CITY COUNCIL MINUTES

May 13, 2008

The Council of the City of Fulton, Missouri, met in regular session on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 18 E. 4th Street. Present and presiding were Charles M. Latham, Mayor; William Johnson, Director of Administration; Carolyn L. Laswell, City Clerk; and Steve Myers, Chief of Police. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Latham at 7:30 p.m.  Roll call was taken by the City Clerk and members of the council present were Benton; Bill; Digh; Gohring; Harris; Moore; and Pautz.  Absent was councilmember West. Also present were Darrell Dunlap, Superintendent of Utilities; Les Hudson, Code Enforcement Officer; Dean Buffington, Fire Chief; Kathy Holschlag, Chief Financial Officer; J. C. Miller, Solid Waste Manager; Sharon Cleveland, Purchasing Agent; Clay Caswell, Parks & Recreation Director; Rick Gohring; Don Masek; Nancy Lewis; Bruce Hackmann; Melissa Siegel; Jim Dodson; Brad Hegemann; a reporter for The Fulton Sun; Jeremy Polston and Justin Dean, Audio/Video.

INVOCATION:

Invocation was given by Mayor Latham.

COMMENTS FROM VISITORS:

Mayor Latham asked if there was anyone present who wished to address the council that was not listed on tonight's agenda to please come to the podium and state their name, address and area of concern. There were none.

SUBJECTS OF DISCUSSION:

a)   City Hall Re-financing.

Bill Johnson said we have an opportunity to re-finance City Hall and save $15,000.  He introduced Rick Gohring, President of Callaway County Markets of Callaway Bank, who in turn introduced Don Masek, United Security Bank.

Callaway Bank, United Security Bank, Central Bank and Bank Star One are willing to re-negotiate the interest rate from 4.9% when City Hall was built, to 4% at the present time. Thereby, saving the city $15,000.

Bill Johnson said a Resolution will be presented to the council for adoption later in this council meeting.

b)   Discussion of the Street Fair 2008, with Jim Dodson, co-chair.

Jim Dodson referred to the handouts that were included in the council packet.  This includes a list of requests to the city; information on the 5K and the Kids Mile Races; and permission to hold the parade with a map of the proposed parade route.

After some discussion, motion was offered by Councilman Benton and seconded by Councilman Bill to grant permission for the Street Fair 2008, the 5K race and the Kids Miles Race, and the parade.  Motion carried with seven members of the council voting in favor and one member (West) absent.

c)   Update on the Branding Committee by Jim Dodson.

Mayor Latham said the branding committee consists of Melissa Siegel, Tom Harris, and Jim Dodson.  This is a six month project for the purpose of raising Fulton's image.  A community survey will be undertaken over the next three months and completed in October, 2008.  More information will be given to the council as this project rolls forward.

d)   A request for approval from the developers for City of Fulton to accept and adopt the roadways located within Phase I, II, and III. of the Southwinds Subdivision.

Councilman Pautz left the council chambers.

After some discussion, a motion was offered by Councilwoman Gohring and seconded by Councilman Bill to accept the roadways in Phase I, II, and III in Southwinds Subdivision as presented.  Motion carried with six members of the council voting in favor and two members (Pautz and West) absent.

Councilman Pautz returned to the council chambers.

e)   Railroad Depot.

Mayor Latham said the city has the opportunity to purchase the old railroad depot from Jerry Danuser for $75,000.  It needs a roof and upkeep very much needed.  The city has no immediate plans for this building.

Discussion followed.  The council stated this building is a piece of Fulton history and it is a great opportunity to obtain this historic building.  Nancy Lewis, Executive Director of the Kingdom of Callaway Chamber of Commerce and Bruce Hackmann, CEO of the Fulton Area Development Corporation, were present to lend their full support of this proposed project.

Motion  was offered by Councilman Bill and seconded by Councilman Moore to authorize the city proceed with the purchase of the Railroad depot for $75,000.  Motion carried with seven members of the council voting in favor and one member (West) absent.

f)   Update on natural gas and electric rates.

Darrell Dunlap, Superintendent, said all utility markets are going up with the natural gas market closed today at $11.39 per unit.

g)   Update of the water/sewer project in the downtown area.

Darrell reported that Phase I of the water project is complete.  The workers are putting the services in on Court Street of Phase I.

At the Route O Liftstation, all improvements have been completed and two breakers have been replaced at the Power Plant.

RESOLUTIONS:

Resolution 3007 was presented and read by Councilman Benton.

Resolution 3007 - A Resolution Authorizing the Mayor, on behalf of the C.O.F., to sign all necessary documents lowering the interest rate on the outstanding balance on the Lease Arrangement Financing of the new City Hall building from 4.9% to 4.0% (Copy is included in the official Resolution Book).

Motion was offered by Councilman Benton and seconded by Councilman Pautz to adopt Resolution 3007 at this council meeting.  Motion carried with seven members of the council voting in favor and one member (West) absent.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The city clerk gave a reminder of the Annual City Employee Picnic to be held on Friday, May 16th at the Whitlow Shelter in Veterans Park commencing at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:00 p.m.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

There was no need for an executive session at this council meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to come before the council, motion was offered by Councilman Pautz and seconded by Councilwoman Digh to adjourn this meeting.  Motion carried with seven members of the council voting in favor, one member (West) absent, and the meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m.

                                     Charles M. Latham, Mayor

Carolyn L. Laswell, CMC/MRCC - City Clerk