The controversial Second Street bathroom and pavilion kit that has plagued the last month’s board meetings and split the board, resulting in contentious debates, seemingly came to an end after the kit was approved at the September 15 board meeting.
The proposal failed in August only when Trustee CJ Boudreau arrived late, after a vote was taken with the tie-breaking vote cast by the mayor. Boudreau was delayed due to his coaching obligations.
Manteno Trustee Joel Gesky had promised at the August 18 meeting that he would bring back the controversial proposal — and he made good on that promise a month later when all board members were present for the vote.
The controversial agenda item has been at the center of a heated debate among board members, arguing over the need, cost and, most recently, the location.
“Earlier in the committee, we talked about that being in the center of the Square, and I talked to multiple individuals, including Mr. Crockett and Mr. Gesky, if that was the final spot, or is that up for discussion still?” Trustee Mike Barry questioned.
Trustees Todd Crockett responded and said an exact location had not yet been determined and that vote was for the purchase of the kit, but it did not dictate exactly where it would be erected.
The results of an informal online poll seemed to indicate the preference was not to have the bathroom in the center of the square.
Boudreau felt the poll only reflected a fraction of the public’s opinion, and they should put a pull on the village’s website to garner more of the public’s opinion.
Gesky said his intent was to have the bathroom kit be in the middle of the square, but it wasn’t set in stone.
At that point, both Trustees Peggy Vaughn and Mayor Annette Lamore expressed they needed to know where it was going before it was purchased.
Gesky, Crockett, and Public Works Superintendent Jim Hanley each explained they would have several months to determine where it could go because of the time it would take for the kit to arrive.
While at first it had seemed as though some middle ground had been reached over the pavilion and bathroom kit, it all fell apart when pressed for a location. At that point, Gesky said it would be in the center of the square.
“That’s a slap in my face,” Barry said, after chastising the board members who voted in favor of the pavilion, noting that he thought the committee discussions left the location open, when it ended up being approved to be in the center of the square.
The original controversy stemmed from Barry calling attention to the fact that the agenda item noting the NuToys pavilion kit didn’t include all of the costs associated with the entirety of the project, which was about $300,000, and not the $158,333 for the kit, as noted on the agenda. He expressed it was disingenuous and not being presented transparently.
Opponents, both on the board and of the public, urged the board to consider continuing using port-a-potties or provide access to the bathrooms in the Leo Hassett building. There were concerns that the local homeless population would take up residence in the pavilion and bathroom.
Ultimately, Barry and Vaughn were the lone votes against the bathrooms and pavilion, with the rest of the board voting to approve, which resulted in a passing vote.
Pleas for Civility
Both members of the board and the public called for civility, which was overshadowed by a meeting that at times ended up in shouting.
“It’s the message that disagreement does not have to mean division,” Stacy Malone said during public comments, offering the board t-shirts that bore the same message.
“Our town deserves unity, even when we see things differently. It has been disheartening to see the lack of respect shown towards the previous board, the current board, the previous mayor who gave 20 years of dedicated service to this community, the current mayor,” Malone read.
She faced jeers from the audience and had to stop at multiple points before continuing her message.
“Mrs. Malone is 100 percent right, and everybody has their different opinions,” Barry said at the end of the meeting.
Boudreau asked the same during his comments, bringing up Charlie Kirk’s assassination and pleading with the public for respectful debate.
“He was up for debate, respectful debate, critical debate. That’s, I think, what we’re all asking for, respectful debate. You might think my idea’s dumb. That’s fine, but just say I disagree and walk away. That’s okay, that’s how I teach my kids,” Boudreau said.
“I’ve told people before, come talk to us. If you’re that passionate about it, come talk to us after the meeting. I’ll be here; I just feel like we need to get respectful. The violence and rhetoric is so high right now that any of us disagree and we’re turning on each other. We have to calm down,” Boudreau continued.
When angry shouting from the audience reached a fever pitch at the end of Boudreau’s comments, Barry interrupted, attempting to quell the disruption.
“I’m talking! I’d like the respect from everyone in the crowd, so I can speak,” Barry urged, raising his voice, and the crowd finally fell quiet to listen.
Mayor LaMore informed the board and those present she would be attending a Unity Breakfast that included other mayors from the area.
Gotion: Expert Witnesses and an Electric Car
With Gotion on the agenda, there was, unsurprisingly, a large crowd.
“At a previous board meeting, I was asked how I want to lead, and this is how I want to lead,” LaMore said, explaining that the voters asked for change and did so by electing new trustees.
LaMore’s speech focused on Gotion and how the village did not want the property rezoned.
“As a leader, I challenge you who have been entrusted by the public to serve them to vote in accordance with what the citizens of Manteno in 2025 would want,” LaMore said.
“We are Manteno, Illinois — not Gotion, Illinois,” Mayor Annette LaMore said in her letter to the village that she read aloud.
When Gotion came on the agenda, the majority ruled, approving both items related to Gotion.
The first vote was for an expert witness in the lawsuit over the battery plant.
Trustee Mike Barry abstained from the vote to approve an agreement between Marous & Company and the Village of Manteno for consulting services regarding Gotion. Trustee Peggy Vaughn voted against.
LaMore explained that Gotion would pay half, but she said she was against it and urged the board to vote against it. This prompted the village attorney to chime in.
“Well, we’re getting sued, so — we’re not suing anybody. We have to defend the case. We have to do what we have to do,” Village Attorney Joe Cainkar said.
The second agenda item was the acceptance of an electric Rivian police car donated by Gotion. The usual split occurred, with Trustees Barry and Peggy Vaughn opposing and the rest voting in favor.
Barry questioned whether any research had been done on the electric cars and the potential for them to put officers’ lives in danger.
Police Chief Alan Swinford said they were not dangerous, and other departments across the U.S. had used electric cars.
Boudreau commented it was a free car, raising the point that police cars are expensive.
Several residents spoke against Gotion, including Bob Forsythe, Francine Fattima, and Denise Nichols, urging against actions in favor of Gotion and opposing the police car.
Barry also took great umbrage with Gotion sponsoring Manteno’s Octoberfest event, noting how disgusted he was that they were the largest sponsor going up against local small businesses.
Other News
Illinois’ ban of e-scooters has prompted some villages to enact local legislation that circumvents the law, though operation by children under the age of 18 would still be prohibited.
The law would not impact e-bikes.
Paul Motel spoke in favor of maintaining the ban, recalling his childhood memories and how much things have changed. He noted the new electric scooters are quiet, which contributes to the hazard, as others, including motorists, often do not see or hear them.
Additionally, the board agreed on increasing gaming license fees to $1,000. The gaming company pays half the cost, and it would generate additional revenue for the village.
The board approved bringing solar panels up to par with state regulations. Language regarding fence codes also was cleaned up following an approval.
The board approved a contract for Freehill Asphalt to sealcoat the path at Heritage Hall after Jim Hanley explained Freehill recently had completed other sealcoating jobs for the village that officials were satisfied with. A trailer speed limit sign also was approved.
Meeting minutes were pulled from the agenda as corrections were needed, but bills were paid as scheduled.
During public comments, resident John Walton requested that the village contact whomever they need to regarding the railroad tracks over Adams. He then commented on the pond that has caused some turmoil in the village over its cost.
“Second thing is, the million-dollar pond — I have two grandkids and took them fishing. They caught a fish. That was a million-dollar smile,” Walton said before leaving the podium.
Stephanie Irvine is a freelance reporter.