The Effingham City Council approved a resolution issuing a liquor license to Chipoltle Mexican Grill scheduled to open later this month on the 24th. The restaurant is located on N. Keller Drive in Effingham.
The council also approved street closures for a post-party hosted by Scrubby’s Pub after the Heart of the Hops event scheduled for October 1st in downtown Effingham. The party will run from 4-10 p.m. and will include a closure on Fourth Street from La Petite Boutique to Washington Avenue.
Discussion was also had on a potential amendment to the City’s liquor ordinances that would allow theaters, such as the E.P.C., to sell alcohol at outdoor events on their property. The changes would also allow hotels who don’t have a bar built in to sell liquor at certain events. Effingham Mayor Jeff Bloemker explained the potential changes
While the council at large agreed with the changes, City Commissioner Merv Gillenwater expressed concerns.
Rich Beatty, owner of the both the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton and the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott argued that if his competitors could serve alcohol at their events, he should also be allowed to do so as well.
The Council also discussed allowing the Village Wine and Gift Shop, along with Thursday Thunder sponsors, to hold “Cruise Night” in downtown Effingham on Friday October 7th and allow street closures for the event.
Jeff Clark, of Joe’s Truck Lube, addressed the council about the possibility of the City assisting with the construction of an entrance to a project on West Fayette Avenue. If approved, the city would be allowed to assist with up to $40,000 from the TIF Fund to construct the entrance.
Also discussed was an agreement to bring in a development from an as of yet unnamed company. Todd Kabbes spoke on behalf of the development, a big box store, which will be located next to Kohl’s at the Oak Point Centre Property. More details on the City’s agreement and what company could be moving in will be revealed at the September 20th City Council meeting.
The City Council also had more discussion the enforcement of a five percent amusement tax that would be imposed on ticket sales for events that occur within city limits. City Clerk Kelsey Lock provided the council with research on how other municipalities handled similar tax ordinances and suggested that different types of events be broken down into separate categories that would determine if the tax was applied.