Manchester Township Board Meeting report — update on Watkins Lake trail connector
Manchester Township Hall
by Sybil Kolon
All board members except John Seefeld were present at the December 13 township board meeting. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and a few other members of the public.
The first order of business was a public hearing on the Joint Parks & Recreation Master Plan for the Village of Manchester and Manchester Township. The original joint plan was for 2018–2022 and must be updated every five years. A local resident expressed concern with the proposed extension of the non-motorized trail from Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve between the village and Grossman Road. The feasibility study calls for the use of the existing Austin Road right-of-way on the south side of the road. The curve just east of the straight portion of the road is a dangerous stretch that poses a threat to pedestrians and would significantly impact residents along that stretch. Supervisor Ron Milkey acknowledged these concerns. The planning for this section of the trail is not complete and the Washtenaw County Road Commission will examine other options to mitigate the concerns. The board adopted the plan with the addition of a few minor corrections.
Fire Chief Scully provided the monthly report for November. There were 49 calls for service, including 24 EMS responses, six fires, and eight HAZMAT incidents.
Zoning administrator Carl Macomber was not present. Milkey reported there were no permits issued. Macomber continues to address long-term trash issues on Lakeside Drive.
Board representative to the planning commission, trustee John Seefeld, was absent. Milkey referred to the draft minutes for information on the December meeting.
Milkey confirmed the land preservation presentation by the Washtenaw County Conservation District will be held on February 16 at 7pm. Bridgewater and Freedom townships have been invited to send representatives to the meeting. The meeting is currently planned for the township hall but could be moved to the high school, depending on the interest. A similar meeting will be held by Sharon Township on January 18.
The board voted to replace Seefeld on the planning commission with trustee Mike Fusilier, as Seefeld is expected to be absent for several months. Mike Walter was reappointed to the Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission. Milkey and Dave Thompson were reappointed as alternates to the Manchester Community Joint Planning Commission.
Current Board of Review members Jason Aldrich, Jack Rathburn, and Kathy Fusilier were reappointed. Two alternates are needed and those positions will be posted to solicit interest.
The board passed a resolution to approve a permit agreement, with conditions recommended by the township attorney, with Midwest Energy & Communications (MEC), to allow use of the rights-of-way in the township for telecommunications equipment. MEC will be providing broadband internet throughout the township, starting next year.
The township adopted a resolution approving application for a Spark Grant through the state of Michigan to cover cost overruns on phase one of the trail from the village to Grossman Road. The original plan provided for a soft surface along the right-of-way of Austin Road. The county requires the path to be paved in the right-of-way. The amount being sought is $560,000, and any excess can be applied to the next phase of the trail between Grossman Road and Austin Road.
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