City Council Discusses Fourth Interchange Feasibility Study

Print

Published on May 2 2017 8:09 pm
Last Updated on May 2 2017 8:09 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Commissioner Kevin Esker was exactly correct when he said most cities Effingham's size don't even have three interstate interchanges.

Effingham, though, has proved itself time and again to exceed expectations when it comes to development. Guided by that thought, the Council informally agreed to move ahead with underwriting the cost of a feasibility study on a fourth interchange.

The fourth interchange has been talked about for years, usually tied in with Dutch Lane. City Director of Public Works Steve Miller, though, identified the area that would be studied as stretching from the south tri-level to the Watson-Mason interchange.

Hanson Professional Services has submitted an agreement costing $59,855 to undertake the study. It's expected the Council will vote on awarding the contract at a meeting in the near future.

Mayor Jeff Bloemker did ask whether any other governmental entities have indicated they'd help with the cost of the study. Miller said no, but it's not known whether any help has been sought from those other entities. Bloemker indicated he feels the project is one worth pursuing, regardless of any help from the other entities.

Also Tuesday, the Council awarded sidewalk replacement work around town to Esker and Walker for $195,800, and awarded the reconstruction of Luther Street north from the West Fayette frontage road to Effingham Asphalt for $342,582.75. John L. Lewis Construction was awarded an $80,781.31 project to extend Henrietta Street north past Evergreen Avenue to Jenner Avenue. The Council also awarded a new Class EEV liquor license to Legacy Events and Hospitality, doing business as Hog Yard Grill.

Several appointments were approved by the Council:

--Randy Bukas was appointed Accounting Administrator/City Treasurer

--Edward Grunloh, William Mette, Donald Niebrugge, and William Utz were appointed to the Building Code Board of Appeals for five years

--Dannielle Harden, Charlene Topel and Sara Ruholl Sehy were appointed to the Effingham Public Library Board of Directors for three years

--Kim Arndt and Sharon Harris were appointed to the Ethics Commission for two years

--Gerald Steppe was appointed to the Fire and Police Commisson for three years

--Randy Bukas was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Fire Pension Fund for three years

--Jeremy Heuerman, Todd Hull and Greg Sapp were appointed to the Human Relations Board for three years

--Mark Thies, Cindy Vogel, Dave Campbell and Libby Moeller were appointed to the Plan Commission; Moeller for two years, the others for three years

--Jim Arndt was appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Police Pension Fund for two years

--Jeff Althoff, Wanda Pitcher, Lori Worman and Jeffrey Masters were appointed to the Tourism Advisory Board of Directors for three years

--Libby Moeller was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for five years

Also Tuesday, Tourism Director Jodi Thoele reported on potential changes to the amusements chapter of the municipal code, focusing on running routes through the city and adding roadways for such events, as well as conforming with new operating hours of 7:30am to 4:30pm, rather than 8am to 5pm. There was also discussion about testing of sewer lines and manholes, resurfacing on 4th from Elm to Hawthorne, Mulberry from Fayette to Jefferson, and Second Street from Temple north to the end of the street past St. Anthony High School. There was also discussion on aggregate material stockpiling, and a gutter replacement program, along with an inspection of the city's 72-inch arch sewer to make sure it is intact.