City Council Approves Development Agreement w/Heartland Towing

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Published on December 5 2018 3:01 pm
Last Updated on December 5 2018 3:01 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham City Council Tuesday approved an economic development agreement with Kaufman Enterprises, doing business as Heartland Towing. The firm is planning on building a facility on Evergreen Avenue, east of Pet Wellness Center of Southern Illinois.

Pet Wellness Center owner Dr. Nanci Wood-Huels initially had some concerns about the proximity of the business to her establishment but Mayor Jeff Bloemker said those concerns have been alleviated.

The City will allocate up to $75,000 to Heartland Towing in development costs.

The Council revised the personnel policy manual regarding time off. The requests for time off can now be taken by hours, rather than by days. Council members had to delay action on issuance of a new liquor license for Sporty's Beverage Connection on Keller Drive. Some paperwork needed to be finalized before a vote could take place.

The Council approved a consulting services agreement with Toricelli, LLC, reflecting a change in the name of the firm from Opportunity Alliance LLC. The agreement is the same as the one enacted in 2017.

Council members discussed two potential changes to the Municipal Code. One change concerns regulation of yards to prevent accumulation of junk or refuse or other debris. The other proposed change concerns where RVs or trailers may park, as well as insuring that the units do not impair visibility. The change also provides that people cannot live in a vehicle or a trailer on private property.

The Council also was updated by City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele on this year's Wonderland in Lights display in Community Park and the Holiday Lights and Festive Sights decorating competition.