Council approves park renovations, event permits and minor infrastructure agreements

The Manchester City Council approved several park projects, event permits and a small design contract in Monday’s meeting.

Council approved an agreement with Metrics Architecture for $11,725 to produce construction documents, bid materials and construction‑phase oversight for a replacement shelter and upgraded, ADA‑compliant restrooms at Bone Park. Tim said the old shelter was removed after tornado damage in March 2023 and the city has budgeted roughly $115,000 for construction pending bids; insurance proceeds (staff estimated about $15,000) would contribute but not fully cover costs.

The council also approved a Hartwick Huskies request to install a 12‑by‑100‑foot concrete slab at Shrine Park; the sports group will install the pad at its own expense and assume maintenance responsibilities for cracks while the city will maintain other aspects of the park. In addition, the council approved street‑closure requests for Country Cruisers’ show & shine events (June 6 and Aug. 8) and a five‑day special class C liquor license for the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce’s River Days celebration on June 6.

Council approved CMJ Raceway’s request to move motorcycle trials from June 14–15 to June 28–29 and to add two new courses; staff said the event typically brings more than 60 riders from several states and that the courses would keep a rough terrain profile rather than flattening the ground.

The Metrics Architecture agreement, the concrete pad permit and the event changes were all approved by motion and recorded roll‑call votes.