The City Council meets on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. The City Council meets in the Council Chambers of Fulton City Hall, 415 11th Avenue. Council meetings are open to the public.
Mayor Russell called the meeting to order at 5:30 and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher, M. VanZuiden and H. VanZuiden answered, “present.” Ald. Dan Nederhoff was absent. Also in attendance were Bill Shirk (City Attorney), James Rhoades (Police Chief) Dan Clark (Public Works Director), and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne Wiersema gave the invocation.
During the communication from visitors Rich Petersen spoke about the Bike Blessing to be held June 5, 2016. The Bike Blessing did not make it on the agenda and will be discussed at the next meeting to finalize all details. Ald. M. VanZuiden suggested having a fence to keep people in beer garden. Chief Rhoades confirmed a 3 ft. barrier must surround the beer garden. Attorney Shirk clarified it must be a rule for the event, not listed in ordinance. Darwin Johnson, 1010 4th Ave wants to know what the city is going to do about the sewer back up that happened late May 11 into May 12. Attorney Shirk stated the city is not liable to pay for damages; it is the responsibility of the homeowner to carry insurance to cover these types of damages. Mike McClary was also present to ask what is going to be done regarding the sewer back up after the storm last week. Everyone else was present regarding an item on the agenda.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions regarding the items listed on the consent agenda. Items for consideration are the May 2, 2016 City Council Meeting Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, Bill List and Nominated Adam Cooprider to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mayor Russell noted to the city clerk the name of the reporter from the Fulton Journal is Kayla. Ald. Crosthwaite asked that item C. Bill List is removed from the consent agenda. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).
The Bill list was removed from the consent agenda to be voted on separately. Ald. Field asked why the city was paying so much a month for the copier through RK Dixon. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Field motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the Bill List. Roll call vote (6 no, 1 yes, 1 absent). The Bill List was not approved, Ald. Crosthwaite asked for Reimburse for slip rental to be removed from the Bill List. Ald. VanKampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the Bill List with the correction. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).
First item for consideration is the amendment to second and third extension and modification agreement. The amendment adds language relating to number of jobs retained and gained for each modification. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to approve the amendment. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Second item for consideration is the bid opening of the heritage residential lots. The city received one bid from Leon & Katie Groh to purchase the lot to the northeast. They are willing to purchase the whole lot for $25,000 or purchase ½ of the lot that connects to their property for $10,000. The council has 45 days from today to accept or reject any bids.
Third item for consideration is Electrical Aggregation Rates. New prices have been set by ComEd, which are lower than the current rate we are on contract for with community aggregation through September 2018. It is said that the rates could go down, there is a bidding process that can affect the rate for community aggregation. With no further questions or concerns they moved to the next item on the agenda.
The fourth item for consideration is the discussion on whether to amend the number of available liquor license in Fulton. Currently there are still available liquor licenses for a variety of new businesses however if any other businesses were wanting to open with a liquor license would the city want to amend the ordinance to allow another liquor license. Council did not see any need to act on this right away since there are still available licenses. With no further questions or concerns they moved to the next item on the agenda.
The fifth item for consideration is the variance request, which was passed by the Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Brad Houzenga needs a 4-foot setback on the west side of the property to expand the existing single car garage. The variance was passed unanimous by the members of the zoning board. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the variance request. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).
Old Business:
Warran Amman has been working with the city to make a private connection to the city’s storm sewer. City engineer has approved the construction plans for the private storm sewer connection. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Van Kampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to approve the connection to city storm sewer. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent).
Reports:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
Mayor Russell apologized for requesting a refund for a boat slip with the City of Fulton. After asking the harbormaster for a refund and knowing that refunds were not granted, Mayor Russell had a city employee issue him the refund anyways. Council members were unaware of this situation until almost 3 weeks after the situation occurred. There were mixed emotions regarding the situation and nothing was decided or solved.
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
April Eschelman Director of the Fulton Chamber of Commerce reported the financial standings and how the commerce planed more fundraisers to keep up on accounts.
Chief of Police Rhoades included his written report.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining, personnel and setting the price for sale of city-owned property. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent). The council entered closed session at 7:19 PM.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to exit closed session. Roll call vote (7 yes, 1 absent). The council exited closed session at 8:13 PM.
With no further business, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 8:14 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance
4. Communication from visitors
5. Consent Agenda (All items in the consent agenda will be enacted by a single motion and roll call vote. Any item may be removed upon request by the Mayor or any Alderman and considered individually after all other items of business on the consent agenda).
A. Approval of March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (pages 1-2)
B. Approve Treasurer’s Report (pages 3-11)
C. Approve Bill List (located at end of packet)
Action: Motion to approve Consent Agenda
6. Rule on Items Removed from Consent Agenda
7 Items for Consideration:
A. Mutts on the Mississippi Presentation (pages 12-13)
B. Clinton Regional Development Corporation Update
C. Heritage Canyon Caretaker Agreement Amendment (page 14)
Summary: Amendment requires caretaker to pay gas and electric utilities.
Action: Approve amendment
D. Danielson Second Extension and Modification Agreement (pages 15-17)
Summary: Agreement extends the Revolving Loan to Danielson Properties, LLC to April 15, 2021 with all remaining terms unchanged.
Action: Approve agreement
E. Request to allow swine within city limits
Summary: Resident requesting approval to keep a micro pig within city limits. Fulton Code §94.01 (A) makes it unlawful to keep certain animals (including swine) within the city limits without written permission from the City Council.
Action: Discussion and possible vote
8. Old Business
9. Reports
Mayor
Administrator Report (pages 18-26)
Alderman
Police Chief Report (pages 27-28)
Public Works Director Report (page 29)
Tourism and Community Services Director Report (pages 30-31)
Tourism Committee Report (pages 32-33)
Windmill Area Steering Committee Report (pages 34-35)
10. Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining and personnel
11. Return to Open Session
12. Adjourn
City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2016
Mayor Russell called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Dan Nederhoff, Sue VanKampen, and Wes Letcher answered, “present.” Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite showed up late. Ald. Mike VanZuiden and Howard VanZuiden were “absent.” Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), April Eschelman (Chamber of Commerce Director), James Rhoades (Chief of Police) and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Kevin Verhoeven gave the invocation.
Notice of public hearing for Proposed Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Budget as noticed in the Fulton Journal and City Hall on April 7, 2016. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to open the public hearing for the proposed fiscal year annual budget. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
With no questions or concerns from the public Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to close the public hearing for the proposed fiscal year annual budget. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
During the communication from visitors Jason and Brittney Brewer made comments regarding a current ordinance that does not allow residents within city limits to have pigs as pets. The couple is looking to adopt a micro pig (very small pig that weighs 15 lbs. at full growth) as a pet. The council decided to put this ordinance on the list for the next meetings agenda.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions regarding the items on the consent agenda. Items for consideration are the March 21, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes. With no questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the items on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
First item for consideration is the variance request for Jimmy Driscoll. Don Loftus from the Zoning board was present to explain the denial from the meeting on March 31, 2016. Fulton code requires a 7’ side lot setback, while Mr. Driscoll is looking for a variance to allow him to build 5’ from the side lot line. Mr. Driscoll explained the garage he is looking to build (as shown on page 4) to the council and as to why he is asking for the 5’ variance. After listening to both Mr. Loftus and Driscoll the city council motioned by Ald. Mask, seconded by Ald. Letcher to send it back to the Zoning Board of Appeals to vote again on the variance request. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
Second item for consideration is to approve the Ordinance to adopt the Annual Budget of the City Pursuant to Section 8-2-9.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code. After completion of the public hearing in accordance with Illinois Municipal Code Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the budget ordinance. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
Third item for consideration is to remove the two Heritage Residential lots from surplus property and allow the City to accept bids to properties. A public notice will be published weekly in the Fulton Journal for three weeks. The City Council has the right to reject any bids. With no further questions Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the ordinance directing the Sale of Real Estate Owned by the City of Fulton.
Fourth item for consideration is the Special Event Policy to establish appropriate rules and regulations and establish an application and license fee for outdoor events. The application idea came from Clinton’s application for their special events. It was decided there needs to be a list of co-sponsored events that are exempt from the application. With many unanswered questions and concerns Ald. Letcher motioned to hold off on the vote and be addressed at a later time after changes to the application have been made.
Fifth item for consideration is to approve the Industrial Center Farm Lease. The contract is to lease 98-acre property to Doug Holesinger for the 2016 crop year; the lease is for $27,225. With no questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to approve the farm lease. Roll call vote (6 yes, 2 absent).
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
Administrator’s Report:
Administrator Cannon included his written report.
Marina Committee Report:
Dan Clark included the marina report.
Martin House Financial Report:
Financial Report for the Martin House was included.
With no further business, Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 6:55 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance
4. Public Hearing for Consideration of Proposed Fiscal Year 2016 Annual Budget (budget located at end of packet)
Summary: As noticed in the Fulton Journal and on the City of Fulton Website on April 7, 2015, this is a public hearing for the tentative annual budget for fiscal year May 1, 2015 through April 31, 2016. A copy of the tentative budget has been available for public review at City Hall and on the City website. All interested persons are invited to attend this public hearing and be heard.
Action: Motion to open the public hearing for the proposed fiscal year 2015 annual budget.
5. Close Public Hearing
6. Communication from visitors
7. Consent Agenda (All items in the consent agenda will be enacted by a single motion and roll call vote. Any item may be removed upon request by the Mayor or any Alderman and considered individually after all other items of business on the consent agenda).
A. Approval of March 21, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (pages 1-3)
Action: Motion to approve Consent Agenda
8. Rule on Items Removed from Consent Agenda
9. Items for Consideration
A. Variance Request (page 4)
Summary: Fulton Zoning Board of Appeals denied a motion to approve a 5 foot setback on the eastern side of residential property belonging to James Driscoll at 711 8th Ave. during a public hearing on March 31, 2016. Fulton code requires a 7’ side lot setback. A 2/3 vote by the City Council is required to override a variance denial by the Zoning Board of Appeals.
Action: Rule on variance request.
B. Ordinance #1537 Adopting the Annual Budget of the City Pursuant to Section 8-2-9.4 of the Illinois Municipal Code (pages 5-6)
Summary: All notifications and public hearing have been accomplished in accordance with Illinois Municipal Code. Approved budget must be submitted to the Whiteside County Clerk by April 29, 2016.
Action: Approve budget ordinance
C. Ordinance #1538 Directing the Sale of Real Estate Owned by the City of Fulton (pages 7-9)
Summary: Ordinance removes the two Heritage Residential lots from consideration as surplus property and allows the City to accept sealed bids to purchase the fee simple interest of the properties. Public notice will be published weekly in the Fulton Journal for three weeks beginning April 12th with bids due by Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Bid opening will be Monday, May 16, 2016 during the Regular City Council Meeting.
Action: Approve Ordinance
D. Special Event Policy (pages 10-16)
Summary: Ordinance #1524 (May 18, 2015) specifies the City Council shall establish appropriate rules and regulations and establish an application and license fee for outdoor events.
Action: Motion to Approve Special Event Policy
E. Industrial Center Farm Lease (pages 17-25)
Summary: Contract to lease 98-acre Industrial Center property to Doug Holesinger for the 2016 crop year. Lease is for $27,225.00 ($275.00/acre), which mirrors the 2016 crop year lease price.
Action: Approve farm lease
10. Old Business
11. Reports
Mayor
Administrator (pages 26-28)
Aldermen
Marina Committee Report (page 29)
Martin House Financial Report (pages 30-31)
12. Adjourn
City of Fulton
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
March 21, 2016
Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and directed the city clerk to call the roll. On roll call Ald. Barbara Mask, Gene Field, Dan Nederhoff, Margaret Crosthwaite, Sue VanKampen, Wes Letcher, and Mike VanZuiden answered, “present.” Mayor Russell arrived late to the meeting. Also in attendance were Ed Cannon (City Administrator), Bill Shirk (City Attorney), Regina Lehman (Tourism & Community Services Director), Dan Clark (Public Works Director), Amanda Fosdick (City Treasurer), Officers Wherry, Hamilton and Flack (Police Officers) and Clink Kettler (Zoning Officer).
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Wayne Wiersema gave the invocation.
During the communication from visitors Pro Tem Mayor asked if anyone would like to speak. No one said anything at the time; all were present regarding matter on the agenda. Randy Boonstra was present regarding the budget and old Drives Building. Mike Ottens, Arlene Considine, Trudy Feldt, Chuck Dykstra, Jane Luker, Jeff DenBesten and Kyle Kopf were present regarding the old Drives Building. Nick Moffitt was present on behalf of the Clinton Herald.
First, Pro Tem Mayor H. VanZuiden asked if there were any questions regarding items on the consent agenda. Items on the list include Approval of March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes, Approve Treasurer’s Report, Approve Bill List, Proclamations (May 2016 Motorcycle Awareness Month & April 7, 2016 Junior Achievement Day. Ald. M. VanZuiden asked if the Kozyra funds were being used to remodel entire city hall project? Administrator Cannon replied, “Yes the police department wanted the window and entrance changed.” Ald. Mask wanted to know the Police Department was paying for the entire remodel. Admin. Cannon to look into it more as to why. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the items on the consent agenda. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Second, the next item for consideration is the Municipal Accounting/Utility Billing Software selection. Page 15 in the meeting packet lists the proposals received from different software companies. It was recommended by city employees and Admin. Cannon to keep the current provider and just update modules and add a few new ones to satisfy needs. Ald. Mask asked with the update if a position would be eliminated. Admin. Cannon said, “No, but employees would possibly work less hours and save time to get other tasks completed.” With no further questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. M. VanZuiden to approve the Billing/Software update. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Third, item on the agenda is approve the FY 2017 municipal budget. The budget was included in the meeting packet, during review Admin. Cannon pointed out line 231 on page 7 of 25, this amount could be raised to $3000 to help business owners replace sidewalks. Ald. Mask supported the idea, Director Clark mentioned laws state owner to fix sidewalks themselves, this would mean the ordinance would have to be changed. Admin Cannon said this would only help offset cost not pay for entire fix. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the tentative budget for public inspection and schedule Public Hearing for Monday, April 4, 2106 at 5:30 PM. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Fourth, item for consideration is Employee Health Insurance. The contract for employee health insurance is due to renew April 1, 2016. The plan includes all non- management employees, even employees in negotiation. With the new plan it would be partial self-funding. Randy Boonstra suggested making an exit strategy if this does not work out as planned, it would say where the reserve funds would go if switched back to normal insurance. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve the Employee Health Insurance Contribution. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Fifth, item for consideration is the Employee Health Insurance Contributions. This recommendation is to change employee and family health insurance contributions to 10% for employees and 25% for families. With no questions or concerns Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve the employee health insurance contribution policy. Roll call vote (7 yes).
Old Business:
Authorize funds to replace the roof at the Drives building subject to successful $250,000 fund drive and completion of viable business plan. After much discussion it was verbally mentioned the roof repair could not exceed $50,000, 6 months from today must raise $250,000 and a business plan. After much discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. VanKampen to approve Drives building plan. Roll call vote (3 yes, 5 no). Motion failed to be approved.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Russell included his written report.
Police Report:
Chief Rhoades included his written report.
Tourism & Community Services Report:
Director Lehman included her written report.
Committee Reports:
Written reports were included from Fulton’s Windmill Cultural Center, Volunteer Millers, Steering Committee, Education Committee, Andresen Cultural Center, and Fulton Historical Society.
Ald. H. VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining and personnel. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council entered closed session at 7:25 PM.
Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Nederhoff to exit closed session. Roll call vote (8 yes). The council exited closed session at 8:34 PM.
The last order of business was to decide on the management salary increase. After discussion between the aldermen they decided on an 3% increase. With no further questions or concerns Ald. Nederhoff motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the management salary increase. Roll call vote (8 yes).
With no further business, Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to adjourn. With voice agreement the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Lindsey Renkes
Fulton City Clerk
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance
4. Communication from visitors
5. Consent Agenda (All items in the consent agenda will be enacted by a single motion and roll call vote. Any item may be removed upon request by the Mayor or any Alderman and considered individually after all other items of business on the consent agenda).
A. Approval of March 7, 2016 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (pages 1-3)
B. Approve Treasurer’s Report (pages 4-12)
C. Approve Bill List (located at end of packet)
D. Proclamations
1. May 2016 Motorcycle Awareness Month (page 13)
2. April 7, 2016 Junior Achievement Day (page 14)
Action: Motion to approve Consent Agenda
6. Rule on Items Removed from Consent Agenda
7 Items for Consideration:
A. Municipal Accounting/Utility Billing Software selection (page 15)
Summary: See attached Summary
Action: Approve Municipal Software provider
B. FY2017 Tentative Budget (located at end of packet)
Summary: The tentative budget represents the final draft of the FY 2017 municipal budget. If approved, the budget will be posted for public inspection on April 4, 2016, and a Public Hearing scheduled for Monday, April 4, 2015 at 5:30 in the Fulton City Council Chambers.
Action: Approve tentative budget for public inspection and schedule Public Hearing for Monday, April 4, 2016 at 5:30 PM.
C. Employee Health Insurance (pages 16-24)
Summary: See Attached Summary
Action: Vote on city insurance plan
D. Employee Health Insurance Contributions (page 25)
Summary: Recommendation to change employee and family health insurance contributions to 10% for employees and 25% for families.
Action: Vote on employee health insurance contribution policy
8. Old Business
A. Drives Building
Summary: Authorize funds to replace the roof at the Drives building subject to a Successful $250,000 fund drive and completion of a viable business plan for subsequent operation as a City/Historic Society public/private partnership
Action: Vote
Action: Discussion
9. Reports
Mayor (pages 26-27)
Aldermen Reports
Police Report (pages 28-29)
Tourism & Community Services Report (pages 30-33)
Committee Reports (pages 34-53)
11. Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining and personnel
12. Return to Open Session
13. Adjourn