By Stephanie Irvine
The November board meeting was quick and orderly on November 19, only lasting 15 minutes.
The Village of Manhattan paid the interest and principal of two of its bonds without raising taxes and entered into an agreement with Bernardi Securities to restructure the Brookstone Springs SSA bond at the meeting.
The Brookstone Springs SSA bond previously was discussed among board members at the October board meeting after they received a presentation by Robert Vail from Bernardi Securities, the firm handling the restructuring. At that time, the board had inquired if the restructuring would add to the length of the loan or negatively impact payments; it was confirmed it would not. The restructuring would save money without extending the payment schedule.
Manhattan’s Finance Director Glen Gehrke recently resigned, while the village is in the midst of conducting an audit. The village board unanimously approved the hiring of O’Neill and Gaspardo, LLC, a municipal accounting firm, to help Assistant Jessica Braddy with the audit, budget, and other accounting matters until a new finance director is appointed.
The village board also renewed its insurance plans for staff and officials.
Community Development Director Mark Nelson reported the village is continuing to work with the Manhattan Fire Protection District and the developer on the site plan for the new fire station. Nelson also reported the additions to the new junior high school would be before the board at the next meeting.
Public Works Superintendent John Tyk reported the village will be moving forward with Park Road work and sidewalks in the next week.
Progress on Baker Road reconstruction is moving along.
With the arrival of winter weather, the board also approved the hiring of a snow removal crew, which included seven CDL-holding snowplow drivers, 10 non-CDL drivers, and one snowblower and shoveler.
Coming up, the village hall will be closed on November 28 and 29 for Thanksgiving. Pictures with Santa will be held at village hall on November 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The village again will hold its Seniors Luncheon for Manhattan residents agew 55 and older. This holiday-themed luncheon will be held on December 11, at 11 a.m. Those interested in making a reservation should contact Shelly Lewis at village hall by calling 815-418-2041.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.