Fairbury Speedway owner and promoter Matt Curl updated members of the Fairbury City Council on the recent Prairie Dirt Classic weekend.
He described a very big event for the community with around 7,500 people on the grounds. This is down slightly from last year, according to Curl.
“We have now really become one of the elite racing events in the country,” he said.
Race fans came from 46 states and Curl had nearly 100 workers on his staff Saturday night.
“I’m really proud of our team.”
Curl said there were delays with track preparations early in the night.
“We always need to polish up some things,” Curl noted.
The biggest safety concern in Curl’s opinion was cell service during the weekend, which was poor in many locations around Fairbury. Curl would like to work with the city to see what can be done to remedy the issue.
Mayor David Slagel said they have talked to Verizon about this and the company plans to present some options, which may entail mobile tower units.
“It is something we need to look into,” admitted the mayor.
Alderman Gary Norris acknowledged the Prairie Dirt Classic’s economic benefit to the city and Alderman James Tipton was impressed.
“Well done, Matt,” Tipton said.
“People know where Fairbury is at now,” Curl added.
In a separate matter, Alderman Jon Kinate received a call from a resident on Oak Grove Road who has to push garbage cans to Pine Street in order to be picked up. It could be tough for the person come winter.
“They can’t get that truck down that alley” explained Street Superintendent Martin Steidinger, referring to the private drive.
The resident asked to leave the cans on Pine and take bags to them. This was fine with Steidinger.
Following an executive session, the council allowed the wastewater department to look for a replacement for an employee who resigned.
The consent agenda was approved, including July 20 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register listing the bills, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.
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