Business requests approved

Requests from a couple of downtown businesses were approved by members of the Fairbury City Council during Wednesday’s regular meeting at City Hall.

El Jarocho Bar & Grill wants a street closure and to serve alcohol on Locust Street in front of the business on September 26 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. This is a rescheduling of the restaurant’s one-year anniversary celebration. It is the same request which was previously approved by the city.

Crazy Crain’s is also requesting a street closure and alcohol on Locust Street, from First to Second streets, on October 11 from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.

“That’s too late,” stated Alderman Bruce Weber.

“It is a long time,” added Alderman Jon Kinate.

“I don’t think we’ve ever stopped people from having it until one in the morning before,” noted Mayor David Slagel.

According to Slagel, the business plans a chili cookoff then will switch to music.

“I think if we did it for one, we need to do it for the other,” said Alderman Bill Schmidgall.

Weber was the lone “no” vote on the Crazy Crain’s request.

In other matters, the council approved an ordinance establishing a four-way stop at Pine Street, Sixth Street and Oak Grove Road. This is in the area of the old hospital which now has duplexes.

Homeowners in the area requested the four-way stop due to more traffic in the vicinity.

“I think we have more than enough (stop signs) in this town already,” said Alderman Jim Tipton.

“I can’t say I’m in favor of extra stop signs either, but this does make sense,” stated Schmidgall.

During public comment, resident Jill Hammond voiced numerous complaints, including city officials not talking to her, vehicles “flying” up and down roads, the revving of engines, kids hitting dumpsters and concerns over scooters.

Adam Dontz of the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council announced he has accepted a different opportunity in another state.

“This community has really been great to work with,” said Dontz.

The GLCEDC office will be run in an interim capacity by Jon Kilgore, the retired Pontiac Township High School District 90 superintendent.

“If Jon wants to come in and introduce himself sometime, tell him he’s welcome to,” noted the mayor.

Alderman Tipton asked if there was an update on striping the new basketball courts at Marsh Park. City Superintendent Brett Ashburn said they are looking at spring of next year.

The purchase of a mower was approved for the Street Department. The Ex Mark has a vacuum kit.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the Fairbury City Council:

-Approved a maintenance agreement with Braniff Communication for the outdoor warning siren system.

-Authorized the quote for a wastewater valve replacement.

-Granted a request from the Prairie Central High School Student Senate to use city streets on Friday, Oct. 3 at 2:30 p.m. for the annual homecoming parade.

-Approved the consent agenda which included the September 3 minutes, voucher invoice register, treasurer’s cash report and overtime report.