Funfest Welcome, Festivals Discussed at Council Meeting

Print

Published on August 21 2018 7:21 pm
Last Updated on August 21 2018 7:21 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Council members Tuesday learned that Mid America Motorworks' Funfest for Corvette Welcome Fest will return to Effingham this year.

The Welcome Fest was held in Greenup last year, but will return to downtown Effingham on Thursday evening, September 20, ahead of the Funfest on Friday through Sunday at Mid America's headquarters along North Route 45. City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele said this is the 25th anniversary of Funfest.

Thoele said Mid America officials advised to expect 500 to 700 Corvettes downtown for the Welcome Fest. A variety of activities are being planned for the evening.

Council members also learned of a Summer Sundown Music Festival, to be held September 1-2 at Larson's Landing at Lake Sara. Poss Music Works is organizing the event, which will replace the Grapevine Music Festival of past years.

The Council also heard more about an Oktoberfest event in downtown Effingham, being organized by Effing Brew Company. The event will take place on Banker Street in the area between Effing Brew and Village Wine Shoppe this fall.

Council members also agreed to close certain streets on Friday, September 7 for Effingham Cruise Night, which is expected to include a parade.

In addition to the celebrations, the Council granted a special use permit for a campground to be located south and east of the Harley Barn at 1315 Althoff Drive. City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman said Legacy Harley Davidson owner Paul Gutman envisions cabins as well as tent camping and other accommodations on the site.

The Council also took action on several items related to plans by Bob and Kelly Willenborg for a building site for a home at 1302 Mini Hills Drive, including rezoning some of the building site to make zoning consistent there, the release and vacating of public utility easements on the site, and a plat of the property to be known as Willenborg Ridge Subdivision.

The Council agreed to extend the deadline to March for Pro Lube of Effingham to complete improvements to their property along Henrietta Street; approved an ordinance authorizing impoundment of vehicles within the corporate boundaries, approved the lease of space in the new police station building for the Southern Illinois Criminal Justice Program, which also plans to conduct training classes at the new facility, purchased real estate from Charlie and Pat Brumleve for a sewage lift station and force main project along Airport Road, approved an agreement with Farnsworth Group for a traffic study of North Keller Drive, accepted a proposal for a pavement marking program, and agreed to use Motor Fuel Tax funds for construction engineering work on the Rickelman Avenue box culvert replacement project.

Council members also witnessed Mayor Jeff Bloemker present Police Lt. Jason Caraway with the City Employee of the Quarter award, as recommended by Police Chief Jeff Fuesting.

(CITY POLICE LT. JASON CARAWAY WITH MAYOR JEFF BLOEMKER)

A reminder that the City Council will hold a special meeting at noon Wednesday at City Hall. It's expected the Council will approve an interim fire chief, as Chief Joe Holomy's retirement is effective this Friday.