The Effingham County Building and Grounds Committee decided to forward, with no recommendation, a measure that would allow the installation of two new flagpoles near the Illinois State Police Memorial on the corner of E. Jefferson Avenue and N. Third Street in Effingham to the full County Board on Wednesday.
The flagpoles were originally planned as part of the ISP memorial, but were put on hold after the project was halted in the Illinois Legislature. Local citizen Bonnie Mellendorf raised funds through donations and purchased the flagpoles, and according to her, the City of Effingham has already committed to installing them.
However in July, there was a discrepancy as to whether, or not, the County Board actually approved the installation of the new flagpoles. Additionally, various County Board members expressed concern over who would maintain the new flagpoles as well as replace the flags if they were damaged or worn. Other concerns were also raised about if the new flagpoles would match those already on the square.
At today’s meeting, the Building and Grounds Committee consented that if a party could be found who would commit to lowering, raising, and maintaining the new flagpoles that the County would consider voting to allow the installation, pending inspection of the flagpoles themselves. Discussion will continue with the full County Board on Monday.
The Committee also heard from County Engineer Greg Koester on the topic of making more work space in the County Building for highway department personnel. The Committee voted to recommend allowing Koester to make plans for the changes.