Manhattan Village Board Meeting | November 18, 2025

The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, appointed Rosemaria DiBenedetto as the new Village Administrator and moved forward on several major development and infrastructure projects. The board gave final plat approval to the 41-lot Butternut Ridge South subdivision and authorized an agreement to update designs for a significant expansion of the wastewater treatment plant.

Additionally, Mayor Mike Adrieansen thanked the Illinois Department of Transportation for recent safety improvements at the Route 52 and East North Street intersection, a topic of intense community focus. Trustees discussed the need for further enhancements, such as illuminated crosswalks. The board also approved the purchase of new public works equipment and the sale of surplus police vehicles. For more details on these actions, please see the full standalone articles.

News Briefs

Round Barn Annexation Vote Set for December 2:
Community Development Director Marc Nelson announced that all documents are complete for the annexation and rezoning of the historic Round Barn property. The matter will be brought before the board for a final vote at its next meeting on December 2. The property owner hopes to begin interior construction this winter with a goal of completing the project in the spring.

New Public Works Equipment Approved:
The board authorized the purchase of an EZ SpotUR Double Pole Setter for $10,039. The skid steer attachment will allow Public Works crews to more safely and efficiently install the 25-foot concrete streetlight poles used in many of the village’s subdivisions. Superintendent of Public Works John Tyk said the new tool will reduce manpower and pay for itself after just a few uses compared to hiring an outside contractor.

Surplus Police Vehicles to be Auctioned:
The village will sell three older, high-mileage police vehicles after the board declared them surplus property. The vehicles slated for sale or auction are a 2015 Ford Explorer, a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. Chief Ryan Gulli confirmed that all reusable equipment, such as computers and radios, has been removed to be installed in new squad cars.

Public Works Projects Nearing Completion:
Several major infrastructure projects are wrapping up, according to Superintendent of Public Works John Tyk. The Park Road water main replacement and the Well 6 water main lining projects are both complete or in their final stages. Meanwhile, the Route 52 water main extension project is ongoing. Construction on Eastern Avenue is expected to resume shortly, following the completion of a gas line relocation by NICOR.

Christmas on State and Holiday Schedule Announced:
Village Clerk Rebecca Bouck announced that the annual Christmas on State celebration is scheduled for December 6. Registration is currently open for the Snowman Stroll, the Light up Manhattan contest, and the Parade of Lights. She also reminded residents that Village Hall will be closed on November 27 and 28 in observance of Thanksgiving.