Water Authority Hears Proposal to Improve Marina

Effingham Water Authority trustees heard a proposal this week to improve The Marina at Lake Sara.

Brian Larson gave a PowerPoint presentation on a three-phase plan for improvements to the marina. The plan includes relocating a gas line, a restaurant, cabins and a swim area. Larson said he would be rebranding the marina, and said the project could take three years to complete. 

The Board expressed no initial objection to the plans, but said the matter of cabins would need to be addressed when Larson is ready to move forward with that project.

The Board voted to reduce the annual rental payment for Bluegill Marina (formerly Boat Dockers Marina) to $1,000/year for 2015, 2016 and 2017. Also approved was a sub-lease between Bluegill Marina and Zona's On the Lake for operation of the restaurant facility.

Tom Ryan and Jack Schultz, on behalf of the Park and Recreation Committee, discussed changes to the intergovernmental agreement between the Water Authority and Summit Township for proposed kayak and canoe launch sites. Ryan stated a mountain bike trail is still a concept at this point, and cannot go forward until such time as there is a club formed with a definite plan to support the project.

Also this week, the Water Authority Board:

--approved a $700 donation to the Lake Sara fireworks display

--tabled a law enforcement mutual aid agreement until more information is available

--heard that Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks issued four building permits last month, and heard that the lake was 16 inches above normal pool

--heard from John Minyard, who lives along Wildwood Drive, that the road in the subdivision needs to be repaired and oiled, but later determined that the roadway has not been brought up to Water Authority standards for subdivision roads, and has not been accepted for maintenance by the Water Authority

--approved a prevailing wage ordinance for contracted work in the Water Authority district.