Meeting Summary and Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for Jan. 20, 2026

Manhattan Village Board Meeting | Jan. 20, 2026

Overall Meeting Summary
The Manhattan Village Board met on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to handle routine administrative business and receive end-of-year reports from staff. The meeting, presided over by Mayor Mike Adrieansen, included the approval of new financial signatories and the appointment of a new IMRF agent following recent staff changes.

Significant time was dedicated to reports from village officials. Police Chief Jeff Gulli provided a 2025 retrospective, noting a rise in traffic accidents and commercial truck enforcement. Trustees took time to discuss community events, winter weather safety, and successful charitable drives before adjourning into an executive session regarding personnel and collective bargaining. No action was taken following the closed session.

News Briefs

Veterans Drive Success: Trustee Tom Doyle announced that the collection drive for the Manteno Veterans Home was a major success. While the original goal was to collect 350 calendars and personal items, the community donated over 600 items. Doyle expressed his gratitude to all residents who contributed.

Community Blood Drive: Trustee Clint Boone and Clerk Rebecca Bouck reminded residents of the upcoming community blood drive. The event is scheduled for January 29 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Village Hall meeting room. Trustee Lucinda Neighbors encouraged participation, noting that the process has become much more relaxing and less intimidating than in the past.

Winter Weather Warnings: With temperatures dropping, village officials urged residents to take precautions. Trustee Robert Dilling advised residents to check on elderly neighbors to ensure they have adequate heat. Additionally, Public Works official John Tyk advised residents with plumbing on outside walls to let faucets drip slightly to prevent frozen pipes during the coming cold snap.

Eastern Avenue Reconstruction: According to the Village Engineer’s monthly report, the reconstruction of Eastern Avenue, including the replacement of roadway culverts, is currently underway. The contractor, PT Ferro, is managing traffic control, and the roadway is expected to be completed in the spring.

New Administrator Updates: In her monthly report, Village Administrator Rosemaria DiBenedetto outlined several recent operational improvements at Village Hall. These include the installation of a water cooler and coffee station for visitors, expanded garbage collection services, and the implementation of a universal email signature for all departments to ensure professional communication.