Locust Street will be spruced up during the next holiday season.
The Fairbury City Council has voted to replace some of the heavier outdated Christmas decorations, with new purchases including five snowflakes, four candy canes and four bells. The total cost is $6,474.88.
“This is the time of year they go on sale,” explained City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.
Mayor David Slagel said the city had problems keeping the old decorations working.
Also during Wednesday’s regular meeting held remotely on Zoom, Police Chief Robert McCormick reported the new squad car has been ordered and will be built the last week of March with no specific delivery date.
Council members approved the equipment purchase and decals for the new police vehicle. Central Service Center from Blue Mound, Illinois will do the equipment work while Aftershock Decals and Design in Fairbury will do the lettering for the 2021 Ford Explorer.
Alderman Jon Kinate said he was asked about city cars and if Petersen’s has a shot at selling a vehicle to the city. Alderman Lynn Dameron pointed to the state bid process which had been used in recent years as the state usually bids Explorers. A waterworks van was purchased by the city from Petersen’s a few years back, according to the council.
“Next time, we should give them a shot,” Kinate said.
Kinate talked to Jim Paternoster of the library board about the recreational vehicle parked near the library. The owner is apparently paying rent for the spot.
“It’s been there almost four years and they are paying rent to the library for that.”
Chief McCormick presented information to the council on administrative fees for the police department. This is something that was in place in the past but done away with. It could be something the city revisits due to equipment and training mandates expected in the future.
Alderman Bill Schmidgall suggested putting the issue back on the agenda in April or May and having a committee discuss the matter further.
The council approved the sale of a section of a city-owned parcel to Gail and Keith Schladenhauffen and authorized the consent agenda which included the Jan. 20 minutes, voucher invoice register and overtime report.
Sewer Superintendent Brad Duncan scheduled a committee meeting for Feb. 16 to discuss the end of the sewer project. This meeting will be at 6 p.m. the night before the next regular council meeting and will be held remotely.
