City of Fulton City Council met Oct. 28.
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 – Keith King, Paul Banker, Barbara Mask, Sue VanKampen, Dan Nederhoff, Margaret Crosthwaite, Gene Field and Mike VanZuiden were present. Also in attendance were City Attorney Bill Shirk, City Administrator Randy Boonstra, Staff Members - Dan Clark, Dave Bartels, Dale Sikkema, and Debi Ervin. Media representatives were Daniel Nardini and John Rohlf.
Pledge of allegiance was recited - Invocation by Pastor Wayne Wiersema.
Presentations
• CGH Representative, Shane Brown thanked the Council for the opportunity to reveal the new CGH “Primary Clinic” that will be opening sometime in December of this year. The location will be on the north side of Fulton Dental Associates, just off of Route 84 in Fulton.
Hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 am until 5 pm, and will feature a “Walk In” Clinic on Saturdays, 8 am until noon. Appointments during the week are scheduled - but be assured that they will leave time slots open within their schedules to see some same day patients.
The new clinic will have 5 exam rooms and a lab on site. X-rays will be referred to another facility.
The Clinic will be under the direction of Dr. Matt Wolf M.D., Lynne Coffey FNP, and Kimberly Teats-Garrison PA-C.
• Dennis Hinkle presented the Council with information of the CRDC Future Focus 2024 Campaign. The CRDC is funded every 5 years through a campaign. This is a typical method for raising funds through private, business, municipal and government sectors.
The two main objectives of CRDC is, “Taking Care of Current Businesses” that are members and “Promoting New Businesses”, by marketing land and available opportunities in the area.
Mr. Hinkle hopes that the City Council will continue to support the CRDC with an annual contribution. He looks forward working with City Administrator Boonstra, who currently sits on the CRDC Board.
Communication From Visitors
Visitors signed up for Public Comment included: Kyle Folk, Betty Wiebenga, Ted James, Kristin Huisenga, Darryl Hogue and Ernst Steele. (All concerning “Recreational Cannabis”).
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from October 14th, October 24th and the September 2019 Treasurer’s Report. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Discussion followed with Alderman Nederhoff wanting the council and public to view page 10 of the Treasurer’s report. He wanted to point out the comparison in the General Fund Account for the past several years. General Fund reserves are now less than half the amount that they were in 2016 and 2017. We need to be aware of this dilemma at budget time and come up with a solution. Roll call vote (8 yes).
Consent Agenda approved.
Business
Approve Ordinance amending Chapter 155 by adding zoning provisions regarding Adult Use Cannabis by renaming part of the business District and outlying Business District. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman Field. Discussion to follow…
Kyle Folk knows the Council is wrestling with a sound decision to allow for the sale of adult use cannabis, but askes that they keep 3 things in mind…the misuse of drugs, whether the user will become addicted and “Leadership”. If we allow this, it is a complete contradiction for what we tell our children. Drug prevalence leads to all kinds of problems in the community.
Betty Wiebenga said no to the use of medical cannabis 3 years ago and asked the council to hear the pleas from the young families that are behind this matter. Do we want “Money” vs “Family”? Vote no!
Ted James – removed his request for comment.
Kristin Huisenga asks to please “care” about the kids and our community. It takes a village to make a community. Put the best interest of us instead of money. If we allow this, more kids will use; prevent this before it starts. Please support the families and schools.
Darryl Hogue, Superintendent of Schools said it was the topic of discussion at the school’s most recent Board Meeting, which the Board is unanimous to a NO vote. You as the Council have an opportunity to put barriers in front of the Children, which should be the number one objective.
Ernst Steele, supports the sale of “Adult” Use Cannabis in the Fulton City Limits, stating this is an opportunity to bring revenue into the city without raising property taxes. For decades we have been a gateway with the surrounding state of Iowa - this will bring in extra needed dollars for the City. Mr. Steele stressed this is not the sale of cannabis to children and minors, it is the sale of recreational cannabis for “Adult” use only. Seems to him that it is pretty hypocritical that the City has numerous liquor and gaming licenses, which are also addictive, but will not consider the sale of cannabis. People are in fear of the “unknown” and seem to be over reacting.
With the no further comments from the public…the Mayor asked the Aldermen if they had any further questions. No Aldermen responded. Proceeds with a roll call vote to approve the ordinance (4 yes, 4 no…Mayor breaks tie with a NO vote) Motion Denied.
Motion to cancel the second Council Meeting in December which falls on Christmas Eve this year. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. No discussion to follow. Roll call vote (8yes, 0 no) Motion Passed.
Motion to Amend Class C liquor license to match closing time with other licenses by repealing Section 111.9D. Alderman King motioned, seconded by Alderman Field. Brief discussion to follow. Alderman asked if this would allow Fulton Steak and Ribs extended hours. Attorney Shirk said it would allow them the same hours as other establishments with the same class of license. With no further questions – roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no) Motion passed.
Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Crosthwaite to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no). The council entered the Committee of the Whole at 6:07 pm.
Ald. Mask motioned, seconded by Ald. Crosthwaite to enter closed session to discuss personnel and sale/purchase of property. Roll call vote ( 8 yes, 0 no). The council entered closed session at 6:58 PM.
Exited Closed Session with a roll call vote (8 yes, 0 no). The council exited closed session at 7:05 PM.
With no further discussion, voice agreement to adjourn the council meeting was at 7:08 PM.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-october-28-2019.html
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