City Council Discusses Reconstruction of Jefferson Avenue Downtown

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Published on November 7 2018 10:15 am
Last Updated on November 7 2018 10:16 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham City Council members Tuesday discussed the reconstruction of Jefferson Avenue in the downtown area.

The reconstruction would be done in conjunction with a major watermain replacement project in the same area. As City Engineer Jeremy Heuerman put it, "We will have most of the street torn up anyway."

The project is expected to stretch from Front Street by Baseball Card Connection east to Third Street by Job Match Personnel Services. Heuerman said the street reconstruction will be done in two phases, but that it makes sense to design the entire project at one time. The design work, to be done by Farnsworth Group, would cost $84,600.

City commissioners discussed making changes to parking along the street as the City is working to find additional parking in the downtown area. Don Althoff noted that angle parking has recently been created along a block of Banker Street between Jefferson and Washington Avenues resulting in several additional spaces. Althoff wondered about creating angle parking along the south side of the Courthouse Museum between 4th and 3rd Streets. The same thing was done on the north side of the Courthouse square several years ago and additional spaces were created. 

Concerns were voiced about the need for right-of-way to be dedicated by the County to create the space needed for angled parking spaces and with meeting ADA requirements on sidewalks along the proposed project area. The matter will be researched.

Meanwhile, bids are to be opened on the watermain replacement project along Jefferson on November 13, along with bids on sewer line relining and cleaning, and manhole rehabilitation work.

The Council also discussed seeking bids on lawn care services. Herrmann's Landscaping has offered to continue doing the work through 2021, but some Council members felt the City should take bids on the work. 

Director of Public Works Steve Miller said the City is not obligated to take bids, and said Herrman's is doing good work, but commissioners who voiced an opinion seemed to favor seeking bids on the work.

Tourism Director Jodi Thoele reported that work continues on developing a "wedding destination" website, since heading to various destinations for a wedding ceremony seems to be gaining in popularity. Thoele also said work is proceeding on getting Community Park ready for this year's Wonderland in Lights display and on the 5th Annual Holiday Lights and Festive Sights Christmas lighting contest.

The Council agreed to extensions for The Kabbes Development Group to complete work on the Meijer Store site off Ford Avenue and to Tingley Investment Properties to complete work on the Tingley Insurance building downtown. Also approved was an award of painting work on the claricone at the water treatment plant, and to accept a grant for 22 mobile data computers for city police officers. The City received just over $100,000 in grant funds. The Council also approved sewage pre-treatment ordinance amendments authorizing Miller to enforce a response plan should violations of the ordinance occur.

The City also received a clean audit from Dave Faller and Mike Meers of West and Company CPAs for the past fiscal year.

Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker was not present for the meeting. Commissioner (and former mayor) Merv Gillenwater presided over the meeting.