Village Board - Regular Meeting

Good evening everybody. Welcome to our regular board meeting for the village of Mantino on January 5th, 2026. Would you please stand for the pledge of allegiance? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. While you're standing I am going to introduce Reverend Jack McCormack for the right invocation.

Thank you, mayor. Heavenly Father, [clears throat] we come tonight and ask you to be a part of this meeting. We pray that you'll bless uh everyone in this room. We pray for your blessing upon this community. And father, we're thankful for the beauty of our community. We're thankful for uh the friendships and uh the relationships here. We pray that in all things uh pertaining to the village that you'll just give the trustees and the mayor wisdom. Help them to make right decisions for right reasons. And father, we pray that your spirit will be in control. We pray these things in Jesus' name. Amen. Amen. Thank you, Mayor. Roll call, please. [cough and clears throat]

Yes. Budro here. Vaughn, yes. Crockett, yes. Gi here. Simlman. And mayor, yes. Are there any additions or deletions to the agenda? Seeing none, um, could we move on to the reading of the minutes? Any changes, corrections? Or a motion for approval? I'll make that motion. I'll second. Motion by Barry, second by Barry. Budro. Yes.

Ven. Yes.

Yes. All right, public participation. As a reminder, we usually give three minutes. If it's something very important and I think we need to hear it, I will give you more time to speak, but please try to keep it under three minutes. Our first speaker tonight is Andrew Wheeler. [clears throat] So, good evening. Thank you for having me and uh allowing me this opportunity to speak. Um, mayor, members of the village board, and the public here tonight, I'm here with good news. Um, on a topic that's important to everyone here, none more than the the people that you see in the room, the people that work in the facility, and those who have to permit uh the facility. Go Illinois has been working closely with the village and Mantino Fire Protection District, and I'm pleased to report that we have resolutions on all the outstanding items regarding fire safety at the plant. There were four issues raised the last time we were here before the village board and I'd like to provide an update on each briefly. Uh regarding the emergency action plan, it has now been fully approved by all parties including BNF code services uh the villages expert consultant. Uh we'll be reviewing that as a matter of practice and updating it always ongoing so everybody is on the same page. That's not that's a living document. The sprinkler holding tank inspection has been completed and approved by BNF, but we still have to get the okay from the village on on the uh the

still wouldn't have their approval, but they have the information. So, we're waiting on that to come to you guys for that final permit or if we have to wait until the weather breaks and we drain the tank to get a better look. We'll know more on that here shortly once they get all of that together. But, at least we've taken those steps in the last month to get the information into your hands. uh the the sprinkler holding tanks. Um and remember that's just a a backup source to water in case it's ever needed in the facility. We still rely on the main water coming in from aqua. Uh the birectional amplifier system which is the communication system in the plant for use in emergencies has been tested and is functional. Um you know in a a related matter uh but maybe not intersecting this there is a known issue with the Verizon cell tower located nearby. Uh that's an issue for Cancom countywide. Now in my talk with 911 today, they don't think that will cause an issue when they come back to do the final inspection, which we have down now is the 13th. So we have the 9th we will be completed on our end. Then they have to come in and do the inspection and permitting all at once. Um and then finally, we also have some good news regarding the fire brigade. We have a fire brigade now in place with experienced firefighters and a fire marshal. We also have a certified fire truck in place at the plant, one that could be used inside the facility as well on the the exterior. Uh it's a big pumper that we purchase from on the east coast. Um we will continue to hire as our operations at the plant grow and we will be updating the fire district on a weekly basis. The brigade is just one part of how goan Illinois is going beyond what is required by cod or law. And I think that's important to note that with more than a million dollars invested in ancillary fire protection equipment that rises above that code. And finally, I'm distributing a document. I'll I'll hand it out in just

a second. The board members have it. It's the the new FAQ where much of the questions that were raised in the last meeting were answered and put on the web for all to see. and that's goaninoillinois.com. It's a new section. I just printed it out for everybody to have those here. Um, and hopefully that's helpful. There's also a form to submit new questions because everything is not there and I'll be adding to that as the time goes on. We want to make sure we don't arrive in a situation where communication becomes the problem. And so I I thank you all. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas. I know my family did. And I look forward to our monthly meetings with Mantino Fire, the village, BNF, and potentially Cancom for this first meeting this Thursday. So again, more proactive on the communication side to make sure that we're meeting and and rising to the expectations of all parties. So thank you.

Thank you. The next speaker is Tim Finnegan.

[clears throat]

I'm kind of brief on this uh on this last meeting that we had this presentation from Goan on the demographics. I see that there's 49 people from Mantino working in that plant. My question is how many of that 49 people are actually American citizens, registered voters, tax paying Mantino residents. I know there's a home that has nine people in it that are not. Are those included? Is that part of the 49? So, it would be nice to find out how many actual residents from Mantino are working in the plant.

Thank you. I'd appreciate any answer I could get on that. And then I have a quote to read. I can't change the lettering. That's plagiarism. So, I'll read it and then you can sub you can substitute the one word in there. No country can be called free which is governed by an absolute power. And it matters not whether it be an absolute royal power or an absolute legislative power as the consequences will be the same to the people. That's Thomas Payne. Thank you.

Thank you. Next speaker is Ann Gates. Good evening. I brought my Christmas wish list with me tonight. I know Christmas is over, but you can still wish. Uh, since Goian said that they helped foster uh relationships within the community and local small businesses. I wish we could have a list of those who got helped and how they got helped. Um, was it a construction job, insurance policies, uh, votes for the information for schools and local libraries to go forward? Um, partnerships. I'd really like to know that would be part of my wish list. I wish that the majority of the population of Mantino and I looked at the demographics again today according to the last census 50% have children and roughly 15% of the population are retirement age or older and would be considered and are not being considered important enough to attend the meeting. We're discouraged to do that because potentially what parent and what elderly retired person can get here at 7:00 in the morning? I know we asked before and it was denied because we were told it wasn't convenient for some of the trustees. Well, I think the convenience should be more on the part of the people that voted you into the position that you hold. They should take consideration above your own personal comfort. I understand some have jobs, but these people have families, they have homes, and they have jobs, too. And basically,

an evening meeting would be much more convenient for the majority of Mantino. My last wish is that there would be a transparency concerning Goan. I got a real kick out of him saying, you know, hey, we want to communicate. Well, where were you over two years ago when we would have loved to have communicated transparency concerning Goan? If those in office were told by the former mayor, just sign on the dotted line. It'll be good for the town. Without knowledge of what they were signing on to, it makes me question their capability for true leadership. Because true leadership isn't yes ma'am. Yes. Yes sir. You tell me to sign, I'll sign. Oh, I'm going to get something for this. Okay, I'll sign. That's not representing our town. It's not representing our c our county or our state, matter of fact. So, I would really that's another wish I have. My last wish is that um all of the people that have been harassed and intimidated like I have been would come forward and talk to the police. That's why it's vitally important that we have meetings like this with public discussion.

Okay. Can I have one minute, Madame Mayor?

Okay. Um I've mentioned my nephew that's a detective. I've mentioned my friend that's a judge. But the truth of the matter is they hold no leg no jurisdiction here. You're my protection. You're it. So I am pursuing further information so I can get my order of protection because now I have people outside my home taking pictures. So, um, even though both foyers were denied, I would really appreciate being able to come in and sit and talk with one of the detectives of officers, and if I filled out something incorrectly or I need to give you further information, I'd be glad to do that because you're it.

There is no place else I can go and there's no place that the other women predominantly can go other than our own police. So, I encourage you, I urge you, please step up and let them help them do their job. They can't protect us if we're not going to them. So, I strongly encourage you to come forward and talk to the chief. He's not a bad guy. Easy to talk to, right? Thank you.

Thank you. [applause] Our next speaker is Francine Fatima. [clears throat] Good evening. I uh just have added to my little packet Gan Illinois key questions and answers. So next next meeting I should be able to um go into that. So, it is New Year's once again filled with hope, resolutions galore. The concerned citizens of Mantino look forward to our February 4th court date. We hope that common sense will prevail in court. for Goian has been milking the system by all these delays and they are delaying the inevitable and the inevitable being that they will be gone from our lovely village. It's just a travesty to our justice system that this has been allowed to go on for a couple years and we've had enough. Thank you.

Thank you. [applause] Our next speaker.

Yeah, I know it's good. Well, happy new year everyone. So, this seems to be a good time to make a new start, doesn't it? So, I'm still anti-go and we have some deadlines looming for them, don't we? And but we remain vigilant. I also have a question though because I'd like to know when we get a tour, when do we when does the public get to go in and see what's going on over there? Maybe you can tell me that later. Okay, good. I will. Thank you.

Um, okay. But I think we need to take a look at what's going on and what's going on in the past and what's going on at our future. We all know that Trusty Gatsky is going to run for mayor and [clears throat] probably the next election. But if he should win, he needs to get a good view and a clear view of what's going to happen. Likely we will win more than one trustee position in in the meantime so that he will not have a majority as he does now. So what does that mean? Probably more dissension, more frustration, less agreements, unless everyone starts setting aside personal goals and personal gains and starts thinking about the people of Mantino for a change. Unless something changes soon, nothing will change for years. Nothing. And that's unacceptable. Our [applause] next speaker is Terry Daly. [clears throat] [clears throat]

Hello. Um, first of all, I'm tired of hearing Goan, Illinois.

They say Gan, Illinois, but they expect everything from Mantino. And that's a bunch of bologn sausage. [applause] So um at Mr. Budro's meeting of when the goan people were here. After the meeting, I went up to the goan people and said, "Do you have any idea what's in the containers?" The gentleman, tall gentleman, said, "No, we're under litigation." And the young lady next to him, grabbed his arm, and she looked at me and she said, "This meeting's over." And she walked him out. So then I went to Mr. Budro and I asked him and he said, "Goan's under litigation, but you might be able to talk to the gentleman that was sitting over here who I believe was the 40-year fire expert." I asked him, "What's in all those containers?" And he said, "I don't know really." So then I believe I'm not g I don't know. A gentle another gentleman said, "Well, the fire department periodically checks those containers. What's in the containers? Does," and there's so many more of them now. Does anybody know what's in the containers? And why in the heck isn't Mantino Village allowed to know what's in those containers? I think that's a travesty. And I I think that when something happens over there, I don't know if some people think they're going to be immune, if they think the kids are going to be immune, if people who are compromised with their health get cancer or get worse or their asthma or whatever that people aren't really truly going to die.

And what's going to happen with the kids or you or your whole families if something happens and all those chemicals go all over and there just take a look at Palestine, Ohio and there's cancer or um people women can't have kids or there's leukemia or you really do you think any of you any of you are going to be able to dodge that. And when something happens, do you think you're going to get one dime from China? They're going to be the hell out of here. And then guess what Mantino gets to do? Clean up all that crap. And how much is that going to cost the the taxpayers? was off the map.

So, I hope that they close down on February 4th, but I think you have to do some serious thinking and I was I would like an answer as to what's in those containers, each and every one of those containers. Thank you. [applause] Our next speaker is Bob Foresight. I was kind of hoping Andy would still be here,

but uh the people that voted for Goan, I thought the other trustees might be here. Why is it that the majority of Illinois has no idea what Goan Illinois is? Why has it been the best kept secret of JB Pritser? And people don't know southern part of the state, northern part of the state, eastern part of the state, and western part of the state. People don't know about it and I find it confusing. But we have a presentation tonight. I found it on the agenda, which probably not necessary because we shouldn't be we shouldn't have to be here at all for for goan. But it just I just can't understand how it it is the best kept secret. I guess in the the uh presentation tonight, we have the we heard we already heard from Andy about the fire, but Chris, how about the environmental impact study to the community and the county?

Are we going to hear about that in in tonight's presentation from you? Uh please address me and the board. Okay,

please. But I guess how much money has the village lost in permits with goan Illinois now? So the permit money is nothing more than the money they put back into the village supposedly. But maybe we'll hear tonight the update on the how the court case is going. But I find it very interesting how the best kept secret was welcomed here by trustees and zoning people that never ask questions. Thanks. Thank you. [applause] Our next speaker is Faith Spy.

Hi. appreciate you letting me talk tonight and I'm not here to talk about Goan. So, this is something different. So, my family moved to Mantino in 1982 and have been historically very involved in the community. Um, willing to do anything for anybody. My folks now 84 and they don't do as much as they they used to do. They can't drive. Um, my brother is a person with special needs and he's a very social person and if you've met him, you know that he will talk your ear off until you tell him to stop. He is very supportive of the community. He is involved. The fire department is kind enough to let him come and help them out with stuff and he is very, very grateful for that. Mantino has many programs for the average citizen to participate in. There's things that people can do and you can choose whether or not to participate in those things that can make a difference in your life and better your life. Guy has been involved with the Cani Valley Special Recreation Organization since its inception in 1988. That is up until now. Kinki Valley Special Recreation has come to the village to ask them to for funding to help um so that the citizens of Mantino who have special needs can participate in their programs. From my it is my understanding that of the the kids the people who have participated not one of them got into any of the programs this time and they've all been very active historically with special recreation. I understand that this costs money and I know that this is an additional expense to the village and I know that the village has voted at as of now to not help fund the program. Mantino deciding to help fund the

program and put their uh percentage in would make a huge difference in the lives of the citizens who have special needs. It may seem minimal to you and it might not be a huge portion of the people of Mantino, but it is everything to those people who have special needs. Without these programs, my brother sits at home and he has nowhere to go. And when he has these programs, he can be social and be involved. And it helps him be a better person. and it helps him to be um speak better to be involved more andstead he is sitting at home and he doesn't have any social interaction to have if the town cannot find the funding for this program perhaps you would be willing to sit down with me some of us to help us figure out how Mantino could provide some funding for this program whether it's through business donations fundraisers something just something somehow to help them. By you doing that, helping and providing that it would make a huge difference in the lives of the citizens of Mantino who have special needs. Thank you.

Thank you. Can we address that? [applause] Can we address that? Mod. Yes. Just to clarify, all of us, myself, Mrs. Von, Joel, and that and Todd, we we went to a meeting at the KBRSA last month or November, right? It was in November. Yes. And we they presented what what they were looking for and we present it back to them. Mhm.

They pretty much looked at us when we wanted to give a donation that they didn't want the donation. The only way that that would work for them was that we would put it on a tax roll through a park district. We don't have a park district here. So the money that they were looking for, we got pretty much the blind eye and I did get the one woman pretty much insulted me right to my face at the meeting and told me I have no idea what I'm talking about. And I looked at her and I said, "My my cousin has had had Down syndrome. She lived till she was 61 years old. I I lived with her for a short time. I know exactly. Not living in your footsteps." But we were assured that at that time, you know, they they talked about the need and they talked about everything that they had going. I mean, we we tried. We went above and beyond for them, but the only thing they wanted was us to go on the tax role so that they can get tax money of two cents from from everyone in the village, which we don't have a park district. So, they they would not upset accept our donation and they kind of threw up a blind eye to it.

Okay. It was it was my understanding as it was explained to me was that they were asking for the same percentage from the village of Mantino as they were getting from Cana, Bourbonet, and Limestone. Exactly. Yes, ma'am. But they have park districts. We don't have park a park district here. And so that's where they're basing their their number off of their park district. And to add to it, we as a village board offered, it's been a little bit, so if I'm off, I recall we offered $24,000,000

from from the village and I had suggested to another parent that maybe and we offered to our Christmas when when Santa came to town to allow a fundraising there um to to take place at the same time and they didn't want it. So there were we went above and beyond in all of us trying to find creative ways for funding it. Unfortunately, none of us are in favor of putting it tax. So they're they're saying that the only way that they can take funding from you is through a park district. Exactly. The exact answer from the gentleman that was there, the three people that are on the board,

and the gentleman from Ky looked me dead in the face and said, "Well, why would I do that? Why do I have to pay this if you guys can get in for this?" That was his exact words. And the amount that it would cost is the entire amount that we levied for a tax increase for next year. and they basically were saying they were going to want 3% more each and every year, which sorry, it's not something I'm I'm in favor if if the the parents of the of the kids who want it,

I I'll suggest that we put it on a referendum, but I don't think and I don't want to speak on behalf any other trustees or the mayor, but we spoke and we don't feel that we want to burden the taxpayers with another increased tax of 3% on top of it. So, we're trying to find creative ways of doing it. And I and I don't know if you know this, but we as a village have partnered with the building for special needs, right? It used to be the old police department. So, we have really tried um and for Ki Valley Park or River Valley Special Needs, we we wanted to partner with them. We just couldn't financially.

It seemed like if it was one way or that was it and they wanted they wouldn't accept a donation, they wouldn't accept anything. And Mr. Lorac, would you speak about the rebate we give? Yeah. So, the board did authorize uh the village to pay the difference between the in uh district fees and the and the out of district fees. So, we've received probably a half a dozen, six, six or 10 of those applications. In fact, I just got two on my desk today uh from parents who were able to get their kids into some of those programs. Uh I think it was a total of six different programs. So, you know, if you're saying you're not able to get into them, it just may be a very popular program. Obviously, they did change their rules to say that

it the ind district people get first shot, which is fair. I don't see it. And they did make it a week's time, which in a way because a week went by, so much of it filled up cuz the night before that I could sign my brother up, there was four programs available that he could do. two of them he wasn't going to be able to do because my parents couldn't drive him. But at that point, I figured come hell or high water, I'd figure out how to get him there. So come Saturday morning when I went to do it, not one of those programs was available anymore. Yeah. So by that just from 9:30 that night till 6:30 the following morning, they were all gone.

So that's and I understand that it's a popular thing and I I agree. I I get how people who their villages support it and their tax dollars go to it. They should be able to have first shot. The only thing I disagree with them on is that for all these years, my brother has paid the difference between the in district and outof district fees. So he has always paid that difference.

And I did not know that Mantino did not have a park district. I guess with all these beautiful parks, I assume that there there was something that that was for that. Um, so I mean, I'd be happy to sit down and talk to KV, you know, the the special recreation because I was not aware of some of these things. We can put this back on another committee agenda, too. We we've talked I I've been there, too. I went to an event and talked and again, what they're saying versus what I heard from the director is now different. So maybe the board and her aren't maybe on the same page either. So that's making us cuz some of the things you're saying tonight are not what I heard from the director either.

That's what I heard either. But again, that wasn't the board. That was the director. So she's not running it. The board has to run it. Exactly. The board makes the decisions and she can only go to them and do what they One board member from K. [clears throat] He pretty much said, "Well, we'll just get out of it then if you're going to allow them to do that." That was the exact words. And that's unfortunate that I mean personally if I had a choice the county would support it because then all of the citizens of the county of Kangi Ki could benefit from the program and be involved.

But that's not where I'm at at this point. And I'm just getting more involved with my brother's care. My parents have gotten older and I've needed to take on some more responsibilities. And so some of these things I'm just learning about. But if you know me and you know my brother, I am fiercely defensive of him and I will do anything for him. Yeah. I mean like I walked out of that meeting and I looked at Mrs. Brown and I said this is absurd. I mean they they didn't want to take it was this way. It was going to go this way or there was no other way. That's cuz I

I don't know if you felt any different though. by by all means to um we put it on if after you talk with them if we want to get it back on the parks committee agenda. By all means, I'm more than willing to do that. I just we we've had a lot of differences of opinions about a lot of things since we've all been on the board. But this was one thing that we were all coming together to try to make happen. And and I think each of us have met with other parents that that are affected in hours and hours and hours trying to find compromise.

And and see something I don't understand is they did say to me that the funding had to come through the park district in that so the funding comes through a park district into their park district. And I don't quite understand why that has to happen. And I do know that the foundation does have or the park district the special wreck does have a foundation. So I'm not really sure why the funding couldn't be given to the foundation and then the foundation fund the Mantino citizens attorney. So, generally speaking, the co-ops, these special recreational co-ops are a bunch of park districts that get together and and the reason why they do that is cuz park districts have a really nuanced allowance for levies where they can levy anything in their special recck fund without any limitations. Right? So, without any u max rate or pel applying to that. So, they no matter what the cost is, they're allowed to increase that by whatever the means is per year. uh municipalities don't have that ability. We don't have a special wreck levy and so it just falls within the same pel limitation. So to raise something by 3% every year, we just simply couldn't do it. You would get knocked down by CPI no matter what.

So you couldn't meet it. But why they won't accept what is an equivalent to that, I can't speak to that. But that's the nuances of the funding. Okay. So, if I could talk them into meeting again and trying to find a solution to this, you would all be open to that? Yeah. Yes. Okay. Thank you very much. We appreciate you coming. Thanks. [clears throat] Our final speaker tonight is David Burgdal. Sorry. Good evening. Hi, Faith. Hi, Dave.

Class reunion night. Too bad Annette's not here. Um, I will second again. I've had this discussion before what Miss Spivey just said. Special wreck is important. I understand your issues. Fully understand Mr. Kar's explanation about the difference between how a park district can tax and how municipalities can tax. Because if you remember 30 years ago, I was the attorney working with the group that tried to form the park district in Mantino. And let's just say that vote didn't go very well at all. But again, it's still something that's very good. It's very necessary in the community. As I've said before, on a daily basis, I deal with two autistic children of 20 and 22, a blind woman and a woman in a wheelchair. So, I see the value of this every day. Sticking on recreation topics, Village has a lot to be very proud of. The last couple of weeks, the football commitment in this community has grown to the point where we're getting national acclaim. Couple of football players from our community are pretty highly regarded in the country. Josh Gesky, Joel's son, is going to one of the All-Star games after his senior senior season this year. Very proud of that. First division one football player from Mantino High School. And tonight,

Cooper Monk, my little brother's classmate's son, my secretary, my former secretary's grandson, is playing for the national title and in the FCS division. I saw all the materials out on the U ofi website. pictures of your son, stuff on senior night or senior day. We're really getting someplace and we're getting some really good advertising for the community out of the athletes coming out of this town. Congratulations, Joel. Congratulations to Mr. Monk. Hopefully ISU wins the title tonight. And it just goes to show investing in recreation in your community can be very beneficial not just for the teams themselves but for the communities values and impressions. Thank you.

Thank you Dave. [applause]

So that wraps up public participation and now we're going to go to the reports from the village officials. Um, mine will be the first and I just want to let people know that I've been very actively involved in things going on in the county. I will be attending the Gan meeting Thursday on January the 8th. It's going to be held out at Goan. I've been invited to the mayor's association dinner in late January and that's going to happen at a restaurant in Burbanet. Um, I learned something today that people who have old paint in your garages or utility rooms, there's a way to get rid of it that's going to be a lot easier. I just found out that as of December, Sherwin Williams will take old paint, but it has to be in the original containers. It has to be in good condition, and it has to have a label so they know what's inside. So, if you have old paint cans, you don't know how to throw them away and the garbage man doesn't want them, you could take them to Sherwin Williams. I just called Sherwin Williams today to verify it because one of my neighbors and friends just told me about it this afternoon. So, that'll help you with your spring cleaning. I wish everybody a happy new year and I'm going to go on to the village administrator's report.

Thank you. So, just to we we did receive another letter from the fire district from Chief Peterson. Uh reiterated pretty much everything that Andy Wheeler just said at the beginning of the meeting. Um with one exception, he did say that the tanks were already inspected and approved. Uh BNF did receive the videos of the tanks and they're doing those reviews today and we he Michael Pageige told us we should have the results of that inspection tomorrow. Uh and the the BDA system, which is the communication system, um yes, is up for reinspection on the 13th. They had representatives from Cani County. Uh the fire department and BNF on December 23rd, went through the system. [cough and clears throat] BNF came back with six items that needed to be addressed, most of them pretty minor. Uh so they're finishing up those items and it will be reinspected and hopefully certified on the 13th. Um and then again we're having that meeting on Thursday to address the fire brigade and what the fire department will accept and what Gan is willing to do. So we should be able to come to a resolution on that coming out of that meeting on Thursday.

Thank you. Yep.

Finance trusty Barry. Thank you, mayor. Um, old business on the agenda, none. New business on the agenda, payment of the bills, including tiff number $3,247,5610. Bills authorized and paid between board cycle $481,456.666, includes tiff bills of $2,200. Uh our bigger bills this cycle were uh insurance for the village and also workers compensure was a larger bill. Um our next finance committee meeting will be uh January 20th, 2026 5:00 p.m. here at the village warden. Thank you.

Thank you. Planning and zoning trust. Thank you, mayor. Uh no old business. Uh no new business. Uh the next I there is actually an item tonight that we're voting on. Uh this is something we voted on already before. Uh 2530 ordinance 2530. It's just a parcel of land from Thieves Park. This is like a special use. Could you explain Chris like just what the difference is? What we've already voted for was this one.

Yeah. So this is the there were four parcels north of this that we u realized that just were right ofways. So this one had its own parcel number and was dedicated to the village back when the subdivision was developed. So, because it was dedicated as a parcel, we have to take a different approach to being able to uh basically sell it off to the the neighbor to the east that's interested in attaining that property. So, uh that's what this is doing. We're actually dedicating it as a right of way, which makes it just like the other properties that we've already done. And then at the next board meeting, we'll be able to dedicate it over to the uh the homeowner that's adjacent to that property. And these are all small parcels that were unbuildable. So again, this is just something to relieve the village of any kind of uh potential, you know, issue with those properties. Uh the homeowners have been taking care of it pretty much all along anyway. So makes sense to get rid of it and let them take ownership of it.

Thank you. Um our next planning and zoning committee meeting will be Wednesday, January 14th, 7 a.m. here in the village boardroom. And then we do have a planning commission meeting uh next Tuesday the 13th at 6 p.m. Uh the item on there is like the previous they're going to continue discussing uh the group home policy making sure we're up to standards. Thank you. Thank you. Um public safety and health trustee von. Okay. Old business on agenda. None. New business. Nothing. Public safety committee report. We have Officer Ben Elzinga. Is that correct? Yes, ma'am.

Hi. Uh, Officer Benjamin Elzinga. I've been with the Mantino Police Department for a little over a year now. Uh, I'll be going over our December stats, as well as a little additional information. So in December we had 87 case reports, 749 incidents, 21 arrests, and 111 tickets. A little diff uh additional information. We've got this time of year, we often see a lot of uh reports for scammers, people getting scammed, especially in the elderly community. Uh most of these scams can be stopped. There's a couple uh couple things I got here that will will be a little helpful as far as making sure that you can avoid those. [clears throat] Firstly, you can slow down. A lot of scammers will be uh very adamant that you do what they need you to do very quickly. Most uh actual organizations will not they'll be a little bit more patient with you. They'll slow down. They'll go step by step. Scammers will do the opposite. They'll try to hurry you up. They'll uh they might tell you that whatever needs to be done needs to be done right now, especially if it's uh something urgent like social security or things that you might owe money to. Secondly, never give out your personal information such as bank account, social security number, passwords, or one-time codes. If somebody asks for these, hang up your banks, your uh the social security, any government agencies. They're not going to ask for these informations over the phone or via email. They'll do them uh usually in person. [snorts] Third, don't trust caller ID or email addresses. Scammers can make them look real. If you're unsure, call the company back using a number that you already know. Fourth, you can always talk to somebody that you trust. Uh before sending money to anybody and before sending any gift cards or signing anything, always check

with a family member or your actual uh banking institution. [snorts]

Uh finally, this rule uh no legitimate business or government agency is going to ask for payment using gift cards. So a lot of scammers will make people go purchase gift cards to Walmart, Kohl's, thing big, uh big box stores like that, and they'll ask you to make payments using those. No government agency or actual uh legitimate companies going to be asking for payments via these gift cards. Uh, just remember if anything feels wrong, you could always pause, verify, call somebody, ask for help. We're always there. Give us a call if you're unsure about it. We'll be able to walk you through and tell you who you might be able to actually talk to who can verify these things for you. Thank you.

Hang on a minute. Then [applause] on those spam calls that you know come up on your phone, can you explain a little bit of that? How is it?

So, sometimes your phone is uh if you receive a number that you've either neither received before, your phone will tell you that it's possibly a spam call. I mean, me personally, I'll get two or three of these a day just because of answering. A lot of times, if you've answered one, they'll get more. These scammers like to uh sell your uh phone number to other scammers so that they might be able to try to scam you. So, what you can do is if it comes up as a scam, I recommend don't answering it. If you get a voicemail from somebody that you might not might know or might be expecting a call from, then that's a good way to verify. But I always recommend just if it says scam, don't answer it. Send it right to voicemail. Spam.

Spam. Yes. Yeah. If it says spam, then send it right to voicemail. I always recommend that. Okay. Appreciate it. Of course. Ben, can I ask you how you spell your last name? Uh, E L Z I N G A. Got it. Thank you, Ben. Of course. Thanks, Chief Swford. I have a couple questions or comments. I contacted you this last week because I was ill and somebody came to our door at night and was wearing a vest and Ronnie, my husband, invited him in because it was so cold out, but he was looking to do some work for us and he wanted to do an inspection and he was talking about treating our yard in the spring for mosquitoes.

I can say that. I called you to find out if he was registered. Can you talk about that?

Yeah, and he was registered. We get quite a few calls to check on solicitors and make sure they are registered. In occasion, we will find some that are not registered and we'll move them along. But, uh, those particular ones were registered. Uh, they typically got a ID from the village uh, if they're registered and we do a a background check on them. We also post their pictures so you can actually compare the people at your door that uh, that were actually registered. So, um, and they are allowed to be out fairly late. So, it is kind of unusual when they show up that late. It's 10:00. Is it It's unusually late, but they're allowed. It's the law, so we can't really override it. It's We're kind of restricted on who we can deny permits. So, um, there's quite a few of them out there.

I've read some other things about people in one of the mobile home parks and they the men who went to the door for them sounded like ours, but they wanted to go in and inspect everything. I don't think I'd ever let strangers into my house. No, they shouldn't be doing that. And by all means, anybody should call us if if in doubt, just call us. We'll come and check them out. I wouldn't want somebody something happening because they thought they're legitimate. But how do they get a permit? I mean, they apply through the village and uh we take their pictures and fingerprint them and do a background check. Okay. I just want people to know that you have to, you know, be thinking when somebody comes to your door at night.

Thank you. Actually, really quick, maybe a good thing to note, too. We do have a Ring camera rebate right now. We've had it for a while, like $100 if we're worried about that kind of thing. I use it all the time. So, maybe if you don't have one, we will rebate you up to $100. Doesn't have to be a ring. It can be Yeah, correct. It could be any camera. That's what I got camera, but any camera works. All right. Thank you, Trust. Wait a minute. Hold it. Mayor, yes. The next public safety and health committee meeting is uh January 20th at 5:00 pm in the village boardroom. Okay. Thank you. Thank you. Um Mr. Crockett's not here. All right. Public works and utilities.

Uh old old business on the agenda, new business on agenda. None. Uh the next public works committee meeting is uh January 27th, 2026, 7 a.m. Hey, uh Jim, would you be able to give a little update for the for the uh ice skating rink and how I know with the temperatures and everything warming up and cooling down?

Uh we did a couple days last week um between uh the holidays and uh the bit of snow and ice that we had, we were only able to get, luckily enough, we did have a lot of rain get filled up. So it was open. I got a couple phone calls saying it wasn't the best ice. Couldn't really control that. So, I mean, I saw kids out there even today. Uh, it was almost 50° in the afternoon, so we're probably done for a while. But, uh, yeah. I mean, generally speaking, we get a couple cold days. It's literally got to be below 20° and it's got to be cloudy. If it's sunny, it's 20°, it's turned into warm. Now, everybody, there's a sign that says they use that at their own risk. Correct. Yeah. I'm sorry.

Their own risk. Yes. Yeah. We don't provide skates. You know, they're saying, "Oh, that's not the best ice." It's, you know, it's not the United Center, so it's outside. Uh we have the Zamboni. We're able to get out there when we can. Uh between if, you know, if it's snowing or it's icy conditions, we're on the street. We're not worried about the ice rink. So, kind of as a second fiddle thing, but we do try to get out to it. Uh based on the temperatures and everything else. So, uh it did get some use. I saw some kids out there. I was saying that it could be better. I said well putting the kids out there playing so kids make the best of it and know it's a safe spot compared to being on a lake. So it's one thing. Jacob, since we're still on that side of the room, do you want to give your report?

Sure.

Thank you, mayor. Uh so yeah, for in regards to my role uh for the marketing and community relations and with the village and the chamber, we're busy planning all of our events for 2026. Uh some new things happening uh while backing up a little bit. Our Easter egg dash is set for Saturday, March 28th at Heritage Park. And then uh I'm proud to announce that we're going to be trying a new uh series of events here this summer. Uh we're going to be bringing back a uh farmers market in a way uh Mantino market on second. It'll be the first and third Wednesday of the month from May to September. So we're excited about that. We have inherited uh the market coordinator from the Pietone Farmers Market. Um she has moved on over here to Mantino. Um and we're excited to have her. She's a great vendor at a lot of our community events already and uh she'll help me a lot and I think she's going to bring a lot of really fun cool vendors here to Mantino. Obviously with that being said, we want to showcase Mantino and all the um businesses and vendors that we have here. So, if there are any farmers, ranchers, uh, homesteaders, any crafters, food vendors of that sorts, um, we're kind of going through that application here. Um, so it should be coming out either late this week or next week, um, on our Facebook page. So, be on the lookout for that. And, yeah, please feel free to fill out an application.

Thank you. Thank you. All right. Properties and recreation. Trustee Guest.

Thank you. Uh, I have no action items on the agenda this evening. I have a next committee meeting scheduled for January 14th at 7 a.m. right here at the village boardroom. Quick question for our village attorney here. Um, we talked about Goan and stuff tonight and we all are aware of where we stand with that. A lot of the things that Goan is being required to do or that being asked to do was an agreement between them and the fire department like such as a fire brigade and things of that nature. Um, and it's my understanding that it has nothing to do with our codes to enforce that. Um, I guess my question is do we have a written contract or written agreement? Is there one in place that we know of or how do we go about providing asurances? We voted and and brought allowed them to come in with the understanding that all these things would be in place. My concern is is we give them AC occupancy permit and all of a sudden the next management regime comes in and says um there's a cost-saving method and we're going to get rid of this fire brigade that was put into place. How do we ensure that that stays in place and that we have the ability to make sure is it is it a contractual agreement that we could have or is it changing our our codes? What what can we do?

Yeah. Well, there's no contract. And I guess if you were going to be able to enforce it, I would put it apart as a part of your code. Yeah. [clears throat] So, can we I everyone here kind of in agreement that these are things that we wanted that it should we should be drafting up a change of code or we could put out a next committee meeting for the planning and zoning. But just after we had our last meeting here, it it started resonating with me that what prevents someone from changing their mind after they get what they want and that's what we don't want. So, um I

Yeah, I would do some research if there's a way we can write that where it doesn't hinder other businesses. But is a special service business too? I guess that the [clears throat] larger one. Well, that's I I mean, obviously that's if you're going to apply it to one business, you're going to be applying it to other business, too. And certainly, you can draw a distinction between large facilities and and you know, a mom and pop store on on Main Street here. So, but yeah, we can look at that. Perfect. Thank you. We'll have that together for the 14th or the 13th. 13th. I highly Come on, Joe. You're not that busy. I'm pretty [laughter] busy. Um little over time Joe rush

I will hit well I'll have to get I mean I'll talk with Chris and maybe get with the fire department see what they are thinking but um I can't promise you anything but I'll I'll work towards it if you can. Yeah, appreciate it. Yeah, thank you. That's all I have.

All right, general government. Did you want to give that report, Joel? Uh there is nothing on the agenda other than the next general government committee meeting scheduled for January 27th at 7 a.m. right here the village board meeting. All right. Under new business, Ordinance 2530, an ordinance dedicating and accepting a dedication of an unimproved parcel of land east of and parallel to North Cypress Street, south of Marquette Drive in the village of Mantino, Kankake County, Illinois as a public rideway. Do I have a motion to approve this? So moved. I'll second.

Motion by GKY. Second by Barry. GKY. Yes. Barry, yes. Budro. Yes. Lawn. Yes. Is that enough for the motion to pass? Yep. That pass. Approved. Consideration regarding a motion to approve payment of the bills in the amount of $247,000. 500 I'm sorry, $247,5610 including TIFF number three at $0. A motion to approve. I'll make a motion. I'll second motion by Barry. Sorry, excuse me, but there is a $2,200 payment going on TIFF 3. Oh, $2,200 on Tiff.

22. It's not listed on here. It's on It's on his agenda. It's in the committee reports. Yep. Okay. Y Shall I reread it or just add the $200? 22. 22 2200. Yep. 2200. I thought you generally only approved the bills as that were going out, but the bills that were authorized between cycle are the are typically not on the agenda, are they? No, we just we put it on there so that the public's aware, but we don't vote on the board, the payment in between, right? But the 2200 is a part of the bills paid between cycle. Oh, that could be. Yep. Yeah. Okay. Okay.

All right. Is there a motion? I'll make the motion. Motion by second by. Yes. Barry, yes. Budro, yes. Von, yes. Jessie, yes. Pass. Yes. Okay. Um, final comments. Joel, you want to start?

Um, I guess, uh, Mr. Bergd Doll took the words out of my mouth. I was going to say congratulations to the Monk family on tonight's, uh, game. Hopefully they're up. I don't know what the score is right now, but no score. So, uh um I believe Cooper is the first in Mantino's history to play in a national championship game to my knowledge at least. So proud of him and uh go Redbirds. So, thank you Peggy. I'm good. CJ,

I think we kind of talked through both things and the payment of bills and obviously you can tell we're we're kind of on it. We're working through things. Looks good. Again, we're looking for this year to continue to make those improvements and again work together strong. I think we're going to have hopefully a really good year. Thanks.

Thank you, Mike. Um just to reiterate what we had spoke about uh last I mean we are pretty we all have come together for the KBR as I know that for a fact and my opinion leaving that meeting was a little bit different. Um I mean I think we went above and beyond. I think we still want to go above and beyond but it just seems like it's take it or leave it with them. Um so anything we can do we're we're more than open to to discuss it by any means. Uh congratulations to Joel Sun. huge career. Works his butt off. Got where he's at. That's awesome. What? Cooper Monk. Great kid. That's awesome. Future's bright and uh I look forward to our meeting on Thursday. Thank you.

Uh there's one thing I failed to mention tonight and it's about the garbage disposal. If you have large items or bulky things, it's a good idea for you to contact our disposal company. And what's the name of them again, Chris? Yeah, I think it's Homewood Disposal. Okay. Okay. So that you can call the village and get that number or let's just look it up and let them know that you're going to leave a couch or a big giant mirror

or something breakable that's already got broken glass laying there because today something was left on a village street and it was a big long I think a mirror and it was broken. They can't pick that up unless it's already been wrapped up, you know, bundled and contained because once they throw something like that into the truck, there's going to be glass everywhere. So, all you need to do is make a phone call and let them know what it is you want to add to your garbage pile on Monday morning and they'll be glad to take care of that. Yeah. They'll take one big item. I know because my future father-in-law did it one big item every week. So,

but the garbage man that saw this today got out of his truck and took a picture of it because it wasn't even safe for him to pick it up. So, tomorrow somebody's going to have to go bundle that up. I don't know. It might be somebody from the village. gym. A a neighbor called me today about it and she was actually thinking of going out and doing it herself, but if the public works could do that, that would be awesome. We couldn't get hold of the resident. So, just a reminder to everybody, if you want to take care of your garbage, always call the village to ask about the big items. Get hold of the garbage man or the homewood disposal company. That's all I have. I wish everybody a very happy new year. Meeting adjourn. Oh, motion to adjourn. I'll second it.

All in favor? Hi. The meeting is adjourned.