Manhattan Township Board Approves Holiday Support Letter in 4-1 Vote

Manhattan Township Meeting | August 2025

Article Summary: The Manhattan Township Board voted to provide a letter of support for the Village of Manhattan’s grant application to help fund its “Light Up the Holidays” celebration, but the decision was not unanimous. Trustee Paul Woodcock cast the lone dissenting vote, arguing the township has historically provided its services for the event free of charge.

Holiday Grant Letter Key Points:

• The board voted 4-1 to approve a letter supporting the Village of Manhattan’s application for a ComEd grant.

• The grant would help underwrite costs for the annual holiday celebration.

• Trustee Paul Woodcock objected, stating the township has always volunteered its time and covered the costs for the Town Square Christmas tree.

The Manhattan Township Board on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, agreed to support the Village of Manhattan’s effort to secure grant funding for its annual holiday celebration, but the motion passed with one trustee in opposition.

The board voted 4-1 to authorize a letter of support for the village’s application for a ComEd grant to help fund the “Light Up the Holidays” event. The Village Administrator provided a template letter for the township and other local organizations to use.

While the majority of the board supported the measure, Trustee Paul Woodcock voted against it. According to the meeting minutes, Woodcock objected because the township has a long history of volunteering its time and resources to provide the Christmas tree for Town Square at no cost to the village or taxpayers.

The motion to approve the letter was made by Trustee Bill McGrath and seconded by Trustee Mark Yunker. Supervisor Jim Walsh and Trustees McGrath, Yunker, and Eileen Fitzer voted in favor.