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City of Fulton Council Meeting Minutes, July 26, 2021

City of Fulton

Regular Council Meeting

July 26, 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. King, Banker, Mask, VanKampen, Nederhoff, Hunt and VanZuiden were present. Also in attendance was Attorney Shirk, City Administrator Clark, Chief Neblung, Deputy Clerk Garibay and Zoning Officer Sikkema. Visitors were present.

Pledge of allegiance was recited.

Volunteer Recognition

The recognition of Volunteers was presented by Alderperson King. Fulton EMS representatives, Rachael Bielema, Steve Boonstra, Zach Refinger, and Boyd VanDellen were present to accept the recognition. It is with deep appreciation that the City would like to express our gratitude. We thank you for your service to the community.

Presentations

Gary Camarano, Whiteside County’s Economic Development Director and Enterprise Zone Director gave a brief presentation on “How does other people see us”. He stated that according to several well-known organizations, including US News, AARP and the Economic Community, Whiteside County is ranked at a “B” average. According to the polls, the county sits at #48 in “upcoming healthiest counties”, #17 in housing and transportation, and #3 as “comfortable” in an all-around status.    

Mr. Camarano also explained a little on a new program that has been adopted by 37 states and is called CPACE (Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy). This program is a financing structure in which building owners borrow money for energy efficiency, renewable energy or other projects and make repayments via an assessment on their property tax bill. This is done through private investors and no public money is at risk. These lenders lend the money at a lower rate and extend the payments above the normal years of financing; due to the fact it is a tax accessed.

Once a state adopts the program it is then up to the individual counties to proceed. The counties are at no risk. They are a liaison between the lenders and the borrowers only. It is an incentive to bring in businesses and new projects to our area, not only for new construction but existing construction that needs to be upgraded.

There will be informational meetings to be scheduled soon. Please contact Gary’s office for more information.

Mayor Wendy also asked Mr. Camarano about the counties take on “grant writing”. As of now the department is looking at a firm that specializes on grant writing. There is a commitment from the county now to buy in at 100 hours - an additional dollar amount can be given by an individual municipality, town, or village to increase a block of hours at a reduced rate. Gary is solidifying the terms in the future months with the firm. He will keep the City updated on the terms.

Communication from Visitors

Mayor Wendy introduces, Mr. Jeff Brondyke, as the future 1st Ward Alderperson, if he accepts. He is here tonight in attendance to watch, listen and make his decision. We are hoping that he will be on board. If Mr. Brondyke accepts, he will be sworn in at the next official Council meeting.

Business

Approve the June 28, 2021, Minutes…Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. King…no discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

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

Approve the July 2021 Bill List. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen. Short discussion to follow. Ald. Banker questioned the bill from Sloan Implement, wanting confirmation that the charges were from a new mower. CA Clark affirmed that it was. With no further discussion, roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the motion for the City of Fulton to support moving forward with the new Rural 4 Concept and the Highway 30 Project. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. VanZuiden. No discussion to follow. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve Sun Vest Solar Contract. Mr. Bill French is in attendance from the company to answer any questions. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. King. Discussion to follow. City Administrator Clark states that Sun Vest will put down $1500 to hold the property until licenses are issued. At that time, the purchase price would be $15,000 per acre for the 20 acres. Ald. Nederhoff says he is a little surprised that the contract was in the packet for approval. Mr. French states that Sun Vest had purchased all the contracts from Geronimo, and that contract with Geronimo had been previously approved by the council. Ald. Nederhoff also questions that the numbers do not add up on the crop rental properties, and the sold properties equaling the original 112 acres. CA Clark will do some research on the remaining acres. Ald. Nederhoff would like to see some different options. He would like to see a one-year contract verses a 3-year contract. This sale contract in the packet mirrors the previous Geronimo contract that was approved several years ago. Ald. Mask would like to see Sun Vest move to a different area within the Industrial Park instead of what was in the Geronimo contract. Ald. Mask would like Mr. French to inquire if the company would be willing to look at a different area. Ald. Mask said maybe some other investor might be interested in the area that was initially set aside for Geronimo. Attorney Shirk said another motion would have to take place now to change the contract from a 3-year contract to a 1-year contract. Ald. VanZuiden questions if there is something else going on here that the entire council is not aware of? Mayor Wendy, states not that she is aware of. Ald. VanZuiden says he believes that there is something else in place here that he is not aware of. Ald. King agrees. Mayor Wendy says regardless, do we have a new motion to go from the 3-year contract as in the packet, to a 1-year contract. Ald. Mask, motions, Ald. VanZuiden seconded. Zoning Officer Sikkema asks Mr. French when Sun Vest will know if they get approved for the license. Mr. French states anywhere from August to October. With no further discussion, roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the Ordinance authorizing a Variance of Certain Property within the City of Fulton, pursuant to the revised Zoning Ordinance of the City of Fulton to allow Justin and Skylar Petersen, 1018 12th Avenue, to erect a fence in the front yard. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded Ald. VanZuiden. No discussion to follow. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the resolution to waive Subdivision Requirements of Chapter 154, Pursuant to the Authority Granted the City Council Under Section 154.006 C. Darwin/David Olsen Property. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask. Discussion to follow. Ald. Mask asks was this because Mr. Olsen wants to put up a second building on the property in the Industrial Park on the land that he has purchased. Attorney Shirks states, yes. No further discussion, roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Resolution approved.

Remove Item D. from the agenda. Attorney Shirk states that this is very limited and unconstitutional. Attorney Shirk says that we just need to inform the residents more and educate them more on solicitors.

Recommendation and appointment of Deputy Clerk and City Collector, Tammy Garibay. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen. No discussion to follow. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Appointment confirmed.

Approval for Mayor Wendy and Ald. Sue VanKampen to attend the Highway 30 Meeting in Washington, D.C. the last week in September 2021. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. King, Discussion to follow. Ald. VanKampen states she wants to be in attendance to inquire on information for the Downtown Revitalization Project. The same Representatives that are there for the Hwy 30 Project are the same individuals that will give out grants for revitalizations projects. With no further discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approval of Funding for Engineering estimates for the Downtown Revitalization Project. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Banker No further discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved. -

Approve the wall repair bid from B&B Masonry at the Martin House Museum. Invoice will be paid by the Fulton Historical Society Funds. Ald. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Hunt. Ald. Mask states that this is a courtesy to the Council that major repairs and or expenditures be brought to their acknowledgement. With no further discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.

Approve the Zoning Change to Sec 155-120, Commercial storage units. Four options on the table. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen. Discussion to follow. Option 2 is on the table for passage. No further discussion to follow. Roll call vote, 3 Yes, 4 no. Motion NOT approved.

Reports

Finance – Budget to Actual is on schedule and General Fund Reserves are on the increase.

Economic Development – Industrial Park Handout from Ald. Mask … states properties sold, prices per acre and incentives given from the city

Parks & Rec – Mayor Wendy has been in touch with the 10th Ave Park Committee and will hear from them again. They will be told when they raise monies for improvements that the city will match funding, but they need to follow through with their plan and involvement. Ald. VanKampen stated that there was a group of volunteers, including Ald. Hunt that helped with a cleanup at the School Park.

Public Safety – Will be meeting in the future

Marina – Will be meeting in the future

Zoning – N/A

Mayor’s Report

City Administrator Report – Included

Aldermen Report – Christmas Tree has been purchased. Ald. VanKampen would like permission to solicit for new downtown Christmas decorations. Permission given.

Chief of Police Report – Included

Adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Personnel and Property (Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no to enter closed session at 7:10 pm)

Return to Regular Meeting at 7:40 pm

Adjourn the Regular Meeting at 7:41pm. Ald. King motioned, seconded by Ald. Hunt…All in favor. 7 Ayes.

Respectfully submitted,

Tammy L Garibay

Deputy Clerk