Intersection concerns shared

The intersection of Ash and Sixth streets is shown Wednesday evening in Fairbury looking west.

Safety concerns were brought before the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night over the intersection of Ash and Sixth streets which has no stop signs.

Local resident Patrick Chambers suggested putting a stop sign on Ash which travels east and west.

“It’s just a high traffic area for the most part when school is getting out,” he explained.

Chambers said they have three young children and are mindful of keeping them off of the street. He has seen near accidents in that area which also sees heavy truck traffic at harvest time.

Alderman Gary Norris agrees it is a dangerous intersection.

“Thank you for bringing that up,” Norris stated.

Resident Jill Hammond was the second to speak during public comment, also expressing concerns over speeding and traffic in town.

“It’s a big, big concern,” she said.

Hammond told council members she has asked people to slow down.

“These roads are scary,” added Hammond.

She referred to an area of Elm Street as a “race track” and observed revving engines on First Street.

“Something needs to be enforced with these children.”

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the Fairbury City Council approved the 2026 Motor Fuel Tax, or MFT, resolution. This includes resurfacing and curb work on Locust from First to Fifth streets, widening Pine between Fifth and Sixth streets and patch work which the Street Department does. Locust Street is the main part of it, according to City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.

An ordinance fixing salaries of city elected officers was approved. This is for anyone elected next, not the current council. The 20 percent raise is the first one in 18 years. Aldermen will make $4400 a year with a mayor making $7400.

The 2026-2027 pay ordinance was authorized along with contracts for the police chief and city superintendent.

A street closure request was granted for the Fairbury Area Chamber of Commerce on May 2 for the annual Fairbury Community Sale.

Alderman Jerry Hoffman would like to schedule a Finance Committee meeting in the coming weeks. This will be either May 6 or 20 prior to the regular council meeting.

City Superintendent Ashburn revealed Sam Pica is stepping down from the Zoning Board, so there will be an opening on the board.

Sewer Superintendent Bruce Pride said everything is wrapped-up on Seventh Street.

Council members entered an executive session for personnel issues at 6:51 p.m. though no action was expected.