Officials in Fairbury are closely watching this dry weather to see if limits on water use are needed.
If we don’t get rain in the coming weeks, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn notes the city will go to a level one water restriction, which includes the watering of plants.
“We are starting to see the effects of this drought,” Ashburn told members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening.
Also during his report to the council, Ashburn said the leak detection process in town starts next week as they try to find where the water loss is coming from.
In another matter, demolition of the old hospital building is expected to begin around Aug. 1. The city has officially received the demolition permit.
Council members approved the sale of a Wastewater Department tractor but tabled the purchase of a utility cart for the department until a local quote is obtained. Wastewater Treatment Assistant Superintendent Bruce Pride wanted to trade in the tractor for an XUV which he said has more options.
“I think we could use that 40 grand on something better right now,” said Alderman Charles Hoselton.
“He’s saying he would utilize a cart more than a tractor now,” observed Superintendent Ashburn.
In addition to the John Deere Gator XUV, another option would be a golf cart with dump work box and a sprayer.
“We’ll do something,” stated Alderman Jon Kinate.
Sponsorship of the Fairbury Fair was the next item on Wednesday’s meeting agenda. Police chief Robert McCormick reported the fair requested the department help out with security at the fair by walking through the grounds. This would be the city’s donation rather than an actual monetary one.
“We are going to be out there anyway,” said McCormick.
While any enforcement action at the fair is on the county, Fairbury Police Department is sort of a gatekeeper until their officers arrive.
Later in the meeting, Alderman James Tipton made a motion to still support the fair with a $500 monetary donation in addition to providing police presence there. The motion passed unanimously.
Assistant fire chief Josh Hoselton appeared before the council with a request for fire department attire. He is looking for a clothing allowance for firefighters and replacement of all polo shirts they wear. The city would pay $50 per person every two years, or $3,000 total.
“Is there any funding in the department for that,” asked Alderman Bruce Weber.
“Not that I’m aware of,” replied Assistant Chief Hoselton.
Bill Schmidgall made the motion to approve the fire department request.
A liquor license application for Buckey’s Place of Fairbury, LLC failed due to the lack of a motion. The business is located at 204 West Locust Street and planned gambling machines with mainly canned and bottled beer at this time along with other non-alcoholic drink options such as coffee and tea. A hearing on the matter was held directly ahead of the regular council meeting.
The consent agenda was approved, including June 7 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills and treasurer’s cash report. Councilmen also authorized a revised pay ordinance.
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