Meeting Summary and Briefs: Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees for April 7, 2026

Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees Meeting | April 7, 2026

The Manhattan Village Board meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, focused heavily on transparent financial planning and community enhancement. The board reviewed a proposed $32.8 million FY2027 budget that utilizes a rigorous zero-based accounting approach and includes a $10 million IEPA loan to dramatically expand the village’s wastewater treatment plant. On the community front, the village accepted a $10,000 tourism grant from the Joliet Arsenal Development Authority (JADA), utilizing a portion of it to purchase patriotic street decorations for Route 52. The board also renewed its commitment to public safety by extending an agreement to maintain License Plate Reader cameras on county roads and approved a new “Pig in the Parking Lot” 5K and barbecue event for late May.

Holiday Decorations Upgrade Approved
The Village Board unanimously approved the $30,112.02 purchase of new lighted Christmas decorations from Mosca Design. According to a memo from Public Works Superintendent John Tyk, the village’s existing wooden holiday displays at Arrowhead and the Wabash Lot are showing signs of deterioration. The new LED decorations will replace the wooden displays, which will be relocated to Well 6 at 520 W. North Street along Route 52 to expand the town’s holiday footprint. The cost includes a volume discount, as the village previously utilized Mosca Design for pole-mounted lights.

In-House Leak Detection Device Purchased
To improve response times and reduce the costs associated with water main breaks, the board approved the $26,051.00 purchase of a leak detection listening device from Fluid Conservation Systems, Inc. The Public Works Department currently relies on a third-party contractor to locate leaks, which can result in significant delays and ongoing service expenses. The new Tri-Corr Touch Pro device includes magnetic valve sensors, a control panel, and headphones, allowing village staff to accurately pinpoint underground leaks in-house, generating long-term cost savings.

Labor Day Fireworks Contract Secured
The village will continue its recent tradition of concluding the Labor Day weekend with a fireworks display at Round Barn Farm Park. The board approved a resolution authorizing an agreement with Pyrotecnico Fireworks, Inc. for a 15-to-20-minute show on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at a cost not to exceed $15,000. The fireworks will be launched from the Manhattan Intermediate School grounds at approximately 8:30 p.m., following an agreement with Manhattan School District 114.

Commission Reappointments Confirmed
Mayor Mike Adrieansen advanced two commission reappointments, which the board unanimously approved. Erin McDonough was reappointed to the Manhattan Police Pension Fund for a two-year term ending May 1, 2028. Al Griffiths was reappointed to the Manhattan Police and Fire Commission for a three-year term ending May 1, 2029.