Votes at a glance: Manteno board approves contracts, property sale, and ordinances

The Village of Manteno voted on several measures at its May 18 meeting, approving an intergovernmental agreement for school crossing guards, awarding public-works contracts, approving a property sale, adopting two ordinances, and authorizing routine payments. Below is a concise summary of formal actions the board approved, with the motion outcomes recorded in the minutes.

Crossing guards intergovernmental agreement — approved The board approved an agreement with Manteno Community Unit School District #5 for the district to pay 100% of crossing-guard costs (previously split 50/50). Village staff estimated the arrangement will save the village roughly $15,000 a year. Motion by Trustee Geske; second by Trustee Crockett. Vote recorded as yes by Geske, Crockett, Barry, Ludlow, Swann and Zimmerman (motion carries).

Scenic Landscaping estimate — approved ($9,350) Trustees approved an estimate from Scenic Landscaping to remove and replace nine trees on Main Street for $9,350 (removal, hauling, supply and planting). Trustees debated tree species, timing, and whether to replace additional dead trees; the motion passed by a 4-2 vote.

Real estate sale — approved ($156,000) The board approved sale of village-owned property at 409 South Oak Street to Crosswell Ford for $156,000 after a blind bidding process (three bids received). The appraised value cited in discussion was $170,000; staff confirmed the accepted bid met legal thresholds.

2026 MFT maintenance project — awarded ($367,711.54) Workus Paving Company was awarded the 2026 Motor Fuel Tax maintenance contract for $367,711.54. Trustees questioned the vendor’s local presence; the village engineer had previously worked with the company and recommended award. The board approved the award.

Audit engagement (Sikich CPAs) — approved The board voted to retain Sikich CPAs and Advisors for the FY25-26 audit engagement (Sikich has served the village in prior years). Motion carried with a recorded vote.

Ordinance 26-01 (private fire brigades) — adopted Trustees adopted Ordinance 26-01 to require private fire brigades for large businesses handling hazardous materials, with a 180-day compliance window for affected businesses and certification requirements.

Ordinance 26-02 (remote attendance) — adopted The board adopted Ordinance 26-02 adding a remote-attendance provision to the municipal code; trustees debated allowable reasons for remote attendance and added a provision for removing disruptive remote participants. One trustee recorded an abstention.

Payment of bills — approved ($230,327.53) The board authorized payment of bills totaling $230,327.53, including TIF items.

What’s next: trustees also received a final forensic audit the day of the meeting and voted to postpone detailed presentation pending trustee review. Staff will coordinate with auditors to schedule a follow-up meeting.