Fayette Reconstruction Work Could Begin Spring 2023

Effingham City Council members heard that the reconstruction of Fayette Avenue through the city could begin in Spring 2023.

City Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said that January 26 is the bid letting date. With award of the bid and final contract work, the process of taking down buildings to make way for road work could occur by May.

Phase I of the project will extend from Illini Drive on the west to the underpass at Banker Street. Phase II will extend from the underpass east to past Willow Street. 

Heuerman shared that the City's share of the project cost will be much less than first thought. Changes at the Federal level will mean the City won't have to pay as large a share of the street light work, which is what the City was supposed to cover. Instead of $1.3 million, the City's share will be just $400,000. 

Also Tuesday, the Council approved Catelyn Vail as City Treasurer. Vail is being reassigned from the Public Works Department to fill the vacancy as treasurer created by the resignation of Caitlin James earlier this year.

(CATELYN VAIL)

Council members heard from Economic Development Director Todd Hull that a new hotel is coming to Effingham, to be built on City-owned property along Avenue of Mid-America. McHugh Hospitality Group will build the 95 to 100-room hotel. Owner John McHugh said it will be a medium-scale extended-stay hotel, and that work should be completed in 2024. 

The Council awarded sanitary sewer resealing work to Visu-Sewer of Missouri for $480,000. City Engineer Luke Thoele said lining the sewers is "replacing pipe without digging." The Council awarded insurance coverage for all but health insurance for $369,000 through the Illinois Municipal League, and approved two subdivision plats, one for the former Bray Title Company along West Jefferson Avenue, the other for Goeckner Brothers along East Fayette Avenue which is taking down a building and adding an attached structure to the dealership.

Also Tuesday, Fire Chief Brant Yochum reminded of the time change this Sunday morning and that the fire department will replace smoke detectors. It was also shared that the South Banker railroad crossing will be replaced next week and to be ready to use South 4th Street. 

Also, City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele reminded that the student Christmas Card contest is getting underway, that the Hometown Christmas celebration will feature a new lighted Christmas parade, Santa lighting the downtown Christmas tree, and that Wonderland in Lights is getting close to being in place for its traditional Thanksgiving opening.