City of Fulton City Council Met June 28.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Wendy 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 Harley Hunt, were present. Aldermen VanZuiden was absent. Also, in attendance - Attorney Bill Shirk, Nick Neblung, Erin Weirup, Dale Sikkema, Rich Kummerer, Barb and Dave Frantz, Larry Russell, Tom Determan, Dave Rose, and Justin and Skyler Petersen.
Pledge of allegiance was recited.
The recognition of Volunteers, Larry Russell, Barb and Dave Frantz were acknowledged for their outstanding contributions to the city and surrounding areas and representing the Kiwanis organization. Alderman Sue VanKampen made the recommendation of these three volunteers for all their hard work that they provide for the community. From trash pickup, Wounded Warrior Projects, meals, medical help, welcome signs, parks, to gardening, these three volunteers do it all. It is with deep appreciation that the city would like to express our gratitude. We thank you for your service to the community.
Communication from Visitors
Justin and Skyler Petersen addressed the council in hopes that the council would vote in agreement to the zoning variance that is on the business agenda for vote at tonight’s meeting. They explained that they are requesting the variance to erect a three-foot white vinyl fence in their front yard to “actually” keep out the neighborhood dog that has attacked their own pet within their yard. The residence is located at 1018 12th Avenue and hopes that the Council would approve the request, especially since the Zoning Board of Appeals has voted in favorite of it.
Highway 30 Presentation
Barb Frantz states that the Highway 30 Project has been in existence for many years. The connection of the project was from Highway 136 to Il Route 88. There were many trips made to Washington D.C. in hopes that the project would take off. In 2017, since the City of Morrison did not want the traffic in their downtown business area, District 2 decided that the project would be closed and no longer pursued. The group of supporters could not believe the decision.
Dave Rose presented the “New Rural 4 Concept”. The concept is based on four lanes tight together, with a concrete divider. Going through small communities and dividing apart every mile for an at grade interchange. This concept will provide multiple advantages as in: It has been proven successful on Highway 20, Allows for movement of large objects, like wind turbines, Allows for higher speeds (65mph), Viewed as very acceptable by the trucking industry, Keeps small communities out of hospice, Reduces cost of development, Reduces interchanges, Eliminated by-passes around communities, Goes through small communities, Allows for small communities to grow, Is much safer than a Super Two, Helps 79 rural counties in Iowa and will help the communities interested in Illinois, and Keeps people in small communities and schools vibrant.
What the committee would like from the City of Fulton is support in the form of a resolution to move forward to explore the “New Rural Concept” within Whiteside County; this is an Illinois Project and should be led by Illinois folks. The committee is thinking of putting together a Washington DC trip the end of September and would like to call it, “The Mayor’s Trip”
After further discussion, the consensus of the Council was to support the Highway 30 Committee in their future endeavors.
Business
Approve the May 24th and May 27th, 2021, Minutes…Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen…no discussion. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.
Approve the May 2021, Treasurer’s Report. Alderman Mask asked that this motion be tabled, since the Treasurer’s Report was just handed out prior to the meeting and that no Aldermen has had time to review it. May Treasurer’s Report approval was tabled until the next meeting.
Approve the May/June 2021, Bill List. Alderman Mask motioned; Alderman Nederhoff seconded. Short discussion to follow. Alderman Mask asked for clarification on the Ward, Murry Pace, Attorney invoice. Deputy Clerk clarified that the charges were from personnel issues and a meeting and multiple calls from the Firm’s TIF Attorney, for explanation on TIF and what advantages it would have for businesses moving into the Industrial Center. With no further discussion, roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.
Approve Ordinance to amend Title XV, Chapter 155, entitle Zoning, Section 155.120, Entitled Permitted uses in an Industry District. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Discussion to follow. Zoning Officer Sikkema presented the council the zoning map, via casted on the Council television for better viewing. He showed the council what areas were zoned “Industry” and what areas were “Business”. Alderman Mask is concerned that the property that has been recently purchased by Mr. Zajicek, could be used for storage units. Zoning Officer Sikkema asked if the council is wanting to pursue a change in the ordinance or leave as is. Alderman Mask asks that what happened to deciding on a case-by-case decision. Alderman King would like it tabled for more information. The following is for consideration – Four opinions for the questions on Section 155.120, Commercial storage units and mini warehouses in the industrial district.
Keep the code as is for the entire industry district. The code states permitted use in the industry district for commercial storage units and mini warehouses are allowed in the industry district, or:
Change the code to require a special use permit for the entire industry district. With a special use permit per city code 155.020 and 155.021 states that once designated, the special use designation will continue for a period recommended by the Board of Appeals to be decided by the City Council.
Change the code to require a special use permit for specific areas of the industry district as determined by the city council. I also believe the Zoning Board of Appeals would need to meet on this also before it would go into effect.
Change the Zoning Districts so areas of concern would be rezoned to Business Districts which does not allow commercial storage units and mini warehouses to be constructed in it.
Change the Zoning Districts so areas of concern would be rezoned to Business Districts which does not allow commercial storage units and mini warehouses to be constructed in it.
To be discussed at the next meeting.
Approve the request for a Variance for the purpose of erecting a fence in the front yard, located at 1018 12th Avenue and approve to prepare the ordinance. Zoning Board of Appeals voted to grant the Variance and recommends the council to approve. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.
Approve the street closure requests for the Fulton Cohorts. Dates will be July 20, August 10, and October 2, all of 2021. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. No discussion to follow. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.
The City has accepted a contract with Dynegy to be the electric provider for the City electric that is billed and serviced through ComEd. Dynegy has come in at .0624 per kilowatt hour, which is currently .01 cent cheaper than what residents are presently paying. The city will accept the contract for 36 months beginning September of 2021 through September of 2024. Any resident may opt out if so, be it.
Approve funding from the Water/Sewer Depreciation Fund in the amount of $15,465.00 for the purchase of a new pump for storm water removal. Alderman VanKampen motioned, seconded by Alderman King. Short discussion to follow. Mayor Wendy states that she has discussed with CA Clark and that this pump is needed for areas that need storm water removal. It will be in addition to the other pumps that are currently in use. With no further discussion, roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.
Approve the annexation of property located east of Route 84 and 10th Ave in Fulton, IL, owned by Nick Heid and Darren Foster. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman King. No Discussion. Roll call vote, including Mayor. 7 yes, 0 no. Motion approved.
Reports
Finance – meeting will be held July 21, 2021
Economic Development – Alderman Nederhoff will be added to the committee
Parks & Rec – City Christmas Tree Purchased – will table for more information
Public Safety – N/A
Marina – Water is low. CA Clark is looking into purchasing a used dredge. More information at a later date
Zoning – N/A
Mayor’s Report – Handout – Mayor Wendy welcomes new Tourism Director, Erin Weirup.
City Administrator Report – 8th St. Update at a later date
Aldermen Report – N/A
Chief of Police Report – Included
Fulton Historical Society – Included
New Business for Discussion
Changing Aldermen positions to include Aldermen @ Large…. further discussion at later date
CRDC Annual Dues – recommended to support
Fire Department – request to widen the road in front of the Fire Station due to the increase in traffic … will further discuss at later date
Adjourn to Closed Session to discuss Personnel and Property (Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Hunt. Roll call vote, 6 yes, 0 no to enter into closed session at 7:12 pm)
Return to Regular Meeting at 7:17 pm
Adjourn Regular Meeting at 7:18 pm. Alderman Mask motioned, seconded by Alderman Nederhoff….All in favor.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-of-fulton-council-meeting-minutes-june-28-2021.html
Alerts Sign-up