Village postpones St. Joseph’s school sprinkler decision as benefactors emerge to help with costs

Mayor Mike Adrieansen began his second term alongside newly elected Village Clerk Rebecca Bouck and trustees Justin Young, Clint Boone and Jennifer Bahena during Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremony at Village Hall.

The ceremony marked the end of 24 years of service for Trustee Dave Beemsterboer, who received recognition as the village’s senior trustee for the past two years. Trustee Ron Adamski concluded his four-year term, and Village Clerk Shelley Lewis stepped down from her elected position but will continue serving as the village’s executive administrative assistant.

The board unanimously voted to table a proposed fire code amendment that would have affected St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and School’s building renovation plans. Father Mike McMahon told trustees that two benefactors have emerged to help cover the financial costs of bringing water service from Sharp Drive to the building, which would enable the installation of required fire sprinklers.

“God willing that these benefactors in the next few weeks or days if they’re lined up and everything’s squared away, certainly my suggestion and my hope would be for you to dismiss the need for an amendment,” Father McMahon said during public comment.

The proposed text amendment would have modified Title 3, Chapter 10, Section 2 of the village’s fire code. The church had sought relief from sprinkler requirements due to the significant cost of extending water infrastructure to the building they plan to convert into additional classroom space.

Erik Hoffer, executive director of the Northern Illinois Fire Sprinkler Advisory Board, urged the board to maintain consistent fire safety standards. He argued the building should be classified as Group E (Educational) rather than A3 (Assembly) and emphasized that fire sprinklers are essential for controlling fires and protecting lives.

“Your goal as you stated in that proposed text amendment is to protect the health safety and welfare of your citizens,” Hoffer said. “That means all community members and all institutions must be subject to the codes in the same manner.”

Andrea Baumhardt, a Manhattan resident, praised Father McMahon’s transparency with the parish while encouraging the newly formed board to maintain similar openness in governance. She noted the current village meeting room lacks sprinklers and urged officials to uphold the same standards they expect of others.

Mayor Adrieansen said he believes a resolution is close but needs more time to finalize details.

In other business, the board approved the purchase of two new police vehicles totaling $157,362. Police Chief Steve Gulli said the 2025 Ford F-150 and Ford Explorer will replace high-mileage patrol cars requiring frequent repairs. The F-150 will be used for truck enforcement, which generated approximately $250,000 to $300,000 in fines last year.

The village also hired seven part-time employees for the summer mowing crew and four for general summer help, all at $17 per hour. Public Works Superintendent John Tyk announced that bids for three major water main projects will open May 29, with work planned for Front Street, Route 52, and Arsenal Road.

Trustees approved continuing audit services with Lauterbach & Amen LLP for fiscal years 2025 through 2029 and accepted the annual comprehensive financial report for the year ended April 30, 2024.