Mayor Ruais announces Ward 10 Town Hall
MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today announced the following event:
WHAT: Ward 10 Town Hall Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, July 23 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
WHERE: Parker-Varney Elementary School, 223 James A. Pollock Drive
NOTE: Ward 10 Alderman Bill Barry and Ward 10 School Board Member Joy Senecal are invited.
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West Nile Virus (WNV) Found in Manchester Mosquitos
Manchester, NH – The Manchester Health Department announced today that one batch of mosquitos, collected in Manchester on July 10, 2024, has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first positive batch of mosquitos to test positive, in Manchester this season.
According to Anna Thomas, MPH, Manchester’s Public Health Director, “This is the time of the season that we can expect West Nile Virus to be identified in New Hampshire. It is important for residents and visitors to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, as WNV and other arboviruses can be transmitted to humans from the bite of an infected mosquito. From this point in the season until there is a mosquito-killing frost, the risk of infection by mosquito-borne viruses may increase. Use an effective mosquito repellant that contains 30% DEET, avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk, and remove standing water from around the home, where mosquitos reproduce, to limit the risks of catching these infections.”
West Nile Virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. WNV was first identified in New Hampshire in August of 2000. Symptoms usually appear within a week after being bitten. Symptoms can include flu-like illness including fever, muscle aches, headaches, and fatigue. Many people may not develop any symptoms, or only develop very mild symptoms. A very small percentage of individuals infected with WNV can go on to develop more serious central nervous system disease, including meningitis or encephalitis. If you or someone you know is experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever and headache, contact your local medical provider.
Manchester residents and businesses can call the Manchester Health Department with concerns and questions about WNV and EEE. The phone number is 624-6466 and ask to speak to the Environmental Health Branch. Prevention guidelines for WNV and other arboviruses can be found below. Fact Sheets on West Nile virus and other arboviruses are available on the DHHS website at www.dhhs.nh.gov. For more information, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.
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Prevention Guidelines for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis
1. Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations around your property. Please do not attempt to drain or alter natural waterbodies for mosquito control, since the management of ponds and wetlands is regulated by the Department of Environmental Services and any planned alterations will require a permit before work may begin. In warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days!
- Remove old tires from your property.
- Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other containers. Don't overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside.
- Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered and keep covers free of standing water.
- Aerate garden ponds or stock them with fish.
- Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
- Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
- Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
2. Be aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and keep them from entering your home.
- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes, including several species commonly associated with West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
- Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors or broken screens. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
- Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.
3. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.
- If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
- Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. A repellent containing 30% or less DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) for children and adults. Use DEET according to the manufacturer's directions. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 have also been determined to be effective.
- Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.
Mayor Ruais cites progress at Engagement Center
MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais today released the latest data for the month of June highlighting successes at the city’s Engagement Center.
“I’m excited about the progress we are seeing out of the Engagement Center. I want to thank our community partners who are working diligently with those experiencing homelessness to assist them in building a sustainable life, as well as the staff at the Engagement Center, led by East Coast Evolution Leadership (ECEL), who work incredibly hard to make a difference every day.” Ruais added, “There are no quick fixes to this challenge, and work remains, but we are making progress and continue to take additional steps to implement a comprehensive response that meets the needs of the unhoused, our residents, our visitors and businesses. Since January, we have undertaken 12 initiatives to address this issue and remain committed to doing everything in our power to change lives.”
Jake King, Engagement Center Director and COO at East Coast Evolution Leadership, shared the mayor’s enthusiasm regarding the progress being made, adding, “Working in this field can be very heavy sometimes. Walking alongside of people who are struggling is not easy. But because of our guest’s perseverance and the ECEL staff passion and dedication, these successes make it all worthwhile.”
Highlights of the Engagement Center progress include:
June:
- Secured Housing: 11
- ID/Vital Documents Issued: 17
- Entered Detox/Recovery Services: 4
- Gained Employment: 4
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The Planning Department for the City of Manchester is hosting public ward meetings to discuss the proposed Zoning Ordinance. These meetings are well under way! The remaining July ward meetings are listed below. Food will be provided. Please reach out if any accommodations are required. For more information, click on the link to be taken to the Land Use Code Website.
Wednesday, July 17th @ 6pm – Ward 8 Meeting at Jewett Street Elementary School; 130 S Jewett Street
Saturday, July 27th @ 10am – Ward 11 Meeting at Gossler Park Elementary School; 145 Parkside Avenue
Wednesday, July 31st @ 6pm – Ward 1 Meeting at Webster Elementary School; 2519 Elm Street
Mayor Ruais Statement on Board of Mayor and Aldermen Vote to Ban Camping and Strengthen Enforcement of City Ordinances
MANCHESTER, NH - Mayor Jay Ruais issued the following statement today regarding Tuesday’s BMA vote to ban camping in the city and provide more resources to the Manchester Police Department:
“With the recent opinion issued by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson case, I am pleased the Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted 12-2 to strike “sunrise to sunset” in Section (A) and all of Section (B) from City Ordinance 130.13 to ban camping and otherwise make our streets safe, clean, and passable.”
“We must address this challenge in a comprehensive way, and we have already undertaken 11 initiatives to address the underlying drivers of homelessness and the need for more affordable housing in our city. If an individual wants and needs help, it is available. However, anyone choosing to ignore our ordinances or break the law, will be subject to the applicable legal consequences.”
“Toward this end, I asked for and the BMA voted nearly unanimously to transfer $500,000 to the Manchester Police Department for the purpose of providing regular police details at our city parks and adjacent areas to provide a consistent law enforcement presence to deter and penalize illegal activity. There is no doubt that this action will benefit our residents, visitors, and the business community who wish to enjoy our public spaces. I thank the BMA for taking this immediate action to support these measures which will help secure our parks and our city.”
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Mayor Ruais statement on ReGen receiving $44M from the U.S. Commerce Dept.
MANCHESTER, NH – Mayor Jay Ruais issued the following statement on the U.S. Commerce Department sending $44 million in funding to ReGen:
“This is the continuation of Manchester’s story. In the 19th century, the Queen City’s textile mills led the world in production. Now, ReGen is writing our next chapter as a leader in the bioeconomy. While technologies may change, Manchester remains a major force in cutting edge manufacturing. Today’s investment in ReGen by the U.S. Commerce Department is another indicator of Manchester’s strength in the regenerative science industry and I could not be prouder. The $44 million in federal funding announced today by Deputy Secretary Graves is an incredible opportunity for ReGen to push the country’s bioeconomy to even greater heights. The city will do everything in its power to support this initiative and we’re excited to learn more about what this new funding means for not only Manchester, but for New Hampshire and the rest of the nation as well.”
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A draft of the City of Manchester’s new zoning ordinance is available for download here. If adopted, this would be the City’s first new zoning ordinance in 23 years and just the fourth in the city’s history.
For background on the ordinance, an explanation of how the ordinance works, and a description of public meetings happening this summer, click here to watch a presentation by Jeff Belanger, the City’s Director of Planning and Community Development.
If you live in Manchester, please be on the lookout for a letter that will arrive in mailboxes on July 8 with information about public meetings in your area and a survey about how the city should develop in the future.
For more information on the zoning ordinance, please go to www.manchesternh.gov/landusecode. To send questions or comments about the ordinance, please e-mail LUC@manchesternh.gov.
Manchester, NH –The Manchester Health Department announced today that the public beach at Crystal Lake has been re-opened for swimming. Analysis of water samples taken on June 20, 2024, indicate that E. coli levels are now within acceptable limits.
Weekly water sample results are available at:
http://www.manchesternh.gov/Departments/Health/Services/Water-Quality
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Southern NH Services is sponsoring the 2024 Summer Food Program for all children 18 and under. Find the program sites and meal times from June 17th to August 30th on the attached 2024 Summer Meals Flyer.
Mayor Ruais’ statement on passage of FY2025 City Budget
New $189.8M city spending plan is balanced, 2.17% under tax cap
MANCHESTER, NH - Mayor Jay Ruais issued the following statement tonight regarding the passage of the city budget for FY2025:
“Since the beginning of my term, I have been clear about the difficult nature of this budget cycle. Though we started in a $10.6 million hole, I’m proud that we made some difficult decisions to reduce spending in places, and address soaring costs in areas like healthcare without compromising city services.”
“Despite very real fiscal constraints we were still able to invest millions into our roads, sidewalks and parks. We funded important public safety programs like Shot Spotter and Fusus, while protecting ten police officer positions currently funded by an expiring federal grant. And our support continued for local community partners working to address homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges. Previously, we approved $227.9 million for our schools, a compromise amount, that represents the largest ever appropriated.”
“Our success in passing a fiscally responsible budget that’s 2.17% under the city’s tax cap is a victory for Manchester residents. I want to thank Alderman Long and those who worked diligently to construct and support passage of this compromise agreement. We now have a budget for FY2025 that will support Manchester’s most important needs and set the city up for long term success.”
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