Manteno trustees decline billing from village’s new law firm

The Manteno law firm brought in by the village administration will continue to work without pay.The conclusion of Monday’s village board meeting – the time when trustees approve the latest round of government expenses – became confrontational after weeks of peace as the majority of the board had nearly $45,000 of legal fees pulled from payment approval.The bill covers legal expenses for the months of June, July, August and September to Oak Brook-based James Vasselli Law.The village administration is most often represented by Vasselli attorney Brian Miller.Vasselli Law has replaced the 20-year tenure of attorney Joe Cainkar, at least at the head table to the right side of Mayor Annette LaMore.The change of legal firms is being litigated. The case is being heard before Kankakee County Circuit Court Judge Lindsay Parkhurst.The next hearing is set for 10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 12. James Vasselli is representing LaMore and the village. The four trustees backing Cainkar’s continued service are