Here’s a summary of the City Council meeting transcript generated by ManchesterPC’s AI – the entire video can be found at https://www.facebook.com/61558045493927/videos/1246685660461868 on the official City of Manchester facebook page – remember this is a test of our AI reporting from video to audio to text then converting to AI summary so in all these transformations errors can happen if any errors are seen please email news@meriwethercountyonline.com
🏛️ City Council Meeting – June 10, 2025 (Manchester, GA)
📌 Opening
- Meeting called to order with prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
- Agenda was approved with minor changes.
📝 Approval of Minutes
- Meeting minutes from April 8, April 30, May 13, and May 28, 2025 were reviewed and approved.
📚 Library Staff Recognition
- The council recognized Pine Mountain Regional Library staff and Manchester branch employees for their service.
- Staff roles were introduced, and appreciation was expressed for their community contributions.
💼 Administrative Updates
- Creation of Georgia Fund 1 account for managing 2025 TSPLOST funds approved.
- Appointment of Carter Barr to the Downtown Development Authority Board confirmed.
🏗️ Business Presentation
- Todd Broussard, of Invictus Sustainable Environmental Solutions, presented his company’s environmental compliance and recycling services.
- He clarified misunderstandings: not a landfill, not handling nuclear waste, not doing incineration.
- Plans to create 10+ jobs, use the former Meadows Motors building, and invest in the community.
💰 Budget Adoption (FY 2025–2026)
- Budget adopted unanimously.
- Highlights:
- No tax increase.
- Balanced general fund: $4.3M
- Funding allocated to roads, culverts, sidewalks, recreation, fire and police equipment, and infrastructure.
- ARPA funds used for lift station and infrastructure.
- Continued efforts to place SPLOST on November ballot.
🍕 Business License Transfer
- Alcohol license transferred to Wise Guys Wings LLC for beer sales on premises.
- New restaurant acknowledged and welcomed.
🧭 Strategic Plan 2030
- Adopted officially.
- Plan was developed with 625+ community participants.
- Includes quarterly evaluations and annual reviews.
🏘️ Land Use & Cleanup
- Land Bank Authority set to meet (first meeting planned).
- 51% of targeted blighted/dilapidated properties have been addressed (137 out of 278).
- Notable progress in city beautification.
🎆 Upcoming Events
- July 3: Independence Day Celebration (vendors, entertainment, fireworks).
- July 5: Manchester Firecracker 5K & Fun Run.
⚽ Recreation Department
- Hosting 12U Baseball Tournament, new Men’s League Baseball, volleyball league, and football sign-ups.
- Future programming includes kickball, fall sports, and cheer.
🚨 Department Updates
- Police:
- Taser 10 training completed.
- All officers equipped and monitored.
- New training officer hired.
- Fire:
- Fully staffed.
- $400K federal grant request approved in phase one for station renovations.
- Code Enforcement:
- Continued focus on litter and unsafe structures.
- More blighted properties coming down.
🧾 Closing Remarks
- Council members praised progress, employee dedication, and community involvement.
- Littering remains a concern.
- Council entered executive session for litigation, real estate, and personnel discussions.