NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council met Sept. 23.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Pro-Tem, Mindy Burggraaf at 5:30 p.m. On roll call, Alderpersons Banker, Boonstra, Brondyke, King, Mask, VanKampen and Wilkin were present. Mayor Wendy Ottens was absent. City Attorney Huizenga, Chief of Police, Neblung, Public Works Director Sikkema, Business Manager Garibay, Business Manager-in-Training Hamling, Community Service Officer Wherry, and City Clerk Wade were also in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Presentations – Heidi Kolk, along with several others, from F.A.C.E. (Fulton Association for Community Enrichment) presented to the Council an explanation of how F.A.C.E. operates and who benefits from this group.

Recognitions – None

Appointments – None

Communication from Visitors. (Any communication that is NOT on the agenda for consideration.) – Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office explained to the Council the Public Safety Tax Referendum (9-1-1 Tax). The Whiteside County Board has placed a tax referendum on the Nov. 2024 ballot asking for approval to levy and collect a Public Safety Tax County Wide, namely a 0.5% sales tax on non-exempt sales. This tax, if passed, will generate sufficient sales tax to fully fund 911 Dispatch services without contributions from the cities in Whiteside County. Taxes would be paid by all shoppers. The amount to be paid from cities in Whiteside County if the referendum does not pass is based on the city’s population. Fulton’s amount would be $94,420.36 annually, billed quarterly.

The Whiteside County Board controls these funds. Chief Neblung supports this tax referendum.

The consumer would pay an additional $0.50 in sales tax for every $100 of taxable retail purchases.

Mayor Pro-Tem Burggraaf asked for a motion to approve the Council meeting minutes from September 9, 2025, City Council meeting. Also, approve the Treasurer’s Report as of August 31, 2024.

Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson Brondyke seconded the motion.

On Roll Call, all yes. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro-Tem Burggraaf asked for a motion to approve the use of the remaining ARPA money ($450,888.00) to be distributed as follows: Up to $100,000.00 for a generator and the remainder going towards City infrastructure.

Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson King seconded the motion.

Discussion continued on the request. Can ARPA funds be used for dispatch if the new tax doesn’t pass? What bid(s) do we have for a generator?

It was requested to amend the motion to leave out the generator.

Alderperson Banker made the motion. Alderperson Brondyke seconded the motion.

On roll call, all yes.

Amended motion carried.

Mayor Pro-Tem Burggraaf asked for a motion to approve the Parks & Rec Committee to purchase signage for Fulton Friendship Park from RK Graphics. The cost for 2 – 2’ x 3’ and 1 – 1’ x 2’ signs is approximately $600.00. Adding installation it would be $900.00.

Alderperson Wilkin made the motion. Alderperson VanKampen seconded it.

Discussion was held. If RK designs the signs, that would be an extra charge of $100.00. Alderperson Wilkin stated that the sign size is incorrect and the cost for a 4’ x 4’ sign is $700.00 plus $300.00 for installation.

A motion was made to amend the current motion using the need dollar amounts.

Alderperson Wilkin made the motion. Alderperson VanKampen seconded.

On roll call, all yes.

Amended motion carried.

Mayor Pro-Tem Burggraaf asked for a motion to approve the installation of lighting for Fulton Friendship Park. BNC Electric gave an estimate of $29,791.66. This includes lighting for the playground, basketball court, and security lighting on the bathrooms and service. This purchase will come out of the Video Gaming fund.

Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson Brondyke seconded.

On roll call, all yes.

Motion carried.

Mayor Pro-Tem Burggraaf asked for a motion to approve the addition of an A license, as the Ordinance states, for Gerlab Singh for Eagle River Liquor.

Alderperson Wilkin made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

Discussion was held regarding the 60-day time limit.

A motion to amend the current motion to not to hold Gerlab Singh to the 60-day limit.

On roll call, all yes.

Motion carried.

Under Discussions –

Public Work Director Eric Sikkema explained a new form he would like to start using. A Utility Right Away Permit would ensure all projects within the City would be well documented. (A sample was provided.)

Regarding the paperwork for 7th Avenue (in front of the elementary school) and 14th Street (7th Avenue to 14th Avenue). Mayor Wendy will have this on as a motion next meeting.

Eric Sikkema explained his 5-year plan for sidewalks and roads. He included a list for each.

The Council looked over a report showing the Windmill/Cultural Center’s visitor summary. Business Manager, Tammy Garibay, wants a complete financial report from these 2 city attractions.

It was also discussed that the Windmill volunteers would like to see for involvement in these attractions from the City.

Discussion that the Dutch Days Festival financial reports that were given to the City were not complete. The City would like a beginning and ending balance.

The only committee report was from the Liquor Committee. Discussion was held on the changes and ongoing updating of the licenses.

There was a Mayor’s report that addressed many issues the City faces and updates on the ongoing projects in town.

Mayor Pro-Tem Burggraaf asked for a motion to go into closed session to discuss personnel.

Motion made by Alderperson Mask. Seconded by Alderperson Boonstra.

On roll call, all yes.

Motion carried.

Entered into closed session at 6:58 p.m.

Motion to come out of closed session.

Motion to return to regular meeting.

Motion to adjourn regular meeting. All ayes.

Adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

https://www.cityoffulton.us/government/city-council/city-council-meeting-minutes/city-council-meeting-minutes-sept-23-2024.html