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City of Fulton Council Meeting Minutes, April 25, 2022

City of Fulton

City Council Meeting Minutes

April 25, 2022

 

 

Mayor Wendy called the meeting to order and directed the City Clerk to call the role. On roll call, Aldermen King, Banker, Mask, Brondyke, and VanZuiden were present. Alderman Hunt arrived shortly after meeting started and Alderman Nederhoff arrived mid-meeting. Alderman VanKampen was absent. Visitors were present.

Public Comment

Laurie Cortez from the Sauk Valley Community College Impact Program gave an update on the program. There are 46 Fulton students in the program. 80% of the class has already completed their requirements. They have completed 878 hours of volunteered time.

Dr. Cortez stated that this is not just a scholarship program, it is the largest workforce training center in NW Illinois, “This is an economic development program”.

Dr. Cortez would like the City of Fulton to consider giving a donation to the program. She suggested 2% of the American Rescue Monies to be given back. Mayor Ottens thinks this would be a great idea, while other Aldermen questioned a donation. This will be further discussed.

Presentations

Kenny Mueller attended the meeting to ask the council for their consideration of property in the Industrial Center to be sold. Mr. Mueller would like to relocate his diesel mechanic shop to Fulton, as 90% of his clientele are Illinois based businesses. Jeff Spencer, as a businessman himself, totally supports the request, stating that Kenny is one of the best mechanics in this area and has been trying to get him to start up a business in Fulton for quite some time.

Mr. Mueller would be looking at a “pole-type building”, as others in the Industrial Center. He works mainly on diesel excavation equipment, and semis and trailers, hence a building of a larger size would be in the proposal.

Council agrees to move forward with the sale. All fees would be added into the cost of the lot, in the TIF District.

Chuck Dykstra spoke on the downtown development project, which he proposed at the last couple of council meetings. He would like a head nod from the council to proceed. Attorney Shirk will do a title search of the property to make sure it is sellable. Council is still gathering more information on said property. They will allow Mr. Dykstra to gather shareholders in the meantime, until a decision is made.

Julie Meiners attended meeting to ask permission from the council to move forward with the “Blessing of the Bikes”, to be held on June 5, 2022. They would like barricades and closing of the 4th Street, from approximately 10 am to 4 pm. They intend to have a beer garden, vendors, and band for entertainment. Council agreed to move forward. Julie is to have a meeting set up with Chief Neblung for further details on the road closure and barricades.

Approve the April 11, 2022, council minutes. Alderman Brondyke motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. No discussion. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Minutes approved.

Approve the April 2022, bill list. Alderman King motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. No discussion. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Bill list approved.

Approve the Treasurer’s Report. Alderman King motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Short discussion. Alderman Mask would like to have a summarized explanation of highs and lows in the budgeted funds. Something that would be easy to read and understand. Would be helpful if Treasurer would give her opinion, based on numbers, when caution should be taken on overspending and or when funds are fluctuating unusually. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Report approved.

Business – Items for Consideration (Discussion) and or (Action)

Approve a motion to publicize a TIF Notice for the sale of properties within the Industrial Center. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman King. No discussion. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Motion approved

Video Gaming – Machines and Fees. Discussion resulted in Council agreeing to raise fees from $25 to $125 per machine, starting the first of July 2022, and on January 1, 2023, terminal fees will be $250.00 for each video gaming machine in the establishment. Will move forward to prepare an ordinance.

Cannabis Fund Monies. Discussion. Council will further discuss allocation of funds after July1, 2022. This will be the end of the one-year anniversary. Council agreed that sidewalks are a top priority, along with the downtown, streets, and alleyways. Another idea would be a Depreciation Fund for the Police Department. Further discussion will take place.

Martin House Repairs. Discussion. Alderman Mask stated that it has been a practice that the Historical Society always brief the council when major repairs and expenses are needed for the Martin House. She included the proposal for needed water repellent treatment (brick sealer to all brick and base stone elements of the museum). The total bid is in the amount of $11, 526.00. This includes all labor, equipment, and materials to perform the scope of the work.

Alderman Mask would like this on the agenda for approval next month.

She would also like Alderman Banker, to give his expertise opinion on the work needed, and the bid, itself. So, noted.

Reports

Finance – N/A

Economic Development – Minutes provide at meeting

Parks & Recreation – Minutes included.

Public Safety -N/A

Marina – Still waiting for dredging.

Zoning – N/A

Mayor – Working on a “Biz after 5”. Downtown Development.

Alderman – Dutch Days Update

City Administrator – Report Included

Police Chief – Report Included

Public Works Director – N/A

Tourism – Report Included

Fulton Historical Society – Report Included

Closed Session to Discuss Union Negotiations and Sale of Property

Alderman Mask motioned at 6:39 p.m., seconded by Alderman King to enter closed session to discuss union negotiations and sale of property. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Enter closed session.

Return to Regular Meeting

Alderman VanZuiden motioned at 6:53 p.m., seconded by Alderman Brondyke to returned to the regular meeting. Roll call vote, 7 yes 0 no. Motion approved

Adjourn Meeting

Alderman Hunt motioned, seconded by Alderman King. All in favor, 7 yes. Meeting adjourned a 6:56 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy L Garibay

City Clerk