Manchester Council Names Salihi New City Marshal

Manchester’s monthly city council meeting took place in the Community Building on July 14^th. The move from City Hall to the Community Building took place to accommodate for more seating for citizens to attend the meetings. As requested in previous meetings, the department heads were present to give reports to start the July meeting.

Senior Services director Kimla Anderson started the meeting with an invitation to the Senior Center’s first Bingo Night Fundraiser. This event will take place July 24^th from 6-9 p.m. Those planning to attend are asked to R.S.V.P. so get an accurate headcount in preparation for the fundraiser.

Manchester Police Dept. reported that they are continuing to check off their list as far as the Police Excellency Program, including some of their credentials already being approved. The Manchester Police Dept. plan on hiring three new officers in the future which will also tie into the Police Excellency Award. These officers will be required to undergo the same courses to achieve police excellency after being hired. Manchester Police Dept. offered their thanks for the cooperation and assistance from the directors of Manchester’s Housing Authority, Meriwether County Sheriff’s Dept., and the G.B.I. following the murder of Frederious Smith.

Sam Summers, head of Manchester’s Utilities Dept., stated that the city had five water tanks assessed last month and reports indicate that they are in good shape. Collier Davis Rd. is waiting for speed limit signs before it can be opened. Summers gave high praise of Crawford Grading on their work. The lead service line inventory has been a hot topic in Manchester for years now with the findings of ninety-six galvanized lines. Manchester will be the first municipal city in the state of Georgia to have applied with G.E.F.A. and follow through with replacing them. The city will be looked at as the model for replacement of such pipelines. The list for pothole repairs is still being looked into and repaired accordingly. Please report any new concerns to be added to the list.

The Manchester Recreation Dept. finished up their summer soccer clinic with thirty-five attendees. Volleyball is still ongoing with several youth teams and the final game will be July 21^st. The Huddle and Manchester Recreation also teamed up to host the Summer of Champions Camp this past week.

Chief Ben Williams reported that the Manchester Fire Dept. is currently working on obtaining their medical first responders license to serve the needs of citizens better until E.M.S. arrive. The new fire engines should be available and ready to serve Manchester at the end of July. Remodeling of the fire station is still in the works. They are currently looking at the paperwork and architectural aspects of the remodel.

The Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (G.I.C.H.) Resolution was adopted allowing the city to form a team for the task. G.I.C.H. is a collaborative exploration of economic development in the area which will help when applying for grants. G.I.C.H. also assists in helping address needs such as housing in the area, maintenance and improvement, and the quality of life in the area. The Manchester Housing Team will be made up of members from different areas of the city. Members being considered are as follows but not limited to Superintendent Dr. Robert Griffin, C.E.O. and President of F&M Bank Allen Parham, Heather Carter from the Manchester Development Authority, Mayor Pro-Tem Quardez Warrior, Delisha Hodo with Habitat for Humanity, Sandy Garret, Felisha Warren of the Housing Authority and Mayor Mark Trimble with the Land Bank Authority.

The amendment of the Fire Marshal Ordinance was adopted. The goal of this was to clarify the role and tasks of the Fire Marshal.

In old business, it was mentioned previously by council member Danny Wadsworth that the Manchester Wine and Spirits store seemed to be closed. Upon further investigation, it was found that the store was closed following the proprietor having a surgery.

City Manager Mark Pullium requested that the city council set up a Georgia Fund One Account to gain interest on funds. The motion was approved.

With the recent stepping down of Manchester’s City Marshal last month, the city began seeking a replacement. After much consideration, the job was offered to Sergeant Mohammed Salihi. Salihi was named Officer of the Year in 2025 and is considered to be a man of high character.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve,” stated Salihi. “It is my hope to set new standards for the position.”

Salihi already has ideas for improving the role of City Marshal including accommodating a new vehicle which will cost the city less money, a class A uniform to maintain professionalism, and an effort to gain community trust in helping and educating citizens. Salihi also stated that he will have a weed-eater in his vehicle to help with the less fortunate to maintain their lawns, stating that “serving means to help.”

It was approved by the mayor and council that the previous vehicle for the City Marshal be traded in to exchange it for a Dodge Durango.

Mayor Mark Trimble compared the city to when track runners are lining up. As the runner prepare, they hear “ready, set, go!” Mayor Trimble stated that Manchester is “getting ready.” He stated that they had to study and analyze problems and laws in preparation. Plans matter to change a city, and you cannot plan without knowledge. He mentioned the Maye’s Way water tank being cleaned, recalling the images of the soot within it and the holes in the top. He applauded the progress being made. The Mayor thanked the Manchester Development Authority for their contribution of the stage that now sits in front of the Manchester Mill. He also thanked the volunteers who came out and assisted in getting it built in time for the July 2^nd Celebration.

Councilman Jason Smith echoed that greatness comes from help and working together. He showed excitement for the future of the City Marshal, noting that we can all learn from the mistakes of the past. Smith reminded citizens that their input is valued and that they are elected to represent the citizens of Manchester.

Mayor Pro-Tem Quardez Warrior commended the work that went into the July 2^nd Celebration, including the vendors and workers who helped to make it happen. Warrior extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of Fred Smith, the twenty-two year old father and son who was killed July 12th. Warrior stated that Smith was a “well-intended individual.” He also challenged the community to embrace the young people and be more involved and accountable. We should know where our children are, who are they with, who influences them, and remind them to put the guns down.

The City Manager also commended the display of fireworks at the Independence Day Celebration. Pullium stated that seventy-five percent of the firework donations were collected by Chief Ben Williams. He offered gratitude to those who volunteered to help the event and those who came to clean up after.

The City Attorney let it be known that there will be a court hearing regarding bond validations on Aug. 10^th at 9 a.m with Meriwether County Superior Court. He requested that a member from the city of Manchester needs to attend as it is necessary to validate the bonds. City Manager Mark Pullium offered to go on behalf of the city.

Several events are being held in Manchester as the summer comes to a close:

• Manchester Recreation and The Huddle Back to School Bash will be on July 25^th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Calvary Baptist Church in Manchester is also hosting a back-to-school event July 25^th from 11-3 p.m.
• Manchester Housing Authority will host their Back-to-School-Bash Aug. 1^st from 1-4 p.m.
• The President’s Theater will have the Turkey Creek Gospel playing live July 25^th starting at 7 p.m.