Group advocates for UTVs

Brad Duncan, left, speaks to the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening at City Hall.

A group of concerned citizens once again expressed interest in having side-by-side vehicles on city streets in Fairbury during Wednesday’s regular City Council meeting.

The citizens initially appeared before city leaders about a year ago and reiterated their desire for utility vehicles in town during public comment at the conclusion of the evening.

“We are trying to get it to where we can have these side-by-side utility vehicles on the roads,” said local resident Brad Duncan.

Duncan pointed to safety features the vehicles have as many dealers offer packages to make them street legal.

“We are hoping to get it on the agenda at some point in the future and get a positive vote,” Duncan told Fairbury News following the meeting.

An example of a side-by-side would be a Polaris Ranger or a Honda Pioneer. While the vehicles are used for farm, ranch or yard work, they have been used more and more as recreational vehicles.

“Pretty much everybody surrounding us allows them – a lot bigger towns and a lot smaller towns,” notes Duncan. “If they have great success with it, I don’t see why we can’t either.”

A UTV differs from an ATV in that they are utility vehicles with seat belts or harnesses.

Duncan said he and others observed several side-by-side vehicles throughout town during the recent Prairie Dirt Classic race weekend and did not see anyone get in trouble for having them.

“It’s something we poll aldermen regularly on because it never stops coming up,” acknowledged Mayor David Slagel. “It’s getting closer than it used to be, maybe.”

According to Slagel, the aldermen who are hesitant about these vehicles on city streets have different reasons. He has heard arguments on both sides from the council. Slagel noted it has been on the agenda before and did not pass since there was no second to the motion.

Under new business, the council approved a new residential garbage rate. Under the new fees, the city pays GFL $19.09 a month while the city charges residents $16.50. This is up from the city charge of $15.50 previously, when the city was paying GFL $18.35 a month.

The city has been charging less than the fees to GFL since the beginning, says the mayor, so residents don’t get hit with an initial sticker shock.

An amendment to employee benefits was approved as full-time employees will be allowed paid parental leave for the birth of a child.

The city approved a request for funding toward material costs for the new Autumn Glen subdivision. Alderman Jon Kinate approved the motion.

Signage was authorized for the wastewater treatment plant buildings. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency would like the buildings to be labeled.

“It’s not a requirement, it’s something they suggested,” said City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.

A proposal for valve insertions on water mains along Oak Street was approved. The area needs to be shut down to get a line removed and install valves at Second and Oak across from Family Dollar. Water Superintendent Mike Mellott said it is not a bad leak but is dripping.

Ashburn reminded the council that older infrastructure does not have enough valves.

“They’ll dig into the old line and put in a line stop,” he explained.

Repairs were approved to jib cranes at the wastewater plant. Annual inspections are required by OSHA for cranes the city operates.

A street closure request was granted for Wanda Lane on Sept. 7 for a block party from 3 to 5 p.m. between Northview Drive and Kring Lane.

Another street closure request was approved for Ninth Street from a residence at 612 E. Elm to Walnut Street for an Aug. 23 auction from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Two requests were okayed for El Jarocho Bar & Grill – one to allow alcohol on Locust Street from 6 to 11 p.m. Aug. 29 and the other for a street closure in that location also from 6 to 11 p.m.

“This is for their one-year anniversary,” stated Mayor Slagel.

“I’d rather see them down Third Street than Locust Street,” said Alderman Jim Tipton.

“I think we ought to approve it the way it is for Locust,” added Alderman Steve Endres.

Updates to the City Hall firewall were approved. It is an Amazon purchase of slightly over $2,000 with some labor to install it. The firewall end of life is coming in several months.

In another matter, Alderman Tipton asked about taking down the mulberry tree next to the North Park pavilion as there are droppings on the sidewalk nearby. Street Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads said they are planning to take some mulberry trees out.

The consent agenda was approved which included July 16 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register and overtime report.

An executive session was held at the conclusion of open session though no action was taken.