Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan for March 16, 2026

Village of Manhattan Meeting | March 16, 2026

The Manhattan Village Board met on Monday, March 16, 2026, to address public safety, approve seasonal infrastructure projects, and review community events. The board heard a warning from the Police Chief regarding skyrocketing traffic collisions, approved a $1.1 million road resurfacing initiative for the Leighlinbridge Subdivision, and authorized the purchase of a $58,900 automated valve trailer to modernize water system maintenance.

For comprehensive details on these topics, please read the full standalone articles. Other notable actions and reports from the meeting are summarized below.

Board Approves $178,937 in Village Bills:
The board unanimously approved the March 16, 2026, bills list via the consent agenda. According to the invoice register, the total payout for the period was $178,937.09. The largest single expenditure was a $98,898.80 payment to Airy’s Inc. for ongoing work on the Manhattan Street water main project. Other notable expenses included $13,758.00 to USA Bluebook for a wastewater trash pump (approved at the prior meeting) and $5,189.02 to Al Warren Oil Co. for municipal fuel deliveries.

Village Adopts Updated Zoning Map:
The board unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the publication of the official Village Zoning Map. Illinois State Statutes mandate that municipalities publish an updated map no later than March 31 if any zoning changes occurred in the previous year. According to Community Development Director Marc Nelson, the newly approved map incorporates the recent rezoning and annexations of the Round Barn property, the Butternut Ridge South Subdivision, and the fire department site.

Mandatory MS4 Stormwater Report Completed:
Village Engineer Carrie Pintar of Robinson Engineering presented the annual MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) public update. The presentation fulfills an unfunded mandate from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requiring the village to publicly document its stormwater management and pollution prevention efforts. Pintar noted that the village meets the state’s six minimum control measures by utilizing its existing street sweeping programs, erosion control plan reviews, and proper maintenance of Manhattan Creek. The finalized report will be submitted to the state by the end of March.

Manhattan Demons Wrestling Heads to State:
Trustee Jennifer Bahena took a moment to congratulate the Manhattan Junior High School Demons wrestling team. The team recently received a police escort send-off as they traveled to the state tournament. Bahena reported that the team secured second place overall, with six of the team’s nine wrestlers placing in their respective categories.

Irish Fest Deemed a Success Despite Cold Front:
Multiple trustees and Mayor Mike Adrieansen praised village staff, the Manhattan Police Department, and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) for successfully managing the 32nd Annual Irish Fest. While the weekend began with temperatures in the 60s, a severe cold front dropped temperatures into the 30s alongside heavy rain during the parade. Despite the weather, officials noted the event went smoothly with virtually no complaints regarding traffic or parking logistics.

Polar Plunge Raises Funds for Special Olympics:
Trustee Lucinda Neighbors highlighted the success of the recent local Polar Plunge event, which raised significant funds for the Special Olympics. Neighbors specifically commended Manhattan Police Officer Shannon for her consistent dedication to the annual charity event and her strong community rapport, noting she recently dressed up as a 100-year-old to celebrate the 100th day of school with students at Wilson Creek.