The Village of Manhattan is ensuring its police department is fully staffed with the approval of a full-time police officer, Jocelyn Esparza.
Esparza previously worked as an auxiliary police officer and a full-time officer in Crestwood, for the past six years. She comes to Manhattan with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Illinois-Chicago.
“I’m very excited overall,” Esparza said, adding that she is “looking forward to everything, including seeing what the different calls will be like, especially coming from a city to a country environment.”
Esparza’s family was present for her official swearing in, and she chose her father, Jose, to pin her badge.
Police Chief Ryan Gulli thanked the board for approving the new officer, and each board member extended a warm welcome to Esparza.
“She is a great addition to our police department, and she’s going to do great things here in Manhattan,” Gulli added.
Esparza will be one of two female officers in the department, filling a vacancy by an officer who left for family reasons.
Outside of the swearing-in ceremony for the new officer, the board meeting was relatively brief but included a vote to update bank signers to include the village administrator, finance director, and deputy clerk. Two signatories will be required for payments. The board unanimously approved the signatory update.
Additionally, the board voted to rescind the payment demand on the letters of credit for the Villas of Prairie Trails that were approved at the last meeting, as the bank had since provided the finalized letters of credit. This action was anticipated at the last board meeting.
Finally, the board voted to approve the purchase of a Ford F-450 truck for public works, fully outfitted, for $116,000, which was previously budgeted by the board. This vehicle would be used for street repair and snow removal and replaces a 2006 high-mileage truck. The old vehicle will be sold at a municipal vehicle auction.
Before the regularly scheduled meeting concluded, Mayor Mike Adrieansen raised the idea of allowing the local youth football team to utilize the village’s light towers. In exchange for the use of the light towers, they would park vehicles at the Labor Day party at Round Barn Farm and clean up after Irish Fest.
Adrieansen advised that having parking assistance was very helpful, and they would’ve otherwise had to pay up to $500 for it this upcoming year. There was no vote, and no one raised any concerns, though a few board members nodded in agreement. Adrieansen added if anyone has any other questions or concerns that arise after the meeting, they should reach out.
Public Works Superintendent John Tyk wanted to address a resident’s inquiry regarding why hydrants were installed off Brett Drive. He explained hydrants were installed in the utility easement as part of the Well 7 project to prevent stagnant water and allow the water to loop around.
The board convened for a closed session meeting regarding litigation, but no action was taken following the closed session.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter