Illinois Valley Times

Village of Seneca Village Council met Oct. 17.

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Seneca Village Council held a regularly scheduled Council meeting at Seneca Village Hall on October 17, 2023 and the meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. 

Roll Call: 

Present: Mayor Olson, Commissioners Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Absent: None 

Also Present: Village Clerk Jennifer Peddicord, Attorney Bob Russo and 

Village Engineer Casey McCollom 

All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. 

A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve the October 3, 2023 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. Higgins to approve the August 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: 

Mayor Olson: New: Engstrom property. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Commissioner Weber: 

A motion was made by Comm. Weber and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve an expenditure to Underground Pipe & Valve Co. in the amount of $5,427.00 for replacement pipe for Valley View drainage project. 

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 Underground Pipe & Valve Co. in the amount of $3,500.00 for water department supplies. This is a replenishment of supplies for winter, including curb stops and fittings. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

Commissioner Weber announced a vacancy in the Public Works Department due to Paul Fosen leaving. This is a full-time position. Applications are being accepted until October 27, 2023. 

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE - VICTOR: 

A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve an expenditure to Illinois Municipal League Risk Management in the amount of $100,433.06 for work comp, liability and property insurance coverage. There is a 1% discount for paying by November 17, 2023. 

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 Wex Bank in the amount of $2,504.27 for fuel expenses. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Weber to approve an expenditure to Old National Bank Visa in the amount of $5,871.39 for credit card expenses. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

STREETS - HIGGINS: 

Comm. Higgins announced the village will be collect leaves, beginning October 30 from Lincoln Street north. All leaves are to be on the curb by Monday at 8:00 a.m. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - PEDDICORD: 

Comm. Peddicord presented an Ordinance Amending the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Include Commercial Solar Energy Facilities as a Special Use in Industrial Districts. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on October 11 to allow for commercial solar energy facilities to apply for a special use permit in Industrial Districts. There were no objections at the public hearing and the Planning Commission has recommended that the zoning ordinance be amended to allow for solar energy facilities to apply for a special use permit. 

Comm. Peddicord presented an Ordinance Creating Chapter 7 of Title 9 Regarding Building and Construction Site Operations. This creates guidelines for larger construction projects to follow, such as: construction hours, keeping streets clear of construction equipment and debris, and allowing for contractors to apply for an open burning permit for clearing brush. This will apply to larger projects only, not residential construction projects. 

Trick or treat hours will be 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Halloween, October 31st. In addition, the Seneca Police Department will be hosting a Trunk or Treat beginning at 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. behind the police department. This will feature first responders, local businesses and organizations. All ages are welcome. 

PUBLIC AFFAIRS - OLSON: 

A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve the acceptance of a Dedication of Right-of-Way for Public Road Purposes from Shipyard Industrial Park, Inc. This is George Lamb's property on LST Way. His only stipulation is that parking be limited to no more than 15 minutes on each side of the road. Per Attorney Russo, this will need to be set by ordinance. 

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 appointment of Celia Rademacher to the Planning Commission for a five-year term, expiring in October 2028. Five applications were received and all five applicants were interviewed. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve the appointment of Lida Kiehl to the Planning Commission for a five-year term, expiring in October 2028. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

Mayor Olson advised that Rodney Engstrom, owner of property located on Jackson Street, has offered to give a one-acre parcel of land to the village. An exhibit was handed out to the council for discussion. Mr. Engstrom believes the property to be land-locked. However, the property is accessible by a road that has never been utilized by the village. Mayor Olson asked that the council think about this matter and he will bring it back at a future meeting. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

None. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION: 

A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Weber to enter into executive session at 6:22 p.m. to discuss the sale or lease of real estate, pursuant to Section 2(c)(6). 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

The council returned to regular session at 6:40 p.m. 

A motion was made by Comm. Weber and seconded by Comm. Higgins to adjourn the council meeting at 6:41 p.m. 

Roll Call: Ayes: Olson, Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Nays: None 

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/seneca/Docuemnt_Center/Agenda%20and%20Minutes/Mayor%20and%20Village%20Council/2023/Minutes/Minutes_2023_10_17.pdf