New City Council Approached w/Keller Drive Development Project

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Published on May 5 2015 8:52 pm
Last Updated on May 5 2015 9:03 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

(THE NEW EFFINGHAM CITY COUNCIL. SEATED LEFT TO RIGHT: COMMISSIONER DON ALTHOFF, MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER AND COMMISSIONER MERV GILLENWATER; STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: COMMISSIONERS KEVIN ESKER AND KEVIN WILLIS)

The new Effingham City Council heard Tuesday night about an economic development project along Keller Drive.

Lisa Wortman, representing Wortman Properties, and City Economic Development Director Todd Hull discussed a proposal that would see a Chipotle's Restaurant developed in place of the former service station and Subway shop next door to Steak and Shake, and then would see more development in place of the Rodeway Inn located behind Panda Express.

The project would involve the proposed Northwest Business District. The district would include undeveloped areas around the intersection of Keller Drive and Outer Belt West, but also some of the developed areas along Keller. If the business district is approved, a 1% sales tax would be enacted that would generate revenue to be used for projects in the district.

As drawn up, the Chipotle project would be completed by year's end, while the second phase would be completed within three years. The businesses to be located in the second phase have not been identified, but City Administrator Jim Arndt said most businesses looking at a location in Effingham say, "I want to be located here", referring to the area along Keller, and doesn't feel it will be a problem to land businesses to locate there.

A public hearing on the establishment of the Business District is set for June 2.

Council members also heard a presentation from representatives of the Effingham County Cultural Center and Museum Association, who requested $25,000 from this year's budget for work on the second floor of the Old Courthouse. The additional space would provide meeting area that could provide a source of revenue to the Association, as well as facilitating their own presentations.

The Council approved appointment of individuals to several boards and commissions. They include Kim Arndt and Lisa Kingery to the City Ethics Commission, John Bredenkamp to the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners, Jim Arndt to the Fire Pension Fund Trustee Board, Rachael Fearday, Matthew Greider and Rod Wiethop to the Library Board, Jim Arndt to the Human Relations Board, Brian Hayes and Dave Storm to the Plan Commission, Jim Arndt to the Police Pension Fund Board, Kristi Campbell, Patty Greene, Betsy Haynie and Sarah Rueter to the Tourism Advisory Board, and Clint Spruell and David Swingler to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Council members appointed municipal officials for the term of new mayor Jeff Bloemker, and also recognized Burkland's Florist and Gifts with a Business Appreciation Award for their longtime presence in the city and their public service efforts on behalf of Effingham. 

(NEW EFFINGHAM MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER WITH KAY SPRUELL OF BURKLAND FLORIST AND GIFTS)

The Council approved a contribution to Effingham Firefighters Local #3084 for $15,000 to assist with the 4th of July fireworks display. City firefighter Tasha Lange said the contribution allow for an even bigger display this year. The display will again be staged at the sports complex at Effingham High School. Also approved was a $450,000 contract with Effingham Asphalt for street resurfacing work this summer. Work is scheduled on Eiche Avenue from Banker to 4th Streets, St. Anthony Avenue from Main to Maple, Taylor Street and Martin Street from Holiday to Evergreen, and Stevens Avenue from Raney east. Also approved was a $203,000 contract with Hoelscher Concrete Construction for sidewalk repair and replacement throughout the city.

The meeting was the first for new Mayor Jeff Bloemker who was sworn in by City Clerk Kelsey Lock. The outgoing Council was on hand to begin the meeting while the newly-elected members were sworn in to office. Also new to the Council are Commissioners Kevin Willis and Kevin Esker. Former mayor Merv Gillenwater moved over to a commissioner's seat to join the only incumbent commissioner Don Althoff.