EFFINGHAM —
The purchase of a heavy rescue squad vehicle for the Effingham Fire Department is not in the budget for Effingham.
City Council voted down the vehicle bid of $505,724 Tuesday.
Mayor Merv Gillenwater and Commissioner Alan Harris voted in favor of the proposal, while Commissioners Don Althoff and Brian Milleville opposed it. The council had a quorum in spite of Commissioner Matt Hirtzel's absence, and in the event of a tie vote the proposal was denied.
City Attorney Tracy Berberich said that in spite of Tuesday's vote, the issue may be brought up in the future as long as it is placed on the agenda.
Also on the agenda was discussion about the downtown redevelopment program in relation to 109 W. Jefferson St., where Studio T Fitness will be opening on May 20 of this year.
The building has an official public entrance, said Todd Hull, Effingham Economic Development director, which makes it eligible for the program.
"We'd be encompassing window replacement, door replacement, replacing the siding on the front and then signage for the project," he said.
The total cost of the project is $30,671, 50 percent of which would be covered by the program.
Owner Tara Flaig is excited to make her dreams come true through Studio T Fitness.
"Studio T is an original and unique to Effingham," she said. "It will bring people of all ages into downtown."
The studio will offer 14 types of fitness classes six days a week, and most are not currently offered in the city.
The business will be accommodating to varying schedules, with classes beginning at 5 a.m. and ending after 9 p.m. Every age group will be able to participate, from babies to senior citizens.
Nicole Dominique can be contacted at 217-347-7151, ext. 138, or at nicole. dominique@effinghamdailynews.com.
Local News
February 6, 2013
Council opposes new rescue squad vehicle
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