Amanda Fosdick

The meeting commenced with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Discussions under the consent agenda involved approving minutes from November 10, a bill list, and the treasury report dated September 30, 2025, with clarification sought regarding reporting delays due to accounting software issues. A significant portion of the meeting concerned a motion to continue the work on Fourth Street in 2026, discussing the implications of proceeding versus postponing the project. This involved reviewing the terms of a low-interest, partially forgivable loan from EPA SRF for water main improvements on Fourth Street, which would replace an existing note, resulting in annual savings. The scope of the EPA loan projects includes water main replacement between 13th and 9th Avenues, water tower repainting (inside and outside, deemed mandatory), and a water main loop connection. Concerns were raised about securing funding for the portion of the project not covered by the EPA loan, particularly regarding concrete work versus paving options. Furthermore, the status of new street light installations was reviewed, noting progress in wire pulling but delays in receiving necessary breakaway bolts. Finally, there was discussion about ensuring future phases of downtown roadwork address concerns raised during the current phase.

The meeting included a presentation for Carrie, who is retiring from the fun crew. The council approved the consent agenda, including the regular meeting minutes from November 12, 2025, the bill list, and the treasury report dated October 31st, 2025. They also discussed and approved ordinance 1769, a 2% tax levy. Additionally, they approved an omnibus vote abating the tax levity for the year 2025 for principal and interest general obligation bonds taxable series 2019 and 2020. The council also voted to cancel the city council meeting on December 22nd and approved the employee holiday bonus. The proposed 2026 city council meeting dates were also discussed, with a focus on the Memorial Day meeting.

The council discussed and voted on continuing work on Fourth Street, including the use of concrete for paving, and addressed concerns about the project's phases. They also discussed the tax levy, considering a 2% increase, and discussed employee holiday bonuses. A student's request for a dirt bike trail in Fulton was discussed, raising concerns about liability and safety. The council received a report on the city's debt and discussed the upcoming quincentennial celebration. The resignation of a police officer and the hiring of a replacement were announced.

The council meeting addressed various topics, including discussions on seasonal storage, potential changes to Christmas decorations, and the scheduling of future meetings. There were questions about insurance premiums and risk management, as well as clarifications regarding the use of funds from a dessert auction. The council also discussed and approved a motion for payment to McCarthy Improvement Company for ongoing road work, with updates provided on the project's progress and potential delays due to specialty drains and lighting. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding the purchase of real estate to complete a water main loop, with the council considering the costs and benefits of acquiring the property outright versus a temporary easement.

The City Council meeting included presentations from a State Representative candidate and the Fulton Kiwanis Club. The council discussed and approved an exemption for the River Bend School District to have two portable storage containers on their property for one year, with a six-month review. A motion to approve replacing a sidewalk miss on the downtown plans failed, and a vote on the fall bulky waste pickup was tabled due to contract and agenda concerns. The Police Chief reported on calls for service and community events, and the Community Service Officer discussed building permits and property maintenance. The Economic Development Committee reviewed their meeting, including discussions with the Fulton Retail Development Group and Jason Marcus regarding the Harbor Crest nursing home renovation. The council also entered a closed session to discuss a matter before adjourning.