Village of Seneca Village Council met Dec. 3.
Here is the minutes provided by the council:
Seneca Village Council held a regularly scheduled Council meeting at Seneca Village Hall on December 3, 2019 and the meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present: Mayor Olson, Commissioners Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Absent: None
Also Present: Village Clerk Jennifer Peddicord
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
A motion was made by Comm. Callahan and seconded by Comm. Timmons that the Council approve the November 19, 2019 Council meeting minutes as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Callahan and seconded by Comm. Timmons that the Council approve the payment of bills as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION:
None.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, REPORTS AND ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS:
Shawn McDowell of River City Waste made a presentation regarding becoming a one waste hauler for the village. Mayor Olson advised that he would like to start discussion regarding the village becoming a one waste hauler and asked that the council start thinking about it.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT AND NEW BUSINESS:
PUBLIC PROPERTY, WATER & SEWER - TIMMONS:
Comm. Timmons presented an expenditure to Hawkins Inc. for replacement of the chlorine cylinder scale. A motion was made by Comm. Timmons and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve the expenditure to Hawkins Inc. in the amount of $3,120.00 for new scale for chlorine gas at water treatment plant.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
Comm. Timmons presented an expenditure to Hawkins Inc. for routine bulk chemicals for approval. A motion was made by Comm. Timmons and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve the expenditure to Hawkins Inc. in the amount of $1,540.99 for bulk chemicals for water plant.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE - CALLAHAN:
Comm. Callahan presented the tax abatement ordinance for discussion. At the end of December, we are abating taxes on series 2012A, 2012B, 2012C and series 2016 bond. We have sufficient funds to make our last 2016 bond payment, which means our residents will get a small break in taxes. Once the ordinance is passed, the Village will no longer be able to collect tax monies on the bond, as the final payment will have been paid. The 2016 bond includes the water tower property on the top of the bill. This ordinance will be presented for adoption at the next council meeting.
Comm. Callahan presented the annual tax levy ordinance for discussion. We are currently levying for the 2020 collection of monies. There will be a slight decrease in taxes over last year and we are currently maxed out on what we can tax for. There was an increase of five percent in equalized assessed values of village properties, but it was under the truth in taxation threshold which means no additional hearing is needed.
Comm. Callahan opened for discussion requesting an intergovernmental agreement be prepared between the Village and the Seneca Regional Port District for utilities at the depot building. Presently, there is not a formal agreement in place. Comm. Callahan will ask Attorney Russo to prepare an intergovernmental agreement for review.
STREETS - LAMB:
Comm. Lamb advised the council that he will request that his two agenda items be deferred so he can gather more information,
A motion was made by Comm. Lamb and seconded by Comm. Higgins to defer the expenditure to Northern Contracting Inc. in the amount of $1,198.29 for repair of guardrail on Dupont Road and Route 170.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Lamb and seconded by Comm. Callahan to defer the expenditure to Northern Contracting Inc. in the amount of $2,092.77 for repair of guardrail on Dupont Road and Route 170.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - HIGGINS:
None.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS - OLSON:
Mayor Olson presented for approval an expenditure to Grundy County Chamber of Commerce for annual dues. A motion was made by Comm. Lamb and seconded by Comm. Timmons to approve an expenditure to Grundy County Chamber of Commerce for 2020 membership dues in the amount of $100.00.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
Mayor Olson presented for discussion an Ordinance Providing for the Submission to the Electors of the Village of Seneca, LaSalle and Grundy Counties, the Question of Whether the Village Should Allow Legal Adult-Use Cannabis Businesses within Village Limits. This would put the question of whether to allow cannabis businesses in the village to the voters, rather than the council making the decision for the village. Mayor Olson extended an invitation to the public to attend the next council meeting to comment. This ordinance will be presented for adoption at the next council meeting, as it will need to be filed with the County Clerks in order to be on the ballot for the March 17, 2020 election,
Mayor Olson read the Village's 2020 holiday schedule.
Mayor Olson thanked the Park Board, Lions Club, Seneca FFA and the FCLA for their work on the recent tree lighting at Crotty Park, which was a complete success.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
A motion was made by Comm. Callahan and seconded by Comm. Timmons to enter into executive session at 7:25 p.m. to discuss the sale or lease of real estate and personnel.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
The council returned to regular session at 7:46 p.m.
A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Callahan to adjourn the council meeting.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Callahan, Higgins, Lamb and Timmons
Nays: None
The meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m.
http://senecail.org/pdf/minutes/Minutes_2019_12_03.pdf
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