Department Head Reports

Police Chief Chris Jones reported that the Police Department had trained on three additional excellence-in-policing policies, including vehicle operations and vehicle pursuit, and policies relating to media, social media, and social networks. He also reported that newly hired Officer Dale Waddell had completed a 40-hour intellectual and developmental disabilities course and received peer counselor certification. No vote was taken; discussion only.

Fire Chief Ben Williams reported that grant work remained active, including the USDA fire station remodel and addition paperwork, receipt of new air packs with cylinders to follow, and FEMA reimbursement expected on the air pack purchase. He also reported the department was approximately halfway through hydrant maintenance, explained that hydrant flushing was necessary to remove sediment and verify operability, and noted that the department had assisted with a major fire in the county. Chief Williams further reported that Fishing with the Firefighter was scheduled for May 2 at City Pond. No vote was taken; discussion only.

Park & Recreation Director Tangela Cummings reported that spring soccer was beginning with approximately 30 participants, and that spring baseball and softball opening day was scheduled for Saturday, with approximately 97 participants including t-ball. She reported that July 2 celebration vendor registration had reached approximately 21 vendors, and she reviewed upcoming city-related events, including the April 18 Meriwether Community Health Fair and Touch-a-Truck at Cursey Park. Ms. Cummings also stated that the newly reactivated Parks and Recreation Board would be valuable in helping develop existing parks and the 18-acre Riceville Road property. No vote was taken; discussion only.

Utilities Director Sam Summers thanked Council for approving the Big Lazar Creek dam project and reported that Crawford Grading was waiting on bolts needed for the Mountain Springs water and sewer line expansion. He stated that new street sign posts had been installed and that replacement sign faces were on order, that leaf and limb operations remained current, and that the gate at the water plant was being repaired after being struck by lightning. In response to questions, he explained that hydrant flushing can discolor water because of sediment in laterals and cast-iron mains, but that the water remained safe to drink and typically cleared after a customer let water run for 15 to 20 minutes. City Manager Pullium also noted that Mr. Summers and his staff had received a citizen letter of commendation for service above and beyond. No vote was taken; discussion only.

City Marshal Rick Hamlin reported that there were 121 active code enforcement cases on the books, with 52 new cases added since the first of the year. He stated that spring cleaning, limb cutting, and grass season typically increased the caseload, but that overall case activity remained dramatically lower than in prior years. He also reported a “Keep Manchester Clean” campaign using litter signs throughout the city. No vote was taken; discussion only.

Senior Services Director Kimla Anderson reported on March activities at the Senior Center, including geranium planting, a luncheon and necktie-making activity conducted with Greenville High School students, and a new Wind Down Wednesday social activity with Meals on Wheels clients. She also reported an April 1 energy assistance sign-up event at the Senior Center for community seniors and stated that the Senior Center was planning to participate as a vendor in Greenville Senior Center’s May 2 car show fundraiser. No vote was taken; discussion only.