Safety around the big sledding hill at Timber Ridge was a topic of concern at Wednesday’s regular meeting of the Fairbury City Council.
Alderman Jon Kinate told fellow council members he has received several calls regarding sledding in that area, saying a three-year-old almost got hit. Vehicles often park near the street with traffic in close proximity.
“It’s gotten really, really serious because there are people running back and forth,” said Kinate.
Street Superintendent Lonnie Rhoads acknowledged there is no signage up there.
“Is there a particular time of day it’s a problem?” asked Alderman James Tipton.
“Whenever,” replied Kinate.
Alderman Bruce Weber asked if there was room for people to park at the bottom, saying it was worth asking about.
Mayor David Slagel said they don’t want to discourage sledding at the spot but want to keep everyone safe.
Also at Wednesday’s Fairbury City Council meeting, City Superintendent Brett Ashburn reported surveys will be mailed to residents and businesses which is an IEPA requirement.
There will be an option to fill out the form online and submit information that way.
“The last time we did it we had at least 90 percent of the community return it,” noted Ashburn.
A bid was approved from RTJ to update lighting in the gym and hallway at the Stafford Center. LED fixtures are being installed as the current lights are going bad. Kinate made the motion to approve the bid.
Property owned by Fairview Haven was annexed into the city. The 8.41-acre area is zoned residential R-2 which does allow nursing homes.
The council approved a quote from Electric Pump for pump repairs at the wastewater plant.
“We’ve worked with both companies in the past. They both do good work,” said Ashburn.
City Attorney Matt Schrock addressed council member compensation as one of the members had asked about increases. He said it is possible to approve based on a cost-of-living adjustment. This can be set once and approved to automatically adjust.
The consent agenda was approved which included Jan. 8 meeting minutes, voucher invoice register, treasurer’s cash report, check register and overtime report.
There was no executive session.
