The Manhattan Fire Protection District has received strong interest from contractors for its new fire station project, with construction bids due back June 3 and groundbreaking still targeted for July.

Chief Steve Malone told the board Monday that the construction management firm will review all submitted bids, and there appears to be significant contractor interest in the project. The district is working through final details including soil samples and easement status, with a storm shelter room requiring third-party vendor review.

The update comes as the district handled a busy 48-hour period during Thursday’s severe weather, responding to approximately 40 calls including multiple reports of downed power lines and one collapsed structure. The storm response demonstrates the ongoing need for expanded fire protection capacity in the growing district.

“Thursdays storm generated approximately 40 calls in 48 hours. Multiple calls for wires down and a collapsed structure,” according to the meeting minutes. The district has already responded to 1,054 calls this year, maintaining its pace of steady emergency activity.

The board took several administrative actions during the meeting, including postponing the swearing-in of new Trustee Mike Shivers until the next meeting and voting to retain current board leadership positions rather than reorganizing roles.

Members also approved joining a revised intergovernmental agreement for the ImageTrend records management system, which has served the district since 2019. The updated agreement adds East Joliet to the existing partnership with New Lenox, Mokena, Frankfort and Manhattan fire departments.

Deputy Chief Dave Piper presented the April 2025 operational report, covering performance data and incident analysis including call volume, staffing status, incident locations and response times. The comprehensive reporting reflects the district’s commitment to data-driven operations and transparency.

The board also reviewed plans for a memorial at Station 83 honoring the late Trustee Bill Osborne, using funds received from community donations. The memorial will provide a lasting tribute to Osborne’s service to the fire district.

Equipment updates include the expected return of the new Tahoe vehicle next week after outfitting, though the district is addressing generator issues at Station 83 and looking to replace operator door openers for several bay doors.

Fire prevention activities continue with the Peotone Holiday Inn Express nearing its opening, with Battalion Chief Bruce Boyle assisting through the approval process and firefighters receiving specialized training on the new building. The district also continues advancing various solar energy projects throughout its coverage area.