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Manteno trustees decline to advance remote-attendance ordinance after mixed remarks
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Summary
Trustees considered an ordinance to allow remote participation but the motion failed for lack of a second; trustees discussed Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations, guardrails and the case of an absent trustee as part of the debate.
Trustees in Manteno debated a proposed amendment to the municipal code that would allow remote attendance at meetings but the ordinance failed to advance after no second was recorded.
During public comment Sandy Chish urged the board to adopt an attendance requirement before permitting remote participation, saying a particular trustee had not attended since Dec. 15, 2025. In the board discussion Trustees said they supported setting firm parameters — such as limiting acceptable excuses to personal illness, village business or family emergency — and that reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act may justify remote participation.
Trustee Joel and others said the absence of Trustee CJ that evening illustrated how remote participation could let an elected official remain engaged during family emergencies. "This would have been a perfect opportunity for him to be able to interject and participate," Joel said, urging members to send suggested guardrails to the village administrator. Other trustees said they want notice requirements and limits on the number of absences allowed before a member is considered inactive.
The ordinance (25-41) did not receive a second and therefore failed to advance. Trustees directed staff to collect suggested parameters for remote participation and to return the draft for further committee review.
