City of Fulton City Council met Sept. 25.
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Regular Meeting
Meeting was called to order by Mayor Wendy Ottens at 5:30 p.m. On roll call, Alderpersons Banker, Boonstra, Brondyke, Burggraaf, Mask, VanKampen and Wilkin were present. Alderperson King was absent. Also in attendance: Police Chief Neblung, City Attorney Huizenga, Public Works Director Sikkema, City Treasurer Fosdick, City Clerk Wade and ReNee Grant, Deputy City Clerk.
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
New Appointments by Mayor Wendy - None
Recognition of Volunteers - None
Communication from Visitors – Brian Kostka addressed the Council about a dangerous intersection and asked that a 4-way stop be placed at the intersections of 7th Ave. & 9th St. and 10th St. & 7th Ave. Police Chief Neblung stated that this intersection has been added to the list of needed stop signs and no parking areas that will be discussed during the discussion section of this meeting
Presentations - None
Mayor Wendy asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.
Motion to approve the City Council Meeting Minutes from September 11, 2023, and the Treasurer’s Report all in one motion.
Motion to approve with corrections to the September 11, 2023, minutes Alderperson Mask.
Seconded by Alderperson Brondyke.
On roll call, all yes.
Business
Mayor Wendy asked for Motion to Approve Electric bids Pumping. 48-month contract with Dynergy.
The process of how the City awards these bids was explained and the need for a more timely decision making process. Rather than waiting for the next Council meeting.
Mayor Wendy - The Motion Reads:
In the future the Council gives permission to the City Administrator to decide the awarding of the bids because of the changing rate from day to day on the pumping and the electric street lighting bids.
Motion to Approve, by Alderperson Mask, Seconded by Alderperson Brondyke.
On roll call, all yes. Motion approved.
Dan Dolan closing was Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, with construction to begin immediately. A total sale of $812,473.00. The loan payoff was $285,002.57. The extra funds will be deposited and go into line item 19. It’s under fixed assets under the Economic Development and that amount is $527,678.43.
Mayor Wendy asked that the Council to discuss the Ordinance on Liquor Licenses. Alderperson Mask included in the Council packet pages pertaining to what the IML says regarding liquor licenses.
Mayor Wendy wanted the Council to have an open discussion about what is the solution for liquor licenses in the City.
Alderperson Wilkin stated that the Council needs a legitimate reason not to give a business a liquor license.
ReNee Grant explained the various classes of liquor licenses and what they represented. She also explained the number of licenses we currently have out, that number is 14, and which businesses have which type of license.
A lengthy discussion was held regarding the number of liquor licenses available and the criteria for applying and receiving a liquor license. Discussion was held on possibly changing the number of liquor licenses available or having no limit at all.
The question was directed to Chief Neblung, in his opinion, would the City see more crime with more retail alcohol sales? He does not believe that to be true. City Attorney, Huizenga, further explained the State laws concerning liquor licensing.
Discussion was held on the purchase of a 2023 Tahoe from State Center, Iowa. (replace 2013 Durango).
Chief Neblung explained the needs of the department. Mayor Wendy asked that this request be put on the next agenda as an action item.
Discuss Ordinance Change for No Parking on one side of roadway:
Added: 7th Ave. & 9th St.
7th St. from 10th Ave. to 13th Ave.
11th Ave. from 10th S.t to 14th St.
Adding stop signs for 4-way stop 10th St. and 7th Ave.
Stop sign at 12th St. in front of Middle School.
All were in favor of putting these changes on the agenda for approval on the Oct. 9, 2023, meeting.
Discuss City Administrator responsibilities. Enclosed is our Agreement Delegating Duties – Part-Time Basis for City Administrator. Motion was made to add this to the next agenda as an action item.
Mayor Wendy proposed that the Council table the discussion on the Role of City Council members as requested by Alderperson Mask, due to the meeting running late.
Mayor Wendy discussed the upcoming Republic Services - Fulton City Cleanup for bulky waste collection. This will begin Monday, Nov. 13, 2023, at 6:00 a.m. It will continue through the rest of the week until it is completed. Items should be set out by 6:00 a.m. on Monday. If items are set out later, Republic Services will not come back for them.
Committee Reports
Finance – included in packet.
Personnel - Mayor Wendy spoke on personnel.
Economic Development – included in packet.
Chief of Police Report – included in packet.
Historical Society Report – Martin House Museum 2023 Financial Report
All Council members in favor of Trick or Treat being Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Mayor Wendy asked for a motion to go into closed session for purposes of personnel, litigation, or sale of property.
Motion made by Alderperson Boonstra. Seconded by Alderperson Brondyke.
Motion approved.
Council went into closed session at 7:11 p.m.
Council adjourned closed session at 7:33 p.m.
Mayor Wendy asked to make a motion to adjourn the regular meeting, all present were in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-sept-25-2023.html
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