Manchester Township to form parks & rec committee; approves motocross event dates
Manchester Township Hall
March 15th, 2022 Correction: The original headline of this article referred to the motocross events as "races." They are not races but "practice events." The headline has been changed to reflect this.
submitted by Sybil Kolon, Community Reporter Corps
All board members were present at the March 8 township board meeting except Treasurer Kim Thompson and Trustee John Seefeld. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and Jim Harmon with the Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) and three other members of the public.
Jim Harmon provided background on county roads, available funding, and suggested projects for the township. The WCRC provides matching funds to townships to provide incentives for needed road work on roads that do not receive federal or county funding. The board agreed to contract for three applications of brine on all gravel roads, which has been done for many years. The township board will decide at a future meeting about contracting with the WCRC to complete the Buss Road improvements, and possibly to begin much-needed improvements on the gravel portion of Herman Road. Harmon indicated there are also funds available for culvert and bridge replacements, which can be very costly.
Two representatives from Irish Hills MX were present to review their planned schedule at the Huron Valley Night Hawks (HVNH) dirt bike track on Sharon Hollow Road, where they have been holding events for several years pursuant to a court order between the township and HVNH which establishes the use of the track for events on five separate days. They will have clean up and set up activities in April. The township board approved five dates, all on Sundays, for April 24, May 15, July 24, September 18, and October 2. Make up dates in case of rain were approved for May 22 and October 9. All events are to be completed by 6 pm.
Fire Chief Scully provided the monthly report for February. There were 45 calls for service, including 36 EMS responses. There were no fires. Scully continues to apply for available grants for equipment. Delivery of the new fire truck has been delayed until August.
Zoning administrator Carl Macomber was not present. Supervisor Ron Milkey indicated three permits had been approved. One was related the RV Park to be built in the township north of the village and another was for a new residence.
Milkey reported on the planning commission meeting last week. A representative of the Thorn Lake Solar Farm planned on Herman Road on the east side of Sharon Hollow provided information on the project. Construction will start this fall or next spring. A public hearing is planned for April. The owner of the proposed cluster housing development off US-12 west of M-52 was present. They are planning to move forward this summer with construction of one of four planned homes. Most of the remaining 107-acre parcel is being restored to native habitats.
Trustee Krista Jarvis discussed plans for moving the recycling bins to the area across from the township hall. No timetable was provided. A local business has agreed to fund part of the cost of moving and upgrading the new recycling bin site.
Jarvis has agreed to head up a parks and recreation committee. She had walked the proposed trail from Carr Park to Grossman with Milkey and the consultant who is designing the project. She requested that the personnel committee post positions to solicit interest in serving on a parks and recreation committee to be established by the township.
Milkey and other members of the cemetery committee had met with the owner of a company that could perform required tasks at the Oak Grove and Reynolds cemeteries. He can give us a quote for whatever services we request. The cemetery committee will decide which services to request quotes for.
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