. Janis to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 6:30 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk