Water Authority Discusses Marina

Effingham Water Authority trustees heard this week that Lake Sara Marina is being sold at auction on May 19.

Current owner Brian Larson told the trustees he will continue to operate the marina until a new owner takes over.  Larson said he did not renew the liquor license for this year.  If the marina does not sell, Larson said he may need to re-address the current operation with the Board.

Anthony Acres owner Tony Niebrugge spoke to the Board regarding the rental of residences on the lake as vacation homes.  Niebrugge said the practice of renting out homes is hurting his motel business, resulting in loss of revenue.  He said some homes are being rented out on a nightly or weekly basis. 

Board members responded that the residential lease does provide the right to sublet or allow other persons to occupy the premises for a period not in excess of one year without the consent of the Water Authority.  EWA Attorney Tony Siemer will review the matter to see whether any action could be taken.

The Board discussed two proposals for future development of Lake Sara Campgrounds with Chet Kiefer of KC Development.  The property would need to be appraised and research done on whether any part of the rocked waterfront area west of the Pearson Building could be leased for commercial purposes since the erosion work in that area was done with grant money and money from the Lake Sara Forever Foundation.

Susan Dunlap, who owns Lot 3 Sonny Acres, addressed the Board regarding a drainage problem.  Lake Superintendent Gene Arnold said he would work with the township road commissioner to resolve the problem.  Also, the Board voted to approve the replat of Lots 7 and 8 in Lakewood Court Subdivision, with the stipulation that no variances will be allowed in the future.

Lake Sara Good Neighbors representative Tracy Burton requested use of the Pearson Building for the fireworks display on July 3, with a rain date of July 6, and for a donation toward the cost of the fireworks.  The Board voted to donate $600 toward the fireworks.

Incoming Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks reported that bids are being obtained for repairs to the basement in the lake residence, which recently flooded due to heavy rains.  The Board also authorized Arnold and Dirks to put together bid specs for a new truck.

The Board voted to hire Kendal Balding as interim Chief of Police at the lake until Dirks completes police training; heard from a representative that the boating committee would like to see another five lighted buoys on the lake; and heard from a representative that the erosion committee has begun work to complete the erosion project from last year.