City Council Approached About Golf Cart Use in Town

Effingham City Council members Tuesday heard from local resident Greg Thompson who would like to see legal use of golf carts in town.

Thompson said he's not looking for use of highways, but instead side streets and residential roadways. He noted that other communities such as Teutopolis and Newton allow the use of golf carts, so he'd like to see Effingham consider the same thing.

City Commissioner Merv Gillenwater said he knows that people are already using them, so one can't assume everyone will follow the rules. City officials say they'll research the matter and report back to the Council.

Police Chief Jason McFarland presented information on a program known as Safe Passage, where those who are found under the influence of drugs but want assistance in overcoming their abuse can get immediate care. McFarland said people would be immediately taken to a facility where they can receive treatment, and said there are those who would step up to provide transportation to such facilities. He said, "This is our chance to save a life." 

McFarland said he was approached by City Commissioner Libby Moeller about the program. We will keep you up-to-date on progress on the program.

There was a report several months ago that Homewood Grill had plans to build at the intersection of Willow and Fayette on the former John Boos and Company site. In recent weeks, the owners requested permission to build a smaller facility, a request that drew mixed reactions from the Council. 

On Tuesday, ICLAND Holdings, the developers of the project, relayed through Economic Development Director Todd Hull that a combination of rising development costs and infrastructure costs led ICLAND Holdings to request an end to the project at Willow and Fayette, which the Council granted.

The Council approved a project services agreement with Farnsworth Group for construction engineering services for a water main project along 4th Street from Eiche to Wabash Avenues, and also approved the sale of property along the south side of Fayette between Mulberry and Linden Streets for the Fayette Avenue reconstruction project at a cost of $60,000. The parcel is on the north side of Dollar General. The Council also amended the clothing allowance for city workers in the building and the engineering departments who work in the field, accepted a quote for self-contained breathing apparatus for the fire department, and approved a quote from Kirby Risk for replacement street lights along Technology Drive with much of the cost being borne by Quik Trip for their project. The Council also approved a request from Heartland Dental to maintain the portion of Outer Belt West from Keller Drive to Avenue of Mid America as part of the Pick it Up, Effingham beautification program.

Council members discussed a project to improve street and storm water on Douglas Avenue and Fifth Street near South Side School, and discussed sewer and manhole lining work and the necessary engineering work for a project involving sewer main and manhole relining. There was also discussion about adding a second operator position at the waste water treatment plant. Public Works Director Jeremy Heuerman said upcoming retirements and the scarcity of people with operator qualifications make the move a good idea when looking to the future.

Also Tuesday, Heuerman reported that crews from CN Railroad should be in Effingham in the next couple of weeks to repair crossings on the north end of town, Commissioner Larry Micenheimer complimented the fireworks displays and those who put them together, and Commissioner Hank Stephens requested a breakdown on just how much is being spent on the platforms at the Amtrak station. He understands it's not a City project, but said it seems the time and expense involved seems considerable and just wondered about the size of the investment.