Village of Manhattan Logo Graphic

Manhattan Swears In New Officials, Tables Fire Code Discussion

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.

Latest News Stories

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...
Frankfort-Township-Logo-Graphic

Meeting Briefs: Frankfort Township Board for April 14, 2025

The Frankfort Township Board of Trustees met on Monday, April 14, 2025, to address zoning matters and new business. The board took a firm stance against government consolidation, unanimously passing...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Recommends Denial of Bruns Road Rodeo Permit Amid Neighbor Objections

The Manhattan Township Board unanimously recommended that Will County deny a permit for a large-scale commercial rodeo on Bruns Road, following a contentious public hearing where neighbors cited a history...
Manhattan Township

Road Contract Awarded as Township Races Against Bridge Funding Deadline

The Manhattan Township Highway Department has awarded a $91,000 contract for its annual road resurfacing program, while simultaneously facing a critical deadline that puts $500,000 in county funding for a...
Manhattan Township

Manhattan Township Halts Electric Aggregation Program, Citing Poor Pricing

Residents in unincorporated Manhattan Township will no longer be enrolled in a group electricity purchasing plan after the Township Board voted unanimously not to renew its electric aggregation contract. The...
Manhattan Township

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Township for April 8, 2025

Assessor’s Office to Replace Server, Receives New Tax Multiplier: Assessor Joe Oldani reported that the township’s server is not compliant with current security methods and must be replaced by the end...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Fire District Receives Clean Audit, Adds 9 New Firefighters Despite Staff Departures

The Manhattan Fire Protection District received a clean audit report for fiscal year 2023 while addressing staffing challenges with nine new part-time firefighters set to join the department at the...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Construction Manager Decision Delayed for New Fire Station Project

The Manhattan Fire Protection District has postponed a decision on hiring a construction management company for its new fire station project while fee structures are finalized. Board members met with...
MFPD-Logo-Fire District

Manhattan Fire District March 17 Meeting Briefs

Vehicle Updates Progressing: The new Tahoe ordered last year has arrived but will require several months before entering service. The ambulance damaged in December's crash is currently at the body...