By Stephanie Irvine

The Village of Manhattan’s October 1 meeting was brief but included the approval of two key agreements for the downtown redevelopment plan, which signaled the village is moving forward.

The first approval was for design work from the consulting firm Farnsworth Group, which will cost $42,250, previously allocated to the village’s budget. The firm will establish design guidelines that build on the work completed on the downtown redevelopment plan, and they estimate it should take approximately two-to-six months to complete.

At the meeting, architect John Stryker from the Farnsworth Group presented several slides, one of which included a map depicting the area identified as potentially being the downtown district.

Stryker also outlined their scope of work, which included six phases: Phase 1 involves gathering historical information and other pertinent information; Phase 2 includes a visioning meeting with village officials, as well as stakeholder engagement; Phase 3 involves preliminary recommendations; Phase 4 consists of preparing a set of design guidelines; Phase 5 involves a public presentation; and Phase 6 develops a new village logo, if requested.

Trustee Dave Beemsterboer asked if the plan was for architectural and streetscape guidelines, which the representative from Farnsworth confirmed.

Trustee Ron Adamski questioned how the light poles fit into the design, to which Stryker replied that the village received a grant for lighting on Rt. 52. Stryker said the streetscape design plan included widening sidewalks, moving obstructions, adding signage, and meeting IDOT requirements.

The second unanimous approval was for a $15,000 traffic study conducted by Kelig, Lindgren, O’Hare, Aboona, Inc. (KLOA).

“This traffic study will be completed in conjunction with our comp plan that we’re in the middle of right now. This is to assess several recent traffic studies that have been completed for Manhattan and adjacent communities,” Mayor Mike Adrieansen said.

In recent years, the Village of Manhattan has been included in several traffic studies from Will County, CMAP, and private developers.

“I just want to thank the staff and everyone for getting this done and getting this put in because we’ve been asking for a while to compile all these traffic studies together in terms of how it goes with the Village of Manhattan, particularly,” Beemserboer added.

The final item on the agenda was granting a public utility easement for a water line from its current terminus at the northeast corner of Smith Road and Rt. 52 to the southwest corner of Gougar Road and Rt. 52, made possible by the landowner allowing right-of-way. This is a large area of commercial property that did not previously have water.

In other news, Adrieansen brought up business ADA compliance with the board, noting a business owner had inquired.

“I know there’s been a big push for being compliant with the handicap signage and markings in a parking lot. I think there’s about 10 businesses that require the update, and the question is, I guess four of them have partially started to comply, and there’s still a few. Is the board willing to a one-time just put the signs up and paint the handicap spots right now and bring them into compliance?” Adrieansen asked.

Trustee Bob Dilling was the first to respond, stating, “I’m 100 percent for it. Why not? It’s a small price to pay to bring things in compliance. Let’s get it done.”

“Is this something you guys (public works) can handle in-house or would we have to outsource?” Trustee Justin Young asked Public Works Supt. John Tyk, who advised they could handle the painting themselves.

Young added he was for it but would want an agreement stating the conditions, noting the business owner would need to complete it after the first time. Trustee Lucy Neighbors reiterated Young’s statement.

Beemsterboer questioned the funding source but ultimately said he was OK with doing it.

Adamski and Trustee Tom Doyle both advised they would be fine with the village doing the work to help those business owners become compliant.

Board member comments included Neighbors and Beemsterboer commending public works on their fast response to the water main break across the street from their homes.

Tyk commended his team, stating they know how to get it fixed efficiently so water can be turned back on.

Dilling inquired about the status of the three homes the village owns; Administrator Jeff Wold reported they were getting quotes for asbestos remediation, which would have to be taken care of before they could be demolished.

Before the meeting concluded, Adamski inquired about the street lights on Arabian Avenue in Prairie Trails, and Tyk reported the developer was working on it. Adamski thanked the board for their condolences on his father’s passing and said there was a lot going on in the world.

Adamski also noted he has family dealing with the effects of Hurricane Helene, and he acknowledged the unfortunate loss of another community member to suicide. He urged anyone struggling to please reach out.

Administrative reports were brief.

Wold is working on IT security.

Development Director Mark Nelson said a new court will be built, including the new fire station and public works building, along with two other lots; a public hearing will be held in late fall.

Tyk reported Baker Road would be closed on October 7 for paving, and fall tree planting would soon start. Tyk also acknowledged the loss of Ben Guzek, noting he had worked for Public Works over the summer.

“Ben actually worked for the village for one summer. He was a great addition. He was a summer kid but always came in with a great attitude. He will be missed,” Tyk said.

Finance Director Glen Gehrke noted the village completed a bond sale and will receive the money on October 17, after which the village will open a money market account to accrue interest.

EMA Director Terry Doyle said the Manhattan Junior High girls’ softball team represented Manhattan well at the state competition. He congratulated them for getting there.

The meeting concluded with an executive session, but no action was taken.

Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.