City of Fulton City Council met Sept. 12.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Ottens called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. On roll call, Aldermen Banker, Mask, VanKampen, Nederhoff, Brondyke and Hunt were present. Aldermen King and VanZuiden were absent. Staff in attendance were City Administrator Clark, Chief Neblung, Public Works Director Sikkema and City Clerk Garibay
The Pledge of allegiance was recited.
Recognition of Volunteers
Chief Neblung presented Officers Corie Flack and Jake Willging, “Certificates of Appreciation”, for their outstanding service to the community of Fulton. These officers were recognized for their efforts in controlling “DUI’s” and keeping the streets safer for the residents. We thank them for their dedication and service to their community.
Officer Adam Wherry was awarded the position of “Sergeant”, for the Fulton Police Department. Chief Neblung awarded Adam, the “Promotion Certificate“ at tonight’s meeting.
Officer Wherry has been an acting officer for the department for the past 19 years. Sergeant Wherry will bring a wealth of experience to the department and the city looks forward to having him with the force for many more years.
Communication from Visitors
Business owner and resident of Fulton, Chuck Dykstra, spoke. He wanted the council to know that he was not in favor of the removal of liquor licenses in the city. He said awarding licenses to potential business owners brings in revenue for the city. He objected that the business owners who wanted class A-1 licenses were refused. The city needs to grow, not regress. We need the Economic Development.
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes from August 22, 2022, and current Bill List. Alderman Brondyke motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Short discussion – Alderman Mask requested expenses and revenues from National Night Out. Chief Neblung said he would compile a list and get it to her. No further discussion. Roll call vote, 6 yes, motion approved.
Business
Approve an Ordinance to amend the number of Liquor Licenses (the removal of one class A-1 license). Alderman VanKampen motioned, seconded by Alderman Brondyke. No discussion. Roll call vote, 5 yes, 1 no (Alderman Hunt), motion approved.
Approve the issuance of a Class B Liquor License to Vicky Grewal. Alderman Banker motioned, seconded by Alderman VanKampen. Short discussion explaining the definition of a Class B License, which specifically states, sale of beer and wine OFF premise only, between the hours of 6:00 am to 1:45 am of the following day, Monday through Sunday. Roll call vote, 6 yes, motion approved.
Approve the ordinance amending the parking schedule on certain streets. Alderman Banker motioned, seconded by Alderman Brondyke. Alderman Mask asked about the temporary stop sign in front of the schools on 12th Street. Chief Neblung explained that the sign is removed after school hours. This is for safety for the children, mainly before and after school. No further discussion. Roll call vote, 6 yes, motion approved.
Approve the street closures for the Fulton Fall Festival to be held on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Alderman Hunt motioned, seconded by Alderman Banker. Chief Neblung explained the map that was presented in the packet. Questions about fencing around the beer “block” was brought up. Chief Neblung explained that for this year’s festival we will treat like, the Blessing of the Bikes, as this has been the city’s protocol the past several years. Will address the ordinance issues at further council discussions. Roll call vote, 6 yes, motion approved.
Approve recommendation from Zoning Board of Appeals to allow Ben and Heather Eshelman, 1009 Suncrest Drive, to construct a pergola in the front yard. Short discussion on actual construction. Roll call vote, 6 yes, motion approved.
DISCUSSION
Food and Truck Vendors – Mayor Wendy would like a committee formed with Aldermen and a couple of downtown business owners to come up with a plan to present to the council. Attorney Shirk included a sample ordinance in the packet that could be a base for what the council might decide. City Administrator Clark said he would be willing to sit on the committee. Attorney Shirk did advise the mayor if multiple council members were on the committee, it would be considered a formal meeting. The mayor asked the council to think about this and we would revisit at a future time, because we should have a plan.
Elected Official Pay Increase – City Administrator Clark asked the council how they felt about the numbers that he included in the packet. His calculations were based on a 20% raise for everyone across the board. Attorney Shirk said due to the election deadline, the rate increase would have to be approved at the next council meeting. Alderman Mask had thought they would at a set amount per meeting. A $75 rate had been discussed per meeting. She said it would be discussed by her and Alderman Banker at the next personnel meeting that was to be held on Monday the 19th. They will make a presentation and recommendation at the next meeting. Attorney Shirk will create a new ordinance that can be passed at that time, and the council can fill in their decided amounts of pay, prior to passage.
Kalyan Contract – Change to contract is located on page 3 of the contract (page 67 of the packet), #5 (property must be put back to the same condition). Will wait to 2nd meeting of the month in October for a vote. Mr. Kalyan anticipates by October 15th to have an idea of what is happening with his business venture in Galena for the purchase of the brewery.
Beer Garden Ordinance for Special Events – Fall Festival will proceed as planned for this year. Alderman Mask is concerned with the 3-block area for alcohol consumption. In the future council will have to look at the current ordinance pertaining to beer gardens, and to either enforce it as is, or amend it, per council recommendations.
ARPA Fund Ideas – Alderman Mask would like to expand options for broadband. Suggestion is to reach out to Jo-Carroll again. City Administrator will do so. Other suggestions are “spiffing” up some of the city’s public properties, and downtown renovations to include lighting and infrastructure. Subject will be revisited at each meeting moving forward.
REPORTS
Finance – N/A
Personnel – Verbal
Economic Development – Included
Parks and Recreation – N/A
Public Safety – N/A
Marina – N/A
Zoning – (Minutes as submitted by Zoning Board of Appeals)
Mayor’s Report – Verbal – attending IML Conference
Aldermen Report – (Alderman Mask - Downtown Historic Preservation Ordinance) Alderman Mask explained that the city had contributed $30, 000 for the Historic Preservation Plan and Downtown Streetscape many years ago. She asked that each of the business owners downtown get a copy of the findings for their individual properties. A copy is located here at City Hall. This is something that should be kept in mind when new businesses inquire of a property.
City Administrator Report – N/A
Chief of Police Report – Included
Public Works Director Report – N/A
Fulton Tourism – Included
Historical Society – Included
Adjourn to closed Session to discuss sale of property and personnel. Council adjourned to closed session at 6:26 pm. Alderman VanKampen motioned and seconded by Alderman Brondyke to enter. All in favor.
Return to Regular Meeting. Alderman Hunt motioned, seconded by Alderman Brondyke. Returned to open meeting at 7:03 pm. All in favor.
Adjourn Meeting. Alderman Hunt motioned; seconded by Alderman Banker, meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m. All in favor.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/council-meeting-minutes-september-12-2022.html
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