Council Discusses Proposed Bar, Chicken and Gaming Establishment

Effingham City Council members Tuesday discussed the pros and cons of locating a bar and chicken house in the Family Video building on West Fayette. The facility would also seek to house gaming in the location.

Lucky Dogs locations are also in the works in several other downstate communities, working in conjunction with Family Video. COO Kevin Olsen said their primary focus is chicken and craft beers. 

There was much discussion, though, about what percentage of their business would come from gaming, in that the City has not permitted gaming parlors to this point. Commissioner Kevin Willis asked, if you took gaming out of the equation, would you still come to Effingham? Olsen admitted that was a good question, one he would have to consider before making a final decision.

The item was on the agenda for discussion only.

The Council discussed two rehabilitation projects, one for Tingley Insurance on Jefferson Avenue downtown, the other for A-1 Food Mart at Fayette and 4th. The Tingley remodeling project would cost $94,645 while the A-1 project would total $20,970. The City would go halves on the cost of the projects if they are approved.

Council members reviewed the proposed fiscal year tax levy, which is to increase by just .44%, or about $19,000. Willis commended City Administrator Jim Arndt for keeping the levy close to even.

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Kulesza gave a third quarter report on fire prevention bureau activities, including inspections of various city structures. Fire Chief Joe Holomy reported that a new fire engine built over the past several months should be on the job by late November.

The Council annexed five parcels into the City; approved selling off excess equipment no longer needed; approved subdivision plats for recording; rezoned property at 110 and 112 South Oak Street from general commercial to single family residence district; and approved several changes of City job classifications and changes in the personnel manual. 

Council members also abated the City levy, covering the payments due on bond issues from existing revenues, either from Tax Increment Financing dollars or the water and sewer funds, or sales tax revenue. The Council also approved using existing funds to purchase five sets of tactical safety gear for the city police department at a total cost of just under $10,000.

City Tourism Jodi Thoele reminded that Trick or Treat in Effingham will be on Halloween, October 31, from 6-8pm and the Halloween Parade would take place on Sunday, October 29th at 2pm, sponsored by Effingham Sunrise Rotary. Arndt said this will be one of the largest parades in recent years in Effingham, judging by entries received.

Last night's meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance being led by Arrow of Light Den of Cub Scout Pack #335.