City Council Meeting Minutes

March 14, 2015

City of Fulton
Budget Workshop minutes
Call to order, 8:00a roll call, H.VanZuiden, M, VanZuiden, Letcher, Russell, Nederhoff, Field, Mask, present, VanKampen and Crosthwaite absent. Also in attendance, Dan Clark Director of Public Works, Jim Rhoades Police Chief, Melissa Wiebenga Tourism/Community Services Director.

Cannon presented 2016 budget options, one would be to use reserves to pay 2012c bonds, talked about budget shortfalls. Costs of vision 2020 to CRDC. Cannon went over general fund revenues and where they come from stating property taxes are the general funds number one revenue source. Field asked about TORT insurance, an explanation followed, Mask inquired about the municipal utility tax, Cannon explained the revenues would generate enough to cover shortfall, Letcher asked for an example to understand the impact to a typical household.
Cannon presented revenue options, discussion followed. Sales tax revenues are not keeping up with the bond debt service, a 1/4 % increase would cover these costs. Too late to put on ballot for next election but Nederhoff explained the need for these revenues and we should get the information out to the residents and let them decide. Mask inquired about changing from a non home rule to a home rule, there are definite advantages but it would require a referendum. Mask was in support of the video gaming to remain in parks. Cannon reported fee structures are being reviewed by staff.
Cannon covered available properties the City has available. Mask inquired about placing Heritage addition on our website. Melissa said she could add to website as soon as she receives information from Cannon.
M VanZuiden asked about the cost to the City from our attractions, Cannon explained each attraction is different, individual agreements are a possibility. A discussion on the Andreson agreement followed.
Cannon asked council what options they would like him to present, discussion followed and Cannon would put some together for their review.
M. Vanzuiden said counting on revenues from property is risky. Russell suggested Cannon show residents what cuts have been done so far for the upcoming budget to save money.
Motion to adjourn, all yes.

Budget Workshop
March 7, 2015
8:00 A.M.
Agenda

1. Call to Order

2. Roll Call

3. Pledge of Allegiance

4. Communication from Visitors

5. Budget Workshop:

• Summary: Workshop purpose is to discuss city expenditures and identify priorities for capital projects. Topics for discussion include but are not limited to unfunded projects, capital improvements, employee total compensation, and park infrastructure.

6. Adjourn

CITY OF FULTON
BUDGET WORKSHOP
MARCH 7, 2015

Mayor Russell called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barb Mask, Gene Field, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Wes Letcher, and Mike Van Zuiden answered “present.” Those absent were Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite and Howard Van Zuiden. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, James Rhoades- Chief of Police, Dan Clark-Public Works Director, Melissa Wiebenga- Tourism/Community Services Director, and Tammy Garibay- Utility Clerk.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

There was no communication from visitors.

Mayor Russell thanked all those who were in attendance for the Saturday morning meeting. He then asked City Administrator Cannon to explain the budget.

Administrator Cannon started off by reviewing the budget shortfalls. Currently there are three areas with insufficient funds: 1) General Fund Operations 2) Economic Development loan and 3) 2012C Bond (Capital Projects Fund). The total shortfall is $107,021, however, if the 2012C Reserves is utilized the shortfall is $82,571.

Administrator Cannon then reviewed the list of additional projects which include: Hiring a Peace Corp Fellow, Whiteside Public Transportation Donation, CRDC Vision 2020, Regional Traffic Study (with Clinton, IA), and Remote Tornado Siren at RFCC. These projects totaled $26,100. Mayor Russell said what’s concerning are the ongoing fiscal issues rather than the one time projects. Ald. Mask asked what will happen to the projects and/or programming the Peace Corp Fellow develops once he/she leaves. She agrees that this would be a great asset for Fulton, but wants a more specific plan for what this person will do and how their work with carry on once they are gone. Tourism Director Wiebenga said she envisions this person organizing Mapping Groups and starting programs that the volunteers in our community would be equipped to take over. Ald. Mask also asked if Whiteside Public Transportation is meeting our citizens’ needs.

Next, Administrator Cannon listed the Capital Improvement Projects. Sewer video and cleaning are currently being done and sewer lining will hopefully be done with the DCEO grant.

Next, Administrator Cannon discussed long-range fiscal issues and concerns. The first concern is raising healthcare costs. He included a packet with information comparing City of Fulton employees’ compensation (Base salary, benefits, intangibles) to surrounding communities. Overall Fulton’s total compensation is 5% above average to similar communities in our region. Healthcare is rising nationally 6.5% per year and for Fulton 11.3% per year. By the year 2018, the government is implementing a Cadillac tax that would impact the City of Fulton for three employees, costing the City of Fulton $2212 by 2019. Administrator Cannon is recommending the City of Fulton change health contribution policy to 100/50. The City of Fulton would pay 100% employee health insurance premiums and the employee contributes 50% toward family health insurance costs. This plan would be equitable to all employees, reduces health insurance costs, and aligns Fulton’s total compensation to average total compensation within the region. He also describes how they would implement this plan over a 2-year phase in period.

The second concern is the revenues from the 3/4% sales tax is insufficient to pay bond debt on the 2012C Bond. He suggested selling two residential properties this year would help servicing this debt.

The third concern is Governor Rauner proposed cutting LGDF by 50%. LGDF is the portion of state income tax collected from Illinois residents and returned to local governments. In 2016, Fulton’s estimated LGDF is $339,669 and if this is implemented it would reduce General Fund revenues by $172,309. A contingency plan needs to be developed if this is implemented.

Lastly, Administrator Cannon asked PW Director Clark to discuss capital projects. PW Director Clark said the list he provided were suggested projects from an engineer a few years ago. The Council discussed the several options listed and highlighted a few that would be pleasing to the community.

Mayor Russell closed by saying he believed investing $10,000 in the CDRC would be a good investment and to have their help really market the Industrial Center would create more revenue for the city.

With no further business, Ald. Van Field moved, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen, to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 9:15 AM.

Minutes recorded by,

Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk

Call to order

2.    Roll call

3.    Pledge of allegiance

4.    Communication from visitors

5.    Approve February 23, 2015 Regular Council Meeting minutes (pages 1-4)

6.    Items for Consideration

A.    Vision 2020 Presentation by Clinton Regional Development Corporation

B.    License to Use Space in a City Building and Adjacent Land – Marina Lease (pages 5-14)

• Summary:  Doug Stoltenberg, owner of Doug’s Mobil Service, LLC, wishes to lease the boat repair facility and surrounding land at the Fulton Marina to operate a boat repair, boat sales, winter boat storage, and boat maintenance business.  Mr. Stoltenberg wishes to move in by March 15^th.
• Action:          Approve License

C.    Resolution Accepting Change in Zoning within One and One Half (1 ½) Miles of the Corporate Limits on the City of Fulton, and Resolution to Accept the Final Plat of Westcott Addition to Garden Plain Township, Whiteside County, Illinois (pages 15-17)

• Summary:  On February 23^rd, 2015 the Fulton City Council approved the Westcott rezoning request.  These resolutions serve to inform the Whiteside County Board of Fulton’s acceptance of the change in zoning and approval of the final plat.  Whiteside County will rule on the rezoning request on March 17^th.
• Action:          Approve resolutions

D.    Option to Purchase Real Estate - Zajicek Development (pages 18-26)

• Summary:   Mr. Zajicek has failed to complete an incubator building as defined in the November 4^th 2013 Development Agreement.  On February 2^th, 2015 the City Council rejected proposed modifications to the development agreement.  Fulton’s next step is to exercise the repurchase option spelled out in November 4, 2013 Option to Purchase Real Estate between Mr. Zajicek and the City of Fulton.  Mr. Zajicek has contacted the city through his attorney requesting a closing date on or before April 30, 2015.
• Action:          Exercise the purchase option.

E.  Budget Workshops

• Summary:  The City Administrator is recommending budget workshops for every Saturday in March at 8:00 AM.  Each workshop will address a specific topic, including Revenues, Expenditures, Debt, and Capital Projects.
• Action:  Approve March budget workshop schedule

Old Business

7.    Reports

• Mayor (page 27)

8.    Closed Session to discuss personnel

9.    Return to Open Session

10.  Budget Workshop

11.  Adjourn

CITY OF FULTON

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

March 2, 2015

CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
February 23, 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. Barb Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Wes Letcher, Mike Van Zuiden, and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk – City Attorney, Melissa Wiebenga- Tourism/Community Services Director, James Rhoades- Chief of Police, Amanda Fosdick- City Treasurer, and Dan Clark- Director of Public Works.

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor John gave the invocation.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions on the last regular meeting minutes or the special meeting minutes. Ald. Mask wanted to clarify that in the last regular meeting minutes it stated Ald. Van Kampen was at a “wine event” however it was actually an “art event”. With no further questions or comments Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the February 2, 2015 regular council meeting minutes and the February 7, 2015 special council meeting minutes. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Next, Mayor Russell invited Andy Meyers, Recreation Broad Co-President, to explain to the council the board’s plan to have a parade. Mr. Meyers said the Rec Board is planning a parade from the Elementary School to the Kiwanis Fields on May 17th. Once arriving at the fields there would be baseball games that all the baseball and softball participants could play, along with other activities to participate in at the fields. This event would be a way to kick-off baseball/softball season for the youth in Fulton. The council loved the idea; however the described route may be too long. Chief of Police Rhoades said the city doesn’t have enough barricades to go through that many intersections but they can come up with a route that would mirror the Dutch Days and Homecoming Parade routes and still conclude at Kiwanis Fields. Mayor Russell said the Board should continue to work with Chief Rhoades as they amend their route. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve the parade request with the understanding the parade route will be amended with the help of Chief Rhoades. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Next Mayor Russell asked the Council if they had any questions on the Bill List. Administrator Cannon said they have six interviews for City Hall Building Clerk this week. After brief discussion Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve the Bill List. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Next, Mayor Russell asked the Council if they had any questions on the Treasurer’s Report. Amanda Fosdick, City Treasurer had no additional comments to her report. Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

The first item for consideration, Mayor Russell asked City Attorney Shirk to summarize. Shirk explained Fulton obtained Worker’s Compensation insurance from IPRF during 2012. IPRF billed the city an additional premium of $13,118 following a payroll audit in 2013. The city challenged the audit but did not obtain resolution to the disputed premium change. IPRD has now retained legal counsel and is threatening to sue if payment is not made. City options are to fight the additional charges in court or pay the bill. City Attorney Shirk recommended the city pay the bill because they would have to get a lawyer in Cook County and the lawyer fees would be quite costly and there is no guarantee the city would even win. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the payment to IPRF. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Second, Mayor Russell said Fulton city ordinance calls for five (5) standing committees: Budget, Public Property, Planning and Records, Public Safety, and Parks and Recreation. Mayor Russell said the structure of our committees have not been updated since 1982 and there needs to be more structure and guidelines. He is not looking to add more or get rid of any committees, but to organize and bring structure to the committees we already have. Mayor Russell appointed Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to work with himself and Administrator Cannon to develop this structure and they will bring information back to the Council in May.

Third, Administrator Cannon summarized that on December 8, 2014, the Fulton City Council denied a rezoning request by Mr. Donald Westcott to rezone his property from A-1/R-2 to A-R because the rezoning might jeopardize a proposed medical cannabis cultivation center in the Fulton Industrial Center. The Whiteside County Board voted to table the rezoning vote at the request of both the City of Fulton and Mr. Westcott until the state of Illinois ruled on the proposed development. The state has now ruled that the cultivation center will not be located in Fulton, and Mr. Westcott is resubmitting his rezoning request to the Whiteside County Board. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve Mr. Westcott’s rezoning request. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Fourth, City Administrator Cannon explained to the Council that Fulton is facing three issues that require adjusting W/S rates: 1) increased costs in W/S debt service, 2) inadequate W/S reserves, and 3) adjustments for inflation. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden asked about the money sitting in the depreciation fund and Administrator Cannon explained that most of that money will be used for upcoming maintenance to our water and sewer infrastructure. Public Works Director Clark added that there is a pump and well down now that will need to be repaired that haven’t even been factored in yet. Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve water/sewer rate adjustment. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

Fifth, the City of Fulton must pass a resolution approving Motor Fuel Tax estimates for approved projects. Public Works Director Clark explained to the Council the resolution. Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve Motor Fuel Tax Resolution. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.

MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell summarized his written report on water/sewer rate adjustments, current year budgets, next year budget proposals and development incentives. Mayor Russell also announced he is considering options for proposed changes to our committee system. In the interim, he asked Ald. Mike Van Zuiden and Ald. Barbara Mask to sit in on future ad hoc Insurance Committee meetings. They will then meet with our Administrator to develop a recommended benefit package to be included in our next operating budget. Mayor Russell also expressed his gratitude to the entire Council for their kind words with the loss of his brother Leon.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
City Administrator Cannon summarized his written report on Electrical Aggregation contract renewal, a lease agreement for a boat sales/repair business at the Fulton Marina, and the Budget Workshop to be held Monday March 2, 2015 immediately following the regular City Council meeting.

Ald. Field asked if there was an update on the Zajicek development. City Attorney Shirk said he will have information to update the Council on March 2nd.

Chief of Police Rhoades submitted his written report with no additional comments.

Ald. Van Kampen updated the Council on the Marina. She shared that the lease agreement for the Marina tenant will be drawn up by the end of the week for the Council to review at their next meeting and that the business name will be “The Great River Marina”. Ald. Van Kampen also shared that the Marina website has been updated, new signed are up, landscaping will be done this spring, and they may possibly get bike racks for boaters who dock and would like to explore the city. Upcoming events are a meeting March 11th for slip renters at Manny’s Too and a possible boat float or Parade in late August.

Administrator Cannon summarized the Finance Committee’s written report on Water/sewer rates, the depletion of the Economic Development Fund (Fund 19), and the deficit on the Capital Projects Fund (Fund 31).

Tourism/Community Services Director Wiebenga announced the American Queen ship will dock in Clinton/Fulton five times this summer. This means approximately 200 people (each stop) may venture off the boat into our downtown which will be great for our economy.

Ald. Mask reported the Drives Building committee will meet one more time this Saturday at noon for one last tour of the Drives Building. After this Saturday they will put together a report on the feedback they have received from the community and share at a future Council meeting.

Ald. Mike Van Zuiden, Ald. Mask, and Karen Abbott met with Brian Fritz to discuss senior housing with a developer in the Quad Cities for senior housing. They had the opportunity to tour four properties. The developer said Fulton would be a great candidate for the type of housing he provides.

Lastly, Mayor Russell asked if an Alderman would volunteer to be on a Prison Advisory Board. This would keep our Council aware of the amount of new families moving into our area and other valuable information.

A motion was made by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden, seconded by Ald. Mask to go into closed session to discuss personnel. Roll call vote/ all yes / motion carried. Council went into closed session at 7:15 PM.

Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Field to return to main session. Roll call vote/ all yes / motion carried. Council returned to main session at 7:55 PM.

With no further business, Ald. Van Kampen moved, seconded by Ald. Mask to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 7:56 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk

CITY OF FULTON
SPECIAL CALLED COUNCIL MEETING
Saturday, February 7, 2015
8:00 AM

1. Call to order

2. Roll call

3. Pledge of allegiance

4. Communication from visitors

6. Items for Consideration

A. Medical Cannabis Dispensary operation in Fulton

• Summary: The Dispensary, LLC was awarded authorization to register for a dispensary license to operate a medical cannabis dispensary facility in Fulton, Illinois. The Dispensary, LLC submitted the most qualifying application and is now granted authority to begin the registration process. The announcement from the state was not an approval or a license to operate, but served as a notification that The Dispensary, LLC can begin the registration process. The Dispensary has up to 120 days to complete the registration process.
• Action: Discussion only

7. Adjourn

CITY OF FULTON

SPECIAL CALLED COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

FEBRUARY 7, 2015

Mayor Russell called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barb Mask, Gene Field, Dan Nederhoff, Sue Van Kampen, Wes Letcher, and Mike Van Zuiden answered “present.” Those absent were Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite and Howard Van Zuiden. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk- City Attorney, Chief of Police, James Rhoades and Officer Hamilton.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

Mayor Russell thanked all those who were in attendance for the Saturday morning meeting. The special meeting was called to discuss the Medical Cannabis Dispensary operation in Fulton. Mayor Russell asked City Administrator Cannon to summarize the history of this project. Administrator Cannon said the Dispensary, LLC was awarded authorization to register for a dispensary license to operate a medical cannabis dispensary facility in Fulton, Illinois. The Dispensary, LLC submitted the most qualifying application and is now granted authority to begin the registration process. The announcement from the state was not an approval or a license to operate, but served as a notification that The Dispensary, LLC can begin the registration process. The Dispensary has up to 120 days to complete the registration process. He also explained the location of the Dispensary will be along Route 136, west of McDonald Funeral Home.

Ald. Mask asked how the Dispensary will affect revenue for the city. City Attorney Shirk said the property tax revenue will increase because it’s located within the TIF district. Sales tax will increase but that revenue has to funnel through the state first and then is dispersed based on population. Ald. Field asked if the Dispensary would ever become a full service pharmacy. Administrator Cannon explained that they want to restrict the people that are allowed in that building so it would not be a regular pharmacy. Ald. Van Kampen asked what type of products they will sell. Administrator Cannon said he didn’t know specifically but explained that an individual will only be able to purchase 2.5 ounces in a 14 day period. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden inquired about the type of security they will have in and around the building. Chief of Police, Rhoades said they’ll have bullet proof walls, vaults, and security cameras. Ald. Van Kampen said she believes medicinal marijuana has great benefits to patients in need of this kind of treatment. She explained that the THC in the plant will be taken out so users won’t feel a “high”. She also added that medicinal marijuana is a totally different product than what is sold on the street and it’s much more expensive.

Other community members that were present asked questions such as: Will additional revenue be used for youth programs? When will the building be operational? How many employees will the Dispensary employ? How will this affect our youth? Are there other pop-up businesses that come along with Dispensaries? Mayor Russell speculates that the building will be operational in 6 months to one year and could possibly employ a dozen employees. He hopes that the additional revenues will be used for youth anti-drug programs. Chief of Police Rhoades explained that some pop-up businesses that have started in other states where recreational marijuana is legal will not be able to start here since Illinois state law prohibits recreational marijuana. Mayor Russell closed with thanking everyone again for coming and for the great questions and discussion.

With no further business, Ald. Van Kampen moved, seconded by Ald. Letcher, to adjourn.  With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 8:51 AM.

Minutes recorded by,

Jackie Wilkin

Fulton City Clerk

CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
February 2, 2015
5:30 PM

1. Call to order

2. Roll call

3. Pledge of allegiance

4. Communication from visitors

5. Approve January 19, 2014 Regular Council Meeting minutes (pages 1-4)

6. Items for Consideration

A. Report by MAPPING Group 4

B. Industrial Center Farm Lease (pages 5-13)

• Summary: This is the proposed farm lease for 99 acres in the Fulton Industrial Center for the 2015 crop year with Mr. Doug Holesinger. The cash rent for this lease is $275.00/acre or $27,225 per year. The lease stipulates that the land will continue to be for sale for development. In the event someone purchases some or all of the land after a crop has been planted but before it is harvested, the City of Fulton agrees to refund the amount paid per acre plus additional damage of $100.00 per acre.
• Action: Motion to waive bids and accept the terms of the 2015 Industrial Center Farm Lease.

C. Retail Firework Sales within City Limits

Summary: A licensed Illinois retail fireworks dealer requested Fulton allow temporary (3-month) fireworks sales within Fulton city limits. Fulton municipal code currently prohibits fireworks sales within city limits.

Action: Motion to approve/reject amending Fulton municipal code to allow temporary retail firework sales within Fulton city limits.

D. RFCC Roof Replacement (pages 14-16)

• Summary: In February, 2014 Beckwith Commercial Roofing in Clinton, Iowa submitted a proposal for $46,675.00 to replace the roof at the RFCC. Beckwith has previously performed roof work at both City Hall and the Community Center, including a major repair at the RFCC in April 2014. In October 2014 Fulton received a grant for the entire replacement cost of the roof and gutters at the RFCC.
• Action: Motion to waive bids and accept proposal from Beckwith Commercial Roofing

E. Zajicek Development Agreement (pages 17-27)

• Summary: On November 25, 2014, Mr. Zajicek proposed modifications to the Development Agreement with the City of Fulton. The City Administrator met with Mr. Zajicek and his attorney the week of December 1st, 2014 to discuss and clarify the proposed changes to the agreement. Mr. Zajicek and his attorney then presented these modifications to the City Council at the January 5th Regular Council Meeting. The proposed modifications were also discussed at the January 19th Regular Council Meeting.
• Action: Motion to accept/reject proposed amendments to development agreement.

7. Closed Session to discuss prospective litigation and personnel

8. Return to Open Session

Old Business

9. Reports

• Mayor
• Administrator – (pages 28-34)

11. Adjourn

CITY OF FULTON

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

February 2, 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. Barb Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue Van Kampen, Wes Letcher, Mike Van Zuiden, and Howard Van Zuiden answered “present.” Ald. Dan Nederhoff was absent. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon- City Administrator, Bill Shirk – City Attorney, Melissa Wiebenga- Tourism/Community Services Director, and James Rhoades- Chief of Police.

The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Kevin gave the invocation.

Doug Stoltenberg addressed the Council with his desire to lease the Marina for his boat sales and repair business. He explained what his current business is and his plans for the marina and asked if the Aldermen had any questions. A couple Aldermen stressed the importance of keeping that area clean and not wanting old boats sitting around. Mr. Stoltenberg said he wants to sell high-end boats and hopes to get Volvo Penta in his showroom at the south end of the building. There will be consignment boats sold, but he will be very picky about what he takes in. He has an excellent track record (99%) for selling what he brings in. There will be service repair at the north end of the building. Mayor Russell thanked Mr. Stoltenberg for showing initiative and taking time to come to the meeting.

Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions on the last regular meeting minutes. With no questions Ald. Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to approve the January 19, 2015 regular council meeting minutes. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

The first item for consideration, Mayor Russell invited Mapping Group 4- Tourism and Economic Development to share their goal. Jessica Winkel spoke on the groups’ behalf stating their goal, “Fulton attracts tourist from near and far to visit the multiple high-quality tourism sites in the community including Dutch inspired attractions, and a range of festivals and events that bolster the local economy.” Some of their top strategies include: “Touch of Dutch” tours, Celebrate our ethnic uniqueness and focus on the Dutch Heritage, Goodie bag for special events to give people an incentive to return, Train-the-trainer program for local service industry to help encourage referrals between businesses. Other committee members are Barb Mask, Jane Orman-Luker, Darryl Hogue, Paula Ensinger, Trudy Feldt, and Melissa Wiebenga.

Second, Mayor Russell asked City Attorney, Shirk to explain the proposed terms for farm lease for 99 acres in the Fulton Industrial Center for the 2015 crop year with Mr. Doug Holesinger. Attorney Shirk said the cash rent for this lease is $275/acre or $27,225 per year. The lease stipulates that the land will continue to be for sale for development. In the event someone purchases some or all of the land after a crop has been planted but before it is harvested, the City of Fulton agrees to refund the amount paid per acre plus additional damage of $100 per acre. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden said that is very reasonable and made a motion, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to waive bids and accept the terms of the 2015 Industrial Center Farm Lease. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Second, Administrator Cannon said he was approached by a licensed Illinois retail fireworks dealer to see if Fulton would allow temporary (3-month) fireworks sales within Fulton city limits. Fulton municipal code currently prohibits fireworks sales within city limits. Ald. Mask asked Chief of Police Rhoades what he thought of it. He explained the different levels of fireworks and the type of permits that would have to be obtained to buy the various levels. Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve amending Fulton municipal code to allow temporary retail fireworks sales within Fulton city limits for one year.  Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Third, Administrator Cannon explained that Beckwith Commercial Roofing in Clinton, IA submitted a proposal in February 2014 for $46,675 to replace the roof at the RFCC. In October 2014, Fulton received a grant for the entire replacement cost of the roof and gutters at RFCC. Beckwith Commercial Roofing will honor thier quote from February 2014. Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to waive bids and accept the proposal from Beckwith Commercial Roofing. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

Fourth, City Attorney Shirk said he needs to respond to Mr. Zajicek’s lawyer on whether the Council accepts or rejects Mr. Zajicek’s proposed changes to the agreement presented at the January 5^th Regular City Council meeting. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to reject Mr. Zajicek’s proposed amendments to the development agreement. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.

A motion was made by Ald. Mask, seconded by Ald. Letcher to go into closed session to discuss prospective litigation and personnel. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent / motion carried. Council went into closed session at 6:28 PM.

Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to return to main session. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent / motion carried. Council returned to main session at 6:38 PM.

Ald. Mask reported the Council is working on compiling evaluations for City Administrator Cannon.

MAYOR’S REPORT:

Mayor Russell briefly recapped the discussion in regards to leasing the marina building. He suggested having a 90 day agreement to see how the tenant operates. He also shared that three other communities in our area are also going through the MAPPING process. Lanark is one of them and they are considering hiring a Peace Corp employee through the program. He mentioned that having a Peace Corp employee may be a good investment in surplus funds. Mayor Russell also mentioned a temporary stage will be built in Heritage Cannon, there is interest from a citizen of Fulton to purchase property for a personal and business use, and there were minor complaints about the city’s efforts in removing snow after the huge snowstorm.

Ald. Van Kampen said she attended the wine event held at RFCC and asked if it would be allowed for people to bring in their own alcoholic beverages. The Council briefly discussed pros and cons to this and said it would have to be put on the agenda if they wanted to make a decision on this.

ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:

City Administrator Cannon’s written report included all the items for consideration and also information on the Clinton Redevelopment Group who may have a project that could bring 150 jobs to Fulton. Administrator Cannon asked the Council if they could meet February 17^th since the 16^th is President’s Day. It was decided to meet Monday, February 23^rd. Administrator Cannon also said he continues to work with the third ward on the new park. Lastly, he expressed how well Public Works handled clearing the roads, especially with three trucks breaking down.

With no further business, Ald. Crosthwaite moved, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to adjourn.  With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 7:22 PM.

Minutes recorded by,

Jackie Wilkin

Fulton City Clerk