City of Effingham City Council met Feb. 27.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
1. OPENING
1.1 Mayor Calls Meeting to Order
Time: 6:30 PM
1.2 Roll Call
Present: Mayor Bloemker and Commissioners Willis, Esker, Gillenwater, and Althoff
1.3 Pledge of Allegiance
2. MAYOR'S OPENING COMMENTS
2.1 Mayor Bloemker will state his opening comments regarding the topic, "What Is Affordable Housing and How Much Does Effingham Need?"
Mayor Bloemker welcomed everyone, provided opening comments, and noted he would function as the moderator for the discussion.
3. COMMENTS FROM VESTED ASSOCIATIONS AND BUSINESSES 3.1 Effingham County Chamber for Commerce
Dr. Josh Bullock represented the Chamber of Commerce. Bullock discussed results of a housing survey the chamber collected and provided a handout to the Council. The results indicated there may be a need for 750 to 1,000 additional housing units.
3.2 THE ALLIANCE
Alliance member Paul Koerner said The Alliance financed a questionnaire focused on housing in the past, but around apartments rather than single-family homes. Koerner noted the results mirrored very closely with the Chamber’s survey results.
3.3 HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION
Dave Frederking spoke on behalf of the Effingham Area Home Builders Association noting the need for smart growth regarding affordable housing.
Commissioner Willis asked if City regulations slow down the process and how it can be improved. Frederking said yes regulations slow down the process and the association would be willing to help City Staff clean up the verbiage.
3.4 CITY OF EFFINGHAM STAFF
City Administrator Miller provided the 2018 Annual Report from the Building Officials Office and a report of total single-family, single-family attached and multifamily homes since 1990 as historical data regarding the topic.
City Engineer Heuerman presented information regarding housing developments currently in process in the City of Effingham.
City Administrator Miller discussed the high cost to developers and explained the reasoning for various regulations. City Engineer Heuerman noted the requirements for the concrete and asphalt for City streets to insure they will last.
Economic Development Director Hull noted the four TIF Districts the City has are mixed use. None have been designated residential only. City Attorney Willenborg said surrounding communities Dieterich and Teutopolis do not have TIF Districts that are solely residential either. It was noted that outside of TIF the City is limited in what incentives they can offer to developers.
Discussion of blighted areas and possible green field areas was held.
Mark Mayhood addressed City Staff and the Council regarding prevailing wage.
4. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
4.1 Public Participation
Frank Bowman with Illinois Manufactured Housing Association spoke regarding manufactured homes.
Paul Koerner asked how the City develops cost requirements compared to like-minded cities. City Staff stated comparison in communities is difficult and the City does large evaluations when updating codes.
Tina Herzing, local homeowner, addressed the Council, staff and public.
Jerry Kinkelaar of Kinx Construction spoke as a representative of developers.
Mike Buesking with Clayton Homes spoke regarding manufactured homes.
Heather Mumma with B&B Homes spoke regarding manufactured homes and zoning.
Commissioner Gillenwater noted the work the City does in these developments is not just housing, but rather zoning, roads, water, sewer, etc. and stated the City is away of the need for affordable housing.
Commissioner Althoff stated developing in Effingham is not as easy as other communities due to competition.
5. ADJOURNMENT
5.1 Adjournment Time: 8:06 PM
Motion by Commissioner Althoff, second by Commissioner Gillenwater
Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 5-0
Yea: Mayor Bloemker and Commissioners Gillenwater, Althoff, Esker, and Willis
https://www.boarddocs.com/il/voeil/Board.nsf/files/B9TPAU5D1A98/$file/February%2027%2C%202019.pdf
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