Building department reports online portal launch, enforcement activity; committee approves routine claims and minutes

The Stephenson County Planning and Development Committee heard an operational report from the building department covering revenues, enforcement activity and a newly launched online permit portal.

Speaker 1 reported a November deposit of $4,242.52 and total deposits to date of $85,137.27. The office received three FOIA requests seeking audio recordings of Zoning Board of Appeals hearings, Speaker 1 said. "We issued 6 letters of violation in the month of November. We closed 5 cases. There are currently 16 open," Speaker 1 reported.

Speaker 1 described new online permitting functionality: "We have launched our application portal on the county website. This now allows individuals to use our I work software system to apply for permits and pay online for the permit fee," Speaker 1 said, noting the portal should reduce paper and streamline review.

Committee members asked follow-up questions about permit counts and specific problem properties. Members discussed a property on '26' where Speaker 1 said the owner appears to be out of state, the department issued a final demand with no response and will forward the case to the administrative hearing officer. Speaker 1 said the hearing officer asked whether the county wanted a lien placed on the property and whether to initiate foreclosure or collection proceedings; staff will consult Attorney Boardman before proceeding.

Procedural business approved by voice vote included the Nov. 3 meeting minutes and claims totaling $2,675.31; those present said "aye" and the motions carried.

The meeting also included routine updates on trails insurance and winter equipment storage; a staff member said the county plans to obtain the trail insurance policy to confirm whether the county is named as an additional insured.