City Council Again Seeks Funds for Ford Avenue Project

Effingham City Council members Tuesday heard that the City will attempt to obtain $16.3 million to finance the balance of the Ford Avenue extension project.

The City would have to contribute almost $3.3 million to cover the balance of the project cost. 

City Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said it's another effort to "swing for the fences" in an effort to complete the project. 

Heuerman also said he'd like to utilize $49,000 to look at an option for the project that would run Ford to Rickelman Avenue and develop a roundabout at the intersection of Rickelman and Ford.

Meanwhile, local businessman Mark Mayhood addressed the Council. Mayhood is concerned that, in his words, the City no longer looks to see where it can help with economic development projects, and said Effingham is "getting behind other communities." He said that when development efforts were undertaken, "we got no one who said 'what can we do to help'?"

Mayor Mike Schutzbach and City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said when new codes were adopted in recent months, Effingham had to follow State guidelines, but worked to eliminate some provisions that would have otherwise increased costs.

Also Tuesday, City Planner Greg Koester reminded that the next Focus Group meeting to work on a 2050 Comprehensive Plan for Effingham is set for Thursday night. Koester also reminded that anyone interested is welcome to attend and to offer input.

The Council approved the Flood Damage Prevention and Control Ordinance. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Water Resources gave it their approval. Also, Heuerman said that due to the winter weather, the City will collect Christmas trees next week, not this week.

City Commissioner Hank Stephens was not present for Tuesday's meeting.