Council Discusses Restricting Open Burning in City

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Published on May 3 2016 7:17 pm
Last Updated on May 3 2016 7:17 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Council members Tuesday discussed whether to restrict open burning in town.

A proposal is to only allow burning of landscape waste on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker said he sees both sides of the issue; he's an allergy sufferer, but also rakes his leaves and burns them every fall.

Commissioner Don Althoff he has favored a comprehensive action taken all at once to address outdoor burning, but said of the proposal, "Maybe this is a start".

Commissioner Merv Gillenwater said this has been an issue throughout his nine years as a Council member. Gillenwater and his wife, Pat, walk every night and they dread the times of year when outdoor burning takes place, but said it has not been possible to reach a consensus on how to address the issue.

HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ryan Jennings spoke to the issue and encouraged the Council to take this as a first step, what he termed a "reasonable compromise", understanding you can't halt burning if an alternative isn't in place. Jennings encouraged Council members to continue working toward a ban on burning, saying outdoor burning causes harm to allergy and asthma sufferers, as well as the elderly and children.

A vote on the issue could come at the next Council meeting.

The Council approved a $50,000 contribution to the Effingham Regional Growth Alliance for the next year and membership in the Alliance. Commissioner Merv Gillenwater, who has held the Alliance's feet to the fire since it's establishment, said he has questions about hiring a new president of the Alliance for a package amounting to around $100,000 when the Alliance has a $500,000 operation, but voted to support the motion. The vote was unanimous.

City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman discussed a contract for the final phase of the reconstruction of North Raney Street. This phase would involve an asphalt section 900 feet north of the intersection of Raney and Ford and ending at Rickelman Avenue. The bid letting is set for May 10.

City Economic Development Director Todd Hull introduced Janice Franklin, who owns It's Almost Home, a used furniture and home decor business now located in the former Nuxoll's building across from Southside School. Franklin has acquired the former Sunbeam Bakery store on South Banker in which she plans to relocate her store. She'd like to utilize the City's rehabilitation project. The City's share of the cost would be $44,847. A vote could come at the next Council meeting.

Also Tuesday, the City Council:

--approved various job descriptions within City Hall

--reappointed William Myers to a two-year term on the Police Pension Board of Trustees

--executed an agreement with Economic Development Resources for creation of the Triangle Business District plan extending from East Route 40 to Henrietta Street, and north on Henrietta to Keller Drive, and then northwest along Keller across the interstate

--honored Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill with a business appreciation award

--approved a half-million dollar project to reline sewers along First and Second Streets

--discussed service agreements with various vendors, and a possible liquor license for the former Jimmy's Wine Cellar on South Banker

--heard that five recruits in training since last fall will be graduating from training Friday night with a ceremony at the Teutopolis Fire Station

--and heard that 19 members of the Construction Trades class will graduate Thursday morning at Effingham Junior High School