Rene Bennett criticized the board for recent statements and decisions. –Photo by Stephanie Irvine.
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By Stephanie Irvine
Manhattan’s brief village meeting May 23 had a rough start, with critical comments from a member of the public, but it concluded on a positive note with several upcoming community events, including a special request for input from the community at the June 5 Community Visioning Workshop.
“I’ve been coming to meetings for lots of years,” Rene Bennett said, voicing concern that costs prevented the village from live-streaming meetings. She said comprehensive studies are costly, too, and noted Kraus Cable used to broadcast the meetings live.
Bennett also took issue with there not being a public hearing at the village board level for Arrowhead Smoke Works’ sign and mural, despite a hearing held at the plan commission. She said the village makes the decisions, and that is where the hearing should have been. Bennett would have liked the opportunity to see the mural concept before she saw it on the building driving down Rt. 52.
Finally, she stated the village said they did not want to be landlords, in regard to some homes the village purchased. However, the village would be a landlord to Arrowhead Smoke Works, a decision with which she disagreed.
“I defend you when I think you’re right. But I’m questioning whether you should’ve had a public hearing, you should be a landlord, and you should be taping,” Bennett said.
Following public comment, Rich Piccolo of B&F Construction Code Services, a company that offers construction and building code services, presented recommendations for changes to Manhattan’s 2006-era building code, which the board adopted to be in compliance with a new state law mandating municipalities adopt codes no older than 10 years by January 1.
In addition to a number of minor updates, the biggest changes were the prohibition of PEX and Romex, the elimination of the requirement of residential sprinklers, and a plywood or OSB sheathing requirement for exterior walls. Later, the village updated the mailbox ordinance to be in line with the United States Postal Service requirements.
The board approved an agreement with Workforce Centers of Will County, who asked to install a job-search kiosk in the village lobby. The village would need to provide internet and power, plus dust the unit.
An agreement between the village and the Leighlinbridge Homeowners Association was approved for use of a retention pond to help with Trask Street drainage. The board also approved 2024 public works summer help and a three-bay garage extension for the new vactor truck and public works trucks currently stored outside.
Two items were tabled: An Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the Manhattan Township Road District for the transfer of a portion of Baker Road and an authorization to hire a part-time code enforcement officer.
The IGA was tabled after Trustee Justin Young brought up concerns about the cost of repairs and the condition of the road. Trustee Ron Adamski inquired how much road would be leading up to the bridge to better understand how much the village would be responsible for fixing. The board wanted to get more information and the plans for the bridge before moving forward.
The code enforcement officer was tabled to ensure the current full-time officer would be able to take on the part-time code enforcement work.
Toward the end of the meeting, the board had a favorable discussion about potentially adding 90 parking spots to the downtown area on Front Street. No action was taken, but they would get quotes for engineering work.
In final comments, board members complimented the success of the Touch-a-Truck and Cop on a Rooftop events and the support for Special Olympics.
Adrieansen announced the dedication ceremony for the Hometown Heroes Banners is scheduled for Sunday, at 1 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony would be held at the Manhattan Township building.
Trustee Bob Dilling inquired when letters would be sent regarding ADA accessibility compliance; Community Development Director Marc Nelson said he was waiting until the village’s doors were updated. Tyk said they received quotes, and the automatic doors soon would be installed. The board decided letters should be sent now.
Adamski added the Manhattan American Legion Post, which travels to various cemeteries for special Memorial Day services, would be in Manhattan on Monday at St. Joseph Cemetery at 9:40 a.m. He also noted Manhattan’s 100th Volunteer Infantry re-enactors would be out.
Nelson wanted to encourage everyone to attend the Community Visioning Workshop for the village’s comprehensive plan on Wednesday, June 5, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at Wilson Creek School.
The village will use the comprehensive plan to act as a foundation for decision-making regarding future growth and development during the next 20 years, and the village wants the community’s input. Those unable to attend are encouraged to reach out to either Marc Nelson by email at mnelson@villageofmanhattan.org or by phone at 815-418-2071, or Mayor Mike Adrieansen at mayor@villageofmanhattan.org or by phone at 815-418-2010.
Village Clerk Shelly Lewis also announced a number of events. The community garage sales are scheduled for June 7 and 8, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Approximately 50 homes have registered; the last day to register for the sale and be included on the map is Friday, May 31.
Also an upcoming event is the village’s first car show of the season, on Wednesday, June 12, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The next Senior Luncheon will be held June 26, at 11 a.m., at the Manhattan Park District Building. A presentation on avoiding victimization will be conducted by the Will County State’s Attorney’s office during the luncheon.
The board held a closed session meeting, but no action was taken following it.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.
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