Published on May 19, 2026 7:07 pm
Last Updated on May 19, 2026 7:07 pm
Effingham City Council members heard Tuesday about a solar power purchase project that would save $1 million over the next 30 years.
Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman said the 1.5 acre solar field would be located just west of the water treatment plant. Heuerman said the goal is to produce energy by the end of 2027.
Council members gave Fire Chief Brant Yochum authorization to pursue the purchase of a aerial ladder truck. The new unit would replace a 25-year-old truck and is to be completed by late 2027.
The Council authorized City Engineer Luke Thoele to move ahead with a water main project related to the Fayette Avenue reconstruction from Banker to Willow Streets and on east.
Council members heard from Jeremy Eastep and Johnathan Everett regarding their plans to develop Looper’s Golf Lounge at 1705 Avenue of Mid-America, Suite B. The project is to involve four golf bays as well as a putting green and online access to more than 70 golf courses.
Brian Caldwell and Bob Utz from the Effingham Event Center shared information on plans to resurface the parking lot and improve the lighting at the facility. They asked for any help the City could provide to cover the estimated $600,000 cost of the project. Commissioner Larry Micenheimer termed the Event Center a great asset to the community and “a textbook example of the hotel/motel tax”. Mayor Mike Schutzbach said of the Event Center “you’re always helping others” and indicated work is going on behind the scenes to see how to help with the project.
Thoele told Council members that good bids were received on this year’s sidewalk replacement project, so the project can be expanded by almost 50% included sidewalk construction between North Avenue and Glenwood Street, reconstruction of the sidewalk on Grove Avenue near 4th Street, and other sidewalk reconstruction.
The Council recognized the 17 graduates of this year’s Effingham Citizens Police Academy, and voted to prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom and 7-OH products within the city. City Police Chief Kurt Davis said the products have not been approved by the FDA.
Council members passed a resolution authorizing a contract between the City and Effingham Firefighters Association Union Local #3084. The contract is retroactive to May 1, 2025 and extends through April 30, 2028. The pay increase is 5% for the retroactive year and 4% in each of the following two years.
The Council approved a plat of S&K Subdivision on Professional Park Avenue, west of South Banker Street, and approved the issuance of G.O. bonds for a raw water line project.
City Commissioner Hank Stephens participated in the meeting remotely. City Commissioner Jake Niebrugge did not participate in the meeting.
