The Manchester Board of Mayor and Aldermen met Tuesday night and on the agenda was the open position of police chief. Mark Yother retired from the job on August 28.
After discussion a motion was made to hire current Manchester Police Major Bill Sipe. The vote was 3-2 in favor, but it takes four votes for approval. Sitting alderman Bob Bellamy along with newly elected aldermen Julie Anderson and Donny Parsley voting yes. Sitting aldermen Mark Messick and Ryan French voted against the motion. Both men stated to On Target News that it was not against Mr. Sipe, but they feel like there needs to be a process, including interviews.
The city will now use MTAS (University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service) to conduct interviews with candidates. Newly elected alderman Joey Hobbs abstained from the vote stating he needed more information.
Currently the City of Manchester police department is being led by Assistant Chief Adam Floied.
