City of Fulton City Council met Jan. 9.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Mayor Ottens called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. On roll call, Alderpersons VanZuiden, Brondyke, Mask, Nederhoff, VanKampen, Banker and Hunt were present. Alderperson King was absent. Staff present, were City Administrator Clark, Public Works Director Sikkema, Chief Neblung, Sgt. Hamilton, and City Clerk Garibay.
The Pledge of allegiance was recited
Recognition of Volunteers - N/A
Communication from Visitors – N/A
Presentations – N/A
Consent Agenda
Approve consent agenda; approve council meeting minutes and from December 12, 2022, and Bill List. Alderperson VanZuiden motioned, seconded by Alderperson Mask. No discussion. Roll call vote, 7 yes, 0 no, motion approved.
Business
Approve ARPA fund expenditures as follows: $200,000 for downtown renovations, $100,00 for sidewalk program, and balance of approximately $140,000 to be used for special projects. Alderperson VanKampen motioned, seconded by Alderperson Brondyke. Short discussion to follow. City Administrator Clark told the council that funds received were $450,887.83, in which the only expenditure that has been implemented was $10,000 for cameras. All Alderpersons agreed. Alderpersons Mask and Banker both asked if there was a layout plan in order. PW Director Sikkema stated that they crew is presently working on that. Alderperson VanZuiden asked what the Safe Route to School Grant entailed. Director Sikkema stated that unless things have changed in the past several months, it was initially a $200,000 match grant. Several Alderpersons asked if they could make suggestions to repairs. Director Sikkema said most definitely, he will check them over and put on list for repairs. Roll call vote, 7 yes, motion approved.
Approve resolution of Authorization of a loan applicant’s authorized representative to sign PWSLP (Public Water and Supply Loan Program) loan application documents. This resolution was not on the agenda, but council majority agreed to proceed with resolution passage, due to no response from the public and a time deadline. Alderperson Mask motioned, seconded by Alderperson Nederhoff. Short discussion to follow. Mayor Ottens explained to the council that with majority of the council’s approval, items may be added to the agenda. City Administrator Clark explained that the resolution was received shortly after council packets were printed and issued. Resolution states that the City of Fulton authorize a representative to sign the loan applications forms and supporting documents. In this instance, Mayor Ottens will be the authorized agent. Roll call vote, 7 yes, motion approved.
Discussion Only
Amending Fines
Chief Neblung is in the process of reviewing the ordinances. If he finds no errors, he will ask for approval to the ordinance at the next scheduled council meeting. Several Alderpersons would like to see a comparison of the increases in the next council packet. The new ordinance will increase, in general, all fines from $25 to $100. Chief Neblung agreed to prepare a comparison document to be included in next packet.
GE Stocks
City Administrator Clark gave a breakdown of the GE Stocks that city has had for quite some time. They are losing every year. At the present time we have 228 shares that are in the total amount of $17,000. He stated that he and the Mayor had a conversation and possible plan to help save the Drive’s Building Project. Since the GE Stocks are constantly decreasing in value every year. Why not give the Martin House back to the Presbyterian Church, and the remaining cash allowance (or stocks) be passed onto the Drive’s Building Committee, or Historical Society. Alderperson Mask addressed the council and said that the conversation has come up in the past with the Historical Society, and that she would present to them again. Everyone agreed to further the conversation in the future.
Marina Docks
Included in packet was a service quote and photo for dock repairs needed at the marina. Marina funds are available for these purchases but wanted the council to be aware of this upcoming expenditure.
Possible Loan for Dredging (above and beyond)
As it presently stands, the marina funds have monies for some dredging, although the committee would like to see the entire marina dredged to boost future clientele. The past several years have not been good as far as water levels, resulting in limited or no access to many boat slips, therefore resulting in lost revenue. Dredging the entire marina, instead of a limited area, would almost certainly assure that boats would be able to get in and out. Public Works Director Sikkema will investigate the approximated total cost and get back with the city Administrator.
Statement of Economic Interest
Mayor Ottens stated that when Attorney Shirk returns to the future meeting discussion will follow on the new questions on the form. It was also suggested that at a future meeting, when everyone receives their statements from the County Clerk, we have a dedicated time when everyone can fill out together and answer any questions that may arise.
Fulton Christmas Walk Committee – Expenditures
Fulton Christmas Committee, Inc, included a detail report regarding the city’s contribution of $2000 for the 2022 Christmas Walk. The entire council appreciated the detailed spreadsheet of expenditures that was submitted.
Budget Workshop Dates
City Administrator Clark said it was that time of year to schedule a budget workshop. He stated that he anticipates that we should only need one meeting this year. He iterated that since we have no union negotiations or other pressing issues, that the 2023-2024 budget should run smoothly. Council decided to meet February 4, 2023, at 8:00 a.m.
Reports Finance – N/A
Economic Development – N/A
Personnel Committee – N/A
Parks and Recreation – N/A
Public Safety – N/A
Marina – N/A
Zoning – N/A
Mayor’s Report – N/A
Aldermen Report – Alderperson Mask asked for council support on an article that she is writing on the new senior living area that will be born from the recently sold, “Harbor Crest Nursing Home.” All agreed and support, that this will be an asset for the city, but more importantly a “much needed” service for our senior community.
City Administrator Report – N/A
Chief of Police Report – included
Public Works Director Report – N/A
Tourism Report – N/A
Fulton Historical Society Report – included
Adjourn to Closed Session to discuss sale of property, personnel, and litigation.
Closed Session not needed.
Adjourn Meeting. Alderperson Mask motioned, seconded by Alderperson Brondyke, all in favor, meeting adjourned at 6:00 pm.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-january-9-2023.html
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