Water Authority Receives Grant for Sewer Feasibility Study at Lake Sara

The Effingham Water Authority Board has received a grant for a feasibility study for sewer at Lake Sara.

The grant was received by Lake Sara Water, via Effingham Water Authority. The agreement is for the engineering services for the study. There will not be any expense to the Water Authority for the services.

Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks reported that he had been approached by a vendor who would like to set up a vendor truck to sell ice cream novelties at the lake. Dirks has checked with city and county officials regarding their regulations on vendor trucks. Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer will prepare an ordinance and regulations regarding vendor trucks.

The Board updated the boating ordinance to reflect the Department of Natural Resources ruling that anyone born after January 1, 1998 operating a motor boat must have a boating safety certificate.

There was more discussion of problems with a problem with a property on Court Six. Siemer has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Water Authority. The tenant has until the end of the month to respond. Dirks has requested bids to do repair work, but the bids are yet to be received. Jack Schultz told the Board that materials are still coming off the house and going into the lake, and Jane Montello of the Good Neighbors of Lake Sara reported that there is a tree down in the water at the property. Dirks and his crew will be working with their sea wall firm to remove the tree.

There was also further discussion of drainage problems on Blue Point Trail. Susan Dunlap told the Board that storm water in her basement has not been an issue during the last few rains. Dirks met with Summit Township and Effingham Asphalt to discuss options. They agree that when the area is cleared off, the flow of water should be better. Also, the deeded property owner is planning to build a pond and shore up the culvert, which should also help with the flow of water.

Noah Brandenburger of Lakeside Marina discussed a 96' by 40' building on the Marina property that he said could be leased to realtors, insurance agents, beauticians or many other entities. The Board will review the lease with Siemer before deciding how to proceed.

Siemer reported that the attorney for Shumway Fire Protection District is amenable to closing two residential lots by the fire station at the lake and blending the property into one commercial lease. The fire district is hoping to expand the fire station.

Tom Ryan of Parks and Rec reported that the paperwork is starting to flow for the next phase of the beach Master Plan. Ryan said they are still waiting on the contract.