NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council Met Feb. 22.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Regular Meeting

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, Barb Mask, Sue VanKampen, Dan Nederhoff, Margaret Crosthwaite, and Gene Field were present. Alderman VanZuiden was absent. City Administrator Clark, Chief Neblung, Sgt. Hamilton and Deputy Clerk Garibay were also in attendance.

The Pledge of allegiance was recited.

There was no communication from visitors.

Consent Agenda

Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from January 31, 2021, and the Treasurer’s Report. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King. No Discussion. Roll call vote - 7 yes, motion carried.

Business

Approve the Resolution concerning the Illinois Fiber Resources Group’s Open Access Fiber Optic Network Expansion Project. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King. Brief discussion to following verifying that this would just benefit businesses and infrastructure, and not residential. Roll call vote – 7 yes, motion carried.

Approve an Ordinance vacating part of Fifth Avenue, south of Lots 2 and 3 in Block 5, Range 5 of the Original Town of Fulton to Harry and Julie Dornbush. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. Alderman Crosthwaite amended her motion to include that the Council would allow City Administrator Clark to authorize the sale of the property. Mr. and Mrs. Dornbush would pay the costs before the closing. Roll call vote – 7 yes, motion carried.

Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote – 7 yes, motion carried. The council entered the Committee of the Whole at 5:37 PM.

With no further discussion Ald. Mask motioned, seconded Ald. VanKampen to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 6:44 PM.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Public Input & Presentations

• MFT – Estimated Cost of Maintenance Operations for Period 1/1/2021 through 12/31/2021. City Administrator Clark said that the estimated cost of the year’s Maintenance Operations would be in the amount of $154,459.46. Will place on next agenda for approval.
• Wherry Brother’s contract for farmland lease contract was introduced. Will increase the rent per acre from $200 to $220 per acre for the upcoming planting season. Will put on next agenda for approval.
• Corey Council – Sale of Property. Public Notice was published in Clinton Herald and 10 day waiting period will end before next regularly scheduled meeting. Will put on next agenda for approval.
• Audit Engagement for Fiscal Year Ending 4/30/2021. Amount quoted for the year’s audit will be $20,250 for the audit and an additional amount of $1,750 for depreciation record upkeep. Deputy Clerk Garibay asked the Council to please consider Wipfli again for this year’s audit, due to interim positions being pursued, the upcoming election in April and the timing of seating a new Mayor and Council. Will put on next agenda for approval.
• Ordinance permitting UTV usage within the City Limits of Fulton, IL. More discussion to follow in future meetings. Attorney Shirk will draft an ordinance tailored for the City. Chief Neblung will discuss details more thoroughly with the Public Safety Committee and will bring back recommendations for the Council.
• Committee Chair Reports
  • Budget/Finance
  • Public Property
  • Public Safety – will schedule meeting for Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 5:15 p.m.
  • Parks & Recreation- Alderman Mask reported Judy Holesinger is moving forward with the tree purchasing and planting at the School Park. The are applying for a grant for the trees.
  • Marina- Committee met last Thursday, February 18, 2021. Discussion included “lifts” to possibly increase and promote new business.
  • Zoning
  • Economic Development
• Mayor’s Report
• City Administrator’s Report- included
• Aldermen Reports-Personnel Committee is still working on an update to a credit card policy and a timetable for the Chief of Police recruitment.
• Public Works Director- included.
• Police Chief
• Tourism Director

Budget Workshop

City Administrator Clark presented the budget draft to the council. Changes had been made in several areas and was presented as BALANCED.

All line items were gone over thoroughly, one by one. Explanations were made of funds, both revenues and expenses. There was a slight increase for health insurance but was well under previous year’s increases. Administrator Clark pointed out that the Windmill Area annual contribution of $5000 was in this year’s budget.

Option #3 was included in the Police Department, which did allow for the purchase of new vehicles and body cameras.

Slight increase on the crop land rental from the Wherry Brothers.

Roof replacement for the Andresen Center was entered.

Water and Sewer Fund was presented. It is recommended of a 4% increase for water and sewer sales.

Bucket truck with jib was discussed. Public Works would like to purchase. Would aid in tree removal.

Monies for Water Tower painted were discussed. Money has been put into the depreciation fund. Painting of the water tower could come in at $500,000 and will need painting in the next several years.

Administrator Clark has informed Council he is in talks for possibly renting the Shop building located near the Marina. He will continue negotiations in the weeks to come.

Mr. Clark has asked the Council now to look over the budget and come back with any of their recommendations. He would like to be able to move forward, agree on a draft budget and move forward with a final budget and public hearing in late March and passing the first meeting of April.

With no further discussion. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King to return to Council meeting for adjournment. Roll call vote, 7 yes, motion carried. Adjourned workshop at 6:43 p.m.

https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-of-fulton-council-meeting-minutes-february22-2021.html