Manchester Township board discusses trails, newsletter, and surveys

Manchester Township Hall

Submitted by Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps

All board members were present at the November 9 township board meeting except Krista Jarvis. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and two other members of the public.

Scully provided the fire department's monthly report for October. There were 44 calls for service, including three fires and 25 EMS responses. Total runs for the year are up to 460, significantly higher than prior years. The board approved selling the old fire truck through a broker, once the new truck is delivered and in service, which is expected to be in March.

There was no discussion of whether the fire siren should be repaired and put back into use, which had been discussed last month without resolution.

Zoning administrator Carl Macomber was not present. Supervisor Ron Milkey reported five zoning permits were issued. The board discussed an unspecified prior zoning violation that had not been acted upon. The board decided to reissue the zoning violation to again seek compliance. If there is no response the board could consider initiating legal action in circuit court.

Trustee John Seefeld reported on the planning commission meeting last week. Trustee John Seefeld reported on the planning commission meeting last week. The discussion of an ordinance regarding short term rentals is on hold due to a related bill moving through the legislature. A site plan for the proposed solar farm on Herman and Sharon Hollow is expected soon. There is a vacancy on the planning commission due to a resignation.

Milkey reported that a decision is expected by the end of November on a grant application for engineering and construction of the trail from Carr Park to Grossman Road. This is for a portion of the trail to connect the Village of Manchester to Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. Surfacing of the trail from Noggles Road to Austin Road is in progress.

The board approved the purchase of new trash receptacles for the Oak Grove Cemetery to replace the existing ones made of fencing that need to be replaced. The board also approved proposed improvements and maintenance, including additional surfacing of the cemetery roads.

Treasurer Kim Thompsom reported there will be a newsletter included in the winter tax bills to inform residents about the updated township website and about recent developments that will bring broadband internet access to all township residents within the next few years. There will also be a survey that all residents will be asked to return.

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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.