Additional steps concerning the Seneca I-80 Railport were approved at Tuesday's Seneca village council meeting concerning Bluff Road and the Rat Run bridge.

The village signed an agreement for site developer Gerard Keating to cover the cost of expanding the bridge over Rat Run Creek on U.S. 6. Keating wanted to widen the bridge to five lanes.

"I refuse to put the village in a position where we could get engineering costs," Mayor David Spicer told the council Tuesday.

Spicer said Keating wanted a handshake agreement, but the village wanted to ensure it wouldn't be held responsible for the expenses.

Engineering costs are $65,000. The village entered an escrow agreement for Keating to cover the costs.

"The village will in no way, shape or form be responsible for one penny on this project," he said.

"If it doesn't happen, Keating will be responsible. Even if that bridge is never built to five lanes."

The design is for five lanes, although Keating is only putting in two, but with the engineering complete, he easily could add three more. Spicer said Keating may put in five lanes with only two lanes of pavement.

Initially a verbal agreement between the village and Keating, a resolution was approved Tuesday stated Keating will keep Bluff Road open until 90 days before the first building permit is issued for the railport.

"At that time, we'll know the project will be moving forward and it won't be that big of a deal," Spicer said.

Keating also will be responsible for snow removal on Bluff Road during the 2009-2010 winter. He will pay $5,500 and the funds will cover a spreader, particularly for the intersection of Bluff Road and U.S. 6. The intersection is to difficult to plow with large trucks.

"That's a piece of equipment we can use throughout the village," Spicer said.




In Other Business:

• Bob McDonald, product specialist at UpCycle Products in Minooka, addressed the council about a rain barrel campaign for the village. The company uses food-grade, high-density polyethylene barrels that were perviously used for food.
• Commissioner John Lamb said the new salt storage building is near completion, with the canvas cover scheduled to be put on today. The building was approved in June at a cost of no more than $15,000.
• The village approved an ordinance that provides a $300 impound fee on vehicles used in certain violations of the law and is aimed at penalizing people arrested on drug, firearm and some drivers license violations. The funds collected will be used to buy equipment for the police department and squad cars.
• The village approved $3,300 and a yearly fee to have three laptop computers installed and operating in squad cars.
• The village approved a $500 donation to the Canal Corridor Association for the Illinoisand Michigan Canal Heritage Corridor and appointed Michael Ellis to represent the village on the association's board.