Water Authority Approached About Seeking Grant Funds

Members of the Effingham Water Authority were approached this month about seeking a boat access grant.

Noah Brandenburger with Lakeside Marina approached the Board about seeking an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant for boat access area development. Up to $200,000 in grant funds could be sought. It's a matching grant, and Brandenburger said he would be responsible for the local match. The deadline to apply for the grant is May 15.

The Board got a look at policy changes, one a vendors at the beach policy. The policy is still being finalized. The other is a revamped personnel policy. Changes include a new federal holiday in June, a payroll policy, and a lease transfer or assignment procedure.

Siemer reported on ongoing efforts to contact an attorney for a property holder at Court Six at the lake. Siemer reported that, to date, the attorney hasn't responded to his contact attempts. It was also reported that no bids were received in an attempt to sell a lot on Gypsy Cove.

Tom Ryan of the Parks and Rec Committee reported on the progress of Phase 2 of the beach area renovation. The equipment for a challenge court and an exercise court has been ordered. Ryan said the plan is to break ground on Phase 2 later this spring.

Information was shared by local resident Scott Ealy on an event to be called a "Blessing of the Fleet" on May 21. The Board directed Ealy to work with Lake Superintendent Mike Dirks on plans for the event.