Executive session usually happens at the end of the meeting but it can take place at any time in the meeting. That was learned at the May 19 Manteno Village Board meeting.
Only 10 minutes into the meeting, the board went into executive session and returned 26 minutes later to approve appointments.
The mayor’s appointments of Jim Hanley as Superintendent of Public Works and Al Swinford as Chief of Police were unanimously approved. Mayor LaMore’s appointment of Paul Motel for Chair of the Planning Commission was also approved with new Trustee Annette Zimbelman voting no. Motel will replace outgoing and longstanding chairman Francis Smith. An appointment of Luis Hupe to the Planning Commission to replace Zimbelman was also approved with Trustee CJ Boudreau abstaining.
LaMore’s appointment of Bob Husom to the police commission failed. Boudreau suggested that he didn’t know Husom and therefore couldn’t vote for someone he didn’t know. He said, “I have no idea who this person is so I think we could discuss that at a committee meeting and bring it back. I don’t want to vote on someone I don’t know.” He asked to table it and Attorney Joseph Cainkar suggested he just vote no. So, the roll call was called and Boudreau, Crockett, Gesky, and Zimbelman voted no. Later, they did suggest a meeting with Husom and the possibility of putting his appointment back on the agenda for another meeting.
Trustee Mike Barry and Chair of the Finance Committee had a motion to authorize the Village Administrator to draft a request for proposal to secure three bids for a forensic audit dating back to 2019 and then the passage of bills for $144,540.95.
Trustee Gesky, Chair of the Properties & Recreation Committee also had a motion to reconsider LaRocque’s contract. He had an additional motion to draft a request for proposal for 3 bids for additional amenities for the Square on Second. Gesky said Boudreau had sought public input and the ideas were synonymous; seating, shade, and restrooms were desired.
Trustee Zimbelman, Chair of the General Government Committee had a motion to approve a licensing agreement with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet for porta-potties at the basketball courts on South Main. Gesky chimed in and said the church is kind enough to allow residents to utilize the courts, so the agreement seemed like a next step.
A consent agenda vote was about to be motioned when Barry asked to remove LaRocque’s contract from the consent agenda.
The consent agenda with all previous motions passed unanimously, but then LaRocque’s contract was next. Once again, Barry asked to see the changes to LaRocque’s contract and attorney Joseph Cainkar told Barry to vote no. A motion was made, seconded, and LaRocque’s contract was approved with Barry and Vaughan voting no. Boudreau added afterwards that LaRocque’s contract should be edited to separate the stipend from his salary.
In trustee comments, both Crockett and Gesky echoed sentiments that they’re working through the differences and working together for the greater good of Manteno. Crockett said there’s no real division, just a little difference of opinion and they’re there to work with the people. Gesky also said they’re worked through a lot of their differences and the executive session was cordial and they’ve all come a long way. Gesky commended Motel for stepping up despite their past differences and said he looks forward to working with him.