Village of Seneca Village Council met June 20
Here are the minutes provided by the council:
Seneca Village Council held a regularly scheduled Council meeting at Seneca Village Hall on June 20, 2023 and the meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll Call:
Present: Mayor Olson, Commissioners Higgins, Peddicord and Victor
Remote Attendance: Commissioner Weber (via telephone)
Also Present: Village Clerk Jennifer Peddicord, Attorney Bob Russo and Village Engineer Casey McCollom
Mayor Olson gave a statement regarding the recent passing of Officer Darin Crask. A moment of silence was observed.
All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord that the Council approve the June 6, 2023 Council meeting minutes as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve the June 9, 2023 Special Council meeting minutes as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord that the Council approve the April treasurer's report, payroll and payment of bills as presented.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT PRESENTATION:
None.
COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, REPORTS AND ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS:
None.
PUBLIC HEARING:
A public hearing was held regarding the annual appropriation ordinance. There were no comments from the public. The public hearing was closed at 6:03 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
Commissioner Victor: A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve the adoption of Ordinance 23-11, Annual Appropriation Ordinance.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
Mayor Olson: A motion was made by Comm. Weber and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve the adoption of Ordinance 23-12, Ordinance Amending Chapter 4 of Title 6 Pertaining to Parking Regulations in Village-Owned Parking Lot (Main Street).
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
COMMISSIONER'S REPORT AND NEW BUSINESS:
PUBLIC PROPERTY, WATER & SEWER - WEBER:
A motion was made by Comm. Weber and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve an expenditure to Hawkins, Inc. in the amount of $5,150.70 for water treatment chemicals.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE - VICTOR:
A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve an expenditure to Old National Bank Visa in the amount of $9,157.05 for credit card expenses.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve an expenditure to Mack & Associates in the amount of $10,800.00 for auditing services.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
STREETS - HIGGINS:
None.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - PEDDICORD:
Comm. Peddicord accepted the resignation of Officer Ron Erickson, who is retiring from police work. Officer Erickson was thanked for his service and wished a long and healthy retirement.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS - OLSON:
A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve an expenditure to NCICG in the amount of $705.90 for annual membership fees.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve the adoption of Resolution No. 616, Appointment of 2023 Seneca Festival Commission.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
A motion was made by Comm. Peddicord and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve the adoption of Resolution No. 617, Seneca Cruise Night. This is done annually to allow for the closing of Route 170. The road will be closed from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm and cruise night will take place from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber
Nays: None
Mayor Olson announced that there is an upcoming Planning Commission vacancy. Letters of interest can be sent to village hall.
Mayor Olson asked Commissioner Peddicord to speak about the appointment of the new police chief. Commissioner Peddicord advised that 26 applications were received, the majority of which were from out of state and the Chicagoland area. Three interviews were held, including two current officers. Mayor Olson, Comm. Peddicord, Treasurer Shelly Figgins and Clerk Jennifer Peddicord participated in the interviews. Scott Cruz, an Ottawa police officer with 26 years of experience, was the clear choice. Officer Cruz is a current resident of Seneca and was given glowing references. A motion was made by Mayor Olson and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve the hiring of Scott Cruz as Police Chief with an annual salary of $90,000.00, effective August 1, 2023. Comm. Weber questioned why current Chief George Lamboley was not involved in the hiring process, why the council was not given copies of the applications to review and why the current council was not involved in interviewing the candidates. Mayor Olson advised that this is the way he is now going to handle all appointments going forward.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord and Victor
Nays: Weber
PUBLIC COMMENT:
None.
A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to adjourn the council meeting at 6:17 p.m.
Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Victor, Peddicord, Weber and Higgins
Nays: None.
https://cms5.revize.com/revize/seneca/Docuemnt_Center/Agenda%20and%20Minutes/Mayor%20and%20Village%20Council/2023/Minutes/Minutes_2023_06_20.pdf
Alerts Sign-up