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

Union president: TSA workers want to be paid, not replaced by ICE

Union president: TSA workers want to be paid, not replaced by ICE

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Federal immigration law enforcement officers have joined Transportation Security Administration workers at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago....
Illinois Quick Hits: DHS wants migrant charged with killing to remain in custody

Illinois Quick Hits: DHS wants migrant charged with killing to remain in custody

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is asking Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Chicago officials to not release...
IL U.S. Rep says health care crisis caused by failing to extend ACA tax credits

IL U.S. Rep says health care crisis caused by failing to extend ACA tax credits

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Democratic Illinois congresswoman says Republicans have caused a health care crisis by not extending Affordable Care...
Judge declines CTU's motion to dismiss financial audit lawsuit

Judge declines CTU’s motion to dismiss financial audit lawsuit

By Dan McCaleb and Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Cook County judge on Monday denied a Chicago Teachers' Union motion for summary...
Illinois pushes rate-hike protections forward despite consumer cost fears

Illinois pushes rate-hike protections forward despite consumer cost fears

By Sean Reed | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Home and auto insurance providers in Illinois could face new oversight and regulation after a Senate bill...
Illinois bill aims to delay 2024 tax sales, protect homeowners’ equity

Illinois bill aims to delay 2024 tax sales, protect homeowners’ equity

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois lawmakers are weighing a proposal to delay property tax sales and pause penalties as the...
Illinois Quick Hits: Man on pretrial release charged with fireman's murder

Illinois Quick Hits: Man on pretrial release charged with fireman’s murder

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – A Chicago man is charged with murder and aggravated arson in connection with a fire that killed...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield High School Students Secure Top Honors at Regional Academic Competitions

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: Casey-Westfield Junior/Senior High School students demonstrated significant academic prowess throughout late February and early March, securing top regional finishes in...
Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships

Comptroller, state lawmaker call for federal tax credit scholarships

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – As Illinois edges toward a decision with significant implications for families and students, State Rep. Regan...
Casey Westfield Baseball Graphic

Early Surge and Defensive Miscues Propel Casey-Westfield Past Centennial 11-1

The Casey-Westfield varsity baseball team took full advantage of early free passes and a porous defense, erupting for six runs in the opening frame to cruise to an 11-1 six-inning,...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Karras and Goble Lead the Way as Casey-Westfield Softball Downs Clifton Central 6-1

A perfect performance at the plate from junior Anna Karras and a suffocating combined effort in the pitching circle powered the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a 6-1 home tournament...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Power Surge and Goble’s Arm Lead Casey-Westfield Softball Past St. Anthony, 7-1

The Casey-Westfield varsity softball team showcased its power at the plate and prowess in the circle on Saturday, launching a pair of home runs to defeat St. Anthony 7-1 in...
Marshall School Graphic.2

Marshall School Board Approves Adjusted 2025-26 Schedule, Sets 2026-27 Calendar

Marshall C.U.S.D. C-2 Board of Education Meeting | March 12, 2026 Article Summary: The Marshall Board of Education formally adopted its upcoming academic calendars on Thursday, finalizing an extended current...
Casey Westfield Softball Graphic

Gilbert’s Shutout and Seven-Run Fourth Inning Propel Casey-Westfield Past Centennial, 10-0

Sophomore G. Gilbert delivered a stellar two-way performance on Friday afternoon, leading the Casey-Westfield varsity softball team to a resounding 10-0 non-conference victory over visiting Centennial in a five-inning, run-rule...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

District to Purchase Discounted Floor Burnisher for Junior/Senior High School

Casey-Westfield School Board Meeting | March 16, 2026 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield School Board approved the $4,995 purchase of a floor burnisher for the Junior/Senior High School to replace an...