Council Members Look at Economic Development Opportunities

Effingham City Council members Tuesday discussed some economic development opportunities.

Douglas Township Supervisor Ron Overbeck and Township Trustee Nick Althoff appeared to request approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the City. The Township is planning a renovation of the Douglas Township Building on 4th Street and is seeking funds that have gone from the Township to the downtown TIF District and to the City-County Enterprise Zone. The Township is seeking $25,000 from the City toward a $121,000 exterior renovation of the Township building. 

Phil and Lupita Thompson were on hand seeking an increase in the money allocated for the rehabilitation of their building on East Jefferson as the home for Thompson Law. The Thompsons have encountered more structural problems with the building. $24,126.12 would be the total allocation by the City toward the project.

Lee Harms of Midland States Bank was also present to update the Council on the renovation of the former Midland States Bank corporate headquarters at Jefferson and 5th into lofts for those working at Midland on short-term projects. The project is valued at $443,000. The City has a maximum allocation for such projects of $50,000.

The Council adopted a revised personnel policy manual concerning travel time for employees; approved a Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade downtown on Washington Avenue from 3rd to Banker from noon to 5pm sponsored by Stang Arts; and named Acting Fire Chief Bob Tutko and Matt Stead to terms on the City Electrical Commission.

Several individuals and groups were recognized for special efforts. More about them in future stories.