A cruise-in is coming to downtown Fairbury during the big Prairie Dirt Classic Weekend this summer.
The Fairbury City Council approved a request from Doug Aaron Wednesday night to close part of east Locust Street on Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aaron appeared before the council and said others he has talked to are excited about the first annual event which is expected to draw visitors to the business district.
“I’ve always wanted to have a cruise-in,” Aaron said. “Everybody is kind of excited.”
It was brought up at the meeting that some businesses don’t like events on Saturdays due to parking impacts. Council members seemed to agree this was a good idea but noted they have to listen to business owners at the same time.
“It’s only one weekend out of the year,” said Alderman Jerry Hoffman.
Alderman Jon Kinate made the motion to approve the street closing while Charles Hoselton seconded. Event organizers will get with Martin Steidinger about barricade placement.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the council decided to table the consideration of quotes to install a generator for the water tower. The current battery back-up is not ideal in cold weather, according to City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.
“It would be nice to have a back-up generator there,” he said.
Alderman Hoselton suggested checking with an electrician to see if it is possible to tap into the large generator at the fire station for this which could be a cost savings.
“There’s going to have to be some kind of switch to shut that power off at the water tower,” noted Chief Steidinger.
“It’s worth checking into,” added Mayor David Slagel.
The city will look into the possibility of utilizing the current generator at the station and see what it takes.
Membership dues to the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council were approved for two installments of $3,958 in August and October totaling $7,916. GLCEDC Chairman Adam Dontz said funds from his organization have been used toward restoration at the Hoffman House and Wells on Main along with STEAM efforts at Prairie Central schools thanks to a county grant.
“Those are just a couple examples of things we are bringing back to the Fairbury community for you,” Dontz explained.
Superintendent Ashburn reported there are properties interested in annexing into the city. The process will start with the Planning Commission and information will be presented to the council in the near future.
Steidinger said the street department would like to purchase a hoist which is bigger than they have currently to help with unloading and moving items around. It is $2,000.
“They bought a new wench for it a year ago and it was $2,700,” said Steidinger.
He also requested a committee meeting for next week to discuss the purchase of a sweeper with lower hours on it. The city’s current 2002 model has 6,200 hours. The meeting was scheduled for Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. to see if the idea is feasible.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, ESDA Director Deb Moran explained Dave’s Supermarket has successfully numbered each door which provides an entrance and exit from the building. She also reminded the council of relief shelters in town.
“In the event of disaster, the city is fortunate to have eight shelters designated for relief.”
Moran said the city is assessing its current situation for the need of a pre-tornado shelter and looking into options. The city is open to ideas of ways to make the area safer.
“The safety of our community is a great responsibility we plan to uphold,” Moran concluded.
Comments