A walking trail extension along Hickory Street has been approved by members of the Fairbury City Council.
During Wednesday night’s regular meeting, the group authorized the path from the gravel parking lot at the high school around the back side of the baseball diamond to eventually connect with the path behind the softball field.
Funds can still be used for this since it was originally part of the bigger planned sidewalk project along Wanda Lane which the council never approved due to the lack of a motion.
Alderman Gary Norris made the motion to approve the extension.
Also at Wednesday’s council meeting, police chief Robert McCormick said he was approached by someone interested in purchasing the 2013 Explorer vehicle which is a retired squad car.
“I didn’t know if you wanted to go sealed bid,” said the chief.
The vehicle has 190,000 miles and runs well but needs new tires and a battery.
“I have no idea what the vehicle is worth,” Mayor David Slagel said.
City leaders will plan on taking sealed bids for the Explorer.
McCormick also reported he has vehicles to be picked up from the seized lot in town. He said he has two officers in transition academy that will graduate Friday and Detective Rafferty was involved in an FBI task force operation which went well.
Rafferty will fly to Maryland the first week of May for a weeklong seminar with expenses covered by the FBI.
City Superintendent Brett Ashburn indicated a few annexations are planned as the city brings more properties into its limits.
“That’s good we are expanding,” noted Ashburn.
An ordinance amending Chapter 7 of the Municipal Code Book of the city was authorized. This translates into not allowing solicitors except in certain conditions.
City Clerk Alexandria Reis said the way the ordinance is currently written is very lengthy and it is a big process to get someone approved for a permit. Though badges are worn and the registration is followed, city hall still receives several calls.
Ashburn reminded the council this allows exemptions for groups such as churches as long as the city is informed of what they will be doing.
Mayor Slagel passed along a reminder of the April 8 pancake and sausage breakfast for SELCAS on April 8 at the Indian Creek Country Club from 7 to 1. Those attending can dine-in or carryout orders. Donations will be accepted for the ambulance service.
Ashburn said current work at Old City Hall has been completed and it is a “world of difference.”
Alderman Gary Norris thanked Ashburn and Reis for the greenery and shrubbery going in at the swimming pool. This is planned to run along First Street and a proposal will be coming at the next council meeting.
A retail liquor license was approved for Wildflower Road LLC, 501 West Walnut Street, owned by Kaci Taylor. This is a Class A license. Prior to the regular council meeting, a hearing was held for the Tobacco & Alcohol Committee discussing the matter.
The consent agenda was also approved, including March 1 minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.
