Council Approves Agreement w/Boos for Thies Avenue Extension

Effingham city council members Tuesday accepted a participation agreement with John Boos and Company regarding a planned extension of Thies Avenue next to the plant.

City Economic Development Director Todd Hull said the agreement involves a pledge by John Boos to retain 174 full-time equivalent jobs if the grant funds are allocated for the extension of Thies Avenue.

The project also will provide access to City-owned land to the west of John Boos that is earmarked for economic development.

The Council also adopted the schedule for developing a budget for the fiscal year that will begin May 1, and heard a report on the audit of the past fiscal year from Dave Faller of West and Company.

City Tourism Director Jodi Thoele reported 8,800 vehicles toured the Wonderland in Lights display at Community Park, and $25,000 in donations were received. The funds will be plowed back into expenses for the 2022 display.

In the absence of Mayor Mike Schutzbach and Finance Commissioner Hank Stephens, Commissioner (and former Mayor) Merv Gillenwater presided over the meeting.