MATTOON - The ways Charleston and Mattoon are cooperating these days are practically off the map.

On Tuesday during a joint meeting, city council members of both cities reviewed proposed changes to the Mattoon Enterprise Zone boundaries and to city limit lines near Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Coles County Memorial Airport.

They also looked at water and sewer facility service areas, zoning and building code enforcement jurisdiction and economic development districts.

Charleston City Manager Scott Smith said the map changes will help avoid infighting as the communities grow.

"It's important to get these lines worked out," said Charleston Mayor John Inyart during the meeting in the education center of Sarah Bush.

In addition, the cities are planning a connection of potable water systems for the communities. Both towns already are sharing a tub grinder for breaking down yard waste or capturing images of damaged water lines with specialized filming equipment.

Some of the map changes relate to Coles County Comprehensive Plan efforts that have been progressing for several years now.

Assisted by Coles County Regional Planning, both councils plan to vote soon on the map changes on different jurisdictions.

One proposal before both cities is to modify Illinois Environmental Protection Agency facility plans to allow both cities to service the 1000N economic corridor now under development. This road will access the new Interstate 57 interchange north of Mattoon to help industries and commercial entities in both communities.

Another proposal has the cities accepting a new city limit line near the hospital. This would provide a defined area on water and sewer service.

There are signs of progress over one other boundary question that has caused frustration in recent years concerning utility service boundaries. This can become a bone of contention when the communities are trying to offer an economic incentive package to an industrial or commercial prospect. The city of Mattoon required electrical utilities to work toward that goal as part of an agreement for renewing franchises for the utilities.

"That helped get things moving," said Preston Owen, Mattoon city attorney and treasurer.

Herb Meeker can be reached at hmeeker@jg-tc.com or 238-6869.