NW Illinois News

City of Fulton City Council met July 14.

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 Burggraaf, King, VanKampen, Boonstra, Wilkin and Ratcliff were present. Alderpersons Mask and Suehl were absent. City Attorney Huizenga, Business Manager Hamling, Police Chief Hermes, City Administrator Sikkema, and City Clerk Wade were also in attendance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Mayor Malone announced that there are a couple of presentations. The first being Rebecca Huizenga, representing the Fulton Christmas Walk Committee, she stated that this year’s Christmas Walk will be held Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5 – 7:30 p.m. in downtown Fulton. (Heritage Canyon Christmas Walk is on Saturday).

Huizenga stated that this year’s theme will be, “All the World’s a Stage”. This was chosen to honor a very well known community member, Neal Luker. He was a Thespian and Drama teacher at Fulton High School for many years. The Christmas Walk committee will be sending out information to local businesses to encourage them to participate and find a way to incorporate this theme into their festivities.

Mayor Malone introduced Barak and Tami Wierenga. They presented to the Council their business plan for acquiring a B-1Liquor License. He is proposing to start a new business at 2001 9th Street. He currently owns and operates Barak’s Truck Repair in this same area of Fulton’s business park. He explained the size and layout of the proposed site. He also gave examples of what types of businesses this property could be used for.

The Mayor thanked them for coming and giving their presentation. They were told to contact the City’s Liquor Commissioner, ReNee Grant, to discuss all of his options. This would have to be voted on by the Council at a future meeting.

Next, Mayor Malone introduced Ari Lewerenz, she presented to the Council information on an opportunity to partner with Clinton in a common goal to bring tourists and visitors to our area. She explained the artwork of Thomas Dambo that is coming to Clinton and the data to backup the increase in tourism and the cost of the project. To commission this artist to construct a troll somewhere in Fulton would cost $250,000.00. In order to proceed with this, the Council will have to make a decision by the end of July.

A citizen spoke to the Council regarding this project. She feels that this is a great idea for tourism because it’s something totally unique. She gave suggestions of possible funding sources. She suggested the Council seriously consider this project.

Matt Parbs, of Grow Clinton, addressed the Council, telling them a few more specifics about the troll artwork. He said for the size of troll that is being looked at for Fulton, the costs would be $200,000 to $300,000. He stated that this would be Illinois’ only troll.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to approve the regular meeting minutes from June 23, 2025, meeting, the Bill List and the May 2025 Treasurer’s Report.

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Burggraaf seconded.

Alderperson Ratcliff asked if the minutes reflected the changes that were made in the Standing Committee. City Clerk Wade replied that those changes will be in the next meeting’s minutes because it happened after this meeting was adjourned.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderpersons Mask and Suehl were absent.)

Motion carried.

Mayor Malone informed the Council that after further consideration, there is a slight change in the standing committee members.

That change being:

Those were:

Public Works: Alderpersons Zack Ratcliff (Chair) and Keith King.

Marina: Alderpersons Jackie Wilkin (Chair) and Kathy Suehl.

CURRENT BUSINESS

Mayor Malone asked for a Motion to Approve to Adopt the Park Strategic Plan from MSA.

Alderperson Boonstra made the motion. Alderperson Wilkin seconded.

After discussion, Alderperson VanKampen requested that the motion be tabled. City Administrator Sikkema stated that this does not have to be voted on tonight. The Council would like more time to review it.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to table it.

Alderperson Boonstra amended his motion to table it. Alderperson Wilkin amended her motion to table it.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderpersons Mask and Suehl were absent.)

Motion is tabled.

Mayor Malone asked for a motion to vote and approve the downtown redevelopment phase one financial summary and proposed expansion of the 4th Street project.

Alderperson Burggraaf made the motion. Alderperson Wilkin seconded.

Alderperson Wilkin asked if this is something that should be tabled because there was no prior discussion? Alderperson VanKampen stated that it was discussed at the last meeting.

Alderperson VanKampen stated that it should be done because they are part of the business district. The project needs to include all three blocks, not just two blocks. She told the Council that this needs to be corrected.

A lengthy discussion was held on why the original plans did not include the block of 12th to 13th Avenues. The Council agrees that the plans should include this 3rd block. Alderperson Ratcliff stated that the estimate for the additional block is around $600,000.00. Some of that is already taken care of because of a surplus from phase 1. He continued to say that phase 2 is currently slotted for next year. Discussion was held on funding sources for the project.

On roll call, all yes. (Alderpersons Mask and Suehl were absent.)

Motion carried.

Next, a discussion was held regarding the City’s membership with Grow Clinton. Matt Parbs was present representing Grow Clinton. The cost and fees were discussed including what level of service we are getting from Grow Clinton. Parbs told the Council that it is important to recognize that this is a regional partnership.

Mayor Malone asked if everyone was comfortable with paying for our membership at $1750.00? The Council agreed with that cost and level of service from Grow Clinton.

City Administrator Sikkema brought up the subject of Splash pad concepts. There are 4 concepts to look over. Discussion was held on the cost of each concept starting anywhere from $83,000 to $105,000. This idea was first presented by the Kiwanis Club of Fulton. They have earmarked dollars to go towards this project. The Fulton Fun Crew has done the same.

Sikkema stated that the City is going for an OSLAD grant to help fund this. This is a 50/50 grant, so the City would have to come up with half of the money. Sikkema said he thinks it’s a totally doable project for the City. Tentatively, the splash pad would be located at Friendship Park (10th Avenue Park). Discussion was held on the placement of the splash pad and what other amenities might be added, such as additional bathrooms, etc. This project is slated for 2027.

Next up for discussion is new Christmas lights for downtown Fulton. The Christmas lights the City currently has are very old and were purchased used from Prophetstown. City Administrator Sikkema told the Council that since we are putting up new street lights, he feels we should upgrade the Christmas lights as well. The Council will take this into consideration.

The topic of a troll by artist Thomas Dambo was revisited. Possible locations for the sculpture in town were discussed. This would be the only troll sculpture in Illinois. The impact on local tourism would be significant. City Attorney Huizenga will look into a copy of the contract for this project.

Under Alderperson comments, Alderperson Wilkin said she has some concerned citizens in her Ward regarding stray cats. Chief Hermes stated that animal control will not do anything about cats. His suggestion would be for residents to stop feeding them.

Alderperson Wilkin also asked City Administrator Sikkema if the downtown business district can have better signage to direct people to a specific business during this construction. City Administrator said he would contact RK (graphics) and get new signage put up as soon as possible!

Sikkema also stated that the downtown will be getting all new trash receptacles.

Alderperson Burggraaf informed the Council of the items discussed at the last Finance committee meeting. They included the MSA strategic plan, the tourism director position and an improved purchase order system.

The Council went over the Community Service Officer Report.

Chief of Police Hermes shared his report with the Council. He stated that Officer Munson is no longer with the City. A new officer, Drew Misfeldt, has been hired. National Night Out will be August 12, 2025.

The Tourism Committee report included that the standing Tourism committee will disband. All tourism related items will be under the Economic Development standing committee.

Mayor Malone stated, “I will entertain a motion and a second to adjourn this meeting.”

Alderperson King made the motion. Alderperson Ratcliff seconded.

All in favor? Yes.

This meeting was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.

https://cityoffulton.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Council-Minutes-07-14-25.docx