Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Manhattan Village Board for July 15, 2025

New Planning Commissioner Appointed: Mayor Mike Adrieansen appointed Gwen Petrella to the Manhattan Planning and Zoning Commission. The Village Board unanimously authorized the appointment for a term ending May 1, 2026.

Eastern Avenue Reconstruction to Begin: Public Works Superintendent John Tyk announced that the reconstruction of Eastern Avenue is expected to begin in early August. Following a pre-construction meeting with contractor PT Ferro Construction, the project is scheduled for completion by November 21, though work may be finished sooner depending on the delivery of culverts.

Support for America’s 250th Anniversary: The village formally expressed its support for the Illinois America250 Commemoration, a state-level initiative to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. The resolution encourages local participation in events recognizing Illinois’ role in the nation’s history.

Trustee Attends Remotely from D.C.: Trustee Clint Boone attended the meeting electronically from Washington D.C., where he was advocating for physical therapy legislation with the American Physical Therapy Association. Boone reported that he had a brief, unplanned meeting with U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson during his trip.

Village to Hire Accountant: The finance department is in the process of hiring for a new accounting position. Finance Director Justin VanVooren reported that three candidates are being interviewed, and an update is expected at the next board meeting.

Upcoming Workshops Scheduled: The village has scheduled two workshops for officials. A comprehensive plan workshop will be held on July 23 at 5 p.m. to discuss long-term village planning with consultants. A finance workshop is scheduled for September 9 at 5 p.m.

Latest News Stories

Meeting Briefs

L-W School Board June 26 Meeting Briefs

Special Education District Update: The fence installation around the playground at Lincoln Way Area Special Education District 843 has been completed except for one gate section that will allow equipment...
Joliet-Junior-college.-Graphic-Logo.2

JJC Embarks on New 10-15 Year Facilities Master Plan Process

Joliet Junior College is laying the groundwork for its physical future, officially launching a comprehensive process to create a new facilities master plan that will guide campus development for the...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees for June 25, 2025

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Key actions included the approval of the fiscal year 2026 budget after a contentious debate and hearing...
Will-County-Board-Meeting-June-18-2025

Will County Board Halts Transportation Plan After Contentious 143rd Street Debate

The Will County Board voted Wednesday to send its five-year, multi-million dollar transportation improvement plan back to committee, effectively pausing all projects after a lengthy and heated debate over the...
Will-County-Board-Meeting-June-18-2025

Will County Board Upholds Zoning Denials, Rejecting Developer Appeals

The Will County Board on Wednesday backed its Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), denying two separate appeals from property owners who sought to overturn the commission’s recommendations against their projects....
Will-County-Board-Meeting-June-18-2025

Split Vote Halts Monee Truck Terminal Project

A proposed truck terminal on vacant land at West Monee-Manhattan Road in Monee Township was stopped in its tracks Wednesday after the Will County Board delivered a split decision on...
Will-County-Board-Meeting-June-18-2025

Future Quarry Fight Looms as Board Approves ‘Tequila Barrel’ Retreat

While the Will County Board greenlit a unique tourist destination featuring overnight stays in repurposed tequila barrels, it also received formal notice of a coming fight to shut down a...
Meeting Briefs

News Briefs from the Will County Board June 18 Meeting

Monee Church Designated Historic LandmarkThe Will County Board unanimously voted to designate St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Monee as a historical landmark. Member Judy Ogalla, a Monee native,...
MH VB 6-17

Manhattan Police Department Welcomes New Full-Time Officer

The Village of Manhattan swore in Officer Joselyn Esparza as its newest full-time police officer during the June 17 village board meeting, bringing the department to full staffing levels. Mayor...
MH VB 6-17

Village Approves New Truck Purchase for Public Works Department

The Manhattan Village Board approved the purchase of a new Ford F450 truck for $116,000 to replace aging equipment in the public works department. The truck will be used for...
Meeting Briefs

Manhattan Village Board Briefs

Bank Letters of Credit: The board approved a resolution rescinding demand for payment on certain letters of credit for Banks Farm Development's Villas of Prairie Trails project. The bank provided...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic-June-16-2025

Frankfort Approves Outdoor Patios for The Loft and Grounded Coffee Bar, Waives All Parking Requirements

Downtown Frankfort is set to expand its outdoor dining options after the Village Board on Monday approved plans for new patios at two adjacent businesses, The Loft and Grounded Coffee...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic-June-16-2025

Frankfort Police Department to Get Four New Vehicles in Fleet Upgrade

FRANKFORT, Ill. – The Frankfort Police Department will be updating its aging fleet after the Village Board approved the purchase of four new vehicles for a total cost not to...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic-June-16-2025

Indoor Pickleball Facility ‘Pickled!’ Gets Green Light in Frankfort

A new indoor pickleball facility named "Pickled!" is set to open in Frankfort after the Village Board granted a special use permit for the business at its Monday meeting. The...
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic-June-16-2025

Frankfort to Install Public Wi-Fi at Breidert Green

Visitors to Breidert Green in downtown Frankfort will soon have access to free public wireless internet. The Village Board on Monday approved the purchase and installation of Wi-Fi equipment to...