Manteno trustees reinstate village attorney after public debate over mayor’s removal

Manteno — At a June 25 special meeting, the Manteno Village Board voted to disapprove Mayor LaMar’s removal of the village attorney and immediately reinstated Joseph Cainkar, after residents raised concerns about the mayor’s replacement choice and multiple trustees argued that switching counsel during pending litigation would be disruptive.

Resident speakers and trustees exchanged sharply worded statements throughout the public comment period. Eric Urbanowski, identifying himself as a resident and local business founder, said he was “shocked at the actions of the mayor last week regarding the removal of Joe Cainkar” and noted the village is in litigation with the Concerned Citizens of Manteno (CCOM), an organization he said was founded by the mayor. Urbanowski criticized the mayor’s selected replacement, James Vasselli, citing past conduct and alleged FOIA noncompliance he said had been found by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

Stacy Malone, who said she had submitted multiple FOIA requests, told the board that several responsive records were missing and that she had not received requested invoices and communications; she said a June 16 FOIA request had not been answered within the statutory five-business-day deadline. “Transparency matters and public trust matters,” Malone said.

Board members moved from public comment to old business on the attorney matter. Trustee Boudreau made a motion “to disapprove the removal and to reinstate Joseph Cainkar and the law offices of Lewis Cainkar, LTD, of the village to the office of village attorney effective immediately.” Trustee Zimbelman seconded the motion. Supporters of the motion argued that replacing the village’s lawyer in the middle of active litigation would be inappropriate and could disadvantage the village.

After discussion, the board conducted a roll-call vote. Trustees Boudreau, Zimbelman, Crockett and Guskey voted yes; the motion carried and Joseph Cainkar was reinstated as village attorney. The meeting record indicates Trustee Barry had left earlier and Mayor LaMar was not present for the meeting.

Other residents raised related governance concerns during public comment. Paul Motel said he would refer the meeting and documentation to the Illinois Public Access Counselor to review whether the special meeting complied with Village Code 1-6-3, which requires a written, signed call presented to the clerk. Anne Gates urged civility and defended Mayor LaMar’s conduct at a prior meeting, saying community members were reluctant to speak publicly because of fear of retaliation.

Board members then turned briefly to community announcements and event items, including upcoming Fourth of July–week programming. A motion to adjourn carried on roll call, and the meeting concluded.

What happened next: The board’s vote reinstated Joseph Cainkar immediately; the transcript does not record any further formal action such as a new appointment of outside counsel or a detailed staff follow-up plan. The meeting record also contains multiple FOIA-related claims and a stated intent by at least one resident to request outside review of meeting notice procedures.