MAYORAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS: What WE Have Achieved In The Past 4 Years

Unprecedented Business Engagement

Created unprecedented business outreach and powerful networks that have resulted in impressive local development: Koerner Distributors, Truck Centers, John Boos Wood Plant, Stevens Industries, Village Wine, Midland States Bank, Heartland Dental, Goeckner Brothers, Dan Hecht Chevrolet Toyota, Effing Brew, Gopher Grill, Hobby Lobby, Meijers, RMC Cinemas, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Chile's, Pet Wellness Center, Heartland Towing. Business owners and developers come to City Hall and meet with the mayor and the senior management team. Their vision and objectives are heard. And we help them win.

Reformed The Effingham Police Department

Hired a new Police Chief. Built a new Police Station which is more compliant with processing evidence and witnesses and suspects. New police station also features advanced training assets that will make it a destination for law enforcement training in Illinois and the Midwest. Cleaned up internal misbehavior. Deployed more efficient and productive scheduling of officers. Cleaned up evidence management. Created much more dynamic public outreach and engagement effort.

Energized Downtown Development And Events

Spent nearly $675,000 in the Downtown business remodeling program. Downtown Effingham looks beautiful and is fully occupied. Rewrote liquor code to allow alcohol at events in a tightly managed and secure environment. Worked closely with event coordinators and the Downtown Effingham Business Group to fully support events such as Cruise Night, Ham Jam BBQ Fest, and Hometown Christmas... which have become hugely successful and popular.

Created Burn Days

Worked closely with HSHS St. Anthony's Hospital and local health care groups to implement Effingham's first open burning policy... which allows burning only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays.

Organizational Development

Hired a new City Administrator, Fire Chief, and Police Chief. Have reworked the organizational chart at City Hall to be more effective and efficient. Unnecessary positions were eliminated with personnel shifts into new positions that have created the net result of a less costly payroll and better management succession.

Enhanced Ordinance Dealing With Abandoned Gas Stations

The goal was to allow the City more traction to go after abandoned gas stations that have been shut down for years and have become eyesores with weeds, trash, etc. The City is able to enforce removal of underground gas storage tanks.

Liquor Management Reform

Rewrote the City's liquor code to allow alcohol to be served outdoors at properly qualified liquor license holders' establishments, which has equated to the proliferation of fundraisers and charity events. Established a special license for liquor stores that want to participate in video gaming but can't carry the burden of a full time bar.

Created Business Districts

Because TIF Districts will be phasing out in the not-too-distant future, the City created 3 business districts that will pool funds to be used for infrastructure development, remodeling/rehab of existing facilities, and much more. TIF Districts are powerful economic development tools and the Business Districts will take their place.

Revised and Deployed the Amusement Tax

This tax was created years ago but had been forgotten. The City updated the ordinance and put it into play. Proceeds will support the arts and entertainment culture in Effingham in a broad array of forms.

Record and Live Stream City Council Meetings

Deployed live streaming of City Council, Plan Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings. All recorded meetings are archived on the City of Effingham's web site.

Deployed an Effective Nuisance Property Review System

Property with tall grass, weeds, and rubbish are dealt with quickly and effectively. A phone application was created that allows immediate public communications with City Hall, 24/7. The Building Official's Office teams up the Effingham Police Department to reach out to the offending property.