§ 22-55. Duties and temporary authorities of key county officials.

The following duties and temporary authorities are granted by adoption of this plan by the county board, and effective following a disaster declaration and a determination that a long-term recovery effort is appropriate in accordance with section 22-54 above, without need for further consideration or action by the county board.

(1)

County administrator. Authorized to:

a.

Initiate the processes, policies, and authorities set forth in this plan;

b.

Coordinate with the county ESDA director and county sheriff to assure continuity of relief efforts to recovery efforts;

c.

Contact and direct key staff, agencies, and organizations regarding duties set forth in this plan;

d.

Determine, in consultation with the ESDA director, county sheriff, and county board chair, if a disaster recovery manager is needed;

1.

If yes, locate and secure services of a disaster recovery manager. A determination should be made as to whether the manager will be a volunteer position, or a paid position subject to an agreement;

Note: Retired former mayors and managers, or other community leaders, frequently make ideal disaster recovery managers by virtue of their knowledge of the affected area, its population, personnel, resources, history and needs, and the respect and relationships they already have.

2.

If no, undertake those duties of the disaster recovery manager, or delegate those duties to other county staff;

e.

Execute agreements with the county community foundation, the county long-term recovery corporation, or other individuals, agencies, or organizations regarding fulfilling elements of this plan or providing services related to long-term recovery;

(2)

Planning director. Authorized to waive building permit, site development permit, and zoning permit fees administered by the planning, zoning and building department for all construction and reconstruction associated with disaster recovery;

(3)

Administrator of health department. Authorized to waive septic permit, well permit, inoculation, and other fees related to relief and recovery;

(4)

County engineer. Authorized to devote county highway resources to relief, rebuilding and recovery efforts without charges to beneficiaries;

(5)

County collector/treasurer. Requested to consider initiated the process to defer the due date for property taxes for properties damaged by the disaster, in accordance with the provisions of 35 ILCS 200/21-40, if such deferral would benefit the recovery efforts;

(6)

County clerk and recorder. Requested and authorized to waive fees, other than those that are required by state statute, to produce copies of personal records (birth, death, and marriage certificates);

(7)

Disaster recovery manager.

a.

Coordinate with IEMA and FEMA personnel on long-term recovery needs, funding and assistance,

b.

Contact key staff/agencies regarding duties related to this plan;

c.

Direct the plan processes and activities set forth below;

d.

Serve as the primary liaison for all elements of the disaster recovery process.

(Ord. No. 2015-13, 11-18-15)