Council Approves Rezoning for New O'Reilly Building

Effingham city council members Tuesday approved the rezoning of two lots that will serve as the site for a new O'Reilly Auto Parts store.

The Council rezoned lots at 1000 and 1002 West Edgar from single-family residence district to general commercial district. The new store site is basically south of the current store site along West Fayette. The store has to relocate to make way for the reconstruction of Fayette Avenue.

The Council approved a liquor license for the owners of Los Amigos, a Mexican restaurant locating in the former Pizza Hut building on Keller Drive. The Council also approved a Tax Increment Financing agreement with the Effingham Park District, allocating up to $30,000 in TIF funds to the Park District for the Effingham Bark Park at Evergreen Hollow Park. Commissioner Merv Gillenwater voted against the agreement.

Council members approved an agreement with Farnsworth Group for water and sewer extension work in preparation for an extension of Ford Avenue for $17,900. Also, the Council heard a presentation on the city fire and police pension levies, and learned that the city's new fire engine should arrive within the next three weeks.