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 School Board.3

Casey-Westfield Students Earn Drone Certifications and Ag Awards; Elementary Raises $6,500

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: Administrator reports presented to the School Board highlighted hands-on learning achievements, including drone certifications for aerospace students and top...
At right, Lake Land College President Josh Bullock recognizes Brandon Miller, Casey, as a nominee for the 2025 Lake Land College Non-Traditional Student of the Year award during the College’s annual Non-Traditional Student of the Year ceremony.

Lake Land Honors Casey Non-Traditional Student of the Year Nominees

Featured Photo Caption: At right, Lake Land College President Josh Bullock recognizes Brandon Miller, Casey, as a nominee for the 2025 Lake Land College Non-Traditional Student of the Year award...
Screenshot 2025-12-24 at 1.11.19 PM

Superintendent Shelby Biggs Retires After Three Decades

Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: Longtime Utility Superintendent Shelby Biggs attended his final City Council meeting as an official employee, receiving praise and well-wishes from...
Casey illinois library.1.logo graphic

Casey Library Board Advances Expansion Plans, Selects Ramp Design

Casey Township Library Board Meeting | Nov. 2025 Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board moved forward with plans for a building addition, holding a special meeting to address specific...
solar panels photovoltaics in solar farm

Clark County Board Approves $4.8 Million Solar Road Agreement, Weighs New State Energy Rules

November Special Board Meeting Article Summary: The Clark County Board approved a major road use agreement for the Moonshine Solar Project, securing millions for infrastructure improvements in Johnson Township. The...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

District Approves $1.4 Million Lease Agreement for Nine New School Buses

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield School Board approved a five-year lease and purchase agreement to update its transportation fleet with new vehicles....
Screenshot 2025-12-24 at 1.11.08 PM

Casey City Council Approves Utility Fee Increases

Casey City Council Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The City Council voted unanimously to update the city’s code of ordinances regarding utility disconnection and reconnection fees, doubling the...
The Fall 2025 graduates of the Lake Land College LPN to ADN Bridge program.Pictured front row (from left to right): Minnie Gadison, Mattoon; Chelsea Munoz, Effingham; Rebecca Teal, Beecher City;¬¬¬ Medora Seibert, Mode; Aila-Jai Woomer, Effingham; Ella Shuler, Neoga; Stormy Judson, Casey; Brandy Watson, Beecher City. Pictured back row (from left to right): Ava King, Effingham; Paul Smith, Effingham; Michelle Fultz, Sullivan; Taylor Hall, Paris; Cassie Fancher, Mason; Jessica Williamson, Sullivan; Aimee Gooden, Charleston; Taylor Hawbaker, Shelbyville.

Casey Nursing Graduate Honored at Pinning Ceremony

Feature Photo Caption: The Fall 2025 graduates of the Lake Land College LPN to ADN Bridge program. Pictured front row (from left to right): Minnie Gadison, Mattoon; Chelsea Munoz, Effingham;...
WarriorFB-LICAllConferenceSelections

Warriors Celebrate Elite 8 Season, Honor Seniors at 2025 Football Awards Banquet

Featured Photo Caption: Members of the Warrior football team selected for Little Illini All-Conference honors gather for a photo. —photo by Terri Cox CASEY — The Casey-Westfield Warrior football team gathered...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts 2025 Tax Levy Following Public Hearing

Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board Meeting | December 15, 2025 Article Summary: The Casey-Westfield Community Unit School District C-4 Board of Education approved the 2025 tax levy after hearing concerns from...
Varsity Warrior Jack Julius connects from long range during Casey-Westfield’s 48-40 victory over Fairfield. —photo by Terri Cox

Warriors Remain Perfect: Varsity and JV Boys Sweep Fairfield on Mega Night

Featured Photo Caption: Varsity Warrior Jack Julius connects from long range during Casey-Westfield’s 48-40 victory over Fairfield. —photo by Terri Cox CASEY — It was a clean sweep for the Casey-Westfield...
Lady Warrior Madison Gray secures an offensive rebound in traffic during Mega Night action at Bob Durham Court. —photo by Terri Cox

Lady Warriors Stifled by Fairfield’s High-Tempo Attack on Mega Night

Featured Photo Caption: Lady Warrior Madison Gray secures an offensive rebound in traffic during Mega Night action at Bob Durham Court. —photo by Terri Cox CASEY — The first Mega Night...
Lucy Moore rises up for two points over the Martinsville defense. Moore powered the Lady Warriors with a double-double, recording 15 points and 12 rebounds. —photo by Terri Cox

Lady Warriors withstand Martinsville rally to secure road win

Featured Photo Caption: Lucy Moore rises up for two points over the Martinsville defense. Moore powered the Lady Warriors with a double-double, recording 15 points and 12 rebounds. —photo by...
Chicago aldermen pass revenue package, business groups express concern

Chicago aldermen pass revenue package, business groups express concern

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago aldermen have approved a revenue package that does not include Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax,...
DOJ lawsuit against Illinois draws support from election integrity advocates

DOJ lawsuit against Illinois draws support from election integrity advocates

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit seeking access to Illinois’ unredacted voter registration database draws praise...