Local News
Effingham hoping to boost retail exposure
EFFINGHAM — Effingham will get a little extra help in its effort to draw retail development to the city.
The Effingham City Council Tuesday authorized a technical services agreement with Texas-based Buxton Co, which will provide retail economic development strategies to the city for a fee of $60,000.
Economic Development Consultant Hank Stephens and Economic Development Director Todd Hull recommended the council approve the contract with Buxton, which helps communities identify and contact commercial retail matches.
Stephens and Hull told the council earlier this month they had investigated cities that have utilized Buxton’s services and found those communities received more exposure on a national level.
In other business, the council:
• Removed an amendment to a downtown business area redevelopment program agreement with Theodore and Lisa Rhodes, which extended their deadline by one year to complete the redevelopment project. Commissioner Karen Flach wanted to review and discuss the original agreement before a vote was taken.
• Approved a three-year extension of a loan at an interest rate of 4.25 percent with Washington Savings Bank to finance four 2006 Chevrolet Impala vehicles for the Effingham Police Department.
• Authorized an engineering services agreement with Milano and Grunloh Engineers of Effingham for design work for water main replacement at Fifth Street and Crawford Avenue. Payment is not to exceed $24,800.
• Authorized an engineering services agreement with Milano and Grunloh Engineers for design work on water main replacement at Main and Merchant streets for an amount not to exceed $9,800.
• Authorized an engineering services agreement with Farnsworth Group for design work for water main replacement in Community Park for an amount not to exceed $6,500.
• Authorized an engineering services agreement with Farnsworth Group for design work on a water main replacement in the Homewood Subdivision area at a cost not to exceed $15,000.
• Donated $3,500 to the Greater Effingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry to fund the Effingham County Compensation and Benefits Survey.
• Accepted low bids for the 2008 Street Maintenance Program. Low bids were Larry Heuerman for $46,540 for Group 1, Effingham Asphalt Company for $19,900 for Group 2 and Effingham Asphalt Company for $8,550 for Group 3.
• Accepted bids for traffic signal mast arm replacement at Fourth Street and Fayette Avenue. The low bidder was J.H. Moore Inc. for $28,557.50.
• Agreed to use Sewer Department funds for the North Second Street sanitary sewer extension. Engineering Technician Greg Koester said the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requires confirmation from a legislative body that only municipal funds will be used for the project in order to receive a permit.
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