Council talks electricity

A utility pole with lights is shown along Walnut Street in Fairbury Wednesday evening.

Electric aggregation pricing was discussed by members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night although no action was taken on the matter due to the lack of a motion.

Two brokers submitted pricing, according to City Superintendent Brett Ashburn. Ronald Slagel of TDF Energy appeared before the group and said he has been watching rates to see what they are doing. Ameren’s rates for residential use have been steadily decreasing. Slagel believes there are savings since prices are likely at a floor.

“Let’s lock something in to stay there,” said Slagel.

There have been historically low natural gas prices and other prices have reflected that. Mayor David Slagel noted the city would opt into one of the plans as a whole and people have the choice of opting out of the aggregation rate.

“I don’t know how I feel about it either way,” the mayor admitted.

In other action, the council approved a quote from Illini Brick Company for materials on the new sign at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The top part of the sign will be stone and the company is furnishing it.

“The bricks are already here,” said Alderman Lynn Dameron.

Alderman Bruce Weber made the motion to authorize the quote.

Also, corporate membership was approved for the Prairie Central Sportsman’s Club in the amount of $600 for the city’s police officers. Chief Robert McCormick said they lost the shooting range at the sewer plant because of all the work taking place there and are trying to find a place. McCormick discussed the issue with the club about having officers become members.

The chief feels building a range would not be economical for the city. As club members, officers have the opportunity to go and shoot at any time.

A request for the city to join Livingston County Crime Stoppers was approved. McCormick was approached about giving $500 toward the program. The funds would go toward rewards handed out to those helping to solve crimes. The $500 will be paid from drug seizure funds.

“I think it is probably long overdue because we’ve never had a local or county Crime Stoppers,” said McCormick.

City Superintendent Ashburn reported city crews have been working “feverishly” for the past few weeks repairing water main breaks in the Timber Ridge area and extending sewer and water to the east in anticipation of the Knapp truck business.

Alderman Jerry Hoffman noted the city is doing well with the budget so far this year.

“Right now, we are looking fairly decent,” he said.

An application from Gig’s Place was approved for alcohol sales and consumption on city streets Sept. 21 during “A Local Taste” and Sept. 22 for a car show. Council members also approved the consent agenda which included Sept. 4 meeting minutes, the check register and overtime report.

Deb Moran reminded the group of a Dec. 9 meeting at the fire station which consists of a disaster drill of a derailed train in a grocery store.