City of Fulton City Council met Oct. 14.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Ottens called the meeting to order at 6:18 PM. Roll call omitted, since taken at the Public Hearing. All Aldermen and Staff were present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Mayor Ottens asked if at this time if there was any public comments.
Jackie Wilkin from the City’s fourth Ward asked about the playground equipment that is being installed at Klooster Park. She is concerned that we have a public safety issue and wide open to lawsuits due to the lack of precautionary measures that have been going on for 9-10 weeks. She stated that there were exposed wires, holes and cement pieces all over the area and nothing is taped or secured. We are concerned for the safety of our children.
Public Works Director Dan Clark explained that there are plans to take down the equipment at this point in the year and reinstall everything this coming spring. Due to lack of additional Public Works employees and the extreme situation with the wet weather, it has not been a favorable time for the completion of the install.
Alderman Mask is concerned with the open holes (footings) that a child might fall in. She has had several calls from citizens with this same concern. Citizen Charles Thacker also made mention that there are multiple holes not just one, and sees this as an issue. PW Director Clark said he would make sure that there were barriers around the holes for the winter months. Alderman Mask did not believe that barriers were enough and asked that the Public Safety Committee research the problem and return with a recommendation to the Council on what should be done at the park to assure everyone’s safety until the equipment is installed properly in the spring.
Kathy Kuebel addressed the Council with her issues at School Park, particularly under the jungle gym. She states that the surface under the piece of equipment needs drastic attention. The concrete under the playground equipment is exposed. What will we do as a City when a child falls and receives a possible head trauma hitting the concrete? She stated that she has complained about this issue multiple times in the past and there have been no repairs. Public Works will look into the problem and correct as soon as possible.
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from September 23, 2019, and the Bill List for the months of September - October. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Crosthwaite. Brief discussion on the bill list and explanation given by Chief Bartels about uniform allowances for Officers. Roll call vote – 8 yes - motion carried.
Business
First item on agenda, Recognition of the “Friends of the Windmill”. Alderman Mask asks to postpone until next Council Meeting due to a previous engagement by the organization. All agreed upon to have on upcoming Agenda.
Adopt Ordinance amending Chapter 34 entitles “City Policies” in Title 3, entitled “Administration”, by adding section 34.03 entitled “Expense Reimbursement Policy” for the City of Fulton. This is a policy within the City to reimburse employees for all “necessary” expenditures or losses incurred by the employee within the employees’ scope of employment and directly related to services performed for the City of Fulton. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Discussion followed. Alderman VanKampen asked, “Will this include all employees, even if they are under a contract?” Attorney Shirk confirmed that it would include all employees. With no further discussion, Roll call vote. (8 yes, 0 no) Motion approved.
Acceptance of used Defibrillators from the Fulton Fire Department. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Discussion to follow. Alderman Field asked why we have to vote on a donation from the Fire Department. Dale Sikkema, Fire Department Board President stated that it is necessary as to release the department from liability. The acceptance releases the fire department from any occurring expenses moving forward. With no further discussion, Roll call vote. (8 yes, 0 no). Motion approved.
Approve Tourism Director Debi Ervin’s retirement effective December 20, 2019. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman King. Discussion to follow. All Aldermen comment on the wonderful job Debi has done for the City. They will miss her enthusiastic attitude and professionalism that she has provided during her years of service with the City. Debi said she is not leaving Fulton behind. She truly loves the community and will be volunteering over the next several years with all the activities and festivals that Fulton offers. With no further questions or discussion – Roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no) Motion approved.
Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no). The council entered the Committee of the Whole at 6:30 pm.
Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Crosthwaite to return to the regular council meeting. Roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no). The council returned to the regular meeting at 7:10 PM.
The council entered closed session at 7:15 PM.
The council exited closed session at 7:50 PM.
With no further discussion and voice agreement, the council adjourned at 7:55 pm.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-october-14-2019.html
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