Council Starts to Move Ahead w/Bike Lane Project

Now that a grant of almost one million dollars has been secured to fund the work, the City of Effingham is moving ahead with a bike lane project that will extend throughout the city.

(EFFINGHAM MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER HONORS CITY TELECOMMUNICATOR CINDY THIES AS EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER)

The work will compliment a study conducted by a group of city staffers and volunteers working with the then-League of Illinois Bicyclists to develop a network of bike paths and bike lanes around town. The project will also include construction of a parking lot at the trailhead off Outer Belt West for up to 20 vehicles that city officials say will greatly improve safety in that area.

The City Council Tuesday discussed contracting with Milano and Grunloh of Effingham for preliminary engineering on the project that is expected to cost around $117,000.

The Council also discussed an employee wellness plan. 70 individuals, city employees and spouses, have indicated interest in the program designed to make for a healthier staff and decreased health care costs.

Council members approved the purchase of a new pumper for the fire department fleet for just under $408,000 with delivery expected next summer. The Council also okayed a $25,000 contribution to the Effingham City/County Committee on Aging following a practice of more than 20 years.

The Council approved for another year an employee-paid dental and vision plan; recognized Telecommunicator Cindy Thies as the City Employee of the Quarter especially for her service in the absence of Telecommunicator Supervisor Jodi Moomaw due to the death of a loved one; and concurred with a proposed text amendment concerning a special use permit for a relocatable home in a light industrial district; heard that bids on repainting the south water storage tower came in under the estimated cost; heard a reminder that small signs that seem to be popping up on rights of way all over town are not permitted; and were reminded of upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday activities including Wonderland in Lights beginning Thanksgiving night, the Hometown Christmas Celebration downtown, and the Holiday Lights and Festive Sights competition.