NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council met Jan. 27.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Regular Meeting

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Wendy Ottens at 8:00 a.m. On roll call, Alderpersons Burggraaf, Wilkin, Boonstra, King, Mask and Brondyke were present.  Alderpersons VanKampen and Banker were absent. Police Chief Neblung, Public Works Director Sikkema, City Attorney Huizenga, Business Manager Garibay and City Clerk Wade were also in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

New Appointments by Mayor Wendy -None

Recognition of Volunteers – None

Communications from Visitors – None

Presentations – None

Mayor Wendy asked for a motion to approve the Consent Agenda.

Motion to approve the City Council meeting minutes from January 8, 2024, and the Treasurer’s Report in one motion.

Motion to approve, Alderperson Burggraaf made the motion, second by Alderperson Brondyke.

On roll call, all yes. Motion passed.

Business - There were no action items.

Committee of the Whole - Discussion items

Discussion was held regarding the City’s garbage and recycling provider, Republic Services.

Business Manager, Garibay, told the Council that City Hall has had over 300 calls from residents complaining about Republic Services’ lack of service during the recent inclement weather. She spoke to the General Manager at Republic Services and he said resident’s will not be getting a refund. She also said that it would have to be a Council decision as to whether or not the City would give a refund. If so, it would have to come out of the Garbage Fund. It could be taken care of on the next water/sewer bills.

Mayor Wendy stated that this is a Republic problem, not a City problem.  Questions and concerns should be directed to Republic. The City is reporting addresses directly to Republic dispatch when we are notified by a resident that their pickup was missed. She also said that this could very well be a driver issue.

Alderperson Burggraaf believes there has been a total lack of communication on Republic Services side. Residents are not getting responses when trying to call Republic or it goes to a call center far away and they get no help. All present agreed.

It would be beneficial to update resident’s via Fulton’s Facebook page. Possibly adding a disclaimer statement. The Business Manager said that this will be done. Information can’t be put on the City’s website because no one is making updates to it at this time.

Business Manager, Garibay, stated the contract with Republic Services goes to 2027 and that there is a statement in the contract that states Republic may delay services because of inclement weather.

Some residents have asked for refunds from the City for Republic charges on the water/sewer bills. The Council decided that no refunds will be given to residents by the City. Residents were allowed to set out extra refuse and recycling items due to this delay.

Alderperson Burggraaf reminded the Council that if a resident states that they have received a refund from Republic, that they were not within City limits. Some county residents were given refunds.

Surrounding cities have been contacted and they are also having some of these same problems with Republic Services.

We need to have better guidelines from Republic Services as to garbage and recycling rules. We can then pass them on to residents.

The subject was brought up as to what other choices does the City have for garbage services. None were known, however, Eric Sikkema will try to reach out to Green & Clean out of Morrison to see if they handle residential pickup.

Business Manager Garibay discussed quarterly meetings, not monthly meetings, for the City’s standing committees. Council members are paid $75.00 per meeting they attend. This adds up if they are meeting for no reason. If special circumstances or busier times of the year for a particular committee warrant extra meetings, that would be acceptable. The Council agreed to that and also to meeting at least quarterly will be mandatory. At any time any committee may request a Budget to Actual report.

Discussion continued on the direction to go on the repairs of the City Hall Council Chambers.

Public Works Director, Eric Sikkema, told the Council that a mold remediation company  recommended that the City tear down the 30-year old existing structure and rebuild a new Council Chambers.

Sikkema has met with Frary Lumber Co. and asked them to draw up plans for a new building. He has also met with an electrical contractor and an HVAC contractor. They can’t give any bids until they see the plans from Frary Lumber.

Sikkema also said that the City Hall and Police Department (existing original structure) have been tested and have not been affected by the mold.

The City has contacted the IML about the problem and they have sent out an adjuster to look at the damage. Business Manager Garabay is waiting to hear back from them.

Discussion was held on the importance of notifying the public that the City Council meetings will be held at the Cattail until further notice.

Committee Reports -

Public Works Director Eric Sikkema was asked about the dredging at the Fulton Marina. He said that Kyle (the person who is dredging at the Marina) is not done. His barge is stuck in the mud. Eric told him anything that is not done by March 1, 2024, the City will not pay for.

Alderperson Mask gave a quick update on the Historical Society’s open house during Fulton’s Embrace the Winter festivities. The Martin House Museum will be open from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024. She said it’s a great opportunity to see the museum all lit up at night.

 Wendy asked for a motion to adjourn the regular meeting.

Alderperson Burggraaf made the motion. Alderperson Brondyke seconded.

All were in favor, motion passed.

Regular meeting adjourned at 8:42 a.m.

https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-jan-27-2024.html