City Council Approves Special Use Permit for Austin Mansion

Effingham City Council members Tuesday approved a special use permit for Billi Jansen of Walnut Street Weddings to use the Austin Mansion for special events.

The permit is for an initial term of six months to see how the operation fares in the neighborhood populated with several single-family homes.  Jansen hopes to hold indoor and outdoor events including weddings and receptions.  There are restrictions as to the noise level, the hours of operation, how many events can take place at the facility and on parking around the mansion.

Mayor Merv Gillenwater voted No on the permit, saying he feels the neighbors will now have the burden of providing that the facility is not suitable for such events, and of gathering evidence to support that contention.

City Commissioner Alan Harris voted Yes on the question, saying he has gone back and forth but decided to vote in favor.  City Commissioners Matt Hirtzel, Brian Milleville and Don Althoff had earlier voiced support for the project.

Also Tuesday, the City Council agreed to again contribute $10,000 toward the 4th of July fireworks display at the Effingham High School athletic complex.  The Council also agreed to match private donations for the fireworks up to another $5,000.  

Effingham Local 3084 Firefighters Association representative John Stroud said they've had difficulty obtaining private contributions toward the cost of the fireworks.  The firefighters took over sponsorship of the fireworks last year after the Southtown Business Association disbanded.  Contact local firefighters if you'd like to contribute toward the cost of the fireworks.  

The Council agreed to a project to reconstruct Douglas Avenue along the north side of South Side School from Park Street, east to Fifth Street at a cost of $300,000, to retain an employee wellness program for another year, to let the Altamont Chamber of Commerce hold the annual High School Rodeo Association State Finals Parade on June 11 in Effingham, and to go with BlueCross BlueShield on a fully insured health insurance plan rather than the self-insured plan used for the past several years.