Water Authority Ready for Beach to Re-Open

Effingham Water Authority trustees think that the public has waited long enough for Effingham Beach to re-open at Lake Sara, and have taken action to move the process along.

Local attorney Bruce Burkey spoke to the Authority on behalf of Danny Hankins, who has a lease to operate the beach.  Burkey said arrangements are being made to have the Illinois Department of Public Health visit the beach by the end of April to inspect the facility in hopes of getting the necessary license to operate.  A license to operate the beach has not been issued for about two years due to health code violations.  

A discussion followed and Board members agreed they have let the situation slide long enough.  Members said that Hankins is in violation of his lease and they have an obligation to get the beach open and active again.  A motion was approved to have Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer send a letter to Hankins, notifying him of the necessity of obtaining a license to operate so the beach can be open by Memorial Day, or his lease will be in jeopardy.

The Water Authority Board also heard from Chet Kiefer of KC Investment Properties, who reported on cleanup and renovations started at Lake Sara Campgrounds.  Plus, Brian Larson gave an update on renovations and repairs at the Marina.  There is a water leak under Marine Drive and they will start working on that this week.  Larson was not sure whether they can re-open by Memorial Day, but said that is still his goal.