By Andrea Arens
In new business, the Manteno Village Board amended the solicitors ordinance to move the process for applying for a solicitors permit from village hall to the police and increase the fees.
The information of approved solicitors also will be posted on the Police Department’s Facebook page to allow residents to verify approved solicitors.
Mayor Tim Nugent said, “This was recommended by the village staff and the police department to make the process smoother and give people the ability to go somewhere and find out if these people have been registered. We’re not trying to make it more difficult for canvassers, but we want to make sure people check in with the police and have the proper accreditation and proper verification and make sure that anyone we authorize going out door-to-door has gone through the review process.”
Solicitors wishing to canvass Manteno will have to pay $50 for a criminal background check and, once cleared, they’ll have to pay another $50 for the permit to canvass. Permit review is expected to take three-to-seven days. The full ordinance, with explanation of denials and the appeal process, will be available on the village’s website.
In other news, Sarah Marion is leaving her job to start her own business after seven years with the village. The Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce is a dual role position, including Marketing Director for the Village, as well. The position is on the village payroll and has village benefits. The position will be posted and Mayor Nugent is hoping it will be filled before Marion’s departure in March.
Nugent said, “I’m really hoping there’s someone out there who can come in, take over, and do the same thing for the Chamber and the village.”
Anyone interested in the position is encouraged to contact Village Administrator Chris LaRocque at village hall.
Trustee Boyce added that Marion will be missed. “It’s a big position. We’ve been blessed with good people who we hire. She will be missed.”