Deb Howard and Sue Popejoy both addressed the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night on behalf of the United Way of Livingston County.
They explained what United Way does and the various agencies and towns supported by the agency. Each council member was given a folder with general information.
“United Way helps everybody,” Howard explained.
Those living check to check are one catastrophe away from not being able to pay rent or bills. These are the people United Way concentrates on – individuals who still go to work every day and contribute to the community.
Eight years ago, the United Way board decided the organization needed to cover the whole county.
“The agencies Fairbury supports are the same agencies we support,” said Howard. “Everything is spent local and we don’t duplicate services.”
United Way raises money through employee funds where workers can donate so much per paycheck. Fundraising has been taking place in Pontiac and is planned for Fairbury this summer with picnic in the park events at Sunken and Marsh parks. Also, Dave’s Supermarket recently helped with a sub sandwich fundraiser.
Popejoy asked for the city’s approval to put up a sign at Veterans Memorial Park near the gazebo to show where United Way is at for its fundraising goal. The council seemed on board with this although Popejoy will also run it by Street Superintendent Martin Steidinger and the Garden Club which takes care of the area. Popejoy said they received permission to put up a sign along Route 24 at Sonny Friant’s corner.
“It will be a reusable sign. Aftershock is donating the signs for us,” Popejoy noted.
Also at Wednesday’s Fairbury City Council meeting, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn said he reached out to the railroad about the Seventh Street crossing which is in poor shape. He was told the railroad plans to update crossings in various towns during 2022. Ashburn reported the city app is up and going and things are running smoothly. This puts out notifications to city residents.
Alderman Bruce Weber asked about situations where residents park over the top of water shut-offs in town. Ashburn said it is not common but usually people will respond and move reluctantly.
“That just causes a lot of trouble,” said Weber.
City Attorney Steven Mann swore-in five city officials, including aldermen Bill Schmidgall, Lynn Dameron, Jerry Hoffman and Bruce Weber along with Mayor David Slagel. All are incumbents.
A request from NuForm to cost share the installation of a handrail at 218 West Locust was approved. The total quote from Lakeside Custom Fabrication was $1393.20 and the city decided to contribute $700.
“I think half would be a good way to go,” Mayor Slagel suggested before the vote.
In other action, the council:
-Approved various financial institutions for the city and approved Dale Diller, Nancy Widlacki, Alexandria Voorheis and Brett Ashburn as check signers.
-Authorized Bank of Pontiac as the financial institution for the city Police Department restricted funds and unawarded seized funds accounts and approved Randall Vedder, Dale Diller, Robert McCormick and Brett Ashburn as check signers.
-Allowed bills to be paid during the year to the postmaster for postage, Dominy Library for memorials, Livingston County Circuit Clerk for recordings and health care payments.
-Okayed the consent agenda which included April 21 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report and check register.
