Water Authority Pledges Funds for Fireworks, Receives Update on Beach Area Improvements

Effingham Water Authority trustees voted this month to grant $1,200 toward the cost of fireworks for the Lake Sara display, set for Sunday night, July 3. The amount is $100 more than last year.

Organizer John Richards indicated this would be his final year in that role; Randy Thoele and Jane Summers will be taking over those duties.

A representative of Zuri Studio spoke with the Board about the desire to hold a Kids Day event to be held near the beach on July 1 and 2. The event was approved with a reminder that permission will need to be sought in advance for any future events including contact with Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks.

Parks and Rec Committee Chairman Tom Ryan reported that he is expecting delivery of three grills and then Phase 1 of the beach development Master Plan can be closed. Ryan said they still are waiting on funds. He also reported that Friends of Lake Sara painted the beach house, and they are next planning to create a kids activity area on the concrete. The missing pirate is still being sought and Ryan indicated they are developing multi-layer security. He also shared that the committee will be meeting with Farnsworth Group, their design firm, this summer to update the Master Plan.

Good Neighbors of Lake Sara Chairperson Jane Montello reported that they have 197 members and 10 business members.

Scott Ealy thanked the Board for allowing him to operate his paddleboard operation on a slip of sand near Pinky's.

Jack Schultz addressed the Board regarding a lot in Boos and Grunloh #2, wanting to know when cleanup of the lot will be starting and a timeline for the cleanup to be completed. Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer responded that there is a certain protocol to follow based on lake leases and health and safety issues. Legal action is also possible. Water Authority Trustee Jim Boos suggested having a special meeting with Siemer to discuss the matter further.