Althoff Suggests Tabling Jefferson Project Until New Council Takes Office

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Published on April 17 2019 11:04 am
Last Updated on April 17 2019 4:39 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

City Commisioner Don Althoff Tuesday suggested the renovation of Jefferson Avenue downtown be tabled until the new City Council can review the project.

The project was on the agenda as bids on the work are to be opened on April 30. The work on Jefferson could include cafe-like areas that could also mean fewer available parking spaces.

The matter was only on last night's agenda for discussion, so no action was taken. 

Council members were also reminded about upcoming bid lettings on a storm sewer project on Santa Fe Avenue, this year's street resurfacing program and sidewalk replacement program, and the renovation of the Public Works Building. Those are all scheduled for later this month.

The Council renewed group health insurance coverage for City workers; $196,827.90 for a PPO plan and $2,361,934.85 for HSA plans. Also approved was renaming the Effingham Regional Fire Training Center to the Effingham Regional Fire and Police Training Center. Fire Chief Bob Tutko said the change could mean more grant funding opportunities.

The Council voted 5-0 to deny a grievance filed by Local 3084 of the Firefighters Union, representing Effingham firefighters; approved May 17 as the next Cruise Night downtown; witnessed Mayor Jeff Bloemker proclaim May as Building Safety Month and May 2-4 as Buddy Poppies Days for VFW Chapter #1769. The Fiscal Year budget was also passed, totaling $91,275,768, and a five-year capital improvements plan was approved.