City to Seek Grant for Extension of Ford Avenue to 4th Street

Effingham city council members Tuesday agreed to seek a grant for more than $10 million to finish the extension of Ford Avenue, east to 4th Street.

The grant would cover 80% of the project cost. The City would come up with the remaining 20%, or just over $2 million. Half of that is already covered by grant funds previously received.

The City has requested the funds in previous years, but without success. City Diretctor of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said, though, that they appear to be getting closer to being considered for the grant. 

In the meantime, the City has continued building the street 500 feet at a time as funding becomes available.

The Council gave informal approval to an addition of 50.31 acres of land to the City/County Enterprise Zone. The land is part of Prairie Ace Estates, northwest of the city near Effingham Country Club. Realtor Keith Hartman said there are 41 residential sites in the subdivision, 13 of which have already been sold. The addition would also involve 1.44 acres of land to connect the tract to the current boundary of the Zone. The Effingham County Board and the Teutopolis Village Board also have to approve the addition for it to proceed. Again, this would be an addition to the Enterprise Zone, NOT to the city limits. 

Council members approved an amendment to the zoning ordinance, defining triplexes or three-family dwelling districts and amending the language defining duplexes or two-family dwelling districts. City Planner Greg Koester said the changes are mostly intended for new construction. The Council also granted a short extension of time for the completion of improvements to Effingham Veterinary Clinic at Jefferson and Willow, the former Walton and Haarmann Vet Clinic. 

Council members approved a new water supply agreement with Snake Trail Water Association. This agreement is for 20 years, and replaces a 40-year agreement. It promises 500,000 gallons per month at wholesale water rates. The Council also approved the appointment of Matt Pals as a member of the Electrical Commission.

Council members discussed this year's purchase of Christmas light displays. One large display, "Mr. Christmas", will go downtown next to the Santa House and two others will be placed at Community Park as part of the Wonderland in Lights display.

Also Tuesday, Heuerman reported a new city street sweeper has arrived, and City Engineer Luke Thoele reported on two additions of infrastructure in relation to the Fayette Avenue construction project. The projects are valued at $9,500.