Effingham Beach Expected to be in Operation This Summer

Effingham Water Authority trustees heard this week that Effingham Beach at Lake Sara should be operating this summer.

The beach has been closed in recent years, but Water Authority Chairman Chris Kabbes told trustees that Danny Hankins should receive an operating permit from the Illinois Department of Public Health within the next few days.   Kabbes said an inspection of the beach property went well and deficiencies have been addressed.  Hankins hired a groundskeeper to take care of keeping the beach area and grounds clean.  

Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer said he discussed with Hankins' attorney that anything related to beach activities is what can be done with the beach property.

Trustees also learned that materials for the repair of the Marina at Lake Sara are expected to arrive mid-month and that The Marina still plans to be open by Memorial Day.

Tom Ryan, on behalf of the Water Authority's Parks and Recreation Committee, gave a presentation on preliminary recommendations for developing and implementing a park and recreation master plan for the lake area.  Ryan recommended creating a park and recreation reserve account, reallocating the erosion control boat sticker portion ($20 from each resident and non-resident sticker sale) and one-half of new revenue from the campgrounds.  He also suggested conducting a search for a park and recreation consultant.

There was no action on the proposal as it was not on the meeting agenda, but a vote could come at the Authority's June meeting.

The Water Authority also got a report on the geese addling project this year, and learned that the geese population is down at the lake.  The plan is to continue with the project for the next couple of years or longer, if necessary.  It was also reported that Ducks Unlimited is seeking a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to collect the geese and goslings, band them and take them somewhere else to see whether they return.  IDNR has done a similar study.

Also this week, the Water Authority Board:

--donated $700 toward the cost of the Lake Sara fireworks display

--directed Siemer to write a letter to the owner of Lot 11 in Twin Oaks Subdivision to finish siding the residence, on which work began a year ago

--heard from Siemer that he had been contacted by Dave Samuel in regard to the road in Samuel Subdivision being maintained by the Water Authority, but told Samuel that Milano and Grunloh Engineers must inspect and approve the road prior to the Water Authority taking over maintenance

--heard from Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks that he issued six building permits last month and that the lake is at normal level