The Fulton City Council and local residents discussed the issue of hunting in city limits during the council's Tuesday meeting.
There was a tabled bill on the meeting's agenda about repealing some legislation surrounding hunting.
Three residents voiced support for keeping the ability to hunt within city limits. They said deer overpopulation can be very dangerous, so it is important for hunters to keep that from occurring.
One presenter said the program is run by the Fulton Police Department, and there are officers who are interested in running the hunting program within city limits.
The council did not respond, but Mayor Lowe Cannell said they would consider what was said.
In other business, the council:
• Recognized three individuals who have served on a board or commission for a significant amount of time. Carmen Brandt served on the Human Rights Commission for 13 years, beginning in 2009 and ending June 30. Charlie James served on the utility board for 23 years, beginning in 1999 and ending June 30. Don Stassel served on the Human Rights Commission for 10 years, beginning in 2012 and ending June 30.
• Passed a resolution to authorize the destruction of certain city records. The records have met the state retention requirements. Citations for traffic violations from 1976 and older will be destroyed. Personnel folders from 2012 and older, and evidence routing forms from 2012 and older will also be destroyed.
• Discussed an emergency ordinance to fix the tax rate and levy taxes for all taxable property in Fulton. The property tax levy is required to be set by Sept. 1. The ordinance levied a tax for 2022 of $0.5271 for each $100 of the assessed valuation of taxable property. This levy is to maintain the general revenue fund and TIF special revenue fund of Fulton. All readings of this ordinance had to be completed at the meeting. The emergency ordinance passed with no objections.
• Agreed to close some roads in the area of the Brick Blast event on Sept. 22 in the Brick District. The event will allow students and faculty from William Woods University and Westminster College to explore local businesses in the area. The Fulton Police Chief said the department would assist in whatever way is necessary.
The next Fulton City Council meeting will be Sept. 13.
CORRECTION: The original version of this article incorrectly reported the City Council discussed repealing an ordinance prohibiting the discharge of firearms and similar instruments. The council discussed repealing a section of the ordinance referring to bow and arrow hunting. The bill to repeal this section died Tuesday, resulting in the current ordinance standing. Additionally, the emergency ordinance for the tax levy was heard in order to meet the statutory deadline.