County Board Hears Lake Land Shuttle Ends

Effingham County Board members Tuesday heard that a shuttle to and from Lake Land College has been ended by Central Illinois Public Transit.

CIPT officials say the shuttle was only averaging one to three riders per trip and officials felt there are better ways to utilize revenues.  The officials talked with the affected riders who said they would not stop attending school, but they would have to find other options.

Changes were approved in the county's animal control ordinance as far as the reporting structure. Dr. James Gratz remains the Administrator, but the administrator will now be appointed annually rather than for a two-year term.  Animal Control Warden Brent Budde will report to the Administrator and will be involved in budget preparation as the Administrator directs.  The fine structure was also amended so that repeat offenders can be charged more than just per-offense fee.

The Board approved a change in the probation fee structure, although the fees didn't change, just the situations covered by the fees.  Also approved was a lease agreement with the County Health Department so liability insurance coverage could be provided the department's building at no additional expense.  Board member Jeff Simpson voted No on the question, saying after the meeting that he isn't convinced the move was necessary or solves the liability question.

The Board honored the Effingham and Teutopolis 7th grade girls basketball teams for Final Four finishes at their respective state tournaments and honored county first responders for their performance during the assault by Winter Storm Ion on the county.  Several minutes of recent closed sessions were released to the public although some remained closed.  Also approved was a measure correcting the numbering in the county ethics ordinance, and the acceptance of five parcels of land on which property taxes were not paid.  It was also agreed to go halves with the City of Effingham on the lease of a grant program that will allow both agencies to seek out appropriate grants for those seeking such funds for development.  The cost is $1,750 total for each of the three years of the lease agreement.

County Board members approved the appointment of Dr. Sean Flynn to the County Board of Health, Kelly Sager of St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital to the Ambulance Oversight Committee, and Darin Deters of the Effingham County Sheriff's Department to replace Sheriff John Monnet on the County 911 Committee.

County Clerk Kerry Hirtzel reported he'd be visiting St. Anthony High School on Friday to register students eligible to vote in the 2014 elections.  Hirtzel reminded of new legislation that allows those 17 years old to register to vote if they'll turn 18 in time for the general election.