City of Fulton City Council met April 26.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Michael Ottens called the regular meeting to order at 5:30 PM, and directed the Deputy Clerk to call the roll. Upon roll call Aldermen Banker, Mask, VanKampen, Crosthwaite, Field and Van Zuiden responded here, Alderman King and Alderman Nederhoff were absent.
The Pledge of allegiance was recited.
There was no communication from visitors.
A thank you and recognition to outgoing Alderman Gene Field, who has sat on the Council for 22 years, Alderman Margaret Crosthwaite for 11 years of service and Mayor Mike Ottens for the last four years of Public Service to the citizens of Fulton, IL.
Mayor Mike Ottens discussed events, especially from the last year, that has plagued the City and most of the Country. It has been quite the challenge working through COVID-19 and assisting local businesses the best that we could. We are thankful that we were able to keep all employees working through such a difficult time. Then there was the “derecho” of 2020. The City of Fulton was in most part totally out of commission for at least one week with several areas up to ten days, but we survived mainly due to the residents helping and assisting each other.
New members of the were sworn in. Mayor Wendy Ottens, 2nd Ward Alderman – Harley Hunt, 3rd Alderman – Sue VanKampen and 4th Ward Alderman Paul Banker. They now take their place on the Council Floor.
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from April 12, 2021, and the Treasurer’s Report. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask. No Discussion on the consent agenda. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motioned carried.
Business
Approve the FOP Contract for a period of one year. Starting May 1, 2021 and ending April 30, 2022. Alderman Mask motioned, Alderman VanKampen seconded. City Administrator Clark states that Officer Lietzen is present and a Union official, in case anyone has any questions. No further discussion. Roll Call Vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Approve the UTV Ordinance. Mayor Ottens and Alderman VanKampen, both thank all that have been involved in helping create this ordinance, especially Chief Neblung. There has been a lot of work go into getting all information and details to make this ordinance work and tailored for our City. It has been established that if the Ordinance is passed tonight we will have to wait until dates are set for inspections of the vehicles and the yearly stickers, before you can legally use you vehicle on the streets. As soon as everything is in order, the Police Department will notify the public when the dates will be set. Alderman VanKampen motioned, seconded by Alderman Hunt. Discussion to follow. Alderman Mask, states she is uncomfortable with the crossing on 14th Street and 10th Ave, and hopes that you would reconsider this intersection as a no crossing area. Alderman Mask states that she will be voting no for this, she believes that it is not safe, “When in Doubt, Leave it Out”. Alderman Hunt asks why do you believe this is not safe. She states that because of being a smaller vehicle it is harder to see and she is just not onboard with the whole idea. Alderman Hunt states that motorcycles are small vehicles and hard to see. With no further discussion, roll call vote – 4 Yes, 1 No, motion carried.
Approve a resolution to allow new signers for the City’s Bank Accounts. New Signers will be Mayor Wendy Ottens, City Administrator Clark, Treasurer Amanda Fosdick and Alderman Sue VanKampen. Deputy Clerk, Tammy Garibay will have access to banking information, but not a signer. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanZuiden. Mayor Ottens states that we have eliminated a few signers; she believes that there should be a limited amount. With no further discussion. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Approve the Rorrie’s Memorial 5K Run Walk. The event is scheduled for June 12, 2021 if approved. City Administrator Clark laid out the route and announced that there would also be a bench dedication on the dike from the family that same day. Alderman Mask motioned, Alderman VanKampen seconded. No further discussion. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Motion to amend the Ordinance to change the date and time of the Regular Meetings of the City Council meetings from two times per month to one time per month. Alderman Banker motioned, seconded by Alderman VanZuiden. Discussion to follow. Most are in agreement but would like a little longer before it goes into effect. Mayor Ottens states, If we come prepared and organized we should be able to get all the business completed in a efficient way. We will keep it open to special meetings if needed, on an emergency basis only. The meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of the month at the same time of 5:30 pm. Each Alderman is in agreement for the new schedule. With no further discussion. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Approve to amend the Ordinance to allow lots under a certain size the ability to be subdivided in a designated zoning area. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Banker. Discussion to follow. Attorney Shirk states this allows the City to subdivide any area with less than 5 lots with City approval only. With no further discussion. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Approve the following Appointments for the City of Fulton, Fiscal Year 2021-2022. City Attorney – Bill Shirk, Public Health Official – Dr. Stephen Harrison, Deputy Clerk/City Collector – Tammy Garibay and Zoning Officer – Dale Sikkema. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Discussion to follow. Mayor Ottens states that these are just the first of appointments. She is asking for volunteers to sit on the other committees. The other standing committees will by Public Property and Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Marina, and Economic Development. She will make the appointments at the next meeting, May 24, 2021. With no further discussion. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Approve to amend Ordinance #1574 to change the Public Works position from appointed to “hired.” Alderman Mask motioned seconded by Alderman VanZuiden. Discussion to follow. Attorney Shirk stated that this was changed in the last administration, but had always been a hired position prior to. With no further discussion. Roll Call vote – 5 yes, motion carried.
Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Banker to adjourn to the Committee of the Whole. Roll call vote – 5 yes, motion carried. The council entered the Committee of the Whole at 6:20 p.m.
At 7:22 PM, Alderman VanZuiden motioned, Alderman Mask seconded to enter closed session to discuss personnel.
At 7:25 PM, Alderman VanKampen motioned, Alderman Mask seconded to adjourn back into the regular Council meeting.
With no further discussion Alderman VanKampen motioned, seconded Alderman VanZuiden to adjourn. With voice agreement the council adjourned at 7:27 PM.
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Public Input & Presentations
Yearly Goals – Positivity and Productivity. Mayor Ottens states that every year she will come up with a goal for herself and the council to follow. These goals will provide the opportunity to move forward in a positive way and increase the chances in achieving the set goals on a year to year basis.
8th Street Project Update – the project is now coming in at $947,000. Funds that will be released from DCEO from the former Revolving Loan Fund Program are $323,000. The City would be responsible for $624,000. Administrator Clark said he is in the works to find alternate solutions to reduce cost. One solution would be to eliminate curb and gutter. He will continue to look for alternate solutions and keep the council up to date on his findings.
Fees for Annexations (Darren Foster and Nick Heid) The council agrees to have Administrator Clark move forward with the process. The cost is approximately $3000. This cost could be paid by the City or split between both parties and the City. Administrator Clark will work with the two business owner and come up with a proposal. Council will vote on fees at the next meeting.
Tourism Director/Social Media Director. Mayor Ottens says to move forward with advertising the position. Alderman Hunt said, it would be very feasible to hire an intern from any of the surrounding Community Colleges, that are pursuing a carrier in social media, and public speaking. Mayor Ottens will accept the applications directly to herself.
Committee Appointments – Mayor Ottens will be taking volunteers for the standing committee appointments. She will be announcing those appointments at the next meeting.
Storage Units – Industrial Areas within the City of Fulton. Zoning Officer Dale Sikkema asks the council if they want to change the zoning ordinance, as where a storage building can be erected with the city limits of Fulton. As of the current ordinance, storage buildings can only be erected within the Industrial Zone. Mayor Ottens asks the council their recommendations. Alderman VanZuiden would like to see a “special use permit” for such units. This would enable the council to act on each and every one of the permits as they are applied for - thus, being able to limit where they see fit. The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet and give their recommendation to be announced at the next council meeting. Action will be able to occur at said time.
Committee Chair Reports
Budget/Finance
Public Property
Public Safety
Parks & Recreation
Marina
Zoning
Mayor’s Report - included
City Administrator’s Report-Included
Aldermen Reports
Public Works Director
Police Chief – included
Historical Society - included
With no further discussion. Alderman VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderman Mask to return to Council meeting to enter closed session. Roll call vote, 5 yes, motion carried.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-of-fulton-council-meeting-minutes-april-26-2021.html
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