De Immigrant Windmill

City of Fulton Council Meeting Minutes, August 23, 2021

City of Fulton

Council Meeting Minutes

August 23, 2021

Regular Meeting

 

 

Mayor Wendy Ottens called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and directed the Deputy Clerk to call the roll. On roll call, Ald. Banker, Mask, VanKampen, Nederhoff, Hunt and VanZuiden were present. Also in attendance was Attorney Shirk, City Administrator Clark, Chief Neblung, Sgt. Hamilton, Deputy Clerk Garibay and Zoning Officer Sikkema. Visitors were present.

Pledge of Allegiance

Swearing In of Alderperson, Police Chief and Patrol Officer

Swearing in of 1st Ward Alderperson, Jeff Brondyke.

Swearing in of Chief of Police, Nike Neblung.

Swearing in of Patrol Officer, Wyatt Heyvaert.

Mayor Wendy welcomed all and thanked everyone for their time and dedication to the City of Fulton.

Recognition of Volunteers

The recognition of Volunteers was presented by Alderperson Mask.  Ald. Mask gave a brief background about the museum and the future of the program before recognizing, Harold and Helen Smith, Neil Luker, Chuck Miller, Brenda Council and Charlene Johnson as the dedicated individuals that maintain, present, and keep the program running smoothly at the museum. From Master Gardener, Secretary, Treasurer, Maintenance and Historians these volunteers are the heart of the museum. Without them operations would cease. It is because of their love and admiration of the museum that keeps it going.  It is with deep appreciation that Mayor Wendy and the City of Fulton would like to express our gratitude. We thank you for your service to the community.

Communication from Visitors

Bill Council addressed the council that he has heard the council is considering adding an additional liquor license. He said that he is worried that if additional licenses are given out, the current business that possess them now will not be able to make a living. He asked who was wanting the new license and Mayor Wendy said, Mr. Dan Dolan was applying for one and that he would be speaking later in the meeting. Mr. Council stated that he would like the two, 1st Ward Alderpersons who represent his Ward to vote against adding a new license.

Business

Approve the August 4, 2021, and July 26, 2021, Minutes…Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen…no discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the June 2021, Treasurer’s Report. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Banker…no discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the August 2021 Bill List. Ald. Hunt motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask. Short discussion to follow. Ald. Nederhoff question the DJ Service. Sgt. Hamilton said it was the DJ Service hired to perform at the National Night Out Event and was covered by community donations. With no more discussion, roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the motion to add one “Class A” Liquor License. At this time, Mayor Wendy asked Mr. Dan Dolan to present to the council what he was asking for in terms of the license and his business plan. He explained that he already has a Class C license in his possession but can not get any individual to establish the restaurant part of the business. He would like the Class A so he can move forward and hopefully get a restaurant in the future. He would like to open a Coffee Shop, along with a small full bar and video gaming. He believes has been a good businessman for the area. He has brought in a substantial amount of revenue in for the city along with providing 25 new jobs for the area just from the Dispensary.

Mayor Wendy states that at any point, ALL businesses “take a risk”. She does not believe that holding a certain amount of liquor licenses and not issuing more to an individual business - that has a plan and has already proved themselves and would be good addition and revenue source for the City, is a bad idea. Fairness needs to go across the board for all businesses. Why should one business get precedence over another. Competition makes for better business.

There was some confusion over how many licenses that were available. Ald. VanZuiden asked what licenses were available. Mayor Wendy said there was one available, but in fact the motion was to add one. Attorney Shirk cleared up that you had to add one, one was NOT available. The current number available and taken for Class A Licenses was 5, and we are asking to add 1, to a total of 6.

There was also some discussion on revoking licenses that are not active. Currently there are 2 businesses that have not opened after the 60 days of being issued a license. Ald. Hunt states that one of the two businesses is schedule to open within the next week or two.

Bill Council asked about the license that was denied by Kathy Kingery of Manny’s, several years ago, why didn’t they get one. Ald. VanZuiden stated that it was the council to decide who will get the licenses, not the mayor.

It was the consensus of the entire council that an additional was not in the best interest of the community. 

Mayor Wendy asks for a motion to add the “Class A” Liquor License. Ald. Banker motioned, no second. Motion failed.

Approve an Ordinance adopting a Whistleblower Protection Policy for the City of Fulton. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Banker.  Attorney Shirk states that this is a requirement that every year employees will have to adhere and sign the policy and keep on file. With no further discussion, roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Ordinance approved.

Approve the refinancing of the Fulton Industrial Center Loan at a 5-year fixed rate of 1.7%, with Central Bank. This will save the city an average of $37,600 per year. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask. Short discussion to follow.  City Administrator Clark said it was the consensus of the Finance Committee to go ahead with the financing. With no further discussion roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Discussion - Push Tax. These taxes are just in the first stages and have not yet been passed. You can make a set fee, or you can collect on every play on a video gaming machine that is in service. Attorney Shirk will keep us up to date on any changes.

Discussion – Water Plant Evaluation. City Administrator Clark explained that there were several recommendations that resulted from the evaluation. The city will be sending out a survey soon to residents about cross-connections, some repairs will be made within the system, but overall, everything is in good shape. One recommendation that will need to be addressed in the future is painting of the water tower. Current pricing will come in at about $700,000 but there are grants out there to help.

Discussion – Lincoln Highway Mural. Ald. Mask has asked permission for local artist, Regina Dixon, to touchup the Lincoln Highway Mural. It is the consensus of the council to go ahead.

Discussion – Audit Review and Letter of Recommendation. Audit was discussed by the Finance Committee. It was determined that everything was incompliance. Ald. Mask would maybe like a brief discussion at the next meeting and some highlights of the audit. Questions should be compiled by everyone prior to the meeting. Mayor Wendy thanked all that were involved in the audit preparation.

Reports

Finance – N/A

Economic Development – Ald. Mask asks that everyone look around your neighborhood…what houses are empty?

Parks & Rec – Mayor Wendy appoints Ald. Brondyke to the committee along with Ald. VanKampen

Public Safety – N/A

Marina – N/A

Zoning – Mayor Wendy has received Dale Sikkema’s resignation as Zoning Officer effective December 31, 2021.

Mayor’s Report – Included in packet

City Administrator Report – Included in packet

Aldermen Report – N/A

Chief of Police Report – Included in packet

Adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Personnel and Property (Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no to enter closed session at 6:53 pm)

Return to Regular Meeting at 7:25 pm

Approve Heritage Canyon Caretaker – Duties and Contract. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Hunt. No Discussion to follow. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Contract approved as stated.

Adjourn the Regular Meeting at 7:30 pm to be continued at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 5:30 pm, to vote on proceeding with advertising for the sale of property. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Hunt…All in favor. 7 Ayes.

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy L Garibay

Deputy Clerk