Manhattan Village Board Meeting Briefs

New Police Vehicles Approved: The village board authorized purchasing two new police interceptors for $157,362 total. A 2025 Ford F-150 will replace squad 773 for truck enforcement duties, while a 2025 Ford Explorer will replace squad 775 for regular patrol operations.

Summer Crew Hiring: Manhattan approved hiring 11 part-time seasonal workers at $17 per hour. The summer mowing crew will include Al Vlach, Bart Gilliam, Brandon Bird, Clarence Huizenga, Colin Rea, John Ramos and James Levine. Summer help positions went to Broderick Ceh, Conner Durkin, Danny Hodel and Mark Thrash.

Audit Services Extended: Village trustees approved a five-year contract with Lauterbach & Amen LLP for audit services covering fiscal years 2025 through 2029. The annual audit fee will range between $25,000 and $30,000 per year.

Board Reappointments: Patricia Lucas was reappointed to the Manhattan Police Pension Fund Board for a two-year term expiring May 1, 2027. Bruce Steinke received reappointment to the Manhattan Police and Fire Commission for a three-year term expiring May 1, 2028.

Code Correction Approved: The board passed an ordinance correcting a numbering error in municipal code. The municipal cannabis retailers tax was renumbered to avoid confusion with the municipal gas tax provisions.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Water Main Projects Scheduled: Three major water main improvement projects will begin this year following a May 29 bid opening. Work is planned for Front Street, Route 52 and Arsenal Road. SPEC continues work on the Well 7 extension project, which is approximately 75 percent complete.

Road Construction Planned: Park Street reconstruction from East North to First Street will begin in approximately two weeks. The project includes road widening, new storm structures and sump lines for area residents. When work begins, Smith Road to Abby will be closed on Eastern Avenue.

Meeting Date Change: The May 20 village board meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, May 22, at 6 p.m. due to scheduling conflicts.