City reviews PDC weekend

The Fairbury police chief told members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening that the recent Prairie Dirt Classic race weekend went well.

Chief Chris Edwards reported no law enforcement-related issues with out-of-town visitors.

“Overall, it went smooth for us,” Edwards said.

Alderman Jim Tipton asked if it was possible to allow golf carts to travel out to Kilgus Farmstead during PDC week on First Street. The road changes to county control around the grain bin area, according to City Superintendent Brett Ashburn. This means the county enforces the country portion of the road leading out to the farm.

While the issue has been talked about before, Mayor Slagel reminded Tipton the speed limit would have to be greatly reduced to allow golf carts to travel out of town on First Street. It is a state law that jurisdictions can only allow golf carts on their streets if the speed limit is 35 miles per hour or less.

This would be a county decision, not a city one.

“It’s not our jurisdiction to police,” noted Edwards.

Tipton praised Sewer Superintendent Bruce Pride and Water Superintendent Mike Mellott for opening parking at the city water plant during the PDC.

“Thanks for doing that,” stated Tipton.

In other business at Wednesday’s council meeting, Mellott asked about getting a replacement utility truck for the water plant. He said the current truck was starting to show its age.

“We would trade it in,” explained Mellott. “It’s got a lot of running hours.”

Council members want Mellott to get bids so he will check back with more information at a future council meeting.

City Superintendent Ashburn said they have a plan to unveil for a new park and asked for a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 6:30 p.m. on the topic.

Plans were announced for city movie nights at Sunken Park in August, September and October. The October event could turn into a fall fest as well.

“We think Friday nights would probably be best,” said Alex Reis, city clerk.

Tipton said he was approached by someone with concerns over potholes in the alley at 603 North Second Street. He also heard from a resident who did not care for electric bikes. This prompted a bigger council discussion on e-bikes around town. The chief is working on a handout to educate citizens on the rules involved.

A quote for manhole installation was approved at the corner of Clay and Margaret streets. This is for the sewer line extension to the south end of town on Clay Street.

“It’ll be off the side of the road in the easement,” Ashburn explained.

Carle’s request for a road closure Aug. 20 was approved. A memorial event is planned for 5-6 p.m. that day on Walnut Street in front of the Carle medical office. This is for a co-worker who passed away in 2023 to be held near the big Dave’s parking lot.

A bid from KVCC was authorized for the motor fuel MFT project for curb and street work downtown. The bid came in much lower than the other.

“They’re familiar of being able to handle a job such as this,” Ashburn explained.

Work should begin this fall on the downtown work.

An agreement for legal guidance and possible representation was approved with Luetkehans, Brady, Garner & Armstrong, LLC for green energy matters such as the solar project being proposed just northwest of the city limits.

During public comment, Mary Lawson, a Republican candidate for Livingston County State’s Attorney, introduced herself to the council.

The consent agenda was approved which included July 15 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.

A sidewalk request was authorized for 207 North Fourth Street with 94.5 square fee at $2.50 per square foot for a total of $236.25.

The council entered executive session, though no action was anticipated per the mayor.