City approves sign post quote

New street sign posts are coming to Fairbury.

The City Council approved a quote from Decker Supply Co. during Wednesday’s regular council meeting. This is a new company the city reached out to.

“This is who the state uses,” explained City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.

These posts have a special wing which helps them stay in the ground to make the structure more stable.

Alderman Bill Schmidgall made the motion to approve the quote.

In another matter, the 2025-2026 Tax Levy Ordinance was approved. Treasurer Dale Diller reported the tax money will go up for the city but the tax rate will actually go down.

Council members voted to abate the 2025 levy for bonds issued under ordinance 2012-3. A proposal to pay off general obligation bonds on Jan. 1, 2026 was approved. These were bonds issued back in 2012 to partially pay for the Brian J. Munz Public Safety Complex.

With the city having excess money in the bank, Diller recommended paying off the bonds. There is no penalty to pay them off early.

“There’s plenty of money in that money market account,” he said.

A quote was authorized to replace equipment at the wastewater treatment plant. Currently, parts are being taken from one building to keep another going.

Council members approved a request to block off Locust Street between Second and Fourth Streets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 6 for the annual Fairbury Christmas Parade downtown.

During council comments, Alderman Jon Kinate said someone asked him if they could get a speed limit for motorized bikes. He shared concerns over younger kids going too fast.

“A motorized bike shouldn’t be on the path,” said Mayor David Slagel.

Alderman Gary Norris noted the state was going to address electric vehicles because there has been a flood of scooters and bikes.

“I don’t know what you do,” stated Kinate.

The state is looking into creating a law, according to Superintendent Ashburn.

“It’s a growing problem all across the country,” said Ashburn.

Alderman Jim Tipton said he hasn’t heard much about the park proposed east of town. Ashburn told the group the city wasn’t able to try for a grant this year because it must be the deed holder of the property. He is hopeful to have the paperwork next month.

“Some of the suggestions that were offered up were good ones,” Tipton said of possibilities for the new park.

Streets Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads updated the council on the volleyball court project which is underway but not yet finished. Most of the sand is there now.

“I’ve got to do a little more leveling and replant some grass,” he explained.

“Thanks Lonnie for getting the volleyball court taken care of,” added Alderman Norris.

City Superintendent Ashburn spoke of the completion of the Route 24 road work. He felt the project went well and hopes the road holds up. Ashburn also said paperwork will be submitted to the state for the water plant upgrade to see if Fairbury is chosen for the current round of funding.

Alderman Tipton noted the speed limit sign drops to 40 from the west on Route 24 just before Sealtite Insulation and Gutwein Door and said it would probably be better if it is farther west.

The Fairbury City Council also approved the consent agenda which included Oct. 15 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register and overtime report.

During public comment local resident Diane Pawlowski told the council that the rope on the American flag is broken at Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Fairbury.