The Manteno Village Board met on June 2 to discuss various issues, including: Recognition of Project Headspace and Timing – Heroes, Hogs, and Hot Rods, addressing a citizen’s complaints about speeding on local side streets, payment of bills, pending litigation, and a follow up regarding an alleged violation of the Open Meetings Act.
Monday’s meeting began with roll call, with all present. Rev. Paul Koch, from Community Presbyterian Church, led the invocation. Trustee Annette Zimbelman moved to approve the minutes from the May 19 meeting, seconded by Trustee Joel Gesky.
Public Speaking commenced with concerned citizen Chris Gottschall’s report on Sunday night about speeders performing burnouts in their subdivision. The issue has occurred multiple times according to Gottschall, who said a village ordinance regarding the requirements to install speed bumps doesn’t apply to Leahy Street. Gottschall went on to state, “I don’t care about your ordinance; protect our kids.” This led to a discussion on how this matter could be addressed. Mayor Annette LaMore indicated they were aware of the situation, and we’ll be looking into ways to address it. Chief Swinford added that a driver was ticketed for doing burnouts.
The Village President’s report consisted of an announcement of a request to distribute Manteno High School Football discount cards, which will be sold door-to-door July 10 – 21.
Mayor Annette LaMore also complimented Eric Peterson, who put together Project Headspace and Timing: Heroes, Hogs, and Hot Rods and stated what a great job they had done. LaMore thanked Peterson and everyone involved for hosting such a great event that brought so many people downtown.
A motion to approve an amended contract for Village Administrator Chris LaRocque was presented. Village attorney Joseph Cainkar provided comments regarding the amendments and said the contract was amended to break out the duties and the specific salaries associated with each along with the benefits. The vote to pass the motion unanimously was approved.
Trustee Mike Barry, Chair of the Finance Committee, expressed concerns about the village submitting larger bills. He asked Village Administrator LaRocque for a standard breakdown. LaRocque responded that “copies are provided for all orders and questions can be raised beforehand.” LaRocque went on to state “no one had questioned the bills during his tenure as administrator, but he could get copies if requested.”
Trustee Barry replied, “Well, I have many questions about the bills.” The bill in question was a cost overrun on Thies Park in the amount of $40,000 regarding the dirt excavating. LaRocque replied he would obtain breakdowns for the next meeting and investigate the matter further.
Trustee Joel Gesky, Chair of the Properties and Recreation Committee, moved to adopt Resolution No. 25-02 for an athletic facility tournament policy in Manteno. He noted confusion about the pickleball courts. This policy details procedures, regulations, and priorities for using parks and athletic facilities for tournaments.
Gesky also proposed a motion to approve design signage for the Rock Creek wildflower area, with a budget not exceeding $1,000.
Trustee Peggy Vaughn, Chair of Public Safety and Health, had no old business on the agenda. New business on the agenda was going into executive session to discuss concerns regarding the safety concerns brought up at the meeting and to discuss pending litigation with all trustees. The next public safety and health committee meeting is Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m., in the village board room.
Trustee Annette Zimbelman, Chair of General Government, had no old or new business. The next general government committee meeting is on Tuesday, June 24, at 7 a.m., in the village board room.
Trustee Todd Crockett, Chair of Public Works and Utilities, had no old business on the agenda. New business included a motion to approve the purchase of a safety arrow impact trailer for Public Works. The next Public Works Committee meeting is Tuesday, June 24, at 7 a.m., in the village board room.
Trustee CJ Boudreau, Chair of Planning and Zoning, had no old or new business on the agenda. The next Planning and Zoning Committee meeting is Wednesday, June 11, at 7 a.m., in the village board room, while the next Plan Commission meeting is Tuesday, June 10, at 6 p.m., also in the village board room.
A motion was made for a single roll call vote on passage of items. Another motion approved an amended omnibus vote. The approval was given for old business, new business, and the amended contract with Village Administrator LaRocque. Approval also was granted for purchasing a safety arrow impact truck, Resolution 2502 adopting an athletic policy, and designing signage for the Rock Creek wildflower area. An amended motion set final bill payments of $692,890.99, including TIF District 3(0) for a later date at $40,000. Bills were approved totaling $652,890.99.
During his closing remarks at the meeting, Trustee Gesky stated the office of the Attorney General had closed the case regarding possible violations of the Open Meetings Act. This was in relation to whether particular board members had engaged in private interactive communications about public business. The office clarified that even if two board members discussed public business via text messages, the facts presented do not indicate board members violated the Open Meetings Act. It now has been determined no further action is warranted.
The “Summer in Manteno” calendar is available at village hall. The next event, “Rockin’ on the Square,” is on June 20, with the Mackenzie O’Brien Band performing from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Food trucks will be present. Bring your own beverages.