Water Authority Board Discusses Tents, Heliport

Effingham Water Authority trustees discussed tents in yards on Water Authority property at this week's meeting.

The issue has been discussed previously as to whether leaseholders could pitch tents and stay in them on leased properties. 

The Board has proposed an ordinance that one eight-person tent could be set up on a leaseholder's property for a four-day, three-night maximum.  Water Authority Attorney Tony Siemer will draft an ordinance for the Board to review.

Lease or ordinance violations were discussed as a follow-up to the Board's January meeting. The statute limit for a violation is 75 dollars.

Attorney Siemer researched options and stated the options to do an increase in the fine are very limited. If the Board wants to make repurcussions have more of an impact on a leaseholder who violates an ordinance, they will need to look at other options as there will not be an increase in the limits.

Trustees also discussed the proposal of a heliport on a leaseholder's property. Leaseholder David Orr said he does not plan on owning a helicopter in the very near future.

The Water Authority Board expressed concern regarding the safety of all persons at the lake and also what type of potential damage could be generated from a landing.

Orr told trustees that the State and the FAA have both approved the location. He also noted that he has had three legal notices published in a local newspaper and has received zero concerns or complaints from lake residents.

The Board will discuss in detail any final documentation they would like to see from Orr and also draft an outline of requirements prior to approving a landing on Orr's boat dock. The topic will be discussed at the Board's March meeting, as well.