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Manteno trustees push to restore seasonal public-works staff after maintenance shortfalls
Summary
Trustees reviewed a 19-item public-works task list and agreed to pursue adding two seasonal hires through October to address lighting, painting and grounds maintenance after staff cuts left backlog; they also discussed subcontracting some specialized tasks and noted the pavilion remains on temporary power pending utility hookup.
The Property & Recreation Committee and subsequent Planning & Zoning discussion flagged a growing maintenance backlog in Manteno’s public works department and recommended hiring two seasonal employees to help close the gap through October.
The chair said he had compiled a 19-item list of needed repairs and upkeep—including out lights, painting at Memorial Park and other visible maintenance—and that the department is short by roughly three positions. "I think that we should consider getting him at least 2 of the 3 that he's down," the chair said, urging a seasonal hiring push to prevent the town’s visible assets from deteriorating.
Trustees debated whether to subcontract specialized tasks such as painting light poles and other finish work rather than expand internal headcount. Several members said subcontracting could be more efficient for specialized maintenance while seasonal hires could address general tasks including mowing, trash pickup and routine repairs.
Separately, staff updated trustees that the new pavilion is on temporary power while ComEd completes its hookup and that mini-split units are still being installed. Members discussed subcontracting the pavilion staining work to ensure a durable product and consistent appearance across parks.
Trustees noted the scenic tree replacement contract for nine trees cannot be honored because the vendor sold the trees after a mayoral veto delayed scheduling; the nine trees will be included in a larger rebid. The committee asked staff to verify whether a salary-expenditure vote is required and to bring the seasonal-hire proposal to a future board agenda if necessary.
Next steps: staff will confirm whether the hires require formal board approval on a regular agenda, prepare job postings and report back with cost estimates and a proposed timeline.
