Manhattan Village Board Approves Public Works Hires and Wastewater Equipment Purchase

Village of Manhattan Meeting | March 3, 2026

Article Summary: The Manhattan Village Board finalized the hiring of two full-time Public Works maintenance laborers and authorized the purchase of a new trash pump for the wastewater treatment plant.

Public Works Operations Key Points:

• The board authorized the purchase of a trash pump from USABlueBook for a final cost of $13,758.00.

• Paul Kaspar was hired as a full-time maintenance laborer at an hourly rate of $31.08.

• James McCabe was hired as an additional full-time maintenance laborer at an hourly rate of $27.35.

The Manhattan Village Board on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, unanimously approved a slate of operational requests from the Public Works Department, finalizing two new hires and authorizing a critical equipment purchase for the local wastewater facility.

Superintendent of Public Works John Tyk submitted a resolution requesting authorization to purchase a new trailer-mounted trash pump. According to the agenda packet memos, the heavy-duty pump is necessary for sludge removal from the wastewater plant and emergency bypass pumping at the village’s lift stations.

The pump is specifically designed with large internal clearances and non-clog impellers to transport wastewater containing high concentrations of solids—such as sticks, stones, and rags—that would otherwise severely damage standard pumping equipment.

The village received three quotes for the machinery, with USABlueBook submitting the lowest bid at $13,758.00. While the original resolution included an additional $132.62 for shipping, Mayor Mike Adrieansen informed the board of a last-minute cost reduction.

“Actually, USABlueBook reached out to us today and they’re not going to charge us the $132.62 for shipping,” Mayor Adrieansen confirmed before the vote. The board subsequently passed the purchase unanimously.

In personnel matters, the board voted unanimously to fill two vacant positions within the Public Works Department, bringing on two full-time maintenance laborers to assist with the department’s operations and maintenance needs.

The board approved the hiring of Paul Kaspar at an hourly rate of $31.08. According to the board memos, Kaspar brings valuable qualifications to the village, including experience as a licensed diesel mechanic with the ability to diagnose and repair both small engines and diesel trucks.

Additionally, the board approved the hiring of James McCabe at an hourly rate of $27.35. McCabe’s qualifications include previous experience working in the public works industry, as well as a strong working knowledge of automotive and small engine repair. Both positions are part of the local bargaining unit under Local 150.