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