The Medford City Council meeting on July 16, 2025, celebrated a significant milestone as Bill Manns was honored with a lifetime service award for his pivotal role in the annual Medford Cruise. Now in its fortieth year, this beloved event has become a cornerstone for car enthusiasts and has raised over $620,000 for youth-related causes. Council members highlighted Manns' dedication, noting that without his efforts, the event would not be possible.
Manns expressed gratitude for the city’s ongoing support, acknowledging the contributions of various departments, including public works and police, which have been essential to the event's success. He emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "It takes tons of volunteers, but mostly it takes your commitment."
The meeting also included updates from Medford Water, with General Manager Brad Taylor discussing the progress on the Southeast master plan, aimed at addressing the area's growth. However, the anticipated update from OnTrack was postponed due to their absence.
The recognition of Manns and the updates on city projects underscored the council's commitment to community service and infrastructure development, setting a positive tone for future initiatives in Medford.