MH VB 5--22

Manhattan Board Changes Meeting Time, Limits Public Comment

Village moves to 5:30 p.m. start time and reduces
speaking period from five to three minutes

The Village of Manhattan Board of Trustees approved two ordinance changes Tuesday that will alter how and when residents can engage with village government, including moving regular meetings to 5:30 p.m. and reducing public comment time from five to three minutes.

The board voted 6-0 to change the start time for regular meetings from 6:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., effective immediately. The time change was proposed after trustees found their previous 5:00 p.m. trial meeting “pretty nice to be home by 6:30 with family and have dinner,” according to Mayor Mike Adrieansen.

However, some board members expressed concerns about the earlier time. One trustee noted they cannot leave work until almost 4:00 p.m., creating scheduling difficulties with the new meeting time. The board ultimately settled on 5:30 p.m. as a compromise.

The public comment time limit change proved more controversial, passing by a narrower 4-2 margin with Trustees Robert Dilling and Lucinda Neighbors voting against the measure. The ordinance reduces individual speaking time from five minutes to three minutes, though the board retains authority to extend time “if needed.”

Trustees discussed implementing additional guidance for public speakers, including providing welcoming language on agendas and clarifying the board’s role during public comment periods. “We want to hear the concerns but at the same time maybe something could be added to the agenda,” suggested Trustee Jennifer Bahena.

The board also emphasized that residents should not expect immediate responses during public comment, with issues potentially being added to future agendas as appropriate.

In other business, the board unanimously removed Bill Borgo from the Planning and Zoning Commission following a formal public hearing. Mayor Adrieansen cited Borgo’s absence from six of the last 14 meetings without providing reasons for the absences. “All meetings are important and as a chairman consistent attendance is a critical part of the role,” Adrieansen stated.

The board also approved a $28,000 contract with Landmark Demolition for removing two village-owned properties at 140 First Street and 310 McClure Avenue. Both houses are in poor condition and were previously rented before being vacated. The demolition is part of the village’s broader downtown redevelopment planning, with garages remaining intact for temporary village storage.

Additionally, trustees approved a commercial patio site plan for 525 South State Street, the former Roadhouse 52 location, and authorized a memorandum of agreement with the Illinois Council of Police allowing increased compensation for officers working extra-duty assignments.

The next village board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 3, at the new 5:30 p.m. start time.

Latest News Stories

New-Lenox-School-122.5

Handbook Changes at D122 Include Swapping PSAT for PreACT

Students in New Lenox School District 122 will see several changes in the upcoming school year, as the Board of Education approved updates to the 2025-2026 Parent/Student Handbook that affect...
New-Lenox-Police.3

New Dining Options Coming as Village Approves Hot Dog Stand, Restaurant Patio

NEW LENOX – The local dining scene is set for a boost after the Village Board on Monday approved plans for a new hot dog stand and an outdoor patio...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Park District for June 18, 2025

The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners met on June 18, 2025, to approve its annual budget, advance key park projects, and hear updates on a wide range...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.11.44-PM

Monee Board Sets Spending Plan with 2025-2026 Appropriations Ordinance

Article Summary: The Monee Village Board has approved its annual appropriations ordinance, which acts as the village's legal spending authority for the fiscal year that began May 1, 2025. The...
New-Lenox-School-122.3

New Lenox School District 122 Honors State Track and Field Athletes

New Lenox School District 122 took time during its June 17 board meeting to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its junior high athletes at the 2025 IESA State Track and...

Fiber Optic Internet Competition Coming to New Lenox

NEW LENOX – Residents may soon have a new choice for high-speed internet, as Champaign-based Pavlov Media announced its intention to build out a fiber optic network across the village....
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee Officials Issue Pool Safety Alert Amid Summer Heat

Article Summary: Following an increase in new pool installations, Monee's Building Services department is reminding residents of mandatory permit and safety requirements. Officials are emphasizing life-safety measures to prevent drownings,...
New-Lenox-Village-Board

Village Board Approves Millions in Spending on Roads, Parks, and Museum

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Village Board authorized millions of dollars in spending on Monday for its annual road program and for continued investment in its newest community amenities,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education for June 17, 2025

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education handled significant financial business at its June 17 meeting, approving a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 school year and renewing insurance...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Board of Trustees for July 28, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board meeting on Monday was marked by ceremony and significant action on major developments. The board honored the new Pope Leo XIV and retiring Police Chief...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Monee Village Board for July 23, 2025

The Monee Village Board of Trustees heard a detailed presentation for a major industrial redevelopment, approved a significant payment for its nearly-completed public works facility, and gave final clearance for...
Fire-Accident-Emergency-Graphic.3

Fatal Crash, Second Collision Snarl Wilmington-Peotone Road

A fatal crash on Wilmington-Peotone Road Tuesday morning was complicated by a second, separate collision in the same area, prompting an extended closure of the roadway as emergency crews work...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.2

New Lenox Fire Board Denies Variance Over Extreme Hydrant Distance, Citing Safety

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees unanimously denied a homeowner's variance request on Monday, citing significant public safety concerns over the property's extreme distance...
new-lenox-fire-district-stations.4

New Lenox Fire District Secures $35,000 Grant for UTV in Solar Farm Agreement

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Fire Protection District is set to receive a $35,000 grant to purchase a new Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) as part of a community benefit...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Fire Protection District for June 16, 2025

The New Lenox Fire Protection District Board of Trustees took decisive action on a residential fire code variance and discussed a new community partnership for a planned solar farm during...