New names and new faces appointed to township commissions

Manchester Township Hall

By Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps

Five board members were present at the January 11 Manchester Township board meeting. Trustees Mike Fusilier and John Seefeld were absent. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and Sybil Kolon.

Scully provided the monthly report for December. There were 35 calls for service during the month, including 17 EMS responses and no fires. There were 544 runs for 2021. Of the five communities served, Manchester Village had the most runs at 162, followed by 110 for Sharon Township, 97 for Freedom Township, 91 for Manchester Township, and 52 for Bridgewater Township. There were 32 calls for mutual aid to other communities. EMS responses comprised the most runs, at 285, followed by 95 Other, 64 Public Assist, 63 Fire, 32 Wires, and 5 Standby.

Zoning administrator Carl Macomber was not present. It was reported that zoning permits were issued for two residences and one garage/pole barn. Macomber picked up trash on Ayres Road.

In Seefeld’s absence, there was no report on the planning commission.

Sybil Kolon was appointed to continue as the township’s representative to the River Raisin Watershed Council. Kolon requested the board appoint an alternate to represent the township in case she is absent. The Committee to Recommend New Board and Commission Members will look into filling this opening.

Trustee Lisa Moutinho reported that the Committee to Recommend New Board and Commission Members had interviewed five people for two vacant positions. All five were very qualified. Ashley Buniack was recommended to fill a vacancy on the planning commission and Philip Altherr was recommended to fill a vacancy on the zoning board of appeals. The board approved both of these recommendations.

Treasurer Kim Thompson reported that the American Rescue Plan funds received from the federal government can be spent on any budget item authorized under state law. There had previously been more specific requirements. The board set a workshop meeting for Feb. 8 at 5:30 pm to discuss how the township should spend these funds. The board will also discuss Community Engagement, to follow up on interest in the community expressed by the five residents who were interviewed for vacant positions.

Thompson also reported the community survey is now on the township website. Hard copies also can be obtained at the township office. Township residents are encouraged to fill out the survey to help give direction to the board and planning commission. Responses are being compiled by Carlisle/Wortman, the township’s planning consultant.

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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.