Preparations are underway for the swimming season in Fairbury.
Members of the City Council received an update on the Stafford Community Swimming Pool during Wednesday’s regular meeting held at City Hall. Street Superintendent Martin Steidinger is hoping to finish painting work early next week and the new diving boards are in.
The city will not start filling the pool until around May 10. The pool will be fully staffed with lifeguards and a manager and opens Memorial Day weekend on Saturday, May 29.
“Swim team is a go and we have six meets,” explained City Clerk Nancy Widlacki. “Passes go on sale May 1 up here at City Hall only.”
Also at Wednesday’s council meeting, Sewer Superintendent Brad Duncan noted the sewer plant is fully operational and doing well.
“So far, we are learning a lot about it and getting the kinks worked out,” he said.
Duncan suggested the council come out and see the new facility.
Alderman Charles Hoselton expressed concerns over certain houses and cars sitting around town in poor shape.
“Somebody has to make a complaint,” said Mayor David Slagel.
Jerry Hoffman suggested having a meeting with City Attorney Steven Mann. The mayor said there are organizations that can help the city with properties by trying to acquire them and working with someone who wants to redevelop the areas.
“After we get all of those done, I want to figure out what we are doing with that old hospital,” Hoselton added.
In another matter, Alderman Jon Kinate said he has received complaints that residents want another route out of the Timber Ridge subdivision.
“People would like one.”
According to Alderman Lynn Dameron, this was up to the developer. Kinate noted the state will not allow access to Route 24 from the area since it would be too close to the bridge.
During council comments, Steve Endres said a glider broke at Marsh Park which he had fixed up and donated. It appears the damage did not appear to be intentional, according to video although two kids were swinging on it aggressively.
“It’s not going back out,” Endres stated.
Following an executive session, the city approved the hiring of a full-time employee for the Street Department.
The Fairbury City Council also:
-Authorized the 2021-22 fiscal budget.
-Approved an intergovernmental agreement for governmental body maintenance of traffic control devices between the city and Illinois Department of Transportation.
-Approved the consent agenda which included the April 7 minutes, voucher invoice report, overtime report and check register.
