NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council met June 9.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

The City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Shane Malone at 5:30 p.m.

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mayor Malone stated that there is a vacancy for the office of Alderperson in Ward 1. He would like to appoint Zack Ratcliff for that office.

Alderperson Mask explained that this is a 2-step process. When a Mayor appoints someone, it is brought to the Council for their advice and consent on the appointment. With Council consent, that person will be appointed at the next regular City Council meeting.

Alderperson Boonstra asked Zack Ratcliff why he didn’t run for the Ward 1 Alderperson during the April election. Zack replied that at the time he did not realize Brondyke was not going to be running for re-election. The deadline for filing the proper election papers had already passed at that time.

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

Communication from visitors. Jeff Soenksen addressed the Council to regarding public consumption of THC. He would like the opportunity for even a day Special Use permit to bring a mobile public consumption vehicle to allow sampling of products.

He pointed out that the City has been allowing public consumption in the City of Fulton for roughly 3 years and doesn’t think that we’ve had any issues with it.

The discussion was held regarding the different strengths of cannabis

He asked the Council to reconsider the stance on cannabis consumption spaces. He would be happy to answer questions at another time.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from May 12, 2025, meeting and the Bill List.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Burggraaf seconded.

Alderperson Mask had a question for City Clerk Wade regarding the end of the minutes, it did not state clearly that the Council went into Closed Session and then went back to the Regular Meeting before adjourning at 7:45 p.m.

City Clerk Wade explained the proper procedure for going in and out of closed session. The minutes will be corrected.

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

Motion carried.

CURRENT BUSINESS

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on the Ordinance Amending Chapter 73 of the Fulton Code of Ordinances Entitled “Non-Highway Vehicle Operation on City Streets” to Title VII Entitled “Traffic Codes”.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Suehl seconded.

Alderperson Boonstra had a question on section one, subsection B, parentheses 11, says amend to replace the text 18 with 16. City Attorney Huizenga told the Council the Ordinance already reads a “licensed 16-year-old”.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderperson Wilkin 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 Burggraaf made the motion. Alderperson VanKampen seconded.

Discussion was held regarding the Council’s need to have Dan Dolan visit the Council and specifically explain his business plan. He has not done that.

Alderperson VanKampen stated that the Council should not go ahead with this. Alderperson Mask agreed.

Discussion was held that it is no longer about giving the B-1 License to Dolan. It is now about whether or not the Council wants to add another B-1 for anyone at all.

On roll call, all No (Alderperson Wilkin was absent,)

Motion failed.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on hiring a Comprehensive & Strategic Plan for the City. Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

Alderperson VanKampen asked City Administrator Sikkema what will the cost be? He told the Council that if we go with Northern Illinois University, the cost will be $75,000. If we go with MSA Professional Services it will be $55,000.00. A discussion was held on the cost and the budget year this would be paid out of and the pros and cons of each.

An amended motion was asked for regarding which provider we’re going with, that being MSA. Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson VanKampen seconded it.

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

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve and vote on the National Fitness Campaign Commitment. Alderperson Mask made the motion. Alderperson VanKampen seconded.

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

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – DISCUSSION

Discussion was held on the amount of compensation for elected officials. It was determined that the current Ordinance needs to be amended to read that City officers shall be paid for regularly scheduled City Council meetings and special City Council meetings regardless of attendance. They will only be paid for standing and special committee meetings if they actually are in attendance.

Discussion was held on the Marina appraisal. City Administrator Sikkema received the appraisal from ValuPros. The appraisal was $165,000.00.

Discussion was held regarding the position of a Marketing & Tourism Coordinator. A job description is being developed for the position.

Discussion was held on the Grocery Tax. The Council will need to make a decision on whether or not to keep this tax by October 2025.

Alderperson VanKampen would like the Council to consider planting a tree along with a commemorative plaque honoring Mr. Neal Luker. It would be placed near the Windmill.

Reports were provided by the following committees: Parks & Rec, Finance, Chief of Police, Tourism and the Historical Society.

Discussion was held about placing the Tourism Committee under the Economic Development Committee. Mayor Malone asked for a motion to go out of regular session at 6:56 p.m.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

On roll call all yes. (Alderperson Wilkin was absent)

Discussion was held.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to exit the closed session and return to the regular meeting. Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Boonstra seconded.

On roll call all yes. (Alderperson Wilking was absent)

Call for ayes and nays to adjourn the regular meeting.

All yes. Meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

https://cityoffulton.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Council-Minutes-06-09-25.pdf