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.
CITY OF FULTON
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 6, 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, and Donny Pridemore- Police Lieutenant.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. Pastor Kevin gave the invocation.
Mayor Russell asked if there was any communication from the visitors. Casey Simpson, Fulton Patrol Officer, said he attended a couple of the Budget Planning Workshops in March and wanted to remind the Council that it had been mentioned to increase the utility tax from 2% to 4% to help make up the budget deficit. Officer Simpson said the additional $75,000 generated from such a tax increase could help balance the budget instead of cutting in other areas.
Next, Robert Miller, local business owner of Hobby Machine since 2002, addressed the Council by explaining his desire for purchasing land along Highway 84 to expand his business. Mr. Miller explained his communication with various city officials dating back to January 2013 until recently about his search for land options. In January 2014, Mr. Miller spoke to Administrator Cannon about purchasing land on the corner of Hwy 84 and Hwy 30. Mr. Cannon explained without any infrastructure in the Industrial Park it would be hard for him to establish his business there. Then later in August 2014, the City Council agreed to sell land to Nu-Med without infrastructure. Mr. Miller expressed his frustration of being a lifelong resident and not having support to grow his business here. Ald. Van Kampen asked exactly what his business entailed. Mr. Miller explained that he made accessories for Harley Davidson motorcycles and currently 90% of his sales are online. He now wants a store front on Hwy 84 that gets a lot of traffic from his clientele. He also would like to eventually have a Bar & Grill attached and be able to live there. The Council expressed their interest in having further conversations so Mayor Russell asked that this be put on the next agenda.
Next, Andy Meyers, Co-President of the Rec Board, said they are aware of the conversations of potentially using the land where Kiwanis Fields are located for a senior housing development. Mr. Meyers wanted to remind the Council that their program allows over 250 kids to play baseball/softball for free each year. The Kiwanis fields are used for their program because the Drives ball fields are not set up properly for this level of children to play and there is a concession stand there. He also stated that annually about six tournaments are hosted at Kiwanis fields which in turn brings people into town providing additional revenue for the city.
Mayor Russell asked if there were any questions or comments on the last regular meeting minutes or the budget workshop meetings. Administrator Cannon clarified that March 30, 2015 Budget Workshop was a continuation of the March 21, 2015 meeting. With no further discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve March 14, 2015 Budget Workshop, March 16, 2015 Regular Council Meeting, March 21, 2015 Budget Workshop, and March 30, 2015 Budget Workshop Continuation. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
First on the agenda, Mayor Russell invited Ald. Van Kampen to explain the Fulton Kiwanis Club’s generous donation of $1,821 for a climbing wall at the new 3rd Ward park. Barb Suehl, Fulton Kiwanis member, presented a check to Ald. Sue Van Kampen of the 3rd Ward. Mrs. Suehl said Kiwanis’ whole purpose is to serve the children of the world and they want to help with building and landscaping the park too. Ald. Van Kampen thanked them for their donation.
Second, Kyle Kopf presented a check for $350 to the City of Fulton from the Fulton Garden Fund. The fund was established in memory of Mr. Kopf’s father who spent much of his time landscaping the City of Fulton. The donation is to be used for beautification of the Drives building property. Ald. Van Kampen thanked Mr. Kopf for their donation.
Third, Mayor Russell invited Bob Whitten to explain his proposed plan for a Gazebo in Heritage Canyon that could also be used as a stage. Mr. Whitten explained the gazebo would be located near the church in the canyon and could be used for overflow from the church and for bands, picnics, etc. He said the expense of the gazebo will be covered by funds from Fulton Forward and donations from Awesometown Productions, True Construction, and The Kiwanis Club. The Canyon caretaker said with about ten weddings a year this would be a great addition to the canyon. Administrator Cannon asked about the dimensions of the gazebo and Mr. Whitten said it would be 16 feet in diameter. Cannon also asked if he could stake out the location and Mr. Whitten said he could do it the next day.
Fourth, Mayor Russell asked Mike Mudge, Rock Island Energy Services. Co., to present bids for early renewal of Fulton’s electrical aggregation contract. Our current contract renews in September, but current energy rates are advantageous for early renewal. Mr. Mudge briefly reviewed what they have done up until today which included a $500,000 savings for the city. After some discussion over the bids and debating over a two or three year contract, the Council decided to accept Constellation’s bid for three years at 6.59, 6.45, and 6.56. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to accept Constellation’s three year bid. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried.
Fifth, Administrator Cannon presented the tentative budget which represents the final draft of the FY 2016 municipal budget. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the tentative budget for public inspection. Roll call vote/ all yes/ motion carried. The tentative budget will be posted April 7, 2015 for public inspection and a Public Hearing will be Monday, April 20, 2015 at 5:30 PM in the Fulton City Council Chambers.
Ald. Sue Van Kampen had to leave early to return to work.
Sixth, the CRDC requested Fulton endorse the Vision 2020 five-year funding initiative. The Council agreed to support the CRDC for $5000 in FY 2016. Ald. Nederhoff motioned, seconded by Ald. Mike Van Zuiden to approve the Resolution Endorsing the Clinton Regional Development Corporation’s Five-Year Funding Initiative and Supporting its Implementation. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden noted that although their $5000 contribution is less than the $10,000 that was asked, this is more money than the City of Fulton has contributed to the CRDC in the past.
Seventh, Mayor Russell asked the Council if they had any questions on the agreement to exercise option to repurchase Zajicek’s property. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden asked the Council again why they would want to buy that property back with a slab of concrete and a hole in the back. He also asked who’s responsible for removing the concrete. Mayor Russell said it’s not written in the agreement that Mr. Zajicek will remove the concrete but he will take the lumber. Mayor Russell said unfortunately this will be an expensive process for both parties involved. Fulton will pay Mr. Zajicek $32,365 and he will convey his 2.191 acre property back to Fulton. Mr. Zajicek must pay title insurance, revenue stamps (if required), assessed and unpaid real estate taxes, and shall release all liens or encumbrances and pay for the recording or these releases. Mr. Zajicek will have 30 days to remove any and all improvements and any debris left on the real estate before delivery of the deed and payment of the purchase price. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the Agreement to Exercise Option to Repurchase. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 1 no, 1 absent/ motion carried.
Eighth, Jo-Carroll Energy wants to upgrade their broadband equipment located on the Fulton water tower and renew their tower lease agreement with the City of Fulton. The new agreement will run three years at $275 per month. Additionally, Jo-Carroll will continue to provide free internet service to City Hall, the RFCC, Windmill Cultural Center, plus expand free internet service to the Public Works building, Well 5, and the Wastewater Treatment facility. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to approve the Water Tower Agreement. Ald. Mask asked if the service they provide will be better than what they’ve previously provided and also if that included service at the Martin House. Administrator Cannon said they expect better service and he will ask them to add internet service to the Martin House. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden made a friendly amendment to his motion to add the Martin House to Jo-Carroll’s list of locations they will provide internet service. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.
MAYOR’S REPORT:
Mayor Russell included a written report.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT:
Administrator Cannon included a written report
ALDERMAN REPORTS:
Administrator Cannon reported on behalf of the marina that their new tenant is moving in. He said Mr. Stoltenberg has new boats for sale, but he doesn’t have his dealership agreement yet.
Ald. Mask reported that programs are beginning at the Andresen Nature Center.
Melissa Wiebenga, Tourism/Community Services Director, announced that April 11, 2015 there will be a Town Meeting at RFCC. Also, she informed the Council that the Tourism Group raised $633 at their Pizza Ranch fundraiser. Mrs. Wiebenga reported that she met with Erin Wessels, a college student at Trinity Christian College, who has volunteered to intern at the RFCC this summer.
Lieutenant Pridemore reported the Police Department received a $62,000 grant to upgrade communication systems in their squad cars and at the station. They should receive the check sometime in May and get projects started thereafter.
With no further business, Ald. Howard Van Zuiden moved, seconded by Ald. Field to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk
CITY OF FULTON
BUDGET WORKSHOP
MARCH 30, 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, Dan Clark-Public Works Director, and Casey Simpson- Patrol Officer.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. No invocation was given.
There was no communication from visitors.
First, Administrator Cannon updated the Council on the FY2016 Budget. There was still an $11,330 deficit that needs to be resolved. This tentative budget will be voted on next Monday (April 6, 2015) during regular City Council Meeting.
Second, Administrator Cannon recommended using Fund 31 reserves for 2012C Bond debt service. After brief discussion Ald. Mike Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to use Fund 31 reserves for 2012C Bond debt service. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.
Third, PW Director Clark shared the list he compiled per Mayor Russell which detailed the top four projects he recommended completing using Fund 32. Once other water/sewer projects (already in the works) are deducted from this fund, along with these projects there will be about $225,000 left in Fund 32. Ald. Letcher motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to approve 2016 Street Project Recommendations with Fund 32. Roll call vote/ 7 yes, 1 absent/ motion carried.
Fourth, City Administrator Cannon discussed 3 options for eliminating the remaining General Fund budget shortfall ($11,330). Option 1 included eliminating $10,000 Peace Corp Fellow expenditure and reducing Vision 2020 contribution to CRDC. Administrator Cannon explained that a college intern has contacted Mrs. Wiebenga and wants to work at the RFCC for no pay and the city will be able to reapply for a Peace Corp Fellow the following year if the budget allows. He also explained the city could lower their CRDC contribution to $5,000 and this would eliminate our vote on the Board. Ald. Mike Van Zuiden asked if the City of Fulton would be affected much by forfeiting that vote. Administrator Cannon didn’t think that would impact them from helping our economic development. Ald. Howard Van Zuiden motioned, seconded by Ald. Mask to reduce the Vision 2020 contribution to the CRDC to $5000. Roll call vote/ 6 yes, 1 no, 1 absent/ motion carried. Ald. Mask suggested not hiring the Peace Corp Fellow, everyone agreed. With the extra $15,000, the budget is now balanced.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to enter closed session to discuss collective bargaining matters. The Council entered closed session at 6:06 PM.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Letcher to exit closed session. The Council exited closed session as 6:38 PM.
With no further business, Ald. Van Kampen motioned, seconded by Ald. Howard Van Zuiden to adjourn. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Communication from Visitors
5. Items for Consideration:
A. Employee Health Insurance
B. Utility Tax Rate
C. Public Hearing date
6. Adjourn
CITY OF FULTON
BUDGET WORKSHOP
MARCH 21, 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, and Mike Van Zuiden answered “present.” Those absent were Ald. Margaret Crosthwaite, Wes Letcher, 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, Tammy Garibay- Utility Clerk, and Casey Simpson- Patrol Officer.
The pledge of allegiance was recited. No invocation was given.
There was no communication from visitors.
Mayor Russell asked PW Director Clark to review insurance Option 1 provided on the handout. Option 1 is a High Value Plan and was proposed by the insurance committee which had 100% employee coverage, $75/pay period for spouse, Child- $15 base amount plus $14.32 per child/pay period. City Administrator Cannon explained the other three options which included a 100/50 High Value plan (Option 2), a 100/50 Affordable Plan (Option 3), and a 90/75 Affordable Plan (Option 4). Administrator Cannon explained that even with the proposed Option 1 plan there is still a $16864 deficit, it’s unpredictable because it depends on exact coverage levels and it’s not equitable for those with more dependents. PW Director Clark said the 100/50 would be a large hit for employees with several dependents. Mayor Russell reminded the Council that according to a healthcare survey conducted with our neighboring communities, the city of Fulton is the outlier and our peers have already faced the struggle of increasing healthcare rates. Administrator Cannon also shared that there is reserves earmarked for healthcare increases in the future. Clearly, now is the time to utilize those reserves to help employees ease into the increase over the next two to three years. All Aldermen agreed a change needs to be made. Administrator Cannon recommended Option 4 because it’s equitable and affordable and the health reserves would be available 2-3 years out. Ald. Mask said she likes Option 3 which uses 60% of reserves the first year rather than 45% in Option 4. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to approve using Option 3 for employee contribution levels. Roll call vote/ 5 yes, 3 absent/ motion carried. Mayor Russell clarified that with Option 3 the reserves will not help as much in year 2 and certainly not in year 3. Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to have the City Administrator draft a policy that can be used going forward so they are more efficient in this process. Roll call vote/ 5 yes, 3 absent/ motion carried.
Second item for consideration is the possibility of raising the utility tax rate. In 2012 Fulton established a 2.5% Municipal Utility Tax on natural gas and electricity. Illinois statutes limit utility tax rates to 5%. Fulton’s Utility Tax generates $123,000 and represents 7.8% of Fulton’s General Fund revenues. Raising the Utility rate to 4% will generate approximately $75,000. Ald. Mask was concerned about raising the rate since property taxes increased 1.7% and water/sewer rates will increase. Administrator Cannon said since the city isn’t selling land, they need a way to generate funds to service the loan on the Industry Center. It was decided to hold another budget workshop for March 30th at 5:30PM.
With no further business, Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Van Kampen to continue this meeting on March 30th at 5:30PM. With voice agreement, the meeting adjourned at 9:26 AM.
Minutes recorded by,
Jackie Wilkin
Fulton City Clerk
1. Call to order
2. Roll call
3. Pledge of allegiance
4. Communication from visitors
5. Approve March 2, 2015 Regular Council Meeting and February 7th Budget Workshop Meeting minutes (pages 1-5)
6. Approve Bill List
7. Approve Treasurer’s Report (pages 6-13)
8. Items for Consideration
A. April 2nd, 2015 Junior Achievement Day Proclamation (Page 14)
B. Parade and Event Parking Guidelines recommendation (Page 15)
C. ORDINANCE AMENDING THE RATES, CHARGES AND FEES FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT SERVICE IN SECTION 50.04 (A) and WATER SERVICE IN SECTION 51.065Water/Sewer Rate (pages 16-17)
D. Multi-family Housing Opportunities
9. Old Business
10. Reports
11. Closed Session to Discuss Collective Bargaining Matters
12. Return to Open Session
13. Adjourn
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Communication from Visitors
5. Items for Consideration:
A. Budget Workshop
1. Municipal Revenue Options
2. 2016 Project List: Vision 2020, Peace Corp Fellow
6. Adjourn
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.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Pledge of Allegiance
4. Communication from Visitors
5. Budget Workshop:
6. Adjourn
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