City Council Approves Property Annexation for Residential Project

Effingham City Council members Tuesday approved the annexation of 44 acres of property along East Evergreen Avenue into the City limits.

The property will be the site of 53 residential lots. The development will be known as Hidden Hills Subdivision.

The Council also approved the contribution of $50,000 in tourism funds. The money will help cover the cost of the new gazebo on the Courthouse museum grounds.

The Council approved an exchange of property with Doug and Todd Kabbes. The land being given the City will be used for development of some residential lots by the city water treatment plant.

Council members authorized the purchase of 27 portable radios for the city police department, and learned that grant funds were received for five tasers.

The Council discussed an ordinance regulating public camping within the City limits. The ordinance concerns City property such as benches, sidewalks and similar properties.

Also discussed was work to upgrade the city waste water treatment plant. The work is related to regulating phosphorus, and could involve $8 million to $10 million in plant reconstruction. Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said the City has been setting funds aside for the project for the past several years. Heuerman hopes the work could be completed and come on line in 2028.

There was also discussion of electronic document management storage, upgrades on Marvon Drive, provision for FFA Week next week, a housing rehabilitation program on Park Street,