New Council Sworn In; Special Meeting Monday to Act on Appointment Ordinance

(NEW EFFINGHAM MAYOR MIKE SCHUTZBACH)

The new Effingham City Council was sworn into office Tuesday night, and heard from two individuals regarding the position of police chief.

Their appearances were due to reports that Chief Jeff Fuesting will not be reappointed by the current Council. 

(NEW CITY COMMISSIONER HANK STEPHENS)

One who spoke on Fuesting's behalf was retired Deputy Chief Danny Lake, whose last official day on the job was Monday. Lake had worked as deputy chief for 18 months. He said Fuesting did what the former Council told him to do, change the culture of the police department.

Lake said he decided to retire when he heard newly-elected Mayor Mike Schutzbach and the newly-elected Council would vote not to reappoint Fuesting. He suggested the police union no confidence vote on Fuesting was taken to take the heat off the new Mayor and Council.

(RETURNING COMMISSIONER MERV GILLENWATER)

The other who spoke was local resident Brian Schultz, who said he felt there was an increased police presence on the streets and had heard reports of lower crime rates. Schultz suggested the new Council work with Fuesting for a year and then decide whether he should be retained.

Since the appointment ordinance was not placed on Tuesday's agenda, Schutzbach said a special meeting will be scheduled on Monday to consider the matter.

(NEW COMMISSIONER LARRY MICENHEIMER)

The former Council opened Tuesday's meeting, then gave brief remarks indicating they had learned much during their Council service and thanked the public for the opportunity to serve.

(NEW COMMISSIONER LIBBY MOELLER)

Schutzbach was then sworn in to succeed Jeff Bloemker as mayor, Commissioner Merv Gillenwater was sworn in to a third term on the Council to complement a term as mayor, former Commissioners Hank Stephens and Larry Micenheimer were sworn in to second terms after an absence of some years, and Commissioner Libby Moeller was sworn in to her first term. They succeed Don Althoff, Kevin Willis and Kevin Esker.

Stephens will serve as Commissioner of Accounts and Finances, Micenheimer as Commissioner of Public Property, Gillenwater as Commissioner of Public Health and Safety, and Moeller as Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements.