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At a glance: Manhattan board approves consent agenda, equipment purchase, surplus vehicle sales and appoints new village administrator
Summary
In a brief Nov. 18 meeting the Village of Manhattan board approved the consent agenda (including amended bills list items for PT Farrell), authorized purchase of a $10,039.07 EZ Spot pole setter, declared three police vehicles surplus for sale, and appointed Rosemarie de Benedetto as village administrator.
The Village of Manhattan board took several routine actions at its Nov. 18 meeting:
• Consent agenda: The board approved the consent agenda that included the 11/04/2025 meeting minutes and an amended bills list for Nov. 18 that added PT Farrell for work on Park Street and Eastern Avenue. A motion and second were recorded and the chair called for approval.
• EZ Spot pole setter: The board authorized purchase of an EZ Spot heavy-duty pole setter — a Bobcat attachment to set 25-foot concrete streetlight poles — at a cost of $10,039.07. Public Works said the attachment will reduce equipment coordination and contractor costs, estimating payback after a small number of uses. The motion was moved and seconded, a roll call was taken, and the motion carried.
• Surplus police vehicles: Citing high mileage and rising repair costs after acquiring new units, the board declared surplus and authorized sale/auction of three police vehicles: a 2015 Ford Explorer, a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe. The chief said reusable items (computers, dash cameras, radios, lights) will be retained for use in new vehicles. The board approved the resolution on roll call.
• Appointment of village administrator: The board appointed Rosemarie de Benedetto as village administrator and authorized an employment agreement. The chair introduced de Benedetto’s background: more than 30 years working with municipal governments and public agencies in the Chicago metropolitan area, experience in municipal management and community engagement, and a master’s degree in public administration. The motion to appoint was seconded and carried.
Other business: Board members and residents thanked IDOT and state representatives for swift safety measures at the Route 52 and East North Street intersection and discussed exploring additional crosswalk illumination and signage. The Round Bar annexation and associated rezoning documents were reported complete and scheduled for the next board meeting; construction scheduling details were not specified.
The meeting adjourned after routine announcements.
