State Representative Dan Brady attended Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Fairbury City Council to present retiring city attorney Paul Mason with a framed plaque from the Illinois General Assembly.
“It is indeed my pleasure to extend our deepest appreciation,” Brady said.
The honor marks Mason’s 34 years of service to the city and the official document was signed by House Speaker Michael Madigan and Clerk of the House John Hollman.
“I think I’m going to carry away from this more the people than any particular events,” Mason said following the meeting. “Out of all the different aldermen, mayors, city clerks and city staff, they’ve all been reasonable people working for what they thought was best for the city.”
Even when there were disagreements, Mason said everyone still worked for Fairbury’s best interests. Mason also serves as a public defender for Livingston County and is planning to retire from that role this year as well, with a date to be determined.
Steven Mann, a partner with Caughey, Legner, Freehill, Ehrgott and Mann, is the new city attorney for Fairbury. The matter was approved during an executive session at a previous meeting.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, the council approved donating $2,500 from the Police Department’s Drug Enforcement Fund to the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department K-9 program. LCSD is seeking funds to train the dog and officer.
“These are exactly the type of expenses we should use for the Drug Enforcement Fund,” said police chief Mark Travis.
An ordinance amending Chapter 12 of the municipal code did not pass due to the lack of a motion. This would have allowed recreational off-highway vehicles on city streets. Rules called for the ROV to only be operated by a person who is 21 or older and possessing a valid driver’s license.
“If it complies with the state, I’ve got no problem with it,” stated Alderman Lynn Dameron.
Another ordinance dealing with dogs, which was originally established in 1982, was updated to reference animals in general. This revision defines chickens and the licensing process for hen possession in the city. Licenses will only be granted to those residing on parcels with single-family and two-family dwellings. Only one license will be issued per zoning lot. No hens are permitted to run at large and must be kept in a designated coop or run. The ordinance update was approved 4-1.
In other action, the Fairbury City Council:
-Authorized membership dues to the Greater Livingston County Economic Development Council totaling $7,916 with installments due in August and October.
-Recognized National Boys and Girls Club Week with a proclamation.
-Approved a street closure request from the Fairbury Area Chamber of Commerce for the upcoming community sale.
-Voted to install security cameras at the street recycling facility for $5,397.34.
-Approved the 2019-20 city budget.
