Manchester Township discusses moving recycling bins

Manchester Township Hall

submitted by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the April 12 township board meeting. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and a few other members of the public.

Two village residents spoke during public comment about the plan to move the recycling bins to the corner of Duncan and Macomb streets. Both residents indicated this will put the bins much closer to their homes, which will increase the noise and litter that are already problems. They requested that a more remote location be found. One suggestion was at the parking lot behind the village office. Supervisor Ron Milkey acknowledged their concerns and agreed to consider other locations. Video cameras and fencing are planned at the new location.

There is no schedule for the move, which is due to proposed development of the parcel where they are currently located by Manchester Market. Trustee Krista Jarvis, the board’s representative to the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority, indicated that when charges were pressed due to activities at a Chelsea bin location, that activity decreased.

Fire Chief Scully provided the monthly report for March. There were 44 calls for service, including 24 EMS responses, three fires, and one HAZMAT incident. Scully recommended hiring two new firefighters, both of whom have recently moved into the area and have fire department training and experience. The township board approved hiring of Jonathan King and Rance Rickard.

Scully also recommended the purchase of a new half-ton passenger/pickup truck to ensure adequate transportation resources during fire calls. He provided several options, with costs for each. The board will consider the options presented.

Zoning administrator Carl Macomber was not present. Milkey reviewed the zoning report, which shows one new residence and three barns/garages were approved. Milkey briefly reviewed the planned upgrade at the Consumers Energy gas regulator station on M-52 near Dutch Drive. A setback variance request was approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals for the project to allow the size of the structure to be increased within the existing fenced area.

Trustee John Seefeld reviewed the minutes from the planning commission meeting last week. There is some opposition expected to the proposed solar farm at Sharon Hollow and Herman roads. A public hearing on the project will be held on April 21 at 7pm.

The board approved a contract with the road commission to complete the upgrade on Buss Road and to upgrade the portion of Herman Road between Grossman and Deer Valley roads.

The board also reappointed Dave Thompson and George Daubner to the planning commission for three-year terms.

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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.