City of Fulton City Council met March 9.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Shane Malone at 5:30 p.m.
On roll call, Alderpersons Burggraaf, King, Mask, Ratcliff, Suehl, and VanKampen were present. Alderpersons Boonstra and Wilkin were absent. City Administrator Sikkema, City Attorney Huizenga, Chief of Police Hermes, Assistant Public Works Director Foster and City Clerk Wade were also in attendance. A quorum was present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
There were no presentations, appointments or communications from visitors.
Mayor Malone asked for motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from the February 21, 2026, City Council meeting, the bill list and the Treasurer’s report dated January 31, 2026.
Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson Ratcliff seconded.
Alderperson Ratcliff stated that for the sake of clarity of an outside party reading these minutes, they may not know who Eric, Shane and I are.
Mayor Malone stated that the minutes may say CA Sikkema or maybe Eric. It should be consistent.
Alderperson Mask stated that when referencing people in the minutes, it should always be the title and name of the person.
Alderperson Ratcliff had a question on the bill list. Regarding the purchase trailer to haul car for demonstrations, Alderperson Ratcliff was under the impression that it had already been paid, he wanted to make sure it was not a double charge.
Alderperson Ratcliff also questioned the two payments to DOT Inspections/Repair under Barrak’s Truck Repair. He was wondering if it’s specifically something the DOT requires of us versus something that needed to actually be repaired.
Assistant Public Works Director, Logan Foster, stated that the big dump trucks have to be federally inspected.
Alderperson Ratcliff ask about charges from BNC Electric, if that was related to our new downtown light poles, City Administrator Sikkema stated that was for adding the antenna for the microphone system, the other charges were for Drives Field, a couple of ballasts for the lights weren’t working.
Alderperson Ratcliff also wanted to comment and say thank you for those dealing with refunding our business registrations.
Mayor Malone asked Tori Wade, City Clerk, to make a correction on page 3 of the minutes regarding someone calling for an A license. City Administrator Sikkema told them no. (Not Mayor Malone)
Mayor Malone asked for an amended motion for the corrections to the minutes.
Alderperson Mask made the amended motion. Alderperson Ratcliff seconded.
On roll call, all yes. (Alderpersons Boonstra and Wilkin were absent)
Motion carried.
Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on a Zoning Variance Ordinance requested by Jeremy Wiersema for property located at 805 9th Avenue within the City of Fulton. Additional 960 square feet over the allowed 960 square feet. (Accessory building).
Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Ratcliff seconded.
On roll call, all yes. (Alderpersons Boonstra and Wilkin were absent)
Motion carried.
Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on an amended ordinance regarding the ability to cancel/reschedule City Council meetings if needed.
Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson VanKampen seconded.
City Attorney Huizenga stated that the Council could always schedule a special meeting if needed.
On roll call, all yes. (Alderpersons Boonstra and Wilkin were absent)
Motion carried.
Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on a Second Amendment to Redevelopment Agreement between the City of Fulton, Illinois, a municipal corporation (City) and Fulton Industrial LLC, an Illinois limited liability company (Developer)
Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Burggraaf seconded.
Alderperson Ratcliff asked who was Fulton Industrial LLC
City Administrator Sikkema stated that is Dan Dolan for the grow facility.
City Administrator Sikkema stated that this is an amendment to the previous agreement we had with him. We’ve changed to date from the original date that we he had to have the solar panel farm done. He now has to go to a battery system now because ComEd doesn’t have the ability to allow him to put power back on the grid. He can’t get batteries until 2027.
Alderperson Ratcliff asked City Attorney Huizenga if we need to have discussion before we vote on something?
City Administrator Sikkema stated, according to Illinois state law, as long as we vote, we have discussion and then if we feel the need to table it, we can. If not, we can vote to approve it.
City Attorney Huizenga stated that the Council cannot take action on anything that is not specifically stated on the agenda.
Alderperson Ratcliff asked that in the future, the corresponding previous sections from the contract be included for comparison.
Discussion was held about the sale of City of property.
On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson Boonstra and Wilkin were absent)
Motion carried.
Committee of the Whole Discussion –
TIF Zones – Alderperson King wants to look at possibly adding a TIF to the downtown for more incentive for someone to build in that area.
Alderperson Ratcliff would like to explore the possibility of a TIF district for the marina.
City Administrator Sikkema stated that he has had this conversation with the City’s TIF attorney and his recommendation is to extend the life of the TIF that we already have. It’s easier to get it extended than to start a brand new one.
Next for discussion – 4th Street Parking.
Mayor Malone stated that when construction happened all the signs went down. Regarding the no parking signs that say no parking between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and the 2-hour parking downtown. He asked the Council how they felt about lifting the 2-hour parking for downtown.
Discussion was held on the pros and cons of this. What is best for residents (apartments above main street buildings), business owners and customers.
Discussion was also held on the hazards of backing out of main street parking spaces when you can’t see around large SUVs and extended trucks. The cost of new signage was discussed, as well.
Discussion was held on the Fulton American Legion Post 402 to hang Veteran’s banners on the light poles downtown. Possibly putting them up from May until September.
Discussion was held on letting other groups hang banners from the light poles and how to be fair about it. Possibly only allowing them for this special 250th birthday celebration and see how that goes before committing to it completely.
Alderperson King would like more information and the possibility of a contract or resolution.
The Mayor’s report was discussed. The marina and dredging was a part of this report and the options we have for upgrading it.
The City Administrator’s report. The timeline of the new budget being finalized was discussed.
The Chief of Police report was discussed.
Committee reports included were:
Finance Committee; Economic Development Committee and Public Safety Report.
Alderperson Mask asked the Council for ideas to celebrate the United State’s 250th birthday. She informed the Council of some of the festivities already being discussed for the celebration.
City Administrator Sikkema informed the Council of the possible time-line for the upcoming 4th Street construction.
Discussion was held on the Chevy Tahoes the police department has and what the future holds for those vehicles and how to maintain a reliable fleet in the future.
Mayor Malone asked to entertain a motion and a second to go into closed session to discuss personnel, litigation or property.
Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson Suehl seconded.
On roll call, all yes. Motion carried.
Closed session began at 7:02 p.m.
Mayor Malone asked for a motion to exit closed session and re-enter the open meeting at 8:10 p.m.
Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Ratcliff seconded.
A quorum was present. On roll call, all yes.
Mayor Malone asked for a motion and a second to adjourn this meeting.
Alderperson Mask made the motions. Alderperson VanKampen seconded.
All in favor, all yes. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
https://cityoffulton.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Council-Minutes-03-09-26.docx
