Fairbury’s newest police officers were sworn-in during Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Fairbury City Council.
The officers include Sean Drown, Chris Watkins, Samantha Webb, Adrian Corley and Hunter Killion.
Chief Robert McCormick presented the traditional “challenge coin” to the individuals, which is given in recognition of an achievement among other reasons.
“Today is a special achievement in these officers’ careers,” said McCormick.
According to McCormick, the officers are now held to a higher standard and must be aware of it.
“Congratulations on your new career,” he concluded.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn reported the street department redid an ADA area at Second and Walnut along with repairs to Second Street and other spots in town. He confirmed IDOT will work on getting Route 24 repaired eventually.
“Sounds like they are holding true to their word,” observed Ashburn.
While work on Route 24 is strictly in the planning phase, Ashburn is hopeful work will take place in the next few years.
Alderman Charles Hoselton Jr. said he has been approached about the railroad crossings in town. Ashburn replied getting the railroad to return messages is the biggest thing.
“Hopefully they follow through at some point,” said Ashburn.
Alderman Bill Schmidgall has been asked about getting the water tower cleaned. Ashburn has talked about budgeting next year to get that done. Mayor David Slagel said they will consider making the bottom half of the tower a darker color the next time it is painted.
Discussion on the two-way stop at East Elm and Sixth streets once again surfaced at the meeting. Mayor Slagel has talked to the school transportation director who thought it would be nice to have there. Ashburn lives on that block and had a couple of neighbors ask why it was not approved at the previous council meeting.
A resident Alderman Steve Endres talked with does not want to see a stop sign there.
Mayor Slagel noted the problem isn’t necessarily when the bus is there but before the bus gets there as kids are standing in that location.
“I don’t want to see a kid get hurt because somebody is inconvenienced,” said Alderman Jerry Hoffman.
The council talked about making the stop signs more visible. Adding a two-way stop at that area was approved this time around by a vote of 7-1 unlike at the previous meeting when the item died due to the lack of a motion.
Several purchases were authorized for the fire department, including hydraulic extrication equipment, a thermal imaging camera and personal protective equipment.
The Fairbury Fire Protection District has agreed to purchase the extrication equipment for a cost up to $37,000. This includes a cutter and spreader.
“These are battery-operated tools,” explained Fire Chief Josh Hoselton.
A thermal imaging camera is for Hoselton’s fire vehicle. He said the technology has improved for the cameras and the cost has gone down.
The other quote approved was for personal protective equipment for firefighters, thanks to a donation from Prairie Central Cooperative, CHS and CoBank. The department would like to update items like gloves and hoods.
With all of the quotes, the city may be responsible for $3,000 to help cover shipping and freight.
In another matter, the ordinance and final plat for the White Addition PUD was approved. This outlines what ordinances the city has approved variances of.
“Basically, this says anything that doesn’t align with the zoning code has a variance,” stated City Attorney Matt Schrock.
The council approved purchasing a Bobcat skid-steer track model for $52,370. This includes money for the warranty and the amount after the trade in. The Wastewater Department’s current skid-steer is 20 years old. This is used to move sludge or for snow removal from the walking trail in the winter.
A $1,000 donation was approved for the upcoming Fairview Haven “Harvest of Sharing” benefit supper and auction. This is the same amount the city contributed last year.
“It’s a big fundraiser for them,” admitted Alderman Schmidgall.
Mayor Slagel reminded council members of an upcoming ESDA disaster drill meeting on Monday, Nov. 4 in the Edelman warehouse on Calhoun Street.
The consent agenda was approved which included Sept. 4 minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.
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