City of Fulton City Council met Sept. 23.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Ottens called the meeting to order at 5:30 PM and directed the Deputy Clerk to call the roll. On roll call, Aldermen - Barb Mask, Sue VanKampen, Dan Nederhoff, Gene Field and Mike VanZuiden were present. Council members - Keith King, Paul Banker, Margaret Crosthwaite and City Clerk Lindsey Nederhoff were absent. Also in attendance were City Attorney Bill Shirk, City Administrator Randy Boonstra, Staff Members - Dan Clark, Nick Neblung, Dwayne Hamilton, Dale Sikkema, Debi Ervin, and Tammy Garibay.
Media representatives were Daniel Nardini and John Rohlf. Alderman Crosthwaite arrived at 5:40 p.m.
Pledge of allegiance was recited - Invocation by Pastor Wayne Wiersema.
Visitors signed up for Public Comment included: Kristin Huisenga, Mike Ankrom and Kyle Folk. (All concerning “Recreational Cannabis”).
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from September 9, 2019, and the August 2019 Treasurer’s Report. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. No discussion. Roll call vote (5 yes, 0 no, 3 absent). Consent Agenda approved.
Business
Approve purchase of a different wheelchair swing for the School Park. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen to approve the purchase. Discussion followed: Alderman Field commented on his appreciation for the Park Ad-Hoc Committee and their passion for a new park. He stated that he had concerns on the wheelchair swing and the cost. A swing of this sort would be better placed and utilized more at a nursing home and not a park, he added. Alderman Field also stated that funding for this type of chair could be used on something else of value in the park instead. Jackie Wilkin explained to Alderman Field that the Ad-Hoc Committee would be in favor of this type of swing due to the improved safety equipment and preparation verses the one that was first going to be purchased. Zach Ratcliff reminded the audience and Alderman Field that this decision was not from the Ad-Hoc Committee but the City’s Park Committee to purchase this new chair. He also stated that if they were able to send out the “Park Survey”, they would get input from residents on what should be at the park, as far as equipment. Alderman VanZuiden would like to wait until the next fiscal year to discuss the purchase of this new equipment, as nothing is budgeted this fiscal year for these type of improvements. Alderman Nederhoff agrees. Jackie Wilkin inquired about what would happen with the Kiwanis donation for the swing; all council members in agreement that the donation would be returned. Roll call vote (0 yes, 6 no, 2 absent). Motion denied.
Approve funding (up to $1500) for School Park Ad-Hoc Committee to survey the city and township for input on updating School Park. Funding would be coming from the Video Gaming Fund. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Discussion followed. Alderman Field not in favor of the funding. According to the information presented by the Ad-Hoc Committee, only 50% or less of survey materials sent out - are returned and why not spend the money on equipment updates. He also stated that the Ad-Hoc is perfectly capable in making these recommendations and decisions and presenting them to the council without a survey. Katie French appreciated Alderman Field’s trust in the Committee but they want to reach out to the community for input on the park. Kathy Kuebel was in agreement with the survey and it has been highly recommended by the landscaping architect that the committee has been working with.
Jackie Wilkin has acquired quotes for publication and postage for the survey mailings; cost will be $860.00.
Alderman Mask asked the committee about funding. It was to the council’s understanding that the Ad-Hoc committee was going to fund their expenditures.
Alderman VanKampen stated that she went door to door for donations when she promoted the new “Neighborhood Community Park” in her ward. Everything in that park, including the land, pavilion and equipment were attained by donations; stating, “If you want something bad enough, you can accomplish it with hard work”.
Alderman VanZuiden stated that he would go ahead and support $860 and nothing more. Being very frustrated at the confrontational way the entire park issues started - mainly through social media - now is the time to come together and collaborate with the city, not disagree.
Zach Ratcliff stated the survey would be great information for years to come for the city, even if plans do not move forward.
Roll call vote for the $1500 to be approved (0 yes, 6 no, 2 absent). Motion Denied.
Roll call vote for $860 to be approved for survey funding (6 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) Motion Approved.
Approve up to $1000 for School Park Ad-Hoc Committee to purchase paint and supplies for expanded painting on the updated pavilion. Denied by lack of motion.
Adopt Ordinance amending the Code of the City – Addition of Chapter 119, In Title XI – Imposing a Municipal Cannabis Retailer’s Occupational Tax (3%). Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Discussion to follow. Mayor Ottens clarified that this is only to impose a tax, nothing more. There will be a Public Hearing on October 14, 2019 for the public to discuss the pros and cons of recreational cannabis, and the final vote would be on October 28, 2019 to pass a resolution whether the City will allow the sale of recreational cannabis. The Zoning Board will discuss issues and submit their input on areas that will allow the retail sale of cannabis. Roll call vote. (6 yes, 0 no, 2 absent). Motion approved.
Approve request from Public works to move $10,000 from Marina Reserves for dredging and to waive the bid process. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanZuiden. Discussion to follow. Alderman Mask asked why to remove the bid process. Public Work’s Director Clark said that bid requests were sent to three different companies and only one had responded with a quote, Superior Seawalls @ $36,000 actual cost. With no further questions or discussion – Roll call vote (6 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) Motion approved.
Approve amending Chapter 113, Raffle Ordinance to coincide with the new state laws. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. With no further questions or discussion – Roll call vote (6 yes, 0 no, 2 absent) Motion approved.
Approve FTO (Field Training Officer) Training. Officer Dwayne Hamilton will be attending training in Bloomington, IL from September 30 through October 4, 2019. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Discussion to follow. Alderman VanKampen asked who would be covering the K9 position with Officer Hamilton’s absence. Officer Hamilton stated that Woz would be kenneled. Roll call vote (6 yes, 0 no, 2 absent)
Alderman VanKampen motioned, seconded by Alderman Crosthwaite to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote (6 yes, 0 no, 2 absent). The council entered the Committee of the Whole at 6:17 pm.
With no further discussion Alderman Mask motioned, seconded Alderman VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement, the council adjourned at 8:15 pm.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-september-23-2019.html
Alerts Sign-up