Much Recognition at City Council Meeting

Much recognition was given at this week's Effingham City Council meeting.

Janet Ohnesorge of the Water Billing and Customer Service Department was recognized as the City's Employee of the Quarter. 

(CITY OFFICER JEREMY KYLE WITH HIS LIFESAVING AWARD)

Police Chief Jason McFarland presented a Lifesaving Award to Officer Jeremy Kyle, who utilized Narcan on December 2 to bring back a subject under the influence of alcohol and another drug. McFarland said the ambulance attendant who arrived to help said Kyle saved the person's life. Kyle and Officer Andrew Meyers were also presented Customer Service Awards for help they offered to motorists traveling through Effingham. The officers freed a two-year-old from a locked vehicle, gave the two-year-old and her sibling toys, and fascinated the sibling with Kyle's K9. 

(CITY OFFICERS JEREMY KYLE AND ANDREW MEYERS WITH THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS)

City Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman took time to recognize engineering, street, sewer, water and utility billing department employees who had reached employment milestones. They included Matthew Walk, Jeremy Giles, and Janet Ohnesorge for 10 years in their departments; Eric Bierman for 20 years' service; Greg Koester and Jeff Dirks for 25 years' service; Ron Slifer and Kenny Pike for 30 years' service, and Bob Rhodes for 35 years' service. Pike was also recognized for his upcoming retirement as of January 4.

The Council also heard from City Treasurer Caitlin Phillips that the Illinois Department of Revenue has indicated they paid $113,000 in excess funds to the City. Phillips said the State will reduce payments to the City in January, February and March to recoup the money. Despite that, though, Phillips said revenues are still tracking 1% ahead of a year ago. 

McFarland reported on use of force changes mandated for the police department by Federal officials, and shared that Effingham is in compliance with the revised guidelines.

Fire Chief Bob Tutko shared that the fire department has received a $2,000 grant from Walmart that will be used for new hose nozzles, and reminded those with live Christmas trees to please keep them watered.

Wonderland in Lights is having a good year. Economic Development Director Todd Hull, reporting for Tourism Director Jodi Thoele, shared that the total last year for the lighting display was 6,230 vehicles through Community Park and $16,655 in donations. This year, so far, 5,100 vehicles have traveled through and $16,000 has been donated with 10 days to go.