Council talks swimming & more

Fairbury Alderman Gary Norris talks about the swimming pool Wednesday evening at City Hall.

While it may not exactly feel like swimming weather, the Fairbury pool is slated to open this weekend in time for Memorial Day.

“We have pool setup day scheduled for tomorrow,” City Clerk Alexandria Reis told members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening.

City Superintendent Brett Ashburn said the street department replaced the surrounding pool grates to help with recirculation.

A swim team meeting was already held and practice starts June 2. The pool has 15 life guards lined-up this year.

“Everything is set up pretty well. We are fully staffed,” added Reis.

“We do have a new pool manager, which is a good thing,” explained Alderman Gary Norris. “You’ve got a good person managing the pool.”

Norris thanked Reis for her efforts in making preparations to open the pool, which is a busy job that starts early in the year getting guards and having them certified.

Also at Wednesday’s regular council meeting, Alderman Charles Hoselton Jr. asked about scheduling a water tower cleaning. Ashburn said the city is working it into the treatment plant upgrade loan. It will likely be painted, according to Ashburn.

Alderman Jon Kinate brought up the three rows of cars now at the water department.

“It’s ongoing, trying to get rid of stuff,” noted Mayor David Slagel.

The city has to wait for the state to come and auction the vehicles.

Under new business, a $2,500 Fairbury Fair donation was approved, along with a $500 donation to the Indian Creek Junior Golf Club. Around 60 kids participate in the golf event during the summer and it has been an ongoing event.

“It’s good to get kids doing something,” stated Alderman Steve Endres.

A bulk water rate increase was approved. This is for someone going to the plant to buy water with a tanker or trailer. Rates range from $42.00 for 1 to 1,200 gallons to $187.00 for 9,001 to 10,000 gallons.

An ordinance adopting the Municipal Grocery Retailers’ Occupation Tax was approved by aldermen. The state’s one percent grocery tax expires in January 2026 and this local one percent tax would start right when the state’s expires – meaning no net change. The state tax currently funnels through to the city which is the same way it will continue moving forward.

“This is the idea of putting the tax back on at the local level so we don’t lose that revenue,” explained Mayor Slagel.

It is estimated Fairbury receives around $180,000 a year from the tax. The city is actually about the same or slightly higher than Pontiac.

“Does this apply to convenient stores that sell grocery items?” asked Alderman Kinate.

“Yes,” replied City Treasurer Dale Diller.

Slagel reminded everyone about the Boys & Girls Club ribbon cutting ceremony for the new center set for Friday, May 23 starting at 11 a.m.

He also noted the First Presbyterian Church event in the park originally planned for June has been cancelled but they do plan to reschedule.

An executive session was held though no action was taken.