Recreational Cannabis Use Draws Many Comments

(NEW EFFINGHAM CITY POLICE OFFICER AND MRS. ALEC WESTRICH)

Recreational, or adult use, cannabis was the big topic at Tuesday night's Effingham City Council meeting.

Effingham Mayor Mike Schutzbach said he wanted public input on the issue at Tuesday's meeting following public comments at the previous meeting.

Now, it's time for a vote on the issue of whether to allow the sale of cannabis in Effingham. The mayor said a vote will be taken at the Council meeting on November 19. Actually, two votes could be taken. If the decision by the Council is to permit the sales, a subsequent vote will be taken on how to proceed from there.

Schutzbach believes this could be the issue with which the current Council will be identified more than any other.

Several local residents spoke in favor of allowing sales in Effingham when cannabis sales are legalized on January 1.

Local businessman Brian Larson said the sales would mean jobs and revenue, and said voting No won't stop people from using. Retired law enforcement officer Jim Hinkle said he is opposed to marijuana use and is also opposed to use of alcohol and tobacco. However, Hinkle said, "We're not gonna get rid of it," and said the jobs and revenue are going to go somewhere. 

Altamont graduate Derek Morrell said making marijuana sales possible would "save more lives than you would ever know." Local resident Pam Dobbs said her medical marijuana use has completely changed her attitude on the issue and said her experience at The Clinic Effingham has been "incredibly positive." A couple of employees of The Clinic Effingham also spoke in favor of making adult use cannabis sales available here.

There were opponents to the idea, including two local physicians.

Dr. Mike Brummer said studies from Colorado showed an increase in marijuana-related traffic deaths since marijuana sales were legalized, as well as an increase in ER visits and hospitalizations. Brummer said he doesn't see the matter as a financial issue, but as a community health and well-being issue. He also wondered whether the City has the resources to deal with his findings.

Dr. Jeff Crowell believes marijuana is an addictive substance and said the substance is more potent now than in the 1990s. Crowell worried about the cannabis available as candies or lollypops or mints, especially falling into the hands of kids, asking, "Have you even seen a kid not get candy?" He also asked about the effect of cannabis on some prescription drugs, and said there are findings that use of cannabis can result in lower weight babies.

Also speaking against the sale of cannabis were local resident Andrea Wright, who said the sales could be a moneymaker, but at what cost? Sacred Heart School Principal Vicki Wenthe said she opposed to the sales for the "safety and well-being of the community." Wenthe said, "I realize it will be legal, but that doesn't mean we have to sell it." She also noted that kids get adults to buy them alcohol, and what's to prevent the same thing happening with cannabis?

Of Council members who have spoken to the issue, Commissioner Larry Micenheimer supports sales, while Commissioner Merv Gillenwater has said the sales would be "a bad step for us to take." Commissioner Hank Stephens has asked many questions of those who have spoken to the issue, but hasn't specifically said how he would vote. Commissioner Libby Moeller has not indicated how she will vote.

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In other business, the Council heard from Director of Public Works Jeremy Heuerman that the long-awaited reconstruction of Rickelman Avenue is nearing an end and said the road will be re-opened this Friday. Heuerman also said the much-discussed bike path grant project through Effingham is to be included on the IDOT bid letting on March 6 and said construction could begin in 2020.

In items for a vote, the Council approved going halves on the $5,500 cost of exterior improvements at Tom Henderson Insurance; approved spending $11,285 with Utz and Associates Architects for architectural and engineering work on the Effingham Animal Shelter; authorized City Administrator Steve Miller to negotiate for the best agreement for electricity for residential and commercial retail customers in Effingham; and contracted with Farnsworth Group for construction engineering on Phase II of the Jefferson Avenue water main replacement project for $8,000.

City Police Chief Jason McFarland introduced new city police officer Alec Westrich and recognized the promotion of Aaron Lange and Josh Douthit to the rank of Sergeant.

(NEW CITY POLICE SERGEANT AARON LANGE GETS HIS BADGE PINNED BY ERICA MOLL)

(NEW CITY POLICE SERGEANT JOSH DOUTHIT WITH HIS PINNER, DAUGHTER PACEY)

The Council discussed bids to be opened this week on street maintenance materials, and fence work at the public works building, as well as the budget schedule for the coming year; the temporary closing of streets and parking lots for this year's Hometown Christmas Event, and painting the Tourism Office building. It was reported that an agreement has been reached with members of FOP Lodge #209 on a three-year contract.

McFarland also reminded of the public meeting on the topic of Human Trafficking this Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30pm at the Convention Center, and reminded a K-9 fundraiser breakfast this Saturday from 7:30 to 11am at the Elks Lodge.