City of Manchester City Council Meeting Summary
Meeting: Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Manchester
Date: August 10, 2026
Location: 204 East Main Street
Government Body: City Council
Meeting Overview
The City Council meeting included recognition of two lifesaving AED incidents, approval of consent agenda items, public hearings related to urban renewal and development agreements, discussion of a vacant at-large council seat, approvals connected to the Iowa Firefighters Association Convention, a library air conditioning project, review of the city audit, development agreements, infrastructure updates, and reports from city staff.
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call, and approval of the agenda. Council Members Poiner, Hamill, Sherburne, and Dittrick were recorded as present.
AED Awards Recognition
The council recognized Sergeant David Trumblee and Officer Peyton Clark for lifesaving AED use.
City officials explained that Manchester participates in an AED reporting system where AED usage is tracked and submitted to a centralized data system. The two officers received lifesaving awards after using AED equipment in separate incidents that saved two lives.
The council recognized the officers’ actions and took photographs with them during the presentation.
The council opened the public input period and reminded attendees that speakers must provide their name and address for the record. Comments are limited to five minutes per person, with a 30-minute total public input period. The council also noted that under Iowa Open Meetings Law, it could not take formal action on items not listed on the agenda.
No public comments requiring council action were recorded during this portion of the meeting.
Consent Agenda
The council considered and approved the consent agenda.
Items included:
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Approval of previous meeting minutes.
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Resolution approving payment of bills.
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Liquor license renewal application.
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Project pay estimates:
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$131,297.14 to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete for the Anderson Street Improvement Project.
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$113,130.31 to Midwest Concrete Inc. for the Grand Avenue Trail Extension Project.
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Resolutions waiving review of specified plats of survey.
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Engineering service payments.
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Adoption of a social media policy.
During discussion, a council member commented positively on the new social media policy, stating that the additions and corrections made the policy clearer.
Public Hearings and Development Items
Urban Renewal Area Amendment
The council held a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the Manchester Urban Renewal Area.
The amendment involved three projects previously discussed by the council, including Lincoln Village redevelopment, Westgate-related improvements, and infrastructure projects. The amendment was intended to add those projects and associated costs to the urban renewal plan.
The council reported receiving no written comments. The hearing was closed, and the council approved the related resolution after discussion.
Development Agreement Meeting Dates
The council considered resolutions establishing future meeting dates related to proposed development agreements.
Wesley D. Schulte Development Agreement
The council considered a resolution setting a future meeting date regarding a proposed development agreement with Wesley D. Schulte, including annual appropriation tax increment payments.
The council approved moving forward with the resolution.
Westgate Center Development Agreement
The council also considered a resolution setting a meeting date for a proposed development agreement with Westgate Center, including annual appropriation tax increment payments. The motion received council approval.
Council Vacancy Discussion
Resignation of At-Large Council Member
The council acknowledged receipt of a resignation letter from at-large council member Bryan Gray, effective July 27, 2026.
Council members expressed appreciation and wished him well. The resignation acknowledgment passed.
Filling the Council Vacancy
The council discussed options for filling the vacant seat, including appointment or a special election.
Discussion focused on appointing a replacement and establishing a timeline:
- Publish notice of intent to appoint.
- Accept applications from interested residents.
- Review applications during a work session.
- Make an appointment at a September council meeting.
The council discussed September 8 as the preferred appointment date and noted that applications could be submitted by late August.
Council members discussed the benefit of appointing someone during a regular meeting so the new member could participate and begin learning the role rather than waiting until a later point.
The council approved moving forward with appointment of a new council member on September 8, 2026.
Applications were planned to be available through City Hall, Facebook, and the city website, with required public notice also being published.
Fire Department Convention Requests
The council considered requests from the Fire Department related to temporary street closures for the 2026 Iowa Firefighters Association Convention.
Requested closures included:
- Grand Avenue near the bus barn area for convention water fight activities.
- East Main Street and portions of Madison Street for convention drills.
Fire department representatives explained the closures were designed around competition activities, access needs, and safety considerations.
The council approved the requested temporary street closures.
The council also discussed and approved the parade route for the convention.
Manchester Public Library Air Conditioning Project
The council reviewed estimates for replacing air conditioning units at the Manchester Public Library.
After discussion, the council approved the recommended option:
- 18,000 BTU unit
- Cost: $7,095
The council thanked library staff for the preparation and research provided regarding the project.
Fiscal Year Audit Review
The council reviewed the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
City staff reported:
- The audit would be posted on the city website.
- Findings were similar to previous years.
- Meter deposits required reconciliation between utility and general ledger systems due to accounting software changes.
- No unusual related-party transactions were identified.
- Staff were addressing unclaimed property reporting requirements through the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt process.
Council members discussed the value of annual audits as an independent review of city financial records and a way to provide public confidence in city financial practices.
RAMM Properties Development Agreement
The council considered approval of a development agreement with RAMM Properties, LLC.
Staff clarified that RAMM Properties and the proposed Big Mike’s Steakhouse restaurant were separate entities. The agreement related to the property at 116 South Franklin and addressed grant-related terms.
The council approved the development agreement resolution.
Proposed Easement Agreement Public Hearing
The council approved setting August 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM as the date and time for a public hearing regarding a proposed easement agreement with RAMM Properties.
Staff explained the easement involved dumpsters located behind the property and that the agreement required a public hearing because it would be considered a permanent easement.
Project and Staff Updates
Grand Avenue Trail Extension
Staff reported that concrete work for the Grand Avenue Trail Extension had been completed. Remaining work included topsoil, shoulders, and seeding.
The project was expected to have several weeks remaining before completion. Staff advised residents to stay off portions of the trail until restoration work was finished because of uneven edges and safety concerns.
Street Paving and Easements
Staff reported ongoing street paving work, sidewalk and driveway work, and efforts to obtain remaining permanent easements for the next phase of improvements.
City Attorney Update
The city attorney provided updates on:
- Easement-related discussions.
- Municipal nuisance matters.
- Potential legal actions involving property issues.
- Development agreements.
- Possible future ordinances related to electronic scooters and electric bikes.
The attorney noted that communities across Iowa were beginning to address issues involving electric scooters operating on sidewalks and related safety concerns.
Infrastructure and Public Safety Updates
Staff reported progress on the booster pump project, with construction improvements expected in early 2027.
A speed study was conducted on the east side of town. Preliminary results indicated that a significant portion of vehicles were traveling above the posted speed limit, and staff planned additional review and coordination regarding possible improvements.
Staff also reported that stop signs had been installed at East Delaware and South Tamas.
City Phone System Update
The city clerk reported that a new phone system was scheduled for installation later that week.
Residents were to be notified about possible temporary outages, although staff expected some phones to remain operational during the transition. Staff would also receive training on the new system.
Council members thanked residents and organizations involved with recent community events.
Comments included appreciation for:
- Community participation at local music events.
- Organizations supporting community activities.
- Upcoming September events, including a drone show and additional music activities.
Adjournment
The council adjourned the meeting after completing the agenda.
