DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEWS

Administration: The City Administrator, appointed by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Board of Aldermen, serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the city and directs its daily operations. The Administration Department supports the legislative function of the city's governing body through the preparation of agenda packets for the meetings of the Board of Aldermen. Other departmental activities include the city's public relations/information programs, including preparation of the city's quarterly newsletter, The Courier.

Finance Department: The Finance Department is responsible for all financial and accounting functions of the city. Primary operational duties include budget preparation and monitoring, recording all general ledger transactions, maintaining the city's investment portfolio, payment of bills, and payroll processing. The department also administers the licensing of businesses in the community.

Municipal Court: The staff of the Manchester Municipal Court is comprised of an appointed Judge, an appointed Prosecuting Attorney, the Court Clerk, and a Secretary who serves as the Assistant Court Clerk. The court maintains all files and papers necessary to schedule and conduct trials, pleas, pre-trial hearings, and sentencing related to the prosecution of violations of city ordinances.

Parks and Recreation Department: The Parks and Recreation Department's purpose is to serve the leisure needs of the Manchester community. The department is responsible for the maintenance and operation of the city's five parks, which encompass approximately 54 acres. The Parks and Recreation Department operates the Manchester Aquatic Center as well. The department sponsors a number of community events on an annual basis, including Manchester Homecoming, Halloween Spooktacular, and Santa's Breakfast.

Planning and Zoning Department: The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for the administration of all city planning and zoning policies and the city's residential and commercial inspection program. The department provides staff support to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment.

Police Department:The Police Department is responsible for the provision of quality police services to the Manchester community 24 hours a day. This includes, but is not limited to, answering calls for service, crime prevention, enforcement of laws, and protecting property within the city limits. Additionally, the department works in cooperation with community groups, the business community, schools, and other entities to fulfill its mission.

Public Works: The Public Works Department's functional responsibilities are diverse in nature. They include the maintenance of 65 miles of streets and sidewalks, approximately 30 miles of storm sewers, inlet structures, five miles of open channel networks, and bridges. The department removes snow and ice from city streets during periods of inclement weather and oversees the city's refuse collection contract, under which the city provides residential pick-up, recycling services, and yard waste collection. The Public Works Department also coordinates the operation and maintenance of streetlights within the city with AmerenUE.

CITY SERVICES AT A GLANCE

HELPFUL FACTS ABOUT LIVING IN MANCHESTER

Building Permits: A permit is required for many improvements, including most decks, building additions, storage sheds larger than 100 square feet, retaining walls more than two feet in height, and fencing. The Planning and Zoning Department can assist you in finalizing your home improvement plan.

Commercial Vehicles: Vehicles used for commercial purposes or for commercial hire that are more than nine feet in height, as measured from the ground, may not be parked in the majority of residential districts.

Curfew: Minors under the age of 17 are required to observe an 11:00 p.m. curfew during the week and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights.

Derelict Vehicles: Any vehicle that is not registered and/or has been inoperable for more than 48 hours must be removed from the street or private property.

Fireworks: It is illegal to sell or use fireworks within the city. Sparklers are not included in this prohibition.

Garage/Yard Sales: A resident may hold a maximum of three garage/yard sales during a calendar year. A permit from the city is required. There is no charge for the first and second sale permits. A fee of $50 will be charged for the third permit. Garage/yard sales can only be held during daylight hours for no more than three consecutive days or two consecutive weekend days.

Noise: Any excessive noise or loud playing of musical instruments constitutes a public nuisance. In addition, noise caused by construction, repair, remodeling, or grading of real property is prohibited between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, and any time on Sunday or federal holidays. Noise generated by normal maintenance associated with residential property, such as mowing of grass, can occur between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Property Maintenance Code: The city's Property Maintenance Code is designed to maintain property values in the community. Common violations include peeling paint, rotten siding, improperly contained mulch, broken windows, and accumulation of rubbish or garbage.

Recreational Vehicles/Boats/Utility Trailers: Recreational vehicles, boats, and utility trailers that are stored in an enclosed area must be parked behind the established front building line. In addition, all recreational vehicles, boats, and utility trailers must be parked on an improved surface.

Rental Property: All single-family residential property that is for rent must be inspected and a permit obtained prior to occupancy.

Recycling: As part of the city's refuse collection service, residents may elect to have curbside recycling as part of their service. Items that can be recycled are newspapers, tin and aluminum cans, glass (clear, brown, amber), and grade 1 and 2 plastic items such as milk jugs and soda bottles. Items may be co-mingled, with newspapers placed on top. All recyclables must be placed in a bin provided by the city's refuse hauler.

Solicitors' Permits: Only non-profit charitable organizations may conduct door-to-door solicitations. The organization must obtain a permit from the city. In addition, each person involved in the solicitation must have in his/her possession an identification card signed by the City Administrator. Door-to-door solicitations may take place between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Tall Grass and Weeds: All grass, weeds, and vegetation must be kept below 12 inches in height.

Yard Waste: Yard waste must be in brown biodegradable paper bags or in 30-gallon trash cans labeled "Yard Waste." No plastic bags are allowed. Bundled limbs or branches will be picked up provided that the bundles are no larger than four feet in length and two feet in diameter.