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City Council Special Meeting Minutes - November 15, 2018

City of Fulton
Special Council Meeting
November 15, 2018

 

Mayor Ottens called the meeting to order at 5:32 PM and directed the City Clerk to call roll. On roll call Mayor Ottens, Ald. Mike VanZuiden, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue VanKampen, Barb Mask, Keith King and Paul Banker.


The pledge of allegiance was recited.


Visitors at the meeting included; John Rohlf, Tom Steffen and Brock Steffen.

Tom Steffen from Lohmen Demolition wanted to explain why his bid was much lower than other bids received. There was approximately a $50,000 difference between him and the next lowest bid. Lohmen Demolition partners with another company to remove asbestos and he is currently in the area doing other work. If the council does not accept his bid within the 60 days, it could be a much different estimate down the road. They are currently taking down the old Unity Christian school and could start demolition on the Drives Building right after. Tom said he is a taxpayer as well and wants the city to do what is best for the building but he has seen many other people try to take on this type of project and then realize it is to much and end up taking the building down anyways. He said there was nothing overlooked and no additional expenses he did not calculate into the bid.


Business

Authorize advertising for the sale of the Drives Building.

Ald. Banker has a lot of questions and wishes Attorney Shirk was at the meeting to explain.

When bids are opened on December 21, 2018 would want a decision also made that night as to accept or reject bids. Once bid is accepted would want to close a week later but still thinking demolition. Do not trust the idea because it has been more than a year, no issues not a single hiccup or wants demo to occur.

Ald. Crosthwaite still believes the city will be using funds to pay for Drives Building, also concerned interest from stocks tied to Martin House need to stay with the house.

Ald. Mask said the Historical Society is interested in buying the building and already has a separate account for the money donated, pledged. They also found out the Historical Society can apply for the grant from Timken since the funds had to go back and they also so money will be left in a trust from the Considine’s.

Mayor Ottens suggested to make an amendment to the motion to include in the ordinance the successful bidder must close on or before January 4, 2019 otherwise all bids will be rejected and demolition will move forward. The city is still on track for demolition but could post pone for alternative option. Suggest going into closed session next meeting to discuss sale of property.

Ald. VanZuiden understands on December 21, 2018 the council will open bides and make a decision the same night. Also asks group looking to purchase why they did not buy the building the entire time? The city would have sold it for $2 the entire time but didn’t take it.

Ald. Field thought we already voted on demolition to be completed by January 1, 2019.

Ald. Nederhoff thinks setting a close date is fair, it will happen or it won’t.

Mayor Ottens wanted to point out a vote to accept a bid would take a 7/9 vote included the Mayor.

Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve advertising for bids for the sale of the Drives Building with the ordinance to include accepted bidder must close on Drives Building on or before January 4, 2019 otherwise all bids will be rejected and demolition will move forward. Roll call vote (5 yes, 3 no).


Approve change of date of the regular council meeting scheduled for December 24, 2018 to December 21, 2018 at 5:30 PM. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanZuiden to approve changing the regular council meeting from December 24, 2018 to December 21, 2018 at 5:30 PM. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 no).


With no further discussion Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 6:16 PM.


Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Nederhoff
Fulton City Clerk