Casey Approves Two Easement Ordinances for North-of-Interstate Utility Work

Spread the love

Casey City Council Meeting | May 18, 2026

Article Summary: The Casey City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, approved two ordinances cleaning up easement paperwork tied to utility development north of Interstate 70 — releasing a broad blanket easement on one property and formally acquiring a utility easement across another. Both passed unanimously.

Casey Easement Ordinances Key Points:

  • Ordinance No. 625 releases an unrecorded blanket utility easement covering an entire roughly 55- to 60-acre property north of the interstate so the land is more attractive to a future developer.
  • Ordinance No. 626 authorizes acquisition of a 0.036-acre permanent utility easement from Paul W. and Marsha Lee for a sewer/water extension, for $10 plus recording costs.
  • Public Works Director Ryan Staley said both items are final cleanup paperwork on easements that were already signed and recorded.
  • Both ordinances passed on unanimous roll-call votes.

CASEY — The Casey City Council on Monday, May 18, 2026, approved two ordinances tidying up easement paperwork connected to utility development north of Interstate 70, with Public Works Director Ryan Staley describing both as routine final steps on agreements already in place.

The first, Ordinance No. 625, authorizes the release of an unrecorded Utility Services Easement dated Nov. 8, 2024, on property owned by a group of family holding companies — the Huisinga and Pfeiffer family LLCs, according to the ordinance. Staley said the existing easement covered the entirety of the property, roughly 55 to 60 acres, and was so heavily weighted toward the city that it could deter development. “It leans very heavy toward us,” Staley said, explaining that the city had already signed and recorded a more appropriately scoped easement on the portions where utilities will actually be developed.

“In the event the property is developed, the developer at that time will want this to be released,” Staley said. “So we’re just clearing it up now.” City Attorney Tracy Willenborg had flagged the unrecorded blanket easement as overly broad. Hanley made the motion to approve, and the ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call.

The second, Ordinance No. 626, authorizes the acquisition of a permanent easement for utility purposes from Paul W. Lee and Marsha Lee. According to the ordinance and the attached easement agreement, the easement covers 0.036 acres for a total of $10 and other consideration, plus recording costs, in support of a sewer extension project. The packet’s permanent easement agreement, prepared by HWC Engineering, was recorded in Clark County in December 2025. Staley said the property runs from the west side to the east side across the Lee parcel and that the easements had already been executed and recorded. “This is just clean up as a final paperwork for this project,” he said. The ordinance passed unanimously.

Staley also briefed the council on the broader interstate utility project, reporting that BNT Drainage, which won the low bid on the electric portion last summer, has confirmed it will honor that bid. A pre-bid meeting for the water and sewer portions is set for June 2, with a bid opening June 17. “Trying to get everything wrapped up this year,” Staley said.

The two properties tie into a larger effort to extend water, sewer, electric and gas service to develop land near the interstate interchange.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Casey Westfield Warriors logo graphic.2

Warriors Advance to Face Red Devils on 14-Game Win Streak

The Casey-Westfield Warriors will face the Sesser-Valier/Waltonville Red Devils at 4:30 p.m. Monday, riding a 14-game winning streak into the playoff matchup. Casey-Westfield advanced with a 1-0 shutout victory over...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.2

Casey City Council Awards Sidewalk Contract, Approves Utility Rate Increases

The Casey City Council unanimously approved awarding a $62,502 sidewalk construction contract to Wallace Concrete at Monday's meeting, accepting the low bid from among several proposals reviewed by city staff....
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Utilities Chief Announces December Retirement; Police Department Adds Officer

Casey Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs announced at Monday's city council meeting that he will retire on December 31, 2025, ending his tenure overseeing the city's water, sewer, and electric operations....
City Council Meeting Briefs.Purple

Casey Council Meeting Briefs

July 4th Planning Begins: City Clerk Jeremy Mumford reminded the council that planning for the 4th of July celebration needs to begin soon. Mayor Mike Nichols asked the Downtown Improvement/Festivals...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Board Approves Major Technology Upgrades, Facility Improvements

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved significant technology and facility upgrades totaling more than $76,000 during Monday's meeting, while also addressing multiple personnel changes as the district prepares for summer construction...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across multiple areas while participating in unique educational experiences and community service initiatives, according to administrator reports from Monday's board meeting. High school students received...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Summer Construction Planned: Major facility improvements begin after Memorial Day, with cafeterias closed June 2-17 for asbestos abatement and Agriculture/Industrial Arts Building without power for electrical upgrades. State Track Qualifiers:...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School Board Reorganizes Leadership, Seats New Member

The Casey-Westfield School Board completed its post-election reorganization Monday evening, maintaining current leadership while welcoming new member Mike Fouty and establishing committee assignments for the coming term. The organizational meeting...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

SCHOOL BOARD BRIEFS

Election Results Certified: The April 1 school board election results were officially certified, with Mike Fouty joining as the new member after receiving 282 votes for a four-year term. Leadership...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Completes $498,279 Housing Rehabilitation Grant Project

The City of Casey successfully completed a nearly half-million dollar housing rehabilitation program that brought nine homes up to code and assisted 19 low-to-moderate income residents, officials announced during a...
City Council Meeting Briefs.Blue

CITY MEETING BRIEFS

Grant Administration Success: The Coles County Regional Planning & Development Commission successfully administered the $498,279 housing rehabilitation grant with 100% of funds reaching qualifying low-to-moderate income households. No Resident Displacement:...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield Board Approves $100,000+ in Technology and Facility Upgrades

The Casey-Westfield School Board approved more than $100,000 in technology purchases and facility improvements during Monday's meeting, while also addressing administrative cost limitations and preparing for new board member transitions....
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield Students Excel in Academics and Community Service

Casey-Westfield students demonstrated exceptional achievement across academic competitions, community service, and educational experiences, according to administrator reports presented during Monday's board meeting. High school students showcased academic excellence through multiple...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING BRIEFS

Bond Funds Secured: The Series 2025 HLS Bonds closed April 15 with proceeds deposited at Casey State Bank and fully collateralized, advancing facility improvement projects. Board Transition Pending: New board...
Casey Council Meeting Graphic.1

Casey Council Approves Major Equipment Purchase, Awards Tree Removal Contracts

The Casey City Council authorized the purchase of a $191,537.50 hydro-vac truck and awarded contracts totaling more than $40,000 for tree and stump removal projects during Monday's meeting, while also...