NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council met May 12.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

PUBLIC HEARING

Mayor Shane Malone announced the Council will be going into a Public Hearing regarding public comment on the vacating of an alley between Lots 13, 16 and the East Half of Lot 12 and Lots 14, 15 and the East Half of Lot 11 in Block 9, City of Fulton.

Mayor Malone as if there were any questions. There were none.

REGULAR MEETING

Mayor Shane Malone asked for a Motion to go into the regular Council meeting at 5:35 p.m.

Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson Wilkin seconded.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

On roll call, Alderpersons Mask, Boonstra, Burggraaf, King, Suehl and Wilkin were present. Alderpersons VanKampen, was absent. City Attorney Huizenga, Police Chief Hermes, City Administrator Sikkema, Liquor License Commissioner Grant, Sargeant Dwayne Hamilton and City Clerk Wade were also in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mayor Malone announced that Dan Dolan was going to present his business plan to the Council. He was not present.

Mayor Malone asked the City Clerk if there was any communication from visitors, there were not.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from the April 28, 2025, meeting and the Bill List and the Bill List Addendums.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Burggraaf seconded.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

CURRENT BUSINESS

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on the 14th Street contract.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on the Downtown contract.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

Discussion: Alderperson Burggraaf asked if this is considered Phase 1 of the Downtown project. City Administrator Sikkema said, yes.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on an Ordinance Vacating an Alley between Lots 13, 16 and the East half of Lot 12 and Lots 14, 15 and the East half of Lot 11 in Block 9, City of Fulton.

Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson King seconded.

On roll call, all yes (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on an Ordinance to Approve the addition of a B-1 Liquor License for the City of Fulton.

Alderperson King made the motion to Table it. Alderperson Mask made the 2nd motion to Table it.

Discussion: The Council needs more information and a specific business plan from Dan Dolan.

On roll call, all yes (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion tabled.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 110.60 of the City Code captioned, “Business Registration”.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Wilkin seconded.

On roll call, all yes (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 119 of the Fulton Code of Ordinance for the Regulation of Recreational Cannabis and Cannabis Business Establishments.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Mask seconded.

Discussion was held.

On roll all yes. (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on a Resolution Authorizing Specific Officers of the City of Fulton as Signers of City Checks, Vouchers, Notes and Other Documents. Those signers being Amanda Fosdick, Treasurer; Shane Malone, Mayor; Keith Kiing, Alderperson; Sue VanKampen, Alderperson; Jackie Wilkin, Alderperson; Eric Sikkema, City Administrator. Business Manager Aley Hamling is authorized to make periodic inquiries and receive information.

Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson King seconded.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson VanKampen was absent.)

Motion carried.

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE DISCUSSION

Discussion was held on the Comprehensive & Strategic Plan. City Administrator Sikkema explained the results and consideration of those who addressed the Council regarding their proposal. This will be voted on at the next Council meeting.

The Council discussed the ordinance that would allow individuals to drive nonhighway vehicles such as golf carts or ATVs on city streets. Alderperson Wilkins addressed concerns about available parking spaces on 4th Street and potential safety issues.

Alderperson King objected to rulings that would prohibit the parking of golf carts, potential handicap issues for users and the overregulation of carts.

It was discussed that the proposed ordinance would change the minimum age from 18 to 16 with a valid driver’s license. A flat fee of $50.00 for registration was also discussed.

Reminder that the next City Council meeting is cancelled because it is Memorial Day. The next City Council meeting will be June 9, 2025.

Chief of Police Hermes discussed his report that was included in the packet.

Code Enforcement Officer Report was discussed.

Alderperson Burggraaf went over the Finance Committee Report.

Mayor Malone asked for a Motion to go out of Regular Session.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

Closed session adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Reconvene regular meeting.

There was a quorum present.

Adjourn regular meeting? All yes.

Adjourned regular meeting at 8:00 p.m.

https://cityoffulton.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Council-Minutes-05-12-25.docx