Village of Manteno Public Works Committee met May 30.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
Attendance
| Committee Members: | |
| Timothy Nugent, Mayor | X |
| Tim Boyce, Trustee | X |
| Todd Crockett, Trustee | |
| Diane Dole, Trustee | X |
| Joel Gesky, Trustee | X |
| Samuel Martin, Trustee | X |
| Wendell Phillips, Trustee | X |
| Other Attendees: | |
| Chris LaRocque, Village Admin | X |
| Jim Hanley, Super of PW | X |
| Ryan Marion, Code Official | X |
| Sheila Martin, Treasurer | X |
| Al Swinford, Chief of Police | X |
| Darla Hurley, Deputy Village Clerk | |
| Bruce Hill, Novotny Engineering | X |
No public participation.
No action items.
Discussion Items:
• School District Project – The school district is investigating putting turf on the football/soccer field along with the baseball and softball fields. The estimated cost is $4.2 million dollars. The district is looking for community/village involvement, but it is not sure at what level.
• Part-time & Seasonal Employment – Trustee Gesky asked for this item to be placed on the agenda for discussion. Trustee Gesky is concerned that the pay of $13.00 per hour (minimum wage rate) is not adequate to attract qualified candidates. Mr. LaRocque stated that any returning seasonal employee is given a $.25 increase each year. Mr. Hanley stated that he worked with Trustee Gesky on names of possible candidates from the football program for seasonal positions. Mayor Nugent stated that the process should also include advertising job openings every year. Trustee Martin and Trustee Dole suggested that the pay should be raised to $15.00 per hour to match what the Park Rangers are being given. It was suggested that other area public works departments be contacted to see what they pay their seasonal employees.
• “Tot Lot” in Windfield Subdivision – Mr. LaRocque has received an email and a phone call asking about a playground in Windfield Estates. There is a “tot lot” that is available to be developed. Trustee Gesky asked about whether a bridge could be placed to connect the two subdivisions (Windfield Estates & Westfield) instead of using money to create the tot lot. Mr. LaRocque stated that the path does lead to Belcher Park.
• Fire Department Park – Mr. Hanley stated that he did have a meeting with Chief O’Brien about the proposed park. Due to the cost, Chief O’Brien will be scaling back the original design. There is only $20,000 - $25,000 raised so far, but the estimated cost is around $160,000. Mr. Hanley stated that the concrete has been donated. Prairie Materials has agreed to donate the stone to the fire department. There will be some in house work needed either by volunteers or village personnel.
• Legacy Park – Landscaping & Path Improvement – Scenic Landscaping will be signing a contract later this week and work will begin soon after. Mr. Hill stated that he is waiting on the performance bond for the contractor who will be doing the path part of the project.
• 10000 N Mill and Overlay w/Township project – Mr. Hanley stated the Kankakee County is waiting on CN Railroad for flagger closures at the crossing.
• Charging Station Update – Mr. Hanley stated that the stations are ready to be used. A QR code can be used to instruct the use of the EV charging station. A press release has been sent out to the local press.
• Walnut Street Light Project – Mr. Hanley stated that the light poles have been ordered. Mr. Hill will be meeting with KPI about hooking up the new lights.
• Public Works site Update – Mr. Hanley stated that the salt shed footing and foundation is being completed. Asphalt will be started next week. Flooring is being started. There have been some problems with the installation of the heater/air units. Mr. LaRocque stated that the point loads are the issue regarding the installation. The water is on, gas has been connected, electricity is on, and the landscaping has been started.
• South Creek Drive Path Update – Mr. Hill has found a solution to getting the lights operational and ComEd has found several issues with the hook up and has not okayed the project. Mr. Hill is still working on the solution.
• Thies Park Project – Mr. Hanley presented an updated design proposal. Mr. Hanley and Mr. LaRocque met with a local pickleball expert. He made some suggestions. The committee would like to stay with 8 courts and the parking lot on the north end of the area. Adding a pavilion with bathrooms would be needed. It was suggested that it is possible to use the existing pavilion. Other suggestions were a soccer field and golf cart parking. Mr. Hill will rework the plan again.
• Parks Update – Mr. Hanley stated that a weed treatment has been put on Heritage Park. Ruder Park has beavers making a dam again. The football program would like to add temporary goal posts at Legacy Park and Mr. Hanley found some mobile soccer/football posts. Seal coating of paths has started, but a part is needed for the pump. The part has been ordered.
• Equipment Update – The new fork truck has arrived. Training will be handled by a local resident.
• Misc.: Mr. LaRocque stated that due to updated cyber security measures that we are taking as a village it is being recommended that personal email addresses not be used for correspondence. All trustees have a village email address and that will be the only email used for correspondence.
Motion by Trustee Boyce, seconded by Mayor Nugent to adjourn meeting at 8:05 a.m. Voice vote: all ayes, no nays.
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