The Oglesby City Council has agreed to help the library meet some urgent repairs.

Monday, the City Council voted 5-0 to provide $9,060 from the TIF fund so the Oglesby Public Library can repair or replace gutters ($3,360) and then replace mortar ($5,700). If left uncorrected, the building faces irreversible water damage.

The council previously considered financial aid but tabled the question until they could get more information. Jill Shevokas, director of the Oglesby Public Library, delivered a short presentation outlining the costs and the library’s current inability to levy enough taxes to pay for the repairs.

Separately, the Root Beer Stand was granted the $19,315 requested under the facade program; but the council pledged to make the application process more rigorous going forward.

Commissioner Jason Curran said he reviewed the application and found the restaurant followed all its requirements. The city didn’t, Curran said, and he’d like to see someone appointed to provide oversight for future facade applications as well as ensure the council votes in stages.

Mayor Dom Rivara emphasized the Root Beer Stand and other recent recipients all acted in good faith and put the money to good use. Nevertheless, he agreed a better review process is warranted and “we’ll move forward and come up with a plan to dot the Is and cross the Ts.”

Finally, do you remember the Lehigh Cement Co. whistle being blown at the stroke of 12 on New Year’s Day? Rivara said he can’t swear he remembers — it’s been decades since the whistle has been blown — but a few longtime residents would like to bring it back.

Rivara said he was advised taped recordings of the whistle exist and interested residents will make the New Year’s observance if given a way to amplify the sound.

“If we can get it working, would we like to go back and revive a little history?” Rivara mused. He added later, “I don’t even know if we can do it. We’ll look into it.”