Developer eyes former Boos property for apartments

April 20-- Apr. 20--There will be more apartment housing opportunities in Effingham after the city signed a contract agreement with a developer this week.

Effingham City Council handled two items of business that will lead to more residential development in the city. Developer Doedtman & Moreton approached the city about the former John Boos property, which the city owns, located west of Second Street.

City Engineer and Planner Jeremy Heuerman explained to the council there is a purchase agreement and redevelopment agreement ready for their approval. It was unanimously approved.

The project area is within the city's Central Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing area.

"We've been working with them since last July on getting this developed with residential property and we believe we have come to an agreement are ready to move forward," said Heuerman.

The city will sell 1.26 acres at $98,000 per acre, or about $123,000 total. The city will also relocate the sanitary sewer to allow for development, reconstruction existing Second Street from Fayette Avenue to the railroad tracks. It will also rezone the area as residential, from light industrial.

The buyer will be responsible for purchase, site plans, re-plat, and development of a total two eight unit apartment buildings by June 2021; and another two eight unit apartment buildings by December 2023, for a total of 32 units.

"The actual total development consists of two additional eight unit apartment buildings for a total of 48 units, but only 32 of those are a part of this (city's) agreement," sid Heuerman.

Mayor Jeff Bloemker said this is another example of how the city is focused on residential projects, which often take months to nail down.

Commissioners Merv Gillenwater and Don Althoff both thanked the city's team for efforts in getting the development to this point.

In another related matter, the city agreed to re-plat property for Park Ridge Subdivision, in order to allow Keith Hartman to build two more duplexes on the south side of his existing two apartment buildings.

Althoff said Hartman stepped up to the plate to develop an area that might otherwise not been developed.

In other matters, the council:

--Introduced Jeremy Kyle as the new full-time police officer for the City of Effingham. He had also been a telecommunicator and previously worked for the city as a part-time officer and also for the Effingham County Sheriff's Department.

--Recognized the first group to complete the Teen Leadership Academy with the Effingham Police Department in the 10 week course. They were all certified in CPR, learned about the police department and what it means to be a leader. Those completing the program were: Matthew Hites, Tanner Gordon, Jordan Herschberger, Jack Dent, Max Nelson, Evan Evans, Claire Houston, Dawson Williams, Colin Fielitz, Landon Tucker, Eliza Montgomery, Taylor O'Dell, Matthew Loy, Andrew Perry, Jon Perry, Reese Evans, Alainna Tate, Paul Dorman, Dawson Whitten, Somer Evans and Luke Spencer.

--Recognized four officers for their work in solving crimes in the city. Police Chief Jeff Fuesting said their work began with a burglary at St. Anthony Catholic Church in February. They reviewed the surveillance and arrested three suspects in Effingham and one who was from outside the community. In the end, they determined these suspects were involved in other burglaries in town, including that of items being stolen from 25 vehicles, all which were unlocked. Those recognized were: Detective Josh Douthit, Detective Andrew Meyers, Officer Jake Lustig and Officer Jared Probst.

--Renamed the Effingham Regional Fire & Police Training Center, recognizing that police and fire will be using the facility. Traditionally, it was used for fire, but in the past eight months the two departments have been working together sharing resources and it also opens up for more opportunities for grants to upgrade that facility.

--Adopted the annual operations budget for the City of Effingham. The proposed budget is in the amount of $91,275,768. The budget is balanced. The proposed budget meets the city's debt service requirements for the fiscal year and the city's reserve requirements.

--Approved the execution of an economic incentive agreement with Continental Mills, Inc. This agreement will not only help maintain the current employment base at the facility, but also help provide further job creation.

--Approved the recommendation of the City of Effingham's Labor Management Insured Benefit Committee and City Administration in the renewal of the proposed group health insurance, prescription drug and life insurance coverage through IPBC and Aurthur J. Gallagher and Co. at an approximately premium amount of $197,000 for the Traditional PPO and about $2.4 million for the HSA plan. This resolution also includes the continuation of funding the HSA accounts.

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