Effingham council discusses expansion and maintenance of city infrastructure

Nick Taylor, Effingham Daily News, Ill.
·4 min read

Sep. 24—EFFINGHAM — The Effingham City Council last week discussed the future of the city's infrastructure, including plans to expand McGrath Avenue south of the Stevens Industries facility in Effingham.

During the meeting, Effingham Public Works Director Jeremy Heuerman told members of the council the city is seeking a $933,972.50 Economic Development Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation for the extension of McGrath Avenue as part of Stevens Industries' plans to expand its facility in Effingham.

"Stevens Industries, they've been filling out paperwork and working with Milano & Grunloh," Heuerman said. "They are looking to actually retain 57 full-time employees and create and retain 13 new full-time jobs. They're looking at about a 1,200-linear-foot extension."

The council did not take any action on the matter during its meeting Tuesday.

Also during the meeting, Effingham City Engineer Luke Thoele discussed the annual maintenance of the city's manholes.

Thoele said the city received a low bid of $37,618 from Culy Contracting LLC for the maintenance of the city's manholes, and he said the cost will be paid for with the city's sewer funds.

"It saves a lot of money that way because it helps structurally as well," Thoele said.

The council is expected to vote on the matter at its next meeting.

Meanwhile, the council voted unanimously to approve a special use permit for Equity Trust Company Custodian Jeffrey W. Phillips, which will allow for the construction of as many as 30 mini-warehouses at 805 — 807 W. Wabash Avenue.

"The Plan Commission had a few questions about the adjacent houses and how to protect them, so the plan commission recommended the City Council approve it subject to an 8-foot stockade fence on each side and any lighting be directed in instead of toward the houses," Effingham City Planner Greg Koester said.

Members of the council also voted unanimously to approve a special use permit for Blue Fish 44 LLC to vacate a section of Henrietta Street that is located just north of Franklin Avenue.

"There are utilities in that right of way, so the Plan Commission did recommend to vacate the alley subject to reservation of an easement for the entire 60-foot width for the utilities," Koester said.

In other matters, the council:

—Approved an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of a temporary use permit and the purchase of an easement for utility purposes from Christine M. Davoli in the amount of $1,789.52.

—Approved an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of a temporary use permit and the purchase of an easement for utility purposes at 1002 West Fayette Avenue from ICLand Holdings, LLC for the sum of $8,807.58.

—Approved an amendment expanding the boundaries of the Effingham/Effingham County Enterprise Zone.

—Approved a joint ordinance with Effingham County, the city of Effingham and the village of Teutopolis enacting a policy statement expressing a commitment to encourage the development of business entities and the hiring of individuals defined as minorities, women and persons with disabilities within Effingham/Effingham County Enterprise Zone.

—Approved an ordinance declaring property at 510 West Clinton Avenue as being dangerous and unsafe.

—Approved an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of a special use permit and purchase of easement for utility purposes from Lois K. Zwettler at 710 West Fayette Avenue for the sum of $4,659.12.

—Approved an ordinance authorizing a grant of $1,000 to Effingham Mini Golf.

—Approved a resolution authorizing a memorandum of understand with E-Environmental Solutions, LLC for the remediation of hazardous materials.

—Approved a resolution authorizing the execution of a traffic signal service agreement with Bodine Electric.

—Approved a resolution granting permission to the Effingham Sunrise Rotary to hold a Halloween parade on Oct. 29.

—Approved a resolution granting permission to allow for a portion of streets to be temporarily closed for Effingham American Legion Post 120's Record Fair on Sept. 30.

—Approved final change order No. 1 for the second phase of the Rollin Hills project in the amount of $741,008.33.

—Approved a resolution donating $15,000 to the Retired Firefighters Association for a memorial remembering the historic St. Anthony Hospital Fire.

Nick Taylor can be reached at nick.taylor@effinghamdailynews.com or by phone at 618-510-9226 or 217-347-7151 ext. 300132.