A squad car quote from K&S Ford was approved by the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night during the second regular meeting of the year held online via Zoom.
The 2021 police interceptor Explorer total price is $35,015 with discounts included. Police Chief Robert McCormick said there was a need to replace at least one car.
“We’ve had pretty good luck with the Explorers,” the chief said. “The Suburban would probably be too much vehicle for us.”
K&S indicated the delivery time could be 60 days from the order. McCormick will decide whether to trade the old squad or sell it separately.
Other price quotes came from Victory Lane Ford for a total of $34,802 and Morrow Brothers Ford at a price of $34,985.
Chief McCormick also updated the council on the police bill which state lawmakers passed last week. He said qualified immunity was taken out of the bill for now but it could come up in the future. According to Mayor David Slagel, there will be additional training with less money from the state and the city will have to buy body cameras.
Alderman Jon Kinate shared information he read in a magazine about establishing a train horn quiet zone.
“It’s something to look into maybe,” Kinate said.
One drawback for Fairbury could be the lack of crossing gates. Slagel said the city would have to figure out where the money would come from if there would have to be fencing along the tracks.
“They already think we have too many crossings,” he observed.
In another matter, Alderman Kinate asked about the large camper parked behind the library. The mayor and Nancy Widlacki said permission was granted by the library board to the camper’s owner to park it there. Alderman Charles Hoselton encouraged the mayor to ask the library about it again.
Mayor Slagel shared recent information from the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council which indicated the county’s EAV of property had been going up slowly but is now going up more quickly.
“Livingston County property values do seem to be going to right way,” Slagel said.
County unemployment rates have been going down for the past 10 years while rates in nearby counties are higher. The county’s entire labor force has been declining since 2007 which reflects the trend of residents leaving Illinois.
“Even though Illinois is declining, Livingston County is holding its own.”
The idea of a skating rink in Fairbury was also brought up at the meeting. Alderman Kinate pointed to the success of Pontiac’s ice rink and asked if this had ever been considered here. City Superintendent Brett Ashburn believes it is something the city can look into next year to see what the cost may be.
“If it’s feasible, it would be something to offer our town,” Kinate stated.
Pay request 30 was approved for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan disbursement for the Illinois Water Revolving Loan Fund in the amount of $144,309.59.
Council members also authorized the consent agenda which included Jan. 6 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register, treasurer’s cash report and check register.
