City of Fulton City Council met Jan. 11.
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 Paul Banker, Barb Mask, Sue VanKampen, Dan Nederhoff, Margaret Crosthwaite, and Gene Field were present. Alderman King and VanZuiden were absent. Also in attendance were Bill Shirk (via Zoom meeting), CA Dan Clark, PD Chief Nick Neblung, Sgt. Dwayne Hamilton and Deputy Clerk Tammy Garibay.
Pledge of allegiance was recited.
There were no visitors present.
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from December 14, 2020, and the Bill List – located at the end of the packet. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Discussion to follow. Alderman Mask asked if there was going to be a Treasurer’s report included with the budget packet on Saturday. CA Clark said it would be included. She also gave thanks to UB Clerk Morgan and PD Administrative Assistant Grant for including a detailed synopsis on the Credit Card Expenditures. It was very detailed and finally very transparent for everyone to view. With no further discussion - Roll call vote - 6 yes - motion carried.
Business
Approve the Resolution of Opposition to Police Reform Resolution in Senate Amendment No. 1, House Bill 3653. Alderman Mask, motioned, seconded by Alderman Crosthwaite. Discussion to follow. Mayor’s brief synopsis of the Bill stated that IL Legislation was looking at drastic measures for Police Department reform. Alderman Mask stated that she had contacted Representative McCombie’s office to voice opinion. The office representative said votes are there to pass the bill, and it would be appreciated to pass a resolution opposing and to forward to as many Illinois government officials as possible. Chief Neblung said it was a general judicial system overhaul. Originally it was trying to be pushed through on a pharmaceutical bill during the first part of the Lame Duck Session. After it wasn’t getting enough attention there, it was presented under a different bill altogether. It has been stated that there will be a vote by noon on January 13, 2020, and local politicians are sure it will pass. The bill itself is over 700 pages. It deals with the legalization of certain drugs, police insurance coverage, SRO’s in school, body cameras, cash bonds and many more changes. It is unsure at this time what actually will be presented inside the bill itself. With no further discussion, roll call vote, 6 yes. Motion carried.
Approve an Ordinance authorizing the Sale of Municipally owned Real Estate (Fulton-Thomson Food Pantry, Inc). Alderman VanKampen motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. No Discussion. Roll call vote - 7 yes. (Mayor to cast vote also) Motion carried.
Motion to enter the Committee of the Whole Meeting. Alderman Crosthwaite motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen Roll Call Vote, 6 Yes. Motion carried. Council entered the Committee of the Whole Meeting at 6:00 p.m.
Motion to adjourn meeting. Alderman Mask motioned, Alderman Crosthwaite seconded. All in Favor. 6 yes, meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tammy L Garibay
Deputy Clerk
Committee of the Whole Meeting
• Public Input & Presentations
Balance of Cures Monies – Consensus of Council is to place any unused funds back into the City’s General Fund.
Girl Scout Cookie Sales – City will allow local Girl Scouts to sell cookies through the end of January, 2021 and again from February 23-March 21, 2021. The Scouts will abide by local and state COVID-19 restrictions.
Update on the sale of property to Corey Council in the Industrial Park and Harry and Julie Dornbush. We are moving forward. Surveys on the properties in question must be completed before a closing can be established.
Dolan extension on the sale of property in the Industrial Park. Mr. Dolan is asking that another extension be made on the 18.735 acres in question that he plans on building a Cannabis Grow Facility. He is in need of the extension due to the State of Illinois being so far behind in issuing licenses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Alderman Mask asked if there had been a down payment made on the property in question. Attorney Shirk confirmed that there was not, and the first contract between the City and Mr. Dolan ended in June of 2020. At that time a 6 month extension was given and expired on December 31, 2020, with no restrictions or conditions. Several Aldermen questioned the terms on any contract moving forward, possibly with earnest monies being made, limiting the contract to 3-6 months or a 72 hour clause – with an option to buy, just for holding the property. Alderman Mask asked what the terms were for the price per acre and if that had been established. Attorney Shirk stated the selling price in total was $160,000 for the 18.735 acres. City Administrator Clark said he would reach out to Mr. Dolan and see what he might have in mind for an extension.
Sexual Traffic Proclamation and Training. The Sisters of St. Francis is partnering with the US Institute Against Human Trafficking to implement their program: The Trafficking Free Zone. This is a community-wide initiative focused on reducing the demand for sex trafficked victims. They are asking area communities to proclaim their communities of a Trafficking Free Zone. For more information please watch a short video about the Trafficking Free Zone at www.traffickingfreezone.com.
Social Media Policy. A Social Media Policy is being suggest by the IML for municipalities. Attorney Shirk stated that it would be in our best interest to adopt one. We can modify the contents and tailor it to fit our needs here in the City of Fulton. Attorney Shirk said that the city should appoint an individual, or “person in charge,” to monitor the City’s social media pages.
Large Snowfall Events. The city will reach out to Moring on suggestions for the new trash and recycling program and the placements of toters when there is a large snowfall. There had been many citizen complaints this past week about the placement of containers when there is no access to the street due to several feet of plowed snow. Alley plowing was also brought up by the Mayor and City Administrator Clark said the City has never plowed the alleyways. Generally a group of citizens that live on a block will get together and hire a contractor to plow the alley and will split the cost. The possibility of a snow policy was discussed, along with calendar parking. Further discussion will take place.
Chief of Police Hiring Committee. Mayor would like to send the Chief of Police “duty or job description” to the Personnel Committee for them to come up with an edited edition for a more personalized version for the City of Fulton. He would also like the committee to come up with a time frame for the hiring process.
Credit Card Policy. City Administrator Clark asked for suggestions. Alderman Mask says that it is a very generic policy. Will put back on the next Committee of the Whole agenda to accept comments and or changes to the policy from the Aldermen.
• Committee Chair Reports
Budget/Finance
Public Property
Public Safety (Minutes were included at the back of the packet)
Parks & Recreation
Marina
Zoning
Economic Development
Mayor’s Report – Mayor would like Aldermen to think about possibly forming a committee to analyze the different wards or precincts due to the “low interest” in citizens running for city positions on the Council. Alderman Mask agrees that this would be beneficial.
City Administrator’s Report – GATA Update – we are currently working on getting updated forms and applications properly submitted. Also working diligently on preparing data for the budget workshop.
Aldermen Reports
Public Works Director
Police Chief- Report Included
Tourism Coordinator
Adjourn- Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Crosthwaite to return to the regular council meeting. Roll call vote (6 yes) The council returned to the regular meeting at 6:30 p.m.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-of-fulton-council-minutes-january-11-2021.html
Alerts Sign-up