New park a possibility

A new Fairbury park could be coming to the area between the wastewater plant and Prairie Central High School.

During Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Fairbury City Council, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn presented information on an OSLAD grant services agreement with Farnsworth for future park acquisition and development.

This area, which is currently owned by the school, could include a dog park, bike safety area for kids and a sledding hill.

“This is working with Farnsworth to put together the application and everything,” Ashburn explained.

A grant was done in the past for North Park with Farnsworth.

“I’d like to know going in what it’s going to cost us,” said Alderman Jim Tipton.

City Attorney Matt Schrock feels a deal should be in place first with the school. He suggested the school could gift the property or lease it for 100 years.

“That’s a very good point,” stated Mayor David Slagel.

The issue has been tabled so the city can reach out to the school to see if they can get an agreement.

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, a quote was approved for in-car and body worn cameras for the police department. The city was approved for a grant to help buy the cameras. These cameras have better video and audio quality than previous ones.

“It all comes down to sometimes you can’t hear what’s being said,” noted Police Chief Robert McCormick.

The company is offering a buy-back discount for cameras the city already has installed in cars.

“It’s got the license plate reader built into the in-car camera,” added McCormick.

The grant was for $31,188 with a total cost of $66,274. Fairbury’s portion is $26,315 while Forrest would pay a portion too, if approved by their village board.

A new street name was approved for the Fairview Haven subdivision. They requested “Autumn Glen” and the council authorized the name. Alderman Gary Norris made the motion.

Dominy Library’s request of daily pool passes for the Summer Reading Program was approved. It was suggested an expiration date be included on the passes.

Alderman Tipton was approved by a business owner on the west end of town about getting millings when the state works on Route 24. This business is between Wal-Crest Drive and Crystal Lane.

“When a truck goes through there, it’s just a cloud of dust,” Tipton explained.

“We can ask,” replied Superintendent Ashburn. “The worst they could say is no.”

It could be next spring before construction actually begins on the road portion of Route 24 as they will start with sidewalk work.

Alderman Bruce Weber thanked the street department for trimming trees at Sunken Park.

“They really look nice now.”

Alderman Gary Norris was approached by a group that plays volleyball at North Park about the sand being thin on the volleyball court. Sand is difficult to get and is expensive, according to Norris. Street Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads acknowledged the location is subject to the wind blowing the sand away.

“I’m not sure what our options will be putting it into place,” said Rhoads.

“Those courts do get a lot of use,” observed Tipton. “That’s a good thing.”

The consent agenda was approved, which included June 4 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.

Brian J. Munz scholarship awards were postponed to the next council meeting.