Infrastructure, Economic Development Projects Considered by Council

Several infrastructure and economic development efforts were acted on Tuesday by the Effingham City Council.

The Council increased the annual budget for the City's Downtown/Southtown Business Area Redevelopment Program. Economic Development Director Todd Hull said at the Council's previous meeting that there are several development projects waiting to be considered if funding is available.

The Council approved a contract for private development at Pro Lube of Effingham on Henrietta Street that will likely lead to additional development north across Edgar Avenue from the business.

Council members also approved a redevelopment agreement with Gopher's Grill, being developed in the former Jansen's Department Store on Jefferson Avenue that in recent years has been the home of The Zone.

Also approved was a redevelopment agreement to refurbish the Baymont Inn and Suites west of the interstate off West Fayette Avenue.

The Council heard that the bid on pavement patching around the City came in more than $19,000 below the estimate, so some additional work has been added to the scope of the project.

The Council approved three small subdivision projects, just a lot or two in each; Lakeside Hils Subdivision First Addition along Cliffview Drive, St. John's Subdivision where all of the properties owned by St. John's Lutheran Church on West Jefferson will be merged into one large lot, and Prime Banc Subdivision First Addition, involving the property of Niebrugge A-1 Furniture, merging two lots into one.

It was agreed to annex parcels into the City at three locations; the property of Gerald Hoffman and John Pike on West Fayette Avenue, the property of David McDevitt and John McHugh in Celtic Crossing Subdivision on East Evergreen Avenue, and the property of James and Lucille Koester on East Fayette Avenue by Sloan Implement. In each case, the lots are being annexed as the properties are receiving city water service.

City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman discussed a grant project that would provide some of the funding for lighting and pedestrian safety in the North Keller Drive retail district. The number of pedestrians in the area and a lack of lighting along some of the streets in that area are the factors leading to considering the project. Heuerman said a match is required, meaning the City would contribute $440,000 in hopes of receiving $725,000 in grant funding. Heuerman noted that the wider sidewalks installed along Keller Drive were done at the City's expense and grant funds would lessen the City's expense on future projects. The item was only on the agenda for discussion last night. No one voiced any objections to the project.

The proposed reconstruction of Second Street from Fayette to Jefferson along the east side of City Hall and the police station under construction was pulled from the agenda.

Also, Heuerman reported that a portion of Main Street in the downtown area was paved Tuesday, and that Damron Court is to be paved Wednesday. 

It was also reported that a change in the due date on city water bills was in error, the bills are still due on October 15.

City Fire Chief Joe Holomy reported that $1,800 was raised at last Sunday's fire department Open House. The funds will be given to Salvation Army for hurricane relief.