Manhattan Board Changes Meeting Time, Limits Public Comment

Village moves to 5:30 p.m. start time and reduces
speaking period from five to three minutes

The Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees approved two ordinance changes Tuesday that will alter how and when residents can engage with village government, including moving regular meetings to 5:30 p.m. and reducing public comment time from five to three minutes.

The board voted 6-0 to change the start time for regular meetings from 6:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., effective immediately. The time change was proposed after trustees found their previous 5:00 p.m. trial meeting “pretty nice to be home by 6:30 with family and have dinner,” according to Mayor Mike Adrieansen.

However, some board members expressed concerns about the earlier time. One trustee noted they cannot leave work until almost 4:00 p.m., creating scheduling difficulties with the new meeting time. The board ultimately settled on 5:30 p.m. as a compromise.

The public comment time limit change proved more controversial, passing by a narrower 4-2 margin with Trustees Robert Dilling and Lucinda Neighbors voting against the measure. The ordinance reduces individual speaking time from five minutes to three minutes, though the board retains authority to extend time “if needed.”

Trustees discussed implementing additional guidance for public speakers, including providing welcoming language on agendas and clarifying the board’s role during public comment periods. “We want to hear the concerns but at the same time maybe something could be added to the agenda,” suggested Trustee Jennifer Bahena.

The board also emphasized that residents should not expect immediate responses during public comment, with issues potentially being added to future agendas as appropriate.

In other business, the board unanimously removed Bill Borgo from the Planning and Zoning Commission following a formal public hearing. Mayor Adrieansen cited Borgo’s absence from six of the last 14 meetings without providing reasons for the absences. “All meetings are important and as a chairman consistent attendance is a critical part of the role,” Adrieansen stated.

The board also approved a $28,000 contract with Landmark Demolition for removing two village-owned properties at 140 First Street and 310 McClure Avenue. Both houses are in poor condition and were previously rented before being vacated. The demolition is part of the village’s broader downtown redevelopment planning, with garages remaining intact for temporary village storage.

Additionally, trustees approved a commercial patio site plan for 525 South State Street, the former Roadhouse 52 location, and authorized a memorandum of agreement with the Illinois Council of Police allowing increased compensation for officers working extra-duty assignments.

The next village board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at the new 5:30 p.m. start time.