Marina Plans Discussed by Water Authority

2014 season plans for The Marina at Lake Sara were discussed by owner Brian Larson at this week's Effingham Water Authority meeting.

Larson said being open from noon to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays worked well last year and he would like to continue those same hours this year.  He said he has three shows scheduled for The Stage, but will not hold an event every weekend.

Larson said he will abide by the midnight curfew to shut down, and has not decided about a liquor license for this season.  He also discussed repairs, improvements and other options for revenue.

In other business, the Water Authority heard from Ted Rhodes who has interest in leasing land off Court Three.  The matter was tabled for further review.  Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks reported the lake is down 22 inches, and that he has issued three building permits in the past month.  

Water Authority Chairman Chris Kabbes reported the City of Effingham drew from the lake more than 45 million gallons of water during November and almost 33 million gallons during December.  The Authority agreed to waive the boat sticker fee for a two-day fishing tournament in September.  The tournament is held to raise funds for the Shriners Hospital for Children.

Dirks also reported he measured several boat houses to determine an average length and arrived at an average of 36 feet.  He stated lengths varied from 10 feet to over 60 feet.  The matter was tabled for further review.  Also tabled were regulations regarding signage.