The Fairbury City Council has tabled a purchase for the city’s water tower.
Consideration of quotes for a mixer from IXOM Watercare Inc. was included on Wednesday night’s regular meeting agenda, however city leaders would like more information before moving forward. Water Superintendent Mike Mellott sees the purchase as a benefit to Fairbury.
“It can prevent the tower from freezing up in the winter,” Mellott explained.
City Superintendent Brett Ashburn noted if a water tower does not fluctuate, chlorine can be lost. A mixer would help keep water circulating, reducing stagnation, short circuiting and cold climate ice buildup.
“They drop it in,” said Ashburn. “There is an industry push for these.”
The city would have to hook up wiring and power and the cost is $23,375. Alderman Jerry Hoffman thought this amount seems expensive for 120 volts. Ashburn said they have discussed this for a couple of years and that it is in the appropriations for water tower upgrades.
Also at Wednesday’s regular meeting, the council approved the purchase of two police vehicles, including a Ford Explorer and F150 crew cab. The Explorer is around $46,000 for the vehicle and equipment as some equipment will be reused from an old squad. The F150 is almost $53,000 for the truck and equipment.
Police Chief Robert McCormick feels a truck could be utilized elsewhere in the city once its usefulness ends with his department.
“With the Explorers, we end up having to sell those with a sealed bid,” he said.
The city will receive insurance payments for police vehicles and equipment damaged in recent accidents.
In another matter, the council amended Chapter 10A in the Municipal Code Book in relation to the Comprehensive Plan. This writes out the Planning Commission from the ordinance as the group has not met in almost two years. Superintendent Ashburn said it is getting hard to fill committees. The plan can be tweaked as needed in the future, according to Ashburn.
The Fairbury City Council also:
-Approved Dale Diller, Nancy Widlacki, Alex Voorheis and Brett Ashburn as signers for the City of Fairbury Fire Department checking account at Morton Bank.
-Allowed Dale Diller to attend the Illinois Municipal Treasurers Institute Nov. 14-18. This includes registration and hotel costs.
-Authorized a pay request from Iroquois Paving Corporation for the First to Fourth street sewer extension in the amount of $278,405.82.
-Granted a sidewalk request at 409 East Oak Street for $595.
-Approved the consent agenda including Oct. 6 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register, check register and overtime report.
