Local residents can expect to see a notification from the city regarding service lines.
City Superintendent Brett Ashburn told members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday evening that the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency wants lines replaced that are lead, galvanized or unknown. A letter will be going out addressing what is happening with laws and getting lines switched out.
“I’m sure these letters will get people talking,” said Ashburn. “They’re forcing all municipalities and water districts across the state to send out these notices.”
Ashburn notes this is not just Illinois as this is coming from the federal government as well.
“They want you to investigate at least 10 percent each year,” he added.
Grants are available and Fairbury does have a $25,000 grant.
A committee meeting will likely be scheduled to discuss the matter further and to figure out how it will all work.
In another matter, the Fairbury City Council approved the 2024-2025 city budget.
The city’s total budget revenues increase about 4.8 percent to $6,094,575. Total budgeted expenditures will increase about 3.17 percent to $4,174,120. Additional loan principal payments total $689,953. This results in an overall surplus of $1,210,502.
“This is an operating budget so, for the most part, it does not include capital expenditures,” explained City Treasurer Dale Diller.
Swimming pool prices were amended. A family pass will go from $145 to $175 and individual pass from $75 to $100. For a grandparent pass, it is $175 for up to eight grandchildren and $200 for over eight grandchildren. The daily rate is still $5.
“Wages have gone up then chemicals have gone up quite a bit too,” observed Alderman Gary Norris.
Ashburn said as expenses grow, the city cannot let the gap get away from them.
“I’d prefer to keep the snack prices down,” stated Mayor David Slagel.
A large swim team is anticipated for the season with five home swim meets.
“We’re not out of line with any of the other pools in the area,” added Ashburn.
Alderman Jerry Hoffman reminded everyone about the upcoming May 6 PACT meeting on the future of the Prairie Central school district which starts at 7 p.m. in the high school gym.
“Everyone in the community should come and at least listen.”
Council members authorized a $2500 sponsorship for the upcoming Fairbury Fair.
“It is kind of a landmark thing for this town,” said Alderman Jim Tipton.
“It brings a lot of people to this town,” stated Alderman Charles Hoselton.
A street department vehicle quote was approved from K&S for a F350 4x4 crew cab truck. The total price is listed at $59,060. This is to replace the vehicle former street superintendent Martin Steidinger drove.
A bid was awarded to Chuck Bull for the 1994 Fire Department suburban vehicle for $1,550.00. Bull was the highest of three bidders.
The city granted permission for Dave’s Supermarket to block Third Street from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 4 for the store’s 74th anniversary sale.
Council members authorized the replacement of laptop computers for police cars. The current laptops are 2011 Panasonic Toughbook models and are running Windows 7 which is no longer supported. The laptops would come from CDS Office Technologies with some additional equipment purchased from Edwards Upfitting that would lower the cost.
The CDS quote is $17,762 and the option from Edwards Upfitting for additional equipment would save $1,124.
Police Chief Rober McCormick sought the council’s opinion on graphics for the department’s Explorer vehicle. They all seemed to like the top choice.
“It might be a couple of weeks before they can get to that,” McCormick said.
Street Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads gave an update on work at the pool. Windows are being installed in the building and the pool is close to being painted.
“That’s coming along.”
Aldermen approved the consent agenda which included April 17 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register and overtime report.
