Police vehicle purchase tabled

The purchase of a new police vehicle was tabled by members of the Fairbury City Council Wednesday night.

Police Chief Chris Edwards said he has called several dealers about a vehicle. He noted some of the equipment in the current pickup truck used by the department could be moved over to a Tahoe or Explorer. The chief seemed to favor an SUV over a pickup like they use now.

“I think we ought to get another truck,” said Alderman Bruce Weber, who told the group a pickup truck is worth more than an Explorer.

Weber would like to see the department purchase a vehicle locally.

“We’ve got to support the people in Fairbury. We’ve got to give them a chance.”

“I would prefer to go with a Tahoe because we don’t do much with the (truck) bed,” replied Chief Edwards.

The matter was tabled to the next council meeting as the chief will bring back more information.

Two members of the public gave comments at the start of the meeting.

Chris Tribley was the first to speak about the city sewer on Clay Street near property he bought. He said the sewer stops at Margaret Drive and does not turn the corner down Clay. Tribley asked about getting it extended to his property and annexing into the city.

According to Tribley, he does not have the option to do septic since the county says he needs to hook into the city sewer.

“I feel like if you do get annexed into the city, the whole reason why you’d annex into a city is to have the amenities a city provides.”

Tribley would like a timeline and feels sewer and water should be provided by the city.

“I’m trying to build my wife and my family a new house,” Tribley added.

Melissa Cooper was the second to speak, representing CARE Charity which will have a Fall Fest in Fairbury Sept. 19. She said some vendors wondered if they could add Sept. 18 as well since there are races in town that weekend.

“We could bring a lot more foot traffic in on Friday also,” Cooper stated.

It was suggested Cooper once again submit a formal request and check to make sure the park is available for the extra day.

Fire Chief Josh Hoselton spoke about two fire trucks which are currently out of service. This includes Squad 243 which needs injectors put in and the tower ladder truck which is losing engine oil.

“The engine needs an overhaul in the truck,” explained Hoselton. “It’s $18,000 to overhaul the engine.”

Hoselton said it would cost $54,000 to put a re-manufactured engine in.

In another matter, it was revealed State police performed an audit on information the police department enters for stolen vehicles and license plates and the department was in full compliance.

Following up on a previous council discussion on a possible stop sign at Ash and Sixth streets, Chief Edwards suggested putting a stop sign on Ash. Officers mostly observed traffic on Ash not paying attention at the intersection.

“We’d have to do a stop sign ordinance to put one there,” said City Superintendent Brett Ashburn.

Ashburn said he and Streets Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads will conduct interviews for the park position. They had almost 10 applicants.

The city budget for Fiscal Year 26-27 was approved.

“It’s pretty much the same process we’ve done,” observed Treasurer Dale Diller.

Alderman Jon Kinate, who was also serving as mayor pro-tem Wednesday, said revenues are increasing smaller than expenses.

A commercial garbage contract was approved with GFL. Company spokesman Eric Shangraw told the council they hope to keep lines of communication open. Shangraw said they are getting calls from other communities in the area asking what they have to offer.

“We feel like this would be the best contract moving forward,” said Ashburn.

Aldermen authorized selling the old sewer inspection camera. They were offered $25,000 for the camera not used anymore. A motion was made to accept the check for the money.

Vactor truck attachment purchases were approved. This is equipment needed for cleaning sewers.

Water tower cleaning was approved for National Wash Authority for $8,950.

“I’d love to see that get taken care of as soon as possible because it is a real eyesore,” stated Alderman Jim Tipton.

The cleaning should be done in the coming weeks.

A quote for sidewalk replacement was approved for Mirlynbeth as the city had to remove the sidewalk due to a previous sewer issue in that location. S&T Concrete will do the work.

New racking was approved for the fire department as they look to change gear storage in order to free up more space. It would give the department more space behind the trucks.

The consent agenda was approved, including April 15 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.

Following an executive session, the council approved hiring Richard Longstreth as a police officer. The chief said he is a lateral, already certified officer.