Zoning change approved
- Fairbury News staff
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Fairbury City Council has approved an amendment to the city’s comprehensive plan for the new elementary building planned in the Prairie Central school district.
This changes zoning in the area from R2 to “A” Country Estates for when the new school annexes into the city. They came up with the smoothest transition for annexation, according to City Superintendent Brett Ashburn. The city attorney said the zoning classification is a much better fit.
Also during Wednesday’s regular meeting, the council approved the purchase of coats for public works employees which are bright yellow. Coats are provided every couple of years. “City of Fairbury” will be printed on the front. Alderman Jon Kinate made the motion to approve the purchase.
Employee health insurance was approved for city workers in 2026. The provider which was formerly used will no longer offer group insurance. City Treasurer Dale Diller reached out to different brokers for healthcare plans. They chose to go with Marpai Health, a division of Cigna.
“Everything looked good with them,” said Diller.
This is through Dimond Brothers and they talked to a representative in Bloomington about it. Another choice was Blue Cross but they would have a limited network. The city could see possible savings if they have a year with low claims which is credited to the next year.
“I’m very comfortable with that,” noted Alderman Bill Schmidgall.
Retiring ESDA Director Deb Moran instructed the council members to put new sheets in their emergency planning packets with current phone numbers. Church and clergy contacts are included in the disaster plan and the new Boys and Girls Club is the Fairbury shelter site.
Moran reviewed Monday’s disaster planning meeting which saw 73 people attend, which is up 12 from the prior year.
“Thank you for putting all of that together,” stated Alderman Jim Tipton.
“Thanks for your service,” added Alderman Gary Norris.
Ashburn reported on work happening downtown to separate water lines in order to get up to code since the state is eliminating lead service lines.
Sewer Superintendent Bruce Pride showed council members a photo of the decal for the new truck which was done by Aftershock Decals and Design.
Alderman Steve Endres mentioned all of the lost dogs residents have been talking about online recently.
“If people could keep an eye on their dogs, it’d be helpful,” he said.
Alderman Tipton asked Street Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads if the volleyball sand pile is going to be spread out.
“We’ll get it finished up in the next couple of weeks probably,” replied Rhoads.
The group also approved the consent agenda, which included Nov. 5 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.
