East Central Reporter

City of Effingham City Council met Oct. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

1. OPENING 

1.1 Mayor Calls Meeting to Order

Time: 5:00 PM

1.2 Roll Call

Present: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Micenheimer and Moeller Absent: Commissioners Niebrugge and Stephens

1.3 Pledge of Allegiance

2. OMNIBUS VOTE AGENDA 

2.1 Regular City Council Meeting Minutes (09/16/2025) - City Clerk Nosbisch

2.2 Executive Session Meeting Minutes (08/05/2025 & 09/02/2025) - City Clerk Nosbisch 2.3 Treasurer's Report (August 2025) - City Treasurer Polk

2.4 Ordinance No. 066-2025, An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 17-2010, As Previously Amended by Ordinance Nos. 14-2012, 18-2020, and 11-2024 - Economic Development Director Hull

This Ordinance terminated the Agracel installment contract

2.5 Ordinance No. 067-2025, An Ordinance Granting a Tower Use Permit for a Wireless Communications Facility in Overlay District #2 - PI Tower Development, LLC and RSA 6 and 7 Limited Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless - Site Address: 400 JCAN Drive – Facility Address 402 JCAN Drive - City Planner Koester

The Plan Commission after three Public Hearings recommended the City Council grant the Tower Use Permit.

2.6 Resolution No. 131-2025, A Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement for Professional Services with Crawford, Murphy and Tilley, Inc. - Local Limits and PFAS Reduction Plan - Director of Public Works Heuerman

This resolution authorized the execution of an agreement in the amount of $112,700 with Crawford, Murphy & Tilley, Inc. for the Local Limits and PFAS Reduction Plan.

2.7 Resolution No. 132-2025, A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Service Agreement to the Lowest Responsible Bidder for the Supply of Electricity for Residential and Small Commercial Retail Customers Who Do Not Opt Out of Such a Program - City Administrator Miller

This resolution gave the City Administrator or designee permission to sign a Municipal Electrical Aggregate to the responsible bidder.

2.8 Certificate of Project Completion and Release of Bonding - Wastewater Treatment Plant Gate Replacement - City Engineer Thoele

Korte & Luitjohan has completed the Wastewater Treatment Plant Gate Replacement project in the total amount of $43,075.40. Requests approval of project completion and release of bonding.

2.9 Certificate of Project Completion and Release of Bonding - 2025 Crack & Joint Sealing Program - City Engineer Thoele

Denler, Inc. has completed the 2025 Crack & Joint Sealing Program in the total amount of $40,420. Requests approval of project completion and release of bonding.

2.10 Bid Tabulation - Auditing Services - Deputy City Administrator Presley

This document is a tabulation of the bids received on 09/02/25 in response to the RFP issued for Professional Auditing Services.

2.11 Final Change Order - 2025 Resurfacing Project - City Engineer Thoele

Final Change order 1 in the total amount of $74,760.38 for the 2025 Resurfacing Project is recommended for the additional work on the cemetery roads and unplanned work on Temple Avenue and Mini Hills Drive.

2.12 Certificate of Project Completion and Release of Bonding - 2025 Resurfacing Program Phase 1 - City Engineer Thoele 

Effingham Asphalt has completed the 2025 Resurfacing Program in the total amount of $1,072,870.38. Requests approval of project completion and release of bonding.

2.13 Plan Commission Letter of Recommendation - PI Tower Development, LLC and RSA 6 and 7 Limited Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless - Site Address: 400 JCAN Drive – Facility Address 402 JCAN Drive - City Planner Koester

2.14 Certificate of Approval of the City Planner / Subdivision Coordinator - Final Plat No. 895 – F River Ridge Subdivision - City Planner Koester

2.15 Certificate of Approval of the City Planner / Subdivision Coordinator - Final Plat No. 25-014F Midwest Truck Subdivision - City Planner Koester

2.16 Plan Commission Letter of Recommendation to Deny - Petition to Vacate a Portion of Glenwood Street - City Planner Koester

Mayor Schutzbach pulled item 2.5 from the agenda.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Moeller, second by Commissioner Micenheimer Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Moeller and Micenheimer 

3. PRESENTATIONS 

3.1 Introduction of Police Officer to the City Council - Police Chief Davis

Police Chief Davis introduced to the Council new Police Officer Grace McDowell 

4. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS - ACTION ITEMS 

4.1 Ordinance No. 067-2025, An Ordinance Granting a Tower Use Permit for a Wireless Communications Facility in Overlay District #2 - PI Tower Development, LLC and RSA 6 and 7 Limited Partnership D/B/A Verizon Wireless - Site Address: 400 JCAN Drive – Facility Address 402 JCAN Drive - City Planner Koester

After three Public Hearings, the Plan Commission recommended the City Council approve the Tower Use Permit. The documents attached include the Ordinance (with petition attached), the Letter of Recommendation which included one City Exhibit and three Petitioners’ Exhibits and the minutes from the three Plan Commission Meetings.

Motion to pass by Commissioner Moeller, second by Commissioner Micenheimer Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Moeller and Micenheimer

4.2 Resolution No. 140-2025, A Resolution Approving Final Plat No. 895 - F for Recording - River Ridge Subdivision - City Planner Koester

The developers of River Ridge Subdivision submitted the Final Plat for approval. The Final Plat of River Ridge Subdivision is in general conformance with the Preliminary Plat of River Ridge Subdivision as approved by Resolution No. 127-2024 on October 15, 2024.

Motion to pass by Commissioner Moeller second by Commissioner Micenheimer

Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Moeller and Micenheimer

4.3 Resolution No. 141-2025, A Resolution Approving Final Plat No. 25-014F for Recording - Midwest Truck Subdivision - City Planner Koester

The proposed subdivision is a replat of 4 lots bordered by Maple Street, Old Maple Street, Clark Avenue and Linden Street and is a Minor Subdivision.

Motion to pass by Commissioner Moeller, second by Commissioner Micenheimer Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Moeller and Michenheimer 5. OTHER ACTION ITEMS 

5.1 Bills and Requisitions

A. Payroll Check Register dated 09/02/2025 $ 365, 724.28

B. Check Register dated 09/16/2025 $ 3,564,905.01

Motion to approve by Commissioner Micenheimer, second by Commissioner Moeller Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Moeller and Micenheimer 6. DISCUSSION 

6.1 Ordinance No. 069-2025, An Ordinance to Vacate a Portion of Glenwood Street – from North Avenue to Cul-de-sac - City Planner Koester

After two Public Hearings, the Plan Commission recommended the City Council deny the Petition. City Staff has proposed an agreement to the Petitioner and residents of Glenwood Street to retain a portion of Glenwood Street for pedestrian and bicycle access to North Avenue. The documents attached include the Ordinance (with petition attached and agreement attached), the Plan Commission Letter of Recommendation and the minutes from the two Plan Commission Meetings.

Greg Koester, City Planner, discussed a proposed agreement to vacate the property. Two of the four parties have signed; however, the council agreed to take action once all parties have signed.

6.2 Resolution No. 128-2025, A Resolution Concerning Ordinance No. 104-2016, An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2017, of the City of Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois, Directing the Application of Funds to the Payment of Debt and Directing the Abatement of a Levy and Extension of Taxes for the Year 2025 Previously Established To Pay Such Bonds (Series 2017) - City Administrator Miller

The Series 2017 bond was issued for $ 9,415,000 for construction of the Police Station, Fire Station, and other Public Works buildings. It expires in 2037 and is paid by the General Fund. Next fiscal year's payment is approximately $654,115.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.3 Resolution No. 129-2025, A Resolution Concerning Ordinance No. 004-2021, An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021A, of the City of Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois, Providing the Details of Such Bonds and for an Alternate Revenue Source and Directing the Application of Funds to the Payment of Debt and Directing the Abatement of a Levy and Extension of Taxes For the Year 2025 Previously Established To Pay Such Bonds (Series 2021A) - City Administrator Miller

The Series 2021A bond was issued for $1,635,000 for the Effingham Performance Center (EPC) building. It expires in 2027 and is paid with Tourism Funds.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.4 Resolution No. 130-2025, A Resolution Concerning Ordinance No. 005-2021, An Ordinance Authorizing the Issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds (Alternate Revenue Source), Series 2021B, of the City of Effingham, Effingham County, Illinois, Providing the Details of Such Bonds and for an Alternate Revenue Source and Directing the Application of Funds to the Payment of Debt and Directing the Abatement of a Levy and Extension of Taxes for the Year 2025 Previously Established To Pay Such Bonds (Series 2021B) - City Administrator Miller

The Series 2021B bond was issued for $1,860,000 for a portion of the payment for the 154 acres along S. Route 45 for industrial development. The bond expires in 2041 and is paid with General Fund.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.5 Resolution No. 133-2025, A Resolution Declaring Certain Real Property and Improvements Thereon as being Dangerous and Unsafe (509 W. Franklin Avenue, Effingham) - City Administrator Miller

The City Administrator for the City of Effingham, Illinois, and/or his or her designee, is hereby authorized to issue such orders and take such actions that are necessary for the enforcement of applicable building codes to cause the demolition, repair, enclosure or remediation of the property, buildings or improvements described above.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.6 Resolution No. 135-2025, A Resolution Granting Permission to Effingham Sunrise Rotary to Have a Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 26, 2025 - Tourism Director Thoele

This resolution grants permission to have the Halloween Parade on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.7 Resolution No. 136-2025, A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Kemper CPA Group, LLP for Auditing Services - Deputy City Administrator Presley

This resolution authorized the City to execute an agreement with Kemper CPA Group to conduct the City's audit over a three (3) fiscal year period.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.8 Resolution No. 137-2025, Resolution Authorizing Execution of an Intergovernmental Facility Use Agreement (Storm Shelter-Weather Events) for the use of Effingham Public Library Facilities City Administrator Miller

The City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City of Effingham to enter into an agreement with the Library to allow for the use of Library facilities in the event of certain weather emergency situations and/or occurrences.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.9 Resolution No. 138-2025, A Resolution Granting Permission to Allow a Portion of City Streets and Parking Lots to be Temporarily Closed for Hometown Christmas - Tourism Director Thoele

This resolution grants permission to close roads for Hometown Christmas on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.10 Resolution No. 139-2025, A Resolution Declaring Certain Real Property and Improvements thereon as being Dangerous and Unsafe (505 S. Third Street, Effingham)- City Administrator Miller

City of Effingham, Illinois, finds that the demolition, repair, enclosure, or removal of the building and other structures, and the removal of any garbage, debris, or other hazardous, noxious, or unhealthy substances or materials is necessary to remedy the immediate and continuing hazard.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.11 Resolution No. 142-2025, A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Effingham Police Department and Lake Land College Police Department - Police Chief Davis

This resolution is hereby made for the purpose of providing, each agency to the other, emergency, as well as non-emergency assistance, for all law enforcement related issues.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.12 Notice of State Award - RISE Grant - City Administrator Steve Miller

The City of Effingham has received a Notice of State Award in the amount of $373,500 from DCEO through the joint Rebuild Downtown & Main Streets (RDMS)/RISE Implementation grant opportunity. These grant funds will assist with the purchasing of 2.6 acres of property, construction of storm sewer and platting up to approximately 14 lots for residential development. Once the grant agreement is received and approved, the project will be able to move forward.

A RISE Implementation Grant was received for $373,500 for housing development. The City is currently waiting on a grant agreement from DCEO.

6.13 Bid Letting - City Engineer Thoele

Bids for the 2025 Pavement Marking Project will be accepted on October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.

The Council had no objections to receiving bids for pavement markup.

6.14 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station - City Administrator Miller

The City received two grants for installing an Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station totaling $79,435. The invoice from Thayer Energy Solutions included purchasing the hardware and software for the project.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.15 A Resolution Accepting Subdivision Improvements by Bill of Sale, Reducing Bond and Extending Bond – Oak Point Subdivision - City Engineer Thoele

This subdivision includes 14 lots zoned R-2. Public infrastructure improvements are complete except for the sidewalk. City will accept the improvements and reduce the bond to include only the sidewalks. Sidewalks are to be built by each lot owner or by the developer if not completed in 5 years.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.16 A Resolution Accepting Subdivision Improvements by Bill of Sale, Reducing Bond and Extending Bond – Hidden Hills Subdivision - City Engineer Thoele

This subdivision includes 33 lots zoned R-1. Public infrastructure improvements are complete except for the sidewalk. City will accept the improvements and reduce the bond to include only the sidewalks. Sidewalks are to be built by each lot owner or by the developer if not completed in 5 years.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.17 A Resolution Accepting Subdivision Improvements by Bill of Sale, Reducing Bond and Extending Bond – Hidden Hills Subdivision – First Addition - City Engineer Thoele

This subdivision added 20 lots zoned R-1 to the Hidden Hills subdivision. Public infrastructure improvements are complete except for the sidewalk. City will accept the improvements and reduce the bond to include only the sidewalks. Sidewalks are to be built by each lot owner or by the developer if not completed in 5 years.

There were no objections to bringing this item back to a future City Council Meeting.

6.18 Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan - City Planner Koester

City Planner Koester provided an update on the status of the Effingham 2050 Comprehensive Plan.

Greg Koester updated the Council on the current progress of the Comprehensive Plan and the proposed schedule for completion.

8. ANNOUNCEMENTS/COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 

8.1 Reports from Commissioners

8.2 Reports from Staff - City Administrator Miller; Deputy City Administrator Presley; Public Works Director Heuerman; Economic Development Director Hull; Fire Chief Yochum; Police Chief Davis; City Engineer Thoele; Tourism Director Thoele; City Treasurer Polk; City Clerk Nosbisch

8.3 Public Participation

9. RECESS IN EXECUTIVE SESSION 

9.1 Recess into Executive Session For the purpose of consideration of the following subjects, pursuant to 5 ILCS 120/2 (c); Personnel- Section 2 (c) (1); Collective Bargaining Section 2 (c) (2); Purchase or Lease of Real Estate - Section 2 (c) (5); Sale or Lease of Property - Section 2 (c) (6); Litigation - Section 2 (c) (11); and Review of Executive Session Minutes - Section 2 (c) (21). (If the Council desires to recess into executive session, the Council shall specifically indicate the desired topic of discussion for public record.)

Motion to recess into executive session by Commissioner Moeller, second by Commissioner Micenheimer

Purpose: Collective Bargaining- Section 2 (c) (2)

Time: 5:55 PM

Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Moeller and Stephens

9.2 Roll Call

Present: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Micenheimer and Moeller 10. ADJOURNMENT 

10.1 Adjournment

Time: 6:42 PM

Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Moeller, second by Commissioner Micenheimer Final Resolution: Motion Carried. 3-0

Yea: Mayor Schutzbach and Commissioners Micenheimer and Moeller

https://effinghamil.community.highbond.com/document/60634421-4339-40d4-9732-a4f122f39b18/