Council Tries to "Nudge" Along Work to Repair Mall Roof

(EFFINGHAM MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER WITH MEMBERS OF THE UNITED WAY OF EFFINGHAM COUNTY BOARD AFTER THE MAYOR DECLARED AUGUST 25-SEPTEMBER 1 "UNITED WAY WEEK" IN THE CITY)

Effingham City Council members Tuesday voted unanimously to declare Village Square Mall as "unsafe and dangerous" in an effort to get roof repairs completed on the facility in a timely fashion.

Building Official Michelle Wilkins and Assistant Fire Chief Matt Kulesza told the Council that while the mall's local general manager Betsy Hoene has been good to work with, promises from the mall's owner have not always been followed up with action. They say this step will give them some teeth to seek better compliance with getting repairs made.

Hoene spoke to the Council, asking them not to approve the designation of "unsafe and dangerous" as it could discourage shoppers from visiting the mall. Wilkins said the situation has existed since April, with the roofing contractor doing work until the money stops, then the contractor pulls off the job until more money comes.

Kulesza said there is no ill intent, that the City does not want to "close the mall", but the action by the Council could help get the work completed in a more timely fashion. Kulesza and Wilkins both noted that when more rain falls, the elecrical and sprinkler systems in the entire mall can be compromised.

The action taken could also lead to the City taking the matter to Court. That could result in the City getting authority to complete the work and then having a lien placed on the property until the City gets repaid for the work. City Attorney Tracy Willenborg said the City doesn't want to have to go that far; they just want to see the work completed.

The Council also voted to declare the former Wabash Tire and Auto building on the Mall property "unsafe and dangerous". The current tenant, Salem Tire, told the City that one of the brick walls of the building is pulling away from the rest of the building. The same person who owns the mall owns the former Wabash Tire and Auto building.

The Council also voted to deny a rezoning of Billy and Florence Genaust's property along the Airport Road from non-urban to single-family residential. City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman said the Plan Commission recommended against the rezoning, since the City's Comprehensive Land-Use Plan shows the property being developed for industrial use.

Earlier Tuesday, Effingham Regional Growth Alliance Director Craig Nielson told the County Economic Development Board that the Alliance is working to obtain the Genaust property and develop more than 50 residential lots there, so something will have to give between the City and the Alliance on that issue.

Council members accepted a proposal from GovHR USA to oversee the search for the next city administrator. The firm was one of two that made presentations to the Council last month. The firm will be paid $20,000. Mayor Jeff Bloemker said it was the consensus of City staff and some Council members that the firm had a better handle on Illinois government and laws.

The Council also accepted proposals from the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association for executive recruitment of a fire chief for Effingham as Joe Holomy is retiring on August 24. The Council also hired the Association to help hire an interim chief. The Association will be paid $8,920 for the chief's search and $5,000 for the search for an interim chief.

Council members voted to switch from Mobile Unit 13 to Unit 15 of the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Training Program for training for city police officers. Police Chief Jeff Fuesting said Unit 15 offers more training for less money. The Council also discussed letting Unit 15 offer training in the new city police station. The City will be paid $300/month for use of the facility, which will more than offset the cost of the training city officers will receive.

The Council also approved final plats of Followell Subdivision on Richland Avenue and Cross Pointe Subdivision west of Firefly Grill. Also approved was an agreement with Pepsi MidAmerica for installing machines in City buildings, and a quote from Midco Diving and Marine Services for inspection of the clear well at the water treatment plant.

Council members discussed an ordinance charging administrative fees for impoundment of vehicles involved in arrests for felonies and DUIs. Fuesting said the ordinance will cover the administrative costs incurred in such incidents, and said other agencies, including the County sheriff's office, charges such a fee.

Heuerman asked that the Council vote at a future meeting to hire Farnsworth Group to conduct a traffic study in the area of Keller Drive to see how traffic tieups in that area could be lessened if not avoided. There was also discussion about an agreement for construction engineering services on the upcoming Rickelman Avenue box culvert replacement project in the area of the street near Rickelman Plaza.

The Council approved closing certain streets for a Cruise Night parade on September 7th and for the Old Settlers Reunion later that month, and Mayor Bloemker declared the week of August 25-September 1 as United Way Week. Council members were also updated on tourism activities in the City in the first quarter of the fiscal year...May, June and July...from City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele. Thoele said work continues on making Effingham a "wedding destination" for those from outside the area who might want someone else to take care of the total package for their nuptials and on a "Made in Effingham" effort patterned after the state's "Made in Illinois" project.

Interim City Administrator Kelsey Lock reminded that City Hall, including the water department bill paying window, will be closed after 11:30am this Friday for installation of the new HVAC system in the building.