The Manchester City Council’s August 10, 2026 meeting focused on a mix of economic development actions, infrastructure projects, city operations, financial approvals, and governance matters. The meeting included consideration of an amendment to the Manchester Urban Renewal Area, development agreements involving tax increment financing, major construction payments, and several property-related resolutions.
A major theme of the packet is continued investment in community infrastructure. The Council considered progress payments for the Anderson Street Improvement Project and the Grand Avenue Trail Extension Project. The Anderson Street project payment to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete totaled $131,297.14, while the Grand Avenue Trail Extension payment to Midwest Concrete Inc. totaled $113,130.31.
The Council also addressed future development opportunities through urban renewal and development agreements. Public hearings and resolutions were scheduled regarding amendments to the Manchester Urban Renewal Area and proposed development agreements with Wesley D. Schulte and Westgate Center, LLC. These actions involve possible future annual appropriation tax increment payments, which use future tax revenues generated by development to support approved projects.
Another important issue was city leadership. The Council formally acknowledged the resignation of At Large Council Member Bryan Gray, effective July 27, 2026, and discussed options for filling the vacancy. The Council also reviewed upcoming community events, including street closures and parade arrangements for the 2026 Iowa Firefighters Association Convention.
Major Discussion and Action Items
Urban Renewal Area Amendment and Development Agreements
The Council held a public hearing regarding a proposed amendment to the Manchester Urban Renewal Area and considered approval of Resolution R-095-2026 adopting the amendment. The packet also included resolutions setting future meeting dates to consider development agreements with Wesley D. Schulte and Westgate Center, LLC.
These actions are related to economic development tools that allow municipalities to support approved projects through tax increment financing mechanisms. The proposed agreements would require additional Council consideration before final approval.
The matters are significant because development agreements can affect future city revenues, redevelopment opportunities, and public-private partnerships. Community members may want to follow future meetings for details about the specific projects, financial commitments, and expected benefits.
Council Vacancy Following Bryan Gray Resignation
The Council acknowledged receipt of a resignation letter from At Large Council Member Bryan Gray, effective July 27, 2026. The meeting included discussion and possible action regarding how to fill the vacant Council seat.
A vacancy on the governing body affects representation and Council operations. The next steps may include appointment procedures or other actions permitted under city rules and state law.
Anderson Street Improvement Project
The Council approved Pay Estimate #5 in the amount of $131,297.14 to Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete for the Anderson Street Improvement Project.
Project documents show the work includes significant underground and surface improvements, including sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water main work, sidewalks, pavement improvements, drainage improvements, and related construction activities.
The project contract documents identify a completion target of September 4, 2026. The project remains one of the largest infrastructure efforts represented in the packet and directly affects transportation, utilities, and neighborhood conditions.
Grand Avenue Trail Extension Project
The Council approved Pay Estimate #2 totaling $113,130.31 to Midwest Concrete Inc. for the Grand Avenue Trail Extension Project.
The project includes construction of recreational trail improvements, concrete trail sections, excavation, backfill, traffic control, and related site work. The payment documentation indicated approximately 58.9% project completion and stated that construction progress was on schedule.
The project supports continued investment in pedestrian and recreational infrastructure for residents and visitors.
Firefighters Association Convention Planning
The Council considered requests from the Fire Department related to hosting the 2026 Iowa Firefighters Association Convention.
The proposed temporary street closures include portions of Grand Avenue on September 9 and 10 for convention water fights and portions of East Main Street and Madison Street on September 11 for convention drills. The Council also considered approval of the parade route for the convention parade scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026.
These actions are intended to support a major community event while coordinating traffic, public safety, and neighborhood impacts.
Manchester Public Library Air Conditioning Replacement
The Council considered approval of an estimate to replace air conditioning units at the Manchester Public Library.
The packet identifies the need for replacement equipment but does not provide additional cost details in the accessible materials. The project is related to maintaining reliable public facilities and ensuring continued library operations.
Development Agreements and Property Matters
The Council considered Resolution R-098-2026 approving a development agreement with RAMM Properties, LLC. The Council also considered setting August 24, 2026 as the date for a public hearing on a proposed easement agreement with RAMM Properties.
The packet also included approvals waiving the City’s right to review several plats of survey, including Bennett Family Second Subdivision, Parcel 2026-69, and Parcel 2026-70. These actions involved properties within the City’s review jurisdiction but outside areas expected to be incorporated into city limits.
Financial Matters
The Council approved payment of claims and bills totaling $860,191.96 through Resolution R-090-2026. Major categories included street projects, subdivision projects, payroll-related expenses, utilities, engineering services, and city operations.
Significant listed expenses included:
- Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete: $281,333.56 for street projects.
- S & R Construction: $190,876.77 for Oakview Subdivision Phase 2.
- Alliant Energy: $20,653.44 for electricity.
- Kluesner Sanitation LLC: $29,189.40 for garbage and recycling services.
- Axon Enterprise: $76,233.76 for police equipment.
- Kirkham Michael: $19,383.00 for engineering services.
Additional approved payments included engineering services from Kirkham Michael totaling $12,426.24 and Burrington Group totaling $13,825.17.
The Council also approved construction payments for major infrastructure projects, including the Anderson Street Improvement Project and Grand Avenue Trail Extension Project.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
The Council approved Resolution R-094-2026 adopting a Social Media Policy. The policy establishes guidance for city use of social media communications.
The Council also approved resolutions waiving review rights for several plats of survey and approved a resolution designating the official location for posting public meeting notices.
During previous discussions, the Council reviewed device retailer license applications and directed staff to draft an ordinance addressing these licenses. The August meeting packet did not include a completed ordinance for consideration.
The meeting included regular updates from engineering firms, the City Attorney, City Manager, City Clerk, Police Chief, Council members, and the Mayor.
The Council also reviewed the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025 audit. The packet identifies the audit review as an informational item but does not include detailed findings in the accessible materials.
A previous work session included discussion of a proposed recreation facility, including possible locations, conceptual design, funding considerations, land acquisition, and grant opportunities. No action was taken during that discussion.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The Council recognized the resignation of Bryan Gray from the City Council and discussed filling the vacancy.
The meeting agenda also included recognition of AED Awards for Officer Peyton Clark and Sergeant David Trumblee.
Previous meeting minutes noted that Police Chief Ben Davis introduced Sarah Kraus, who accepted the position of Police Administrative Assistant.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
Infrastructure remains a central focus of city operations. Current projects include Anderson Street improvements, Grand Avenue Trail Extension, water infrastructure maintenance, and subdivision-related work.
The city also approved continued operational expenses for public services, including solid waste collection, utilities, library services, parks operations, police services, and water and sewer systems.
A water-related expense included $9,500 for Williams Street Water Tower maintenance by K & W Coatings LLC.
The Council held a public hearing regarding the proposed Manchester Urban Renewal Area amendment.
The packet also scheduled a future public hearing for August 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM regarding a proposed easement agreement with RAMM Properties.
Public input opportunities are available during Council meetings. Comments are limited to five minutes per person, with a total public input period of 30 minutes.
Residents may be affected by several major decisions:
- Infrastructure improvements may improve roads, utilities, drainage, and pedestrian connections.
- Development agreements may influence future commercial growth and redevelopment.
- Tax increment financing decisions may shape how future development costs are supported.
- Library facility improvements may improve reliability of public services.
- Fire convention planning may create temporary traffic changes while supporting a regional community event.
- Council vacancy decisions will affect local representation and city governance.
- Utility, sanitation, and operational spending decisions support ongoing city services.
- What specific projects are connected to the proposed Urban Renewal Area amendment?
- What public benefits are expected from the proposed development agreements?
- How will future tax increment payments affect city finances?
- What is the expected completion timeline for the Anderson Street Improvement Project?
- What improvements will residents notice after the Grand Avenue Trail Extension is completed?
- What process will be used to fill the vacant Council seat?
- What are the projected costs and timeline for replacing library air conditioning units?
- How will the city manage traffic impacts during the Firefighters Association Convention?
- What were the major findings from the fiscal year 2025 audit?
- What future decisions are expected regarding the proposed recreation facility?
Important Dates, Deadlines, and Next Steps
- August 10, 2026: City Council Meeting and consideration of listed resolutions and actions.
- August 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM: Scheduled public hearing regarding a proposed easement agreement with RAMM Properties.
- September 4, 2026: Target completion date listed for the Anderson Street Improvement Project.
- September 9-12, 2026: Iowa Firefighters Association Convention activities requiring approved street closures and parade coordination.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester City Council reviewed major infrastructure, development, and operational matters.
- The Council approved $131,297.14 for Anderson Street Improvement Project work.
- The Council approved $113,130.31 for the Grand Avenue Trail Extension Project.
- The Council considered amendments to the Manchester Urban Renewal Area.
- Development agreements with Wesley D. Schulte, Westgate Center, LLC, and RAMM Properties were part of the meeting agenda.
- Council Member Bryan Gray’s resignation created an at-large Council vacancy.
- The city approved $860,191.96 in claims and payments.
- The Council adopted a Social Media Policy through Resolution R-094-2026.
- The city continues planning for the 2026 Iowa Firefighters Association Convention.
- The Council reviewed ongoing facility, utility, transportation, and community improvement efforts.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: City of Manchester
- Organization type: municipality
- Government body: city-council
- Location: Manchester, iowa
- County: Delaware County
- Provider: civicplus
Keywords
City of Manchester, Manchester Iowa, City Council Meeting, Delaware County, urban renewal, development agreement, tax increment financing, Anderson Street Improvement Project, Grand Avenue Trail Extension, infrastructure, roads, utilities, public hearing, RAMM Properties, Westgate Center, Wesley D. Schulte, Firefighters Association Convention, library improvements, Social Media Policy, city budget, engineering services, public works, water tower maintenance, community development
