There were some new faces among the crowd at Wednesday’s meeting of the Fairbury City Council.
City attorney Steve Mann attended his first council meeting since taking over the post from the retiring Paul Mason. Mann grew up locally and has been an attorney at Chenoa for a number of years.
“My hope is just to augment what’s already there,” Mann said. “I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to serve you and serve the community.”
Newly elected alderman Steve Endres was sworn-in along with those re-elected, including Jon Kinate, Charles Hoselton and Gary Norris.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone,” Endres said.
Alderman Bruce Weber asked about contacting the state regarding holes along Route 24 through Fairbury. Weber has discovered pieces from semis and joked that trucks go in the holes and come out an hour later. Alderman Charles Hoselton suggested talking with State Rep. Dan Brady on the matter.
“That base is shot,” commented Street Superintendent Martin Steidinger, referring to the highway.
Mayor David Slagel said the city could create a resolution about wanting the road fixed.
Sewer Superintendent Brad Duncan spoke about the recent heavy rainfall and reported the sewers are flowing. He noted the flow slows down when the creek comes down within its banks.
“The plant is taking as much as it can,” Duncan explained.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, citizen Dave Shepherd asked about the status of cleaning up a neighboring yard which he said smells like dog waste. City Superintendent Brett Ashburn said he and the city’s Nancy Widlacki have been there since the issue was brought up and they were not “overtaken” with any smells.
“It’s terrible,” Shepherd said while acknowledging his frustration of fighting what he considers a losing battle.
Alderman Lynn Dameron asked if the Public Health department had been to the residence as that could be a route to explore. Widlacki noted the dogs were at the vet and animal control said they were properly licensed and vaccinated. Animal control has reportedly been to the property. Mayor David Slagel believes there is not much the city can do as long as the criteria are met.
“It’s a tricky situation,” Slagel admitted.
Shepherd initially voiced concerns over neighboring dog barks and poor yard conditions at the residence on west Ash Street back in March. He claimed his son, who works unusual hours, could not sleep because of loud barking. Shepherd also believed the occupants of the home were gone for long periods of time.
Following an executive session, council members voted to offer jobs to two candidates for a pair of open positions on the street department.
In other action Wednesday, the Fairbury City Council:
-Authorized the purchase and installation of a new motor for the high pressure pump at the water treatment plant from Armature Motor & Pump Company Inc.
-Granted a request from Gig’s Place to serve alcohol in the street May 25 starting at 2 p.m.
-Approved the consent agenda, which included previous meeting minutes and the overtime report.
