– August 2026 –

Senior Center Director Kimla Anderson reported that the Senior Center would host its first Bingo Night fundraiser on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and stated that attendees must RSVP so staff can plan for attendance.

Police Department Assistant Chief Carpenter reported on the Excellence in Policing initiative. He stated that policies partially approved include property and evidence, human resources, search and seizure, and use of force. Policies fully approved include off-duty and extra-duty employment, other equipment, and public safety information officer policies. He also reported that the department is in the process of hiring three new officers who will be required to complete the same Excellence in Policing training. The department thanked the Manchester Housing Authority, Meriwether County Sheriff’s Office, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for assistance with the recent murder case on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

Utilities Director Sam Summers reported that all five water tanks had been inspected and that the reports were favorable. He stated that Collier Davis Road was awaiting speed limit signs and hydroseeding before opening, with an anticipated opening at the end of the week or early the following week. Mr. Summers also reported that the City had completed its lead service line inventory and identified 96 galvanized service lines requiring replacement. He stated that Manchester is the first municipality in Georgia to apply for and receive funds to replace all 96 service lines and that the City is expected to serve as a model for the program statewide.

During the Utilities report, Councilmember Smith asked about the pothole and utility cut list previously discussed. Mr. Summers stated that utility cuts had been repaired and that additional potholes had been identified and would be addressed by the end of the week. Councilmember Wadsworth and City Manager Pullium stated that additional reported locations had been added to the list.

Recreation Director Tangie Cummings reported that the soccer clinic held June 25 had approximately 35 youth participants. She stated that youth volleyball was ongoing, the Summer of Champions Kids Camp was being held at the Recreation Department, and the annual water slide event with the Fire Department would be held on Friday. She also reported that the July 2 celebration was a major success, with 14 food trucks and 35 tent vendors, and thanked staff and volunteers for their work. She announced the Back-to-School Bash on July 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Recreation Department soccer field and noted other upcoming community events, including Senior Bingo, a performance by Turkey Creek Gospel at the President Theatre, and the Manchester Housing Authority Back-to-School Bash on August 1 at Hilltop Complex. 

Fire Chief Ben Williams reported that the Manchester Fire Department is moving forward with medical first responder licensure in collaboration with Meriwether County Fire Rescue and EMS, following receipt of required signatures from a medical director and pharmacist at Warm Springs Medical Center. He stated that the licensure will allow a higher level of care before EMS arrival. He also reported that new apparatus would be picked up during the last week of July and that the fire station remodel continues to move forward with USDA paperwork and updated architectural plans.