Illinois Valley Times

Village of Seneca Village Council met Feb. 14

Here are the minutes provided by the council:

Roll Call: Present: Mayor Jeff Olson, Commissioners Higgins, Peddicord, Victor and Weber 

Absent: None 

Also Present: Village Clerk Jennifer Peddicord; Superintendent Dan Stecken, Seneca Township High School; Superintendent Eric Meisner, Seneca Grade School; Stacey Gould, Seneca Township High School; Attorney Tom Justice, Jr.; John Vezzetti; Tom Justice, Sr., Seneca Planning Commission

Superintendent Dan Stecken spoke regarding the high school and grade school's long-term plan to build a small subdivision in Seneca. The opportunity has presented itself to purchase property from the Bill Graves Estate. The school districts would like to partner with the village in this project. 

Mr. Stecken advised that currently there are 375 students enrolled at Seneca High School, as opposed to 20 years ago when there were 525. Both the village and the schools could benefit from the development of a new subdivision. The development would include approximately 100 - 115 lots for single family homes and building covenants would require construction within 12 months of purchase. 

John Vezzetti spoke regarding the necessary bonds. The village could issue Special Service Area (SSA) bonds, which would be backed by the parcels in that special service area (the new subdivision). An intergovernmental agreement would be prepared and entered into by all parties which would outline who is responsible for making the bond payments. A public hearing would take place. The bond period would be 23-25 years, but could be extended to 30 years. Only the village could issue the bonds, as a school cannot. The bonds would cover sewer and water, lighting, curbs and gutters. The cost of the infrastructure would be approximately $3 million. 

Commissioner Higgins expressed concerns regarding the water/sewer plants being outdated and need to be updated. There is currently no room for expansion and the village does not own any property to expand to currently. An upgrade would take approximately six years and there are financial concerns. 

Tom Justice, Jr. advised that the SSA would repay the bonds. He believes it's possible to sell 25 lots per year. 

The project would be done in three phases, the first two phases being within the village limits. The third phase is not within village limits, but could easily be annexed. 

Mr. Stecken advised that the schools would budget to pay back the borrowed debt if the lots do not sell. 

Extensive discussion took place regarding what would be covered in the intergovernmental agreement. 

All parties agreed to schedule another meeting in a couple of weeks. 

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

None. 

A motion was made by Comm. Higgins and seconded by Comm. Victor to adjourn the February 14, 2025 council meeting. A voice vote was held. All ayes. No nays. The motion carried and the meeting was adjourned at 2:17 p.m. 

https://cms5.revize.com/revize/seneca/Docuemnt_Center/Agenda%20and%20Minutes/Mayor%20and%20Village%20Council/2025/Minutes/Minutes_2025_02_14_Special%20Meeting.pdf