City Council to Maintain Existing Burn Guidelines

Effingham City Council members Tuesday decided to maintain the City's existing burn guidelines.

Objections to open burning had been heard at the previous Council meeting. At Tuesday's meeting, local residents Larry Johnson and Tom Stolz argued to keep burning unless a better option could be found. City officials said they don't have a better option this late in the year and with City finances impacted by the pandemic.

The matter of open burning is debated annually. City Commissioner Larry Micenheimer asked that the issue be addressed during budget planning after the first of the year, where decisions can be made as to whether this is an issue that should be moved ahead of other budget priorities.

To a person, though, Council members encouraged citizens to contact the City in the case of burn sites left to smolder, which is against the city burn ordinance. Some calls have been made to the fire department regarding illegal burns, but Police Chief Jason McFarland said his department has not received any calls.

Also Tuesday, the Council learned more about an amended South Central Industrial Tax Increment Financing District. Proposed annexations would include land to the north and west from Grove Avenue south to Mansfield Drive, as well as land to the east stretching from Wabash Avenue on the north to Hoffman Drive on the south, 4th Street on the east and Banker Street on the west. The east tract includes several residential properties that could be included in rehabilitation projects that have benefited many homeowners in past years. A vote to annex the parcels into the TIF District will come at a future Council meeting.

(A LOOK AT THE SOUTH CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL TIF DISTRICT AND THE PROPOSED ADDITIONS TO THE DISTRICT)

The Council heard from the City's new actuarial firm for the fire and police pension funds. The firm is using different guidelines than the former actuaries and is asking for a $507,000 increase in the City's contribution. City Treasurer Caitlin Phillips said the amount of increase should be a one-time thing.

City Commissioner Hank Stephens had some reservations about the recommendation and said he is concerned about the amount of money the City obligates for pensions for a relatively small number of individuals. 

Also Tuesday, the Council authorized Phillips to look into seeking Federal CURE funds that could be used to cover police and firefighter salaries related to the pandemic, and authorized the sale of property at 308 E. Eiche Avenue to high bidder Doug Murrell for $51,009. Cathy Pals was approved as a member of the Effingham Public Library Board to fill the vacancy created when Sarah Ruholl-Sehy moved outside the city limits. Also approved was an agreement with Hoerr Construction for sewer rehabilitation work for $187,840 and a change order that will allow sidewalk replacement work along Maple Street in front of HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital for $52,149. 

Commissioner Stephens shared that he is working with Effingham Public Library to develop a project where he will sit down with city residents to review their tax bills and explain why they pay what they do. Stephens said it bothers him that people who live within the city limits pay more than some who live outside the city limits and receive similar services.

It was also shared that city residents would soon begin receiving letters about who they can utilize for electricity. City Administrator Steve Miller said the rate will go down for 2021 if citizens stay with the current provider. Assistant Administrator Kelsey Lock said the vendor is Energy Harbor.

Council members also heard about a new interactive map on the City website that shares a variety of information including gravesites available in Oakridge Cemetery. Miller said that could be of benefit to those who live away from Effingham but are looking for a final resting place for themselves or loved ones who have ties to the community.

Tourism Director Jodi Thoele shared that work should begin later this month on putting Christmas lights in place for the coming season.