City Council to Move Ahead w/Railroad Quiet Zone

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Published on March 3 2021 9:56 am
Last Updated on March 3 2021 9:57 am
Written by Greg Sapp

The Effingham City Council Tuesday voted to move ahead with plans to make Effingham a "quiet zone" as trains move through the community.

The Council executed a right of entry license agreement with Illinois Central Railroad Company that will permit quiet zone delineators to be installed at six railroad crossings in Effingham: Rickelman Avenue. Evergreen Avenue, Temple Avenue, Virginia Avenue, St. Anthony Avenue, and Jefferson Avenue. The City will install the delineators.

Council members also received an update from City Treasurer Caitlin Phillips that the City budget is in better shape than earlier thought, despite the effects of the pandemic. Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach said it "looks like there will be room in the budget for additional projects."

One of those projects is expected to be the purchase of additional Christmas light displays. Schutzbach said he first thought an additional purchase this year might have to be shelved, but now supports the purchase. The acquisition from Temple Display should be finalized at the next Council meeting. City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele reminded that Effingham had its biggest year yet as far as visitors to the Wonderland in Lights display in Community Park and in the downtown area, as well as the largest total of donations toward the lighting projects.

The Council discussed a Hotel/Motel Consumption Only liquor license. At this point, Hampton Inn and Suites has requested such a license. Council members also approved plats for the second addition to Thies Commercial Subdivision, a fourth addition to Cross Pointe Subdivision, and for Dust and Son Subdivision. The Council also witnessed presentation of the City's Employee of the Quarter Award to Public Property Foreman Matt Wortman.

Council members accepted a proposal for stairwell flooring replacement at City Hall to Hoedebecke Flooring of Effingham for just under $24,000, and discussed a proposal for design engineering work on water main replacement in Homewood Subdivision.