[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6198874,"mediaKeyId","3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636","parentId",3842060,"title","Heated public comments and trustee disputes highlight governance rifts at Manteno meeting","audioSeconds",2590,"startMs",776000,"endMs",3366000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636&start=776&end=3366","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636/thumbnail_776000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6198874/Manteno/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Heated-public-comments-and-trustee-disputes-highlight-governance-rifts-at-Manteno-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198874-25e412ea95731cd1bfd8db9378d8d5a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138367&Signature=fsqc3hWqX7wbctW8wekSpxwkPnvq~jeZP-2ab1f06sVYaK4fT7Fag9j-YGB~2qjXLJevx32vXuqYNhSmgWrClI-C1fdMT3wLIlHgK8tiP6UNTeRxIqyCoxIIOK0tSpG75F4pdXzqF4BQSYZkQO3ajmxY44Q5rZzLb-ybUpUiIcju7gGSSTuFX4Wb1KaMfofem5Ywr1hL70sa2bNHyzhaPIDuBl-2KISI7pqal98GfedQV18IVAVJOeXEdtLcvRZpWiC7u562SIRj53vc-oeedlTBHtgE6n4xeul-ebwZgmZ-LZVEdRLQTEKIZZ4GjsYY0EQ6I2BRgDS6IRFwu6bc5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Manteno, IL","date","2025-06-16T22:46:18Z","article","The June 16 Manteno Village Board meeting featured sustained public comment and an extended trustee discussion that revealed notable disagreements over board conduct, transparency and administrative practices.

Several speakers used the public-participation period to contest board decisions and behavior. Resident Bob Forsyth criticized trustees for perceived absences from committee meetings and accused some members of condescension toward elected officials; Francine Fatima and Anne Gates urged more scrutiny of the Goshen facility at 333 Spruce Street and raised concerns about evacuation and contamination scenarios in a large‑scale battery incident.

Trustees and the mayor acknowledged strained relations among board members. Trustee Joe (last name not stated) pressed for consistent enforcement of the village’s public-participation rules and raised questions about four background checks he said were requested without a posted job opening; he also asked why the village administrator’s contract had not been signed. Village officials confirmed some applications and background-check forms have been submitted by candidates and that applications exist for unspecified office positions; the mayor said she had not signed the administrator’s contract because she did not make the appointment and wanted changes made before signing.

Board members also discussed the volume of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Village Administrator Chris Larocque said the village had processed 58 FOIA requests so far this year and that in 2024 there were 111; one recent FOIA produced approximately 5,400 pages and required significant staff hours to assemble.

Trustees debated public-safety priorities, including scooter and bike enforcement and where youth should safely ride. Police Chief Al Swinford encouraged residents to call the department about reckless riding and said the department works with parents to address recurring reckless behavior. Several trustees urged use of Legacy Park’s south parking lot or the skate/bike park for safer riding.

Multiple trustees urged collegiality and practical cooperation. Trustee Mike Berry urged transparency from the Goshen company and said those who want to see operations should take the company up on offered tours; Trustee CJ urged the board to focus on common ground and implementation of services such as a property-tax rebate program that residents have asked about.

The meeting closed with committee dates set for follow-up on several items and trustees urging more pre-meeting committee discussion to reduce friction during full-board sessions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Manteno Village Board Meeting June 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Public commenters criticized trustees over Goshen and board conduct; trustees debated public participation rules, background checks, FOIA workload and an unsigned village administrator contract, underscoring tensions between new and returning board members.","taxTitle","Manteno, Kankakee County, Illinois","taxId",70424,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6198879,"Votes at a glance: Manteno board approves multiple routine ordinances, tabled liquor-hour change",121,1438000,1559000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636&start=1438&end=1559","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636/thumbnail_1438000.jpg","/articles/6198879/Manteno/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-Manteno-board-approves-multiple-routine-ordinances-tabled-liquor-hour-change","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198879-71e3fabe9f31db4de9a9a69848394560/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138367&Signature=aqzOn1D1b9tf~HhA-SCtnrzzYFVsfSOmz3AaCNBpPKg33zR6c6f2S6AcPRaBMoyqF817GdhBN40QWm5zkSoPywG4Y0dq7pBtGEtHdvlQFvl2iftgpV-go9FNXOtOV7tWxDP56ue1OJnnood18zl1lpBn4wwKhsXI5iWnm~P~G1JH-krEYxTiJZkAwn1T6SsUp7eFzua0I-aneqL7P~4jCTmbQMjfElAa77l9eqt7ULn4iq60B61rF1k0tgMVcY8Xwpw2vm~z7sPlYdih6LcMkdApsJgCQ88Sva9TORxutfliXU2wMTPFWY1AU2DltgAZNh58hcYULKtG~q1-Vs2W6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Manteno Village Board on June 16 approved a package of ordinances and resolutions by omnibus vote covering municipal housekeeping, zoning and equipment surplus, and set follow-up committee meetings for several items.

Key actions approved by omnibus vote (items taken together by roll call) included:

- Ordinance 25-05: Special-use permit for vehicle rentals at 707 North Locust Street (zoning Title IX, chapter 10). The planning commission held a public hearing June 10 and recommended approval.

- Ordinance 25-03: Amendment to Title 5 (Health and Sanitation), chapter 6 (Garbage and Refuse). The amendment requires multi-family properties with dumpsters to screen dumpsters with three-sided, six-foot fencing (wood or PVC) and requires at least weekly removal to prevent overflow. Letters to property owners will be mailed after ordinance adoption.

- Ordinance 25-04: Authorizing sale or donation of surplus municipal personal property (portable and mobile radios) after the department replaced its radios; boards discussed donating some older units to smaller neighboring agencies or selling them if no donation is accepted.

- Resolution 25-03: Amendments to the employee handbook to reflect recently negotiated union contract provisions and state labor-law updates, including a change noted in discussion that provides 10 days’ paid bereavement leave for current spouses and children and five days for other immediate family members for covered employees. Trustees discussed the scope and application of that language to nonunion staff.

- Properties & Recreation purchases: approval to purchase a replacement swing set for Hendrickson Park for $6,252 and to approve electrical work at Legacy Park Phase 2 totaling $5,734 (village responsibility is half of that $5,734; township to pay remaining half per the trustees’ explanation).

Items removed from or not approved on the consent/omnibus agenda:

- Ordinance 25-06 (change to Sunday alcohol sales start time) was taken off the consent agenda and no motion was made to pass it; trustees discussed community reaction and prior outreach to churches and noted the village maintains a mechanism for one‑day event permits for nonprofit events to serve alcohol earlier than ordinance hours.

The omnibus motion to approve the listed ordinances/resolutions was moved and seconded; the roll call reflected a majority in favor and the items were adopted as presented. Trustees identified next committee meeting dates for follow-up on implementation details including mailing compliance notices to multifamily property owners and coordinating Legacy Park electrical work with the township.","At its June 16 meeting, the Manteno Village Board approved several ordinances and resolutions by omnibus vote — including a special-use permit for vehicle rental, amendments to garbage/refuse rules and surplus equipment disposition — and allowed a proposed change to Sunday alcohol hours to lapse without action.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6198884,"Village board rejects appointment of Tiffany Thompson as village attorney",169,975000,1144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636&start=975&end=1144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636/thumbnail_975000.jpg","/articles/6198884/Manteno/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Village-board-rejects-appointment-of-Tiffany-Thompson-as-village-attorney","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198884-f82336605312e2e99e17ef0f1cda71d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138367&Signature=KOZyt9uEVDaLn0~og8qKc~AO3Mtsm6qB5L3uE5hh0WbL53wI9wVGttJIG4tWoNEgg7kbDf31cvCyomRgSH4IpE1cSE8zUjplHNe9URG~dvmNxJwx9UE4M5u1wLxqDVPVtvw9kog3QWkH-wviZUng2yysK4AuhmBPk2hK0jxtArFjOw-zbPGt9~KmiDBdyezCAi0q9knRGryJyAOobdKhUBUuXTI5sTazlN2fNlZ3TIoiCtvPAPAp5G3kXuVnGPr6QqPzxcJhwDblyhieR7v3G2bjvDgH4Wg~uXKR40kQA0fy2XLeOnUSPrf0Lvx39EvdaufLitcG3QaGHyqheFW8xQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village Board declined to appoint Tiffany Thompson as village attorney on June 16, voting 2–4 against the nomination after a brief presentation by Thompson.

Tiffany Thompson, an attorney who described herself as “a local Manteno girl” with municipal law experience at KGG LLC, spoke briefly about her municipal-law background. Village President asked for a motion to appoint Thompson; Trustee Peggy Vaughn moved to approve and Trustee Mike Berry seconded.

The roll-call vote recorded Yes: Peggy Vaughn, Mike Berry; No: Trustee Boudreaux, Trustee Crockett, Trustee Getzke, Trustee Zimbelman. The motion failed.

Trustees who voted no said they were reluctant to change the village’s long-serving legal representation during active litigation and that they were not given sufficient time to vet and meet the candidate. Trustee CJ (full name not stated) and others said they had not been consulted in advance and preferred committee-level consideration. Trustee CJ also said the village is currently involved in litigation and that switching counsel mid-litigation felt inappropriate.

Thompson told the board she has municipal-law experience including representation of municipal clients and that she would be honored to serve Manteno. The board did not adopt the appointment; no alternate appointment was made at the meeting.

The vote leaves the village’s existing legal arrangement unchanged. Trustees said they may revisit the attorney appointment at a later date and suggested a committee meeting would be an appropriate venue for more detailed review and interviews.","The Village Board rejected the motion to appoint Tiffany Thompson, a Manteno-born lawyer, as village attorney after a 2–4 roll-call vote. Trustees who voted no cited procedural concerns and preference to retain existing counsel during ongoing litigation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6198889,"Manteno board approves larger signs for Goshen site amid safety concerns and public scrutiny",2676,169000,2845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636&start=169&end=2845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3842060-5b287dea381b8085b4ce4a52872db636/thumbnail_169000.jpg","/articles/6198889/Manteno/Kankakee-County/Illinois/Manteno-board-approves-larger-signs-for-Goshen-site-amid-safety-concerns-and-public-scrutiny","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6198889-67c06ab72caf12e582cee2a114bb2ffb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138367&Signature=WIs50neJfcor5Lkq3UKFFSae58~VuuAp6h5FEkY2F~VTyk0DdfXIMQgUV7poWCxqM4FhK2sqTjTuCPSM39TbZ7QlMkXNF2IoOy5ce02KNRJn6JpI~Qn3YrNFJw90ArMdcVe-~ngOxFVr3DQ~Eew~glCuMCHN0JZb5y-8Plq5fh3v468XGyYQq~3AteD8L5Rk8idJEQfXR5zR6-gFRmM2LUJzGgeHVcZO8EhmYIPsvHd-lF1gknWEnNOdCb9L0gZnA~J-hwsv54jV5Oqo2xZqnqr-Xcf-u7-pMF3rasVb1W7h5aDjulIZedKh~MkmLnjUcDzJtSk4rFCj3eEs4kewPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Manteno on June 16 voted to grant sign variances that allow two larger, illuminated signs on the industrial building at 333 Spruce Street, the facility commonly referred to in public comment as the Goshen site, after residents and trustees debated safety and transparency concerns.

Residents raised potential hazards from large-scale battery and energy storage operations during public participation, saying the village should weigh evacuation and first-responder impacts. Anne Gates, a Manteno resident, told the board she fears “the vastness of the territory that would have to be evacuated” if a thermal runaway or similar incident occurred, and described prior incidents she said were instructive. Paul Motel, chairman of the plan commission, and trustees discussed the sign variances during the planning and board meetings.

The board’s discussion focused on how the village’s zoning code treats industrial properties (the code currently refers industrial development to commercial sign limits), the size and placement of building-mounted signs and whether illumination rules could create visual or safety problems for motorists on nearby State Route 57. Trustee discussion noted the building’s unusual height and massing compared with typical commercial storefronts, which influenced the petition to allow a larger display.

After taking the sign item off the consent agenda for separate consideration, the board approved the ordinance granting variances to allow two building-mounted signs at 333 Spruce Street that exceed the municipal code’s maximum area and height. The motion to approve the ordinance was moved by Trustee Boudreaux and seconded by Trustee Zimbelman. The roll-call vote recorded Yes: Boudreaux, Zimbelman, Berry, Crockett, Getzke; No: Vaughn; outcome: approved.

Trustees and village staff also told residents that the village has had tours of the Goshen facility. Trustee Mike Berry said he toured the site with the company’s head engineer and said the company “showed me the whole place” and that he observed fire suppression systems and a staffed safety function. Berry said the plant’s representatives told the board they were not yet at full production, that the employer reported about 206 employees on site, and that company officials offered additional public tours.

Public commenters urged broader transparency, pressed the board to check emergency planning and asked whether evacuation impacts and hazardous-release scenarios had been fully assessed. Anne Gates said parts of the state and national response to large chemical incidents had required sealing sewers and that releases could pose long-term environmental contamination. The board said local fire officials have visited the site, the village has required and received some documentation and that staff will continue to coordinate with the company and local emergency services.

The board also discussed whether commercial sign rules are appropriate for large industrial buildings and whether the village should adopt separate industrial signage standards. Planning staff explained that Manteno currently references commercial sign limits for industrial parcels and that the variance request was driven in part by the building’s scale.

The action to approve the sign variances does not change other outstanding regulatory, safety or permitting questions about the facility; those remain subject to separate permits, inspections and any applicable county, state or federal requirements.

The board vote carried after the separate motion; trustees said they will continue to press the company for information and the village administrator said staff will assist residents who want to schedule plant tours or seek additional briefings.","The Village Board approved variances allowing two larger, higher building signs for the Goshen facility at 333 Spruce Street after public comments raised safety and environmental concerns. Trustees debated safety, transparency and whether more public tours and oversight are needed.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Heated public comments and trustee disputes highlight governance rifts at Manteno meeting

Votes at a glance: Manteno board approves multiple routine ordinances, tabled liquor-hour change

Village board rejects appointment of Tiffany Thompson as village attorney

Manteno board approves larger signs for Goshen site amid safety concerns and public scrutiny