The Effingham County Legislative/Personnel Committee of the Whole discussed the possibility of implementing county zoning laws at Monday’s meeting. The topic was broached due to a, Extra Territorial Zoning Law that gives the City of Effingham jurisdiction over new buildings within an additional mile and half beyond its actual borders, meaning that any construction in that area must follow all municipal codes and procedures. According to Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler, a county zoning law would supersede the city’s.
No action has been taken on implementing any new ordinances as of yet, but Attorney Kibler was directed to do further research into the possibility. He said that that sitting down and discussing the topic with the city was “the right thing to do” before making any decisions.
The board also voted forward a proposal to the full board for a new time clock system, called Time Clock Plus, for county employees. The new system would help put the county in complacence with new federal overtime rules going into effect next month. The new online interface would connect directly into the county’s current payroll system and save time by reducing manual data entry. Installing the software would run the county $20,000 plus an additional $3000 annually.
Three appointments were voted on during the meeting. They are not final until receiving approval from the full county board. Karen Luchtefeld was appointed the Board of Health along with Jackie Witges. Dave Campbell was appointed to the Central Illinois Regional Plannign Commission.
Discussion was also had on the possibility of forming a county waste management committee. The committee would consist of a city official, a county board member, a landfill representative, a member from the Health Board, and a representative from the public at large. The committee would handle issues such disposing of materials after demolitions and looking for recycling options.