Manteno board creates no-video-gaming liquor license, debates gaming, turf spending and property sales

The Manteno Village Board on Tuesday approved a new liquor-license classification that allows alcohol service but prohibits video gaming at the proposed TruGolf business, amid extended debate over whether additional gaming should be allowed in town.

Village Administrator Chris (first referenced as "Chris" in the transcript) told the board the new category—created by Ordinance 25-34—will let the TruGolf location serve alcohol but not host video gaming: "So he'll be allowed to serve alcohol, but he will not be allowed to have video gaming on the site." The motion to adopt the ordinance carried after a roll call and the mayor announced the motion carries.

Why it mattered: trustees weighed two competing considerations—new-business recruitment and local social impact. Supporters said having a tenant in a remodeled, long‑vacant building would bring investment and some revenue to the village. Opponents said Manteno already has several gaming‑centric businesses and adding more could harm families; one trustee urged caution and suggested reassessing any gaming request only after a prospective restaurant proved viable for six months.

Other board votes and outcomes at the meeting: - Resolution 2506, to advertise and solicit blind bids for surplus property at 409 S. Oak (former public-works cold-storage/Quonset-hut site), failed on roll call after discussion about the subsequent contract approval process and advertising requirements. The board heard staff say the sale would proceed to a contract approval step only if bids were acceptable. - Resolution 2507, to advertise a vacant lot on Main Street (brush-pile parcel) for blind bid and sale, passed. Staff noted an easement would be retained to preserve access to the existing communications tower on part of that parcel and that advertising in the paper and online is required. - Ordinance 25-36, vacating a 25-foot strip of unimproved right‑of‑way east of North Cypress Street so an adjacent property owner may acquire it, passed. Staff said the purchaser would be charged the village’s administrative costs (about $500). - A standard annual no‑fee lease with the Manteno youth baseball/softball league was approved, consistent with prior practice for local sports programs. - A motion to approve an $86,218 estimate from LT Turf Pros (Peotone) to install turf at the square failed. Trustees debated whether the cost represented labor/change orders only (staff said material had already been paid) and discussed turf lifespan (8–10 years was cited), warranty questions, and alternatives such as sod or grass requiring irrigation. Questions raised during public comment about the total cost of square improvements (restroom and other items) framed much of the turf discussion. - The board approved payment of bills totaling $31,797.41 (TIF #3 listed at $0).

Public comment and context: several residents used the public-comment period to voice opposition to a company repeatedly identified in comments as "Goshen," citing legal and environmental concerns and ongoing court activity. Francine Fatima said in public comment, "The communist company, Goshen, should go into demise.…Out of our village, once and for all." Anne Gates described lawsuits and closures in other states and expressed wariness about potential manufacturing and storage operations near local neighborhoods.

What’s next: trustees moved to convene an executive session after the public meeting to discuss personnel matters. Several items discussed—possible future gaming requests tied to restaurants and how to handle already‑purchased turf materials—indicate the board may revisit related decisions in committee or at subsequent meetings.