Previous complaints over dogs resurfaced at Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Fairbury City Council.
Resident Dave Shepherd addressed the group during the public comment portion of the evening, pointing to what he said are violations of the city code.
“You guys have had three months to amend the code book,” Shepherd said.
According to Shepherd, it is difficult to sit in his yard without hearing dogs bark from a nearby residence. He continues to voice concerns over conditions of the property and had previously stated the occupants of the home are often gone for long periods of time.
“I have to sit there and smell it, smell it, smell it,” he stated.
“We have to follow laws the same as anybody else,” Mayor David Slagel replied.
City Attorney Steven Mann announced plans to file a motion for default so the city can go to court to try and enforce the ordinances. Mann noted the need for court intervention so the dogs could be moved out allowing the area to be cleaned up.
“We want to make sure we close and shut the door on this once and for all,” Mann explained.
Mann told Shepherd this is a unique situation and takes time. Mann wants to do an affidavit of everything Shepherd has seen to use as court testimony. Mann reminded Shepherd the city is trying to do something about this.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn reported Sean Wells, owner of the Langstaff Building, would like to place limestone in a couple of parking spots to complete the façade work. The council and mayor gave him the go ahead to do this.
Attorney Mann noted he will appear before the Zoning Board later this month on the marijuana issue. He will also examine the Forrest/Fairbury intergovernmental contract for insurance purposes.
Alderman Gary Norris congratulated Fairbury citizen and volunteer Dale Maley on being named Citizen of the Year by the Woman’s Club.
“We are all aware of the tremendous job you’ve done,” Norris told Maley. “It is appreciated.”
Maley will be honored during the September 21 Local Taste event hosted by the Fairbury Area Chamber of Commerce in the downtown area.
Alderman Jerry Hoffman expressed concerns over the number of hours one person had on the police department due to the short staff. He wondered if the hours could be spread out. Mayor Slagel said there are part-timers who will be worked into shifts in order to help the situation.
Council members authorized a request from the Fire Department to purchase two iPads at $529.99 each and add a $10 monthly charge from each iPad to the city’s Verizon Wireless account. The technology will allow emergency responders to view a map showing where a call is at.
“That’s what everything is going to,” said Fire Chief Martin Steidinger.
In other business, the Fairbury City Council:
-Authorized bids for two desktop computers for the Fire Department.
-Granted a request from the Fairbury Chamber to block Locust Street between Fourth and Fifth and Fifth Street from the railroad tracks north to the alley on Saturday, September 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Local Taste.
-Accepted and approved the 2018-19 audit from MCK Auditors.
-Approved the consent agenda, which included sidewalk requests, check register and overtime report.
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