NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council Met March 22.

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, Ald. Keith King, Paul Banker, Barb Mask, Sue VanKampen, Dan Nederhoff, and Gene Field were present. Alderman VanZuiden was absent. Alderman Crosthwaite arrived at 5:35 p.m. City Administrator Clark, Chief Neblung, Sgt. Hamilton and Deputy Clerk Garibay were also in attendance. Visitors included Darwin Olsen, Kevin Wright, Jane Orman-Luker, Ann White and Julie Meiners.

The Pledge of allegiance was recited.

There was no communication from visitors.

Consent Agenda

Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from March 8, 2021, and the Treasurer’s Report. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King. Visitor Ann White asked if she could address the council, stating that she had never been to a Council Meeting and did not know the procedures. She was inquiring about the candidates running for the Mayoral position and since she has no access to internet she decided to come to the meeting for some information. Mayor Ottens pointed Ms. White in the direction to contact Wendy Ottens possibly at her business, Sweet Woodruff and Mr. Kevin Wright, who was attending this meeting gave Ms. White his contact information. He explained to Ms. White that since nothing was on the council agenda, she would have to try these alternate methods. Ms. White was thankful for the information. No Discussion on the consent agenda. Roll call vote - 7 yes, motion carried.

Business

Approve the Junior Achievement Resolution of Support. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Field. No Discussion. Roll call vote – 7 yes, motion carried.

Approve the Interim City Administrator Contract Extension. Alderman King motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Alderman Mask explained that the only change in the contract was extending the dates from June 30, 2021 until September 30, 2021. No further discussion. Roll call vote – 7 yes, motion carried.

Approve the Ordinance Amending Chapter 119 of the Fulton Code of Ordinances for the Regulation of Recreational Cannabis and Cannabis Business Establishments. Alderman King motioned, seconded by Alderman Field. Discussion to follow. Attorney Shirk stated that the fees must be filled in on page 3 and 4. This may be called a license or a fee, either is acceptable. The current fee of $10,000 had been previously discussed. It was stated that Mr. Dolan had already said that the $10,000 fee would be acceptable. So initially the fee would be $10,000 and after the first year there would be an additional $10,000 as an annual amount. With no further discussion. Roll call vote – 7 yes, motion carried.

Approve and Ordinance Amending Chapter 155, entitled Zoning by Adding Section 141 entitled General Zoning Provisions regarding Adult-Use Cannabis, by renaming part of the Business District an outlying Business District by adding Sections 155.110 and 155.112 and Amending Section 155.120 entitled permitted uses in the Industrial Districts of Title 15, entitled Land Usage of the Code of Fulton Pertaining to Adult-Use Cannabis. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King. Discussion to follow. Attorney Shirk stated that this would be limited to the Industrial Zone or limit it to a certain area in the In the Industrial Zone. Zoning Officer Sikkema stated that it was the intention of the council, that it would be restricted to a certain area on the suggestion of the zoning board. Attorney Shirk will add the language that it would be restricted to South of 31st Ave, East of 4th St, West of Route 84 and North of Highway 30. 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 5:44 p.m.

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

• Darwin Olsen Lot – Industrial Center Update. Mr. Olsen stated that he wanted the council to know that he was considering splitting the initial lot that he had purchased in the Industrial Center to erect an additional building. He is currently working with Norwest Surveying to get legal advice on property lines and what can be legally built, within in the property lines. An additional building would bring in more property taxes and would allow him to possibly bring in additional businesses. He is also pouring concrete inside the building and blacktopping around the new building for parking and creating a drive in the amount of $25,000. He is currently trying to rent a retail space and bay on the first building. The second building would be a smaller version of the first and would be just for his personal business. He will keep the council advised on what he will do in the future.
• Tourism Position – Administrator Clark would like to go out and try to get this position filled. Alderman Mask would like the Tourism Committee to visit with the Chamber in Clinton and see if they could help until we would fill the position. Mayor’s recommendation would be to move forward with the hiring process. Administrator Clark said to go ahead and get in touch and discuss with the Clinton Chamber. They would give until the next meeting or one month for the Tourism Committee to meet with the Clinton Chamber and bring back information to the Council.
• Administrator Clark gives an update on the May Festival that is scheduled at Heritage Canyon on May 1, 2021. They have asked if the City would pay for the shuttle to be used for the event. Council will give permission, since there were already funds budgeted for a shuttle to be used at any event. The Early American Crafters will have to make the arrangements with the shuttle and the City will cover the cost for a “one time” use of Tourism funds not to exceed $600. The Shuttle Company will have to furnish their own driver for insurance purposes. The City will not furnish a driver.
• Blue Grass Festival – June 26, 2021 @ Heritage Canyon – Council has agreed to put on agenda for approval at next meeting. Alderman M ask says that this is a real popular event.
• Blessing of the Bikes – June 6, 2021 - Downtown Fulton Business District – Julie Meiners is asking that they have access to 4th Street from Johnnie’s Tap up to the Post Office, from noon to 4-5 p.m. They will not have any vendors for COVID-19 purposes. They would like to have at least barricades if there is no beer garden, or if the Council gives permission for the beer garden, they will put up fencing. Alderman VanKampen would be ok for a beer garden since there has never been a problem with prior events. Chief Neblung agrees with the event and the beer garden - but would suggest a fenced in area. He would rather see an outdoor event instead of over crowding in the enclosed bars. Administrator Clark said that barricades would be available. The Council agrees that this would be feasible.
• UTV Ordinance – Chief Neblung would like to implement a “survey” to get public input on the new ordinance. He explains that safety equipment would be mandatory on these vehicles. There would be certain areas that the UTV’s would and would not be allowed. He has laid out a plan on where and where not they could travel (certain areas on 4th Street, Downtown, and 14th Avenue). Vehicles would have to be inspected annually and licensed annually per the new City Ordinance. Ms. Orman-Luker would like to know if a waiver could be implemented for vehicles that are used in parades or during the festivals. Chief Neblung believes that all vehicles should be inspected regardless, but certain event areas could be changed if necessary. Permit fees could be waived for some City events with Council approval. Alderman Mask would still like additional information before voting.
• SRO Contract – the school would like a little more control over the charges that occur. This stems from the fact that they were charged the full amount of the contract during the COVID pandemic. This would be a three-year contract.
• Water/Sewer Rate Increase – this would be on water and sewer sales only; no debt services will be increased. This will be passed with the new budget.
• Budget – Final Review. Administrator Clark asks if there are any questions to please contact him. This will be placed on the agenda for a vote.
• Committee Chair Reports
  • Budget/Finance
  • Public Property
  • Public Safety
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Marina
  • Zoning – Storage Units. Zoning Officer Sikkema wants to let the council to know that he has looked throughout the Code of Ordinances and it is in the books that storage units and mini warehouse are only allowed in the Industrial Areas. Alderman Mask would like to discuss this more at a future meeting. Dale will put together a map to let the council know where they can be erected.
  • Economic Development
• Mayor’s Report – Announces that the Paddlewheel has been purchased. The new owner plans on fully refurbishing the building for a full-service bar and restaurant. He is inquiring on a liquor license.
• City Administrator’s Report- included
• Aldermen Reports – Alderman Mask wants clarification on political signs. Zoning Officer Sikkema has given her the ordinance. Unless there is a lot of complaints, let the sign placement continue for this election. Maybe in the future the council should consider enforcing the ordinance.
• Public Works Director
• Police Chief
• Fulton Historical Society - included

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 Committee of the Whole at 6:39 p.m.