Manhattan’s board meeting was brief but packed with plenty of updates, including a public hearing to remove Plan Commission Chairman Bill Borgo.
Mayor Mike Adrieansen reported Borgo had missed six of the last 14 plan commission meetings without offering a reason for his absences, and thus was the impetus for his removal.
“When I spoke with him, he stated he attends the important meetings. In my opinion, all meetings are important, and as the chairman, consistent attendance is a critical part of the role,” Adrieansen said before recommending the board vote to remove him.
Initially appointed to the plan commission by former longtime Manhattan Mayor Jamie Doyle, Borgo later was reappointed by Adrieansen. Borgo owns several properties in Manhattan and was also a former mayor of Manhattan.
Borgo did not attend the public hearing regarding his removal; Adrieansen said he was notified multiple times, and that the administrator spoke with him.
No one spoke during public comment during the public hearing or during the regular meeting, and the board voted unanimously to remove Borgo.
Vacant Buildings Demolished, New Projects, and Events
After the public hearing to oust Borgo concluded, the board went on with regular business, which included the approval of a site plan for a concrete patio at the former Roadhouse 52 restaurant. The former restaurant property was purchased a little over a year ago and has been under significant reconstruction.
One of the major action items, a vote to demolish two buildings at 140 First Street and 310 McClure, was approved. The buildings were slated for demolition as part of the downtown redevelopment plan to make way for mixed-use development in the future; in the interim, after the demolition, the building foundation holes would be backfilled, seeded, and blanketed, and public works would use the garages.
Adrieansen noted the Historical Society was contacted, and they reported the properties do not have any historical significance.
The properties, which were previously rented out, have been vacant and used for training by the fire district and police department. Police Chief Ryan Gulli reported the Manhattan Police Department would be conducting training with Metra police and Federal SWAT teams.
A total of $35,000 was budgeted for the demolition of the two homes, and quotes totaled $28,000. Trustee Bob Dilling inquired if that included asbestos abatement, which it did not, but Public Works Supt. John Tyk said it was minimal and totaled less than $5,000. The asbestos would not be disturbed during any of the training exercises, and Gulli said they were aware of this before conducting them.
Community Development Director Marc Nelson reported he anticipates holding a public meeting this summer, potentially in June or July, informing the public of progress regarding the downtown redevelopment plan.
Tyk and Village Engineer Carrie Pintar reported several projects are underway, including the much-anticipated Eastern Avenue project, for which culvert work is almost complete. Once done, they will move on to reconstructing the road.
The Dr. Scott Dog Park construction also is moving forward; fence posts have been placed, and concrete work is expected before the holiday weekend.
Gulli reported the Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser for Special Olympics was successful despite the power outage, and they raised $3,200 for the cause.
Trustees thanked Public Works, as it was Public Works Appreciation Week. Neighbors also made special mention of honoring those service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, in advance of Memorial Day. Adrieansen also advised the public of the I Honor banner ceremony, which honors veterans and will take place on Sunday, May 25.
The Village’s Cruise Nights are set to resume, with the first scheduled from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on June 10. Community Garage Sales also are coming up June 13 and 14, with registration due by June 6. More information and registration are on the village website.
Board Meeting Changes, Public Comment Time Reduced
In other news, board meetings will continue to occur on the first and third Tuesday of the month, except they will now be held at 5:30 p.m.
Additionally, after some discussion, the ordinance regulating public comment time was amended, reducing it from five minutes to three minutes, though Trustees Bob Dilling and Lucinda Neighbors voted against the reduction.
Adrieansen explained that people should be able to get their point across in three minutes, but if not, they would allow an extension.
“We don’t want to feel like we’re intruding on someone’s passion for their expression because we appreciate them and want to hear their concerns,” Neighbors said, offering that maybe they could add information regarding public comments to the agenda so people know what to expect.
Trustee Clint Boone inquired what it would look like if they allowed people to go over the three-minute time limit, and Village Attorney Jeff Taylor said it was at the board’s discretion but that it just needed to be applied consistently. So, if one person were allowed extra time, all persons speaking would be afforded the same extra allowance.
Trustee Justin Young expressed some reservations before voting in favor, noting that if they frequently need to cut people off, they should return to a five-minute allowance.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.