Anna misses out on state grant funding for Main Street project

The City of Anna has received some disappointing news regarding its application for state grant money that would fund a street improvement project.

An update on the status of the grant was reported at last week’s regular meeting of the city council.

The meeting was Tuesday evening, March 5, at Anna City Hall.

City administrator Steve Guined reported that a Main Street improvement was not funded. The city had sought grant funds through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Main Street Improvement Program.

Guined said the news was disappointing. He said that Anna had submitted a “very good application” for the grant.

In other business at last week’s meeting:

The council approved a resolution regarding a management contract with Gregory Beckwith of Jerseyville as the operator of Anna’s wastewater treatment plant.

The council approved a bid from Ron Gobin Construction of Marion for construction of a handicapped lift at the Anna City Pool.

The Murphysboro firm submitted a bid of $11,800 for the project. Two bids were received. The work is scheduled to be done in time for the 2013 opening of the pool.

The project is designed to bring the pool into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Guined noted that the city has received a $10,500 grant from the Illinois Municipal Assigned Risk Fund for the project.

Council member Michael Bigler reiterated concerns about a matter which he feels could result in a conflict of interest for the city. The matter is expected to be discussed further.