By Stephen Nelson
Two weeks ago, a dozen people showed up to express their anger and concerns over a lithium battery manufacturing plant that will be built at the site of the former Kmart warehouse in Manteno. At the Monday, October 2, meeting, even more people showed up to speak to the Manteno Village Board about their decision to allow plans for the plant to proceed.
Francine Fatima, of Manteno, told Mayor Tim Nugent and trustees the village has become a community that feels no one listens. She asked the board to reverse the vote approving the electric vehicle manufacturing plant.
Terry Gardner, also of Manteno and during public comment to the board, said there is no greater security threat to the United States than China. He claimed the Chinese government will use their business interests to help them spy on U.S. Military capabilities.
Amelia Cahill, Manteno, said the plant will jeopardize the health of all residents, while Manteno resident Paul Motelle said area first responders are not prepared to handle the results of a fire or other accident that could occur.
Diana Baker, of Bourbonnais, said the mayor and the village board were putting their self interest above the well being of citizens.
Frank Presto, Manteno, called the plant hazardous and claimed it is communist run, including: “I think you (Mayor Tim Nugent and all members of the village board) are lining your own pockets with revenue from this.”
Bob Forsythe, Manteno, told Mayor Tim Nugent “I think you should resign tonight.”
Rhonda Kichner, Manteno, said the village board and the mayor were doing more to represent Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker than the interests of Manteno residents. She said Manteno Mayor Tim Nugent’s role with the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County “is a conflict of interest.”
Anna Comisky, Manteno, called on the board to put the matter of the EV battery plant to a vote of residents by a referendum.
Ann Gates, of Bourbonnais, said the presence of the lithium battery plant will require all fire department personnel to receive additional training because any fire at the plant will not be able to be put out with water or fire-retardant foam. Gates said there also will be added expenses because first responders will have to be outfitted with additional personal protective equipment, including breathing apparatus so they won’t be exposed to toxic chemicals.
Kirk Allen, Manteno, told the mayor and the board that not answering resident’s questions about the plant creates mistrust of their leadership.
In all, 19 people from Manteno, Manteno Township, Bourbonnais, and Grant Park spoke to express their opposition to the plant. There were more people in the audience who did not speak.
Mayor Tim Nugent was asked if the turnout sends a message to him and the board, and he said it sends a message that they think it’s a bad decision, but he and the board think otherwise.
Nugent also was asked if there was anything that could change his mind, and Nugent said if the federal government came and said it was something that wasn’t good for the area or that they (Gotion) weren’t approved to do business here, it would absolutely change his mind.
Nugent said, “I think about Manteno 24/7.”
Nugent was asked his thoughts on concerns of lack of transparency and said the decision was made during several months of public meetings. Nugent also was asked why committee meetings, where almost all discussion regarding board items takes place, occur at 7 a.m. Nugent replied the board is comprised of working individuals, and 7 a.m. is when they can meet. Residents can make the effort to attend those committee meetings.
Are there any minutes of any meetings that included discussions of this battery plant?