Manchester Township discusses solar farms, RV park, and more in virtual meeting

The damage to the township hall from last week’s crash was discussed at Tuesday night’s meeting. The cost of repair will be covered by insurance.

By Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps

The May 12 township board meeting was held by telephone conference call. All township board members participated, as well as fire chief Bill Scully and two members of the public.

Under payment of bills, a bill from the township attorney of nearly $4,000 was discussed.

Many discussion items were related to review of proposed ordinances under consideration by the planning commission, and taking over the Oak Grove Cemetery. It was suggested that accounting codes be established for various tasks to assist with budgeting in the future.

Scully reported 27 calls in April. The number of calls has decreased significantly in the second half of the month; there were only four calls From April 17 through the end of the month. There is still a shortage of daytime fire fighters. Treasurer Laurie Carey proposed a gift card of $50 from local restaurants be provided to each of the 28 members of the fire department in recognition of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Carey had researched this issue and determined that such compensation is allowed related to emergency situations such as the pandemic. The motion was approved by all board members.

Zoning administrator Carl Macomber was not on the meeting call. It was reported there had been one building permit issued. Trustee Ron Milkey had accompanied Macomber to an address near Twin Lakes at the southern edge of the township, where it was believed a recreational vehicle was being lived in. The wooden structure attached to the RV had been removed and it appears the situation is resolved.

Trustee John Seefeld, the board’s liaison to the planning commission, reported on current planning commission issues. The developers of the RV park just north of the village at the old gravel pit hope to begin construction this summer, with an opening expected next spring. The township’s consultant has been in touch with a company that is installing solar farms in the area. The commission expects to see a site plan by late summer, with the possibility of sheep, goats, or pollinator plantings being incorporated into the solar farm. The location is not known. The township attorney has made comments on a draft ordinance for event barns. The PC expects to see a revised version in June.

Trustee Mike Fusilier said he believes that limiting event barns to commercial areas will not be helpful to farmers, many of whom need more options to remain financially viable. Trustee Ron Milkey agreed with Fusilier, as did others during public comment.

Trustee Lisa Moutinho reported that the county will be releasing details of its county-wide broadband survey this week. The next step will be a request for proposals by the county for a feasibility study to determine how best to increase internet access in underserved areas like Manchester Township. A grant is expected to be submitted to the USDA by January.

Supervisor Gene DeRossett reported that he had contacted the supervisors for Bridgewater, Freedom, and Sharon townships, as well as the Village President and Village Manager. All support the continuation of the Southwest Washtenaw Council of Governments (SWWCOG). A long list of agenda items has been created, which will likely need to be covered in multiple meetings. A Zoom meeting call is being planned for June, if in-person meetings are not possible.

The SWWCOG group is interested in discussing how a fire authority would work, compared to the current fire department that is operated under the Manchester Township board. Surrounding municipalities contract with the fire department for service. Concern was expressed by Carey and other board members that the township should be taking the lead in such discussions. DeRossett indicated the topic was also appropriate for SWWCOG to discuss. A sub-committee was formed for the township to explore this issue.

The major issue the township is dealing with is the closure of the township hall due to a vehicle that crashed into the backup generator and through the wall of the office last Sunday. The wall has been boarded and a temporary generator procured to provide power, which was also knocked out during the accident. Trustee Milkey is working on getting bids and the repairs are expected to begin soon. These costs will be covered by insurance.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.