Manchester’s monthly City Council meeting opened with an update from Heather Carter for the Manchester Development Authority October 13th. The M.D.A. has spent the last few months focusing on balancing development opportunities and property needs. Thanks to their strategic plan that has been put in place, the M.D.A. has four areas of focus moving forward: prepare, recruit, grow, and partner.
The city council also voted on rescinding the prior water rates structure for 2027 and 2028. The rates were a result of a schedule based off of a bond rating from 2023, however, the city has been able to pay off the bond and Manchester only has to pay on the interest it accrued. The water rates would be structured based on current standings.
Manchester’s monthly city council meeting took place in the Community Building on July 14th. The move from City Hall to the Community Building took place to accommodate for more seating for citizens to attend the meetings. As requested in previous meetings, the department heads were present to give reports to start the July meeting.
Manchester hosted their annual Independence Day Celebration July 2nd at the historical Manchester Mill. This year marks two-hundred-and-fifty years of freedom as a nation formed on principals such as freedom of speech, freedom of press, the right to bear arms, equality, and a nation formed under God. These principals were represented as citizens wandered around the celebration from the many varying vendors and those represented.
Manchester’s mayor, council, staff, and those in attendance met at the Community Building June 9th in order to ensure there was enough seating for all. In addition to this measure being taken due to fire safety codes, Manchester’s first piece of business on the agenda addressed safety and security updates for the city.
Guest speakers Danis and Otis Bullard, owners of Fit 4 Life Fitness Center in Manchester, opened the city council meeting on May 12th with concerns. Mrs. Bullard stated that her and her husband love Manchester, but that there are so many buildings that are empty or being destroyed that they were unsure of how the city was allocating funds to help growth.
Manchester kicked off its second annual State of the City Address on Tuesday April 21st in the Community Building. Mayor Mark Trimble welcomed everyone, reminding them that this event is to celebrate permanent, life-changing decisions that have had an impact on the city over the past year. Reverend Robbie Shirah opened in a word of prayer over the event. The colors were presented by the Manchester Fire Dept. and Manchester Police Dept. as Dreamers Daycare led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Students from the Lime Light Primary School followed by singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Mayor Pro-Tem Quardez Warrior reminded citizens that when we talk about the future, we are often setting our sights on where we are going.
