The Fulton City Council meeting commenced Tuesday with Director of Administration Bill Johnson swearing in the new city clerk, Courtney Crowson. Following her invocation and public comments from firefighter supporters, the meeting shifted to discussing items on the agenda.
Interim City Engineer Kyle Bruemmer updated the council briefly on the the new warehouse facility's progress.
"As you can see, it's coming along pretty nicely," Bruemmer said after noting that council members recently toured the facility. "As far as dollars go, you've seen the buildings, you've seen the concrete, you've seen all the work out there that's been done and erected. As far as dollar figures go, we're about 75 percent."
Next, the council approved Chi Omega Sorority's request for permission to hold its third-annual 5K Fundraiser benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Oct. 10.
The next item on the agenda was approving a resolution that approves the tax credit agreement with the state of Missouri and the Brick District Playhouse.
Following the resolution's passing, the council passed an ordinance to amend a part of a current ordinance about stopping, standing and parking on certain streets in Fulton that are prohibited or limited, "by adding an additional street and establishing an effective date."
"Prior to the temporary no parking signs being placed up in that area (on the east side of Hickman Avenue from West Seventh Street to the water crossing), it had been discussed with the school system that this would take effect November 1," Johnson said.
The council also passed an ordinance that will add five parking spaces in front of the former police station at 510 Market St. from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, as well as establishing an effective date. Councilman Mike West was the only council member to vote against the ordinance.
Before Mayor LeRoy Benton adjourned the meeting, Ward 4 Councilman Steve Moore requested to make a statement.
"I just want to say that I understand what the firemen are wanting but I think in all fairness to them, we have made a decision, and I think from the (Aug.) 11 meeting, we said that we'd discuss it in 2016 when we review the rest of the city employee salaries," Moore said. "I mean, if they want to keep coming to council meetings - alright - but I think that they've sat here and they've made the demand for what the rest of the council might think, so I'm just thinking that the council is on the same page I'm on when next year we do the budget that we're not gonna make any definite changes right then."
Benton had no response for Moore, but instead addressed the council and meeting attendees.
"I think that is a position of the council we will consider salary adjustments as we can and do the best we can for you during the next budget cycle, which we are beginning to enter that cycle right now," he said.
Benton proceeded to thank firefighter supporters for their solidarity, which he called "very impressive."
"But at this point, we don't see that we can do anything different than what we've done," Benton said.
Deputy Mayor Mary Rehklau, the only council member to vote in favor of increased wages and an updated contract for firefighters, also thanked the supporters for attending the past two council meetings.
"Continue if you can," she said. "All city people are always invited, and I'd like to see more people show up to share in our city. I'm working here for the people. What I choose to say and do is for you."
Rehklau said, "I just want to thank everyone for showing their concern and their support for our city and our police and fire."