Manchester Township Board Meeting – Jan 14, 2020
Manchester Township Hall
by Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps
This is the first report of what we hope will be many about local township board meetings. We are still seeking volunteers to cover these meetings! If you are interested in joining the Community Reporter Corps email themanchestermirror@gmail.com or call 734-328-1386.
Manchester Township Board Meeting – Jan 14, 2020
All board members were present, Gene DeRossett, Danell Proctor, Laurie Carey, Carl Macomber, Lisa Moutinho, Ron Milkey and John Seefeld. Other attendees included Brian Kunzelman, captain of fire department and Mike Walter, chair of the planning commission.
One main topic of discussion was the activities of the owner of AshKay Island, Andy Bobo. A resident of Iron Creek Mill Pond (aka Iron Lake) commented that Mr. Bobo claims that all of his activities have been approved by the board. More than two years ago, the township board had initiated enforcement actions against him for running a VRBO in a house on the island in violation of the township zoning ordinance. The township board subsequently declined to take any enforcement actions. The board recently became aware of Bobo’s efforts to start a marina. No application has been made and the township has not given approval for any such development and believe it is not a permitted use. The board voted to contact the township attorney to determine if the township has the right to remove the marina sign. The board also requested Macomber, the township’s zoning officer, to contact the construction authority to request an inspection be done to investigate the status of prior violations. The board will request the construction authority to come to the next board meeting to discuss the issues. Supervisor DeRossett indicated he does not believe the township can take any action until the appeal in the private lawsuit between lake owners and Bobo is resolved.
Kunzelman reported 46 calls in the prior month, only one of which was a fire. Medical and automobile crash calls are the most common. Although calls have been well above average, the fire department budget is still in good shape.
The detailed site plan for the Hidden Lake RV Resort was received. The planning commission had approved the preliminary plan a few months ago. It will be located at the former gravel pit on the north edge of town. The planning commission will be reviewing the site plan starting next month.
Seefeld, who also serves on the planning commission, reported that the PC had discussed short term rentals again, as requested by the board. The planning consultant will provide possible language at the next meeting, which is expected to include a minimum time of 30 days for each rental. The PC will also discuss a possible ordinance to allow for agricultural tourism.
DeRossett reported that the Southwest Washtenaw Council of Governments met last week for the first time in over a year. Good information was shared and this is believed to very helpful in allowing townships, the village, and schools to be aware of what each is doing, and possible collaboration.
The board discussed the village efforts to become a city. DeRossett has already suggested that a few members of each board meet to try to understand and resolve the issues. It was agreed the township will send a letter to the village to officially request such a meeting be held soon.
The new cemetery ordinance was discussed. The township had to assume responsibility as the cemetery board does not have adequate funding to continue. It was pointed out that the ordinance states that primary burial rights apply to township residents. It was agreed the village should be notified that if they become a city, the residents would no longer have that primary right. It was acknowledged that the ordinance could be amended in the future to include city residents.
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