Fulton takes look at its future

Samantha Pidde
Herald Staff Writer

November 18, 2008 11:21 am

— FULTON, Ill. — The Fulton City Council discussed plans for Fulton’s future Monday night.
The council discussed a proposed ordinance that would allow the city to purchase property at Third Street and Ninth Avenue and at Fourth Street and Ninth Avenue. The property purchased would include a 8,515-square-foot lot and an 8,559-square-foot lot with a 1,526-square-foot section of alley in between. The purchase price of the property would be $51,222.
The council had narrowly passed a motion previously to purchase the location. However, an ordinance is required before the purchase is allowed. City Administrator Randy Balk, who presented the proposal to the council, said a decision was needed by Dec. 15. Some members of the council remained hesitant.
Fourth Ward Alderman Bill Loerop said he was hesitant to approve such a purchase during these difficult times. One of his concerns is the question of what the property would be used for.
“I don’t think that we have the money for it and I am scared of the economy. I think that we’re liable to be facing real dire times before it’s said and done and that might mean jobs and that might mean really having to cut back,” said Fourth Ward Alderman Ron Roels. “I think things have changed since we discussed this before and I’m still not in favor of it.”
After further discussion, the council decided to table the topic. The discussion will be picked up at the council’s next meeting.
Balk introduced a proposal for another new concept. His presented proposal was for a program for housing rehabilitation that would include Fulton, Sterling, Rock Falls and Prophetstown. He said it is time to do something about the need to rehabilitate, sometimes whole neighborhoods in a town. However, Balk said organizers were unsure how to go about it.
Balk asked the council to help them to become “a part of the birth of a new organization.” The towns want to move to the next step by hiring a consultant to help organize the program’s efforts. Balk said the cost of a consultant for Fulton for this fiscal year would be approximately $4,250.
“We see the need and we see coming together would give us more posture and strength. And we also see that we have to get someone hired to come in and form this for us,” said Balk, adding, “And a lot of neighborhoods in this state, in this country, are faced with neighborhoods that are falling apart.”
The council discussed the proposal, agreeing it was an interesting concept. However, the council decided to wait and discuss the topic further at the next meeting.