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Manteno trustees reject $158,333 pavilion kit; full project estimated near $280,000
Summary
Trustees voted against a resolution to buy a $158,333 pavilion kit for the downtown square after debate about total project costs and placement; board members said the kit cost excludes plumbing, concrete and utilities, which staff estimated would raise the total near $280,000.
The Village of Manteno board declined to approve a resolution to purchase a pavilion kit for the downtown square on Aug. 18, citing concerns about total project costs and placement in the park. The kit price of $158,333 would not cover foundation work, plumbing, electrical service and HVAC; staff estimated those additional costs at roughly $112,000–$120,000, bringing the estimated total to about $280,000.
Trustee Ed Geske, who presented the proposal, said the kit would not include a concession stand. “There will be no concession stand in this area. There’s no need for it,” Geske said during the discussion. The pavilion concept had been discussed in parks and public-works committee meetings and in public comments, and committee members reported mixed views on location and final design.
During the meeting Trustee Jim (public works) explained the kit price covers only the building shell and that the village expected to contract out plumbing and electrical work; he told trustees the total project estimate was about $280,000. Several trustees and residents said they wanted clearer cost estimates and a staked, on-site layout showing placement before approving additional expenditures for the square.
The item was taken off the consent agenda for separate consideration. Trustee Annette Zimbelman moved to approve Resolution 25-04 to buy the kit, and Trustee Todd Crockett seconded. The resolution failed for lack of the required four affirmative votes; a roll call showed multiple yes votes but not the necessary majority for that expenditure. The board’s stated reason was that the item needed more detail and public-works cost confirmation before committing large sums.
Public comments at the meeting touched on related local concerns: residents said the village should prioritize road repair and handicapped access, questioned whether the community needed additional park amenities given previous expenditures (including a fishing pond), and urged trustees to map the pavilion placement so trustees and the public could visualize impacts.
What’s next: Parks and recreation and public-works committees will revisit the pavilion concept; trustees asked staff to provide detailed site plans and a complete cost breakdown if the item returns to a future agenda.
