Water Authority Trustees Get Update on Beach Project

Effingham Water Authority trustees heard at this month's meeting that work is about to wrap up on Phase 1 of the Lake Sara Beach project.

Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman Tom Ryan reported that there will be a cash flow problem due to State reimbursement coming after disbursements. Ryan suggested that money be taken out of reserves, rather than establishing a line of credit, since the problem should be corrected within the next five or six weeks.

An OSLAD grant is being sought to help fund Phase 2 improvements. Ryan said the State Department of Natural Resources is leaning toward a video presentation instead of an in-person presentation in Springfield. 

Ryan said the large chess court that is to be part of the project is on hold due to the cash flow problems. He also mentioned that the bath house is being painted in part since Sherwin Williams donated the paint for the work. The color scheme will match the playground equipment. 

In other business, Brian Larson spoke about the Marina property. He said the 2018 lease, which included a land swap, has not been recorded. Larson sent the legal description to the Water Authority office so the lease can be updated and recorded. Larson also reported he has made three-year leases with his sub lessees. 

Larson also shared that he is interested in possibly selling the Marina, and would appreciate information on what the procedure would be for the sale to occur.

Also, the Water Authority board awarded a bid to print the 2022 boat licenses to low bidder Patton Printing and Graphics of Effingham for $1,463.71; heard from Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer on an estimate for work at Lot 27 of Boos and Grunloh #2 and suggested meeting with the tenant before taking the matter to court; and heard from Aaron Quick on Lot 30 in Northwood Hills, which he would like to purchase and build a detached garage on the land. The Water Authority will obtain an appraisal and send out for public bids.