Illinois Valley Times

Village of Seneca Village Council met Dec. 16

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Seneca Village Council held a regularly scheduled Council meeting at Seneca Village Hall on December 16, 2024 and the meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. 

Roll Call: 

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

Absent: None 

Also Present: Village Clerk Jennifer Peddicord and Attorney Bryan Wellner 

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

A motion was made by Comm. Peddicord and seconded by Comm. Higgins to approve the December 2, 2024 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 October 2024 treasurer's report, payroll and payment of bills as presented. 

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

Nays: None 

COMMUNICATIONS, PETITIONS, REPORTS AND ADDITIONAL AGENDA ITEMS: 

Additional Agenda Items: Comm. Weber: (1) Boat launch lighting; and (2) Donations toward water bills. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Commissioner Weber: 

Comm. Weber advised that the boat launch lights have been replaced and the area is now well lit. 

Comm. Weber reminded the public that the village is still accepting donations towards water accounts. 

Commissioner Victor: 

A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve the adoption of Ordinance No. 24-25, An Ordinance for the Levy and Assessment of Taxes for the Village of Seneca, LaSalle and Grundy Counties, Illinois for the Tax Year 2024, Collectable in 2025. 

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

Nays: None 

Commissioner Peddicord: 

A motion was made by Comm. Peddicord and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve the adoption of Ordinance No. 24-26, An Ordinance Amending the Seneca Code of Ordinances Adopting Certain Building Codes. 

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. Higgins to approve an expenditure to Coe Equipment Inc. in the amount of $7,467.52 for sewer camera and reel replacement. This replaces the camera and reel that were stolen, which was covered by insurance. 

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

Nays: None 

Comm. Weber announced that the village will be accepting live Christmas trees for disposal until January 10, 2025. All lights, ornaments and tinsel need to be removed. Trees can be left next to the dumpster in the lot behind the police station. 

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE - VICTOR: 

A motion was made by Comm. Victor and seconded by Comm. Peddicord to approve an expenditure to Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC in the amount of $1,720.00 for legal 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 Old National Bank in the amount of $5,100.35 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 Wex Bank in the amount of $2,101.09 for fuel expenses. 

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

Nays: None 

STREETS - HIGGINS: 

Comm. Higgins presented an Ordinance Amending Section 10 of Chapter 4 of Title 6 Pertaining to Snow Route Restrictions in the Seneca Code of Ordinances. The only change is from the north side to the south side of Scott Street. This will be brought back at the next meeting for approval. 

PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY - PEDDICORD: 

Comm. Peddicord presented for discussion an Ordinance Granting a Text Amendment to Section 10-5-5 of the Village of Seneca Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to Written Protests. This corrects a contradiction within the village code regarding written protests related to text amendments and map amendments. 

Comm. Peddicord presented for discussion an Ordinance Granting a Variance at the Request of Mid-States Industrial Holding Co. Relating to Property Located at 519 E. Shipyard Road. Mid-States filed a variance application with the village and a public hearing was held on December 11. They have applied for a variance to construct an addition to the existing structure with a side yard setback of not less than five feet from the side lot line. Currently, there is a temporary office trailer where the addition will be built. The building will be 50' x 50' and will follow the same contour. 

PUBLIC AFFAIRS - OLSON: 

A motion was made by Comm. Weber and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve an expenditure to Grundy County Chamber of Commerce in the amount of $100.00 for annual membership dues. 

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

Nays: None 

A motion was made by Comm. Weber and seconded by Comm. Victor to approve a donation to North Central Area Transit in the amount of $2,000.00. Mayor Olson advised that over 800 rides were given to residents last year. This will be paid from video gaming. 

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

Nays: None 

Mayor Olson announced the winners of the Christmas Holiday Lighting Contest: 

1st Place: The Daschner Family, 401 Hickory Ct. 

2nd Place: The Carey Family, 121 W. Armstrong St.

3rd Place: The Brown Family, 327 S. Market St.

4th Place: The Valdez Family, 232 Valley View Dr

5th Place: The Thorson Family, 352 Crotty Ave. 

PRESENTATION: 

A presentation was made by Jeremy Nichols, Director of Property Development and Sustainability, for Illinois & Michigan Oil LLC. The presentation covered rumors and falsehoods regarding the proposed barge development. Mr. Nichols explained the barge process, the permitting process, the purpose of the mooring pins, and that the proposed slab, which has not been applied for yet, would be used for placement of a crane to remove the tops off of the barges. Cleaning of barges would require shore support, but that would be a very rare instance. 

Comm. Weber asked questions regarding how many barges five mooring pins will hold (16-20) and what they are currently holding (15-30). There is a potential for 11 additional pins in the future, if there is a growth in major industry. 

Mayor Olson asked why the five mooring pins were placed in this location and the answer was due to surveys for depth. Mr. Nichols explained that 3-4 barges can be stacked on each pin before they are into the navigable area of the river. 

Comm. Higgins noted that the tugboats are currently on the Shipyard side of the river and asked if they would be moved to the retaining wall side, if it is built. He also expressed concerns about fire hazard. IMO asked that there is no fire hazard. Additionally, spreading out the barges eliminates risk of a collision. 

Attorney Bryan Wellner noted that IMO is permitted for 106 barges. IMO advised that the property an sustain 16 pins but the industry does not support that. They do not realistically anticipate adding anymore pins. 

Illinois & Michigan Oil is NOT an oil company. 

The barges coming through the Seneca area are not owned by IMO. 

There are no industrial complex plans. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

Rick Sims: Over the course of the evening, Mr. Sims asked a number of questions, including: 

Where does barge waste go after cleaning? It is removed by IMO for disposal elsewhere. 

How far south does IMO operate? Rarely any farther south than Seneca. 

Why increase business here? Aging infrastructure and cost. 

What has changed from the original proposal? What is the next step in the process? Attorney Wellner advised there will be discussions if there is room to move forward. 

Dave Bzdil: Who are IMO's representative customers? 

Amanda Beck: Stated that the Seneca industries already own property here which holds barges. Believes there is not a need for additional storage for barges. IMO advised that there is always a barge waiting to come in and one to go out. 

Doug Gladden: Expressed that affected houses may not be within village limits, but they pay taxes to other Seneca entities, including the schools, library and fire protection district. 

Expressed concerns about the refueling of tugboats. IMO advised there is no operational plan to re-fuel. 

Discussion took place regarding the transportation of chemicals (i.e. fuel, oil, etc.) versus commodities. 

Had questions regarding chemical/fuel barges being tied off in Seneca. 

Mayor Olson left the meeting at 6:35 p.m. and returned at 6:36 p.m. 

Dave Kiehl: What are the benefits to Seneca? IMO advised improved infrastructure. 

Bob Borgstrem (sp?): Stated that sound echoes on the river and there is some noise from the barges. IMO stated that cleaning does not produce much sound. 

Dave Wallin: Stated that he has never seen the area congested. Expressed flooding concerns. Questioned IMO regarding construction of a new casino in Joliet and wondered if that is why IMO is moving down here. IMO stated they are unaware. 

At this point in the meeting, Derek Egan, owner of Illinois & Michigan Oil, took the podium. 

Doug Croft: Questioned as to whether pilings require a permit from the village. Attorney Wellner advised that the village has no control on the water, and that the council is concerned about resident concerns. 

Dave Bzdil: Stated that the village has three mile extra-territorial jurisdiction. Discussion ensued between Attorney Wellner and Mr. Bzdil. 

Mr. Egan advised that IMO went through extensive permitting, which is required by the state and federal. They have no plans for refineries, petro-chemicals, etc. The land that he owns currently has been used for side-by-sides and hunting. He acquired ARTCO's position earlier this year and is not doing anything new. 

Nikki Meyers: Expressed concerns regarding the number of barges. Mr. Egan advised that no new barges are being added. The pins are to ease congestion. 

Doug Gladden: Had questions about the permitting process with the state and federal offices. 

Jay Rule: Stated that Mr. Egan's property, east of the railroad bridge, is the most popular beach area on the river. Mr. Egan stated it's a private beach and subject of litigation. 

Larry Johnson: Had questions regarding the cost-effectiveness of the plan. 

Ryan McCauley: Had questions regarding the Chevron acquisition of REG. Mr. Egan stated it has not affected the barge business at this time. 

Scott Bressler: Had the following questions: 

How does the noise affect the residents of the homes by moving the barges? How can the noise be mitigated? Mr. Egan stated this will not be the prime location and it's not as loud as you think. Creative solutions would be utilized, such as hanging barge tires. 

How does the noise and barge activity affect wildlife? No. 

Does IMO's income go back to Seneca? 

Who will be handling checks and balances? Mr. Egan stated there are a lot of regulatory agencies governing barge companies. 

Paul Touvannas: Stated that Seneca's industry is going to change due to the hydrogen plant construction. Mr. Egan stated he'd like to be a part of that growth. 

His major concern is the potential for 106 barges. What is IMO's commitment to only five pins? Mr. Egan stated there is no need or desire to add any additional pins right now. The reason he applied for 106 barges, was it's the same cost as if he had applied for five. By applying for 106 barges, there is no need to go back and apply for additional pins in the event of growth. If there is a bigger commercial need in the future, then he will have to see about adding additional pins. 

There is currently no overhead lighting plan. 

Jeff McCauley: Wanted to know the benefit to Seneca, as far as jobs and tax revenue. Mr. Egan currently has six guys working 24/7 and is always looking for new people that will show up to work. There is no tax revenue, but IMO is supporting the local economy. 

John Sparrow: Asked if there is a trail or road that connects to the pins? Per IMO, no. 

Asked about barge repair. Mr. Egan advised the same as is being done every day. 

Joe Zezzetti (sp?): Asked where the dredged material will be taken. Per Mr. Egan, it will be trucked to a settling pond on his property. 

Amanda Beck: Asked why the pins were not put closer to Seneca where there are no houses. Mr. Egan advised they were put where they are the least intrusive and in the most practical and cheapest way. 

Doug Gladden: Clarified that the immediate scope is a sea wall and pad for a crane. Per Mr. Egan, five pins and a 500' wall. 

Job benefits include the current jobs and maintaining jobs. There is no new tax revenue. 

A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Weber to adjourn the council meeting. 

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

Nays: None 

The motion carried and the meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m. 

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