(Shown are awards for those years of Service presented by Mayor Gary Moore, Wade Gregory and Fire Chief Andrew Miller).
The Fairfield City Council approved several business incentives, adopted new city policies and recognized longtime city employee Darin Hopper during its meeting Tuesday night.
Several businesses were considered for assistance through the city’s Business District and TIF programs. Clothesline was awarded $2,440 for painting and façade improvements at 122 West Main Street, while CC Nails LLC received $25,750 toward signage and showroom improvements as part of an approximately $180,000 project.
The Fairfield Laundromat received $100,000 in TIF funding toward a new construction project estimated at approximately $500,000.
Trackside Auto Repair, formerly Jim’s Custom Automotive, presented plans for a two-sided sign estimated to cost $9,800. Mayor Gary Moore said the Business District Committee will meet before making a formal recommendation. A revolving loan request from The Reserve was removed from the agenda after alternative financing arrangements were reached.
The council unanimously approved an anti-nepotism policy for the city’s Infrastructure and Public Works Department, modeled after an existing Fairfield Police Department policy. Council members also unanimously approved an ordinance banning the sale and delivery of kratom within Fairfield.
Another ordinance prohibits feeding stray or feral cats on public property, including streets, parking lots and alleys. Moore said the city continues discussions with Southern Illinois Critter Fixers on developing a Trap-Neuter-Return program and is also working with the Wayne County Humane Society on the issue.
In other action, trick-or-treat hours were set for October 30 and 31 from 5 to 8 p.m. “Boo on Main Street” will be held October 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. downtown. The Veterans Parade was approved for November 7 at 2 p.m., correcting the November 2 date listed on the agenda, while the Christmas Parade is scheduled for December 5 at 5 p.m.
The council approved a $7,500 Recreation Committee request to help cover expenses associated with Fall Fun Fest, Boo on Main Street and the Christmas Parade.
An easement was approved to accommodate Ameren’s planned electrical substation behind the existing Hoosier Energy substation near Illinois Avenue and Seventh Street. Contracts have also been signed for the Leininger Road water line project, with construction expected to begin soon and completion targeted for May 2027.
Moore also reported Midwest Food Bank’s Fairfield operation will relocate to Mt. Vernon following the retirement of local volunteer coordinator Melvin Clark and the inability to find a replacement. Two final Fairfield distributions are planned, one in September and another in October. A fire-damaged property at approximately in the 200 block of Northwest Seventh Street, the former Dennis Simpson property behind Save A Lot was discussed as an update item. The city is in negotiations with Dennis Simpson and is prepared to use dump trucks and a trackhoe to clean up the property if necessary; no formal action was taken at this meeting
The council also recognized Hopper ahead of his retirement after 46½ years of service to Fairfield. Hopper began working for the city on February 25, 1980, and held several positions before transferring to the Fairfield Fire Department on August 1, 1994. His final day with the city will be September 11.