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

Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Manhattan Honors Departing Officials at Final Board Meeting

Beemsterboer, Adamski and Lewis recognized for combined 32 years of public service The Village of Manhattan honored three departing officials Tuesday evening, recognizing their combined 32 years of public service...
Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Manhattan Village Board Meeting Briefs

New Police Vehicles Approved: The village board authorized purchasing two new police interceptors for $157,362 total. A 2025 Ford F-150 will replace squad 773 for truck enforcement duties, while a...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District Approves Construction Manager for New Station, Targets May 5 Bid Opening

The Manhattan Fire Protection District selected ICI Build as its construction management company for the new fire station project and is targeting May 5 for opening construction bids. The board...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District Expands Health Programs, Considers Cancer Screening

The Manhattan Fire Protection District is expanding its employee wellness initiatives with potential cancer screening through body scans and continuing its successful injury prevention program. The Health and Safety Committee...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District May 21 Meeting Briefs

Policy Manual Nearly Complete: The district's operational procedures and policy manual is 95% complete, with attorney review and union input ongoing. The complete manual will be presented to the board...
lincoln way school district

Lincoln-Way Board Approves Up to $31.3 Million Bond Sale for Safety, Security Upgrades

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to issue up to $31.33 million in life safety bonds to fund a wide range of...
frankfort-square-park-district.2

Frankfort Square Park District Approves Budget Amid County Tax Adjustment, Funds Major Projects

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved its operating budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its April 17 meeting, earmarking funds for major ongoing projects and...
default

Lincoln-Way School Board Certifies Election, Re-elects Janik as President

The Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Board of Education officially reorganized for the upcoming year during its meeting on April 17, certifying the results of the April 1 consolidated...
lincoln way school district

New Electricity Contract to Save Lincoln-Way Over $500,000 Next Year

Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is poised for significant energy cost savings after the Board of Education unanimously approved a new 54-month electric commodity contract with Direct Energy. The agreement,...
frankfort-square-park-district.1

Four New Commissioners to Join Frankfort Square Park District Board in May

Four newly elected commissioners are set to join the Frankfort Square Park District Board in May, following the April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election. Executive Director Audrey Marcquenski formally congratulated Lauren...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for April 17, 2025

The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners met on April 17 to approve its annual budget, discuss new projects, and hear departmental updates. The district approved a nearly $5...
lincoln way school district.3

Lincoln-Way District 210 Board Briefs

District Finances Stable in March ReportAssistant Superintendent Michael Duback presented the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending March 31, 2025. Revenues for the month totaled $3.1 million, while expenditures were...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Frankfort Township Board Unanimously Opposes Government Consolidation

The Frankfort Township Board on Monday took a firm stance against a perennial issue in Illinois politics, unanimously passing a resolution to formally oppose any legislative efforts to consolidate or...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Frankfort Township Upgrading Senior Apartments Amidst High Demand

Frankfort Township is moving forward with significant upgrades to its senior apartments to meet modern standards, Supervisor Nick George announced at Monday’s board meeting. The improvements come as the township...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Outdoor Bar Expansion Gets Green Light from Frankfort Township

The Frankfort Township Board has approved a special use permit that will allow a bar in an unincorporated area to expand its service outdoors. The unanimous decision was made during...