Manchester Township discusses broadband progress and more

Manchester Township Hall

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the October 10 board meeting except Kim Thompson. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully, Village President Pat Vailliencourt, Alissa Starling, and a few other members of the public.

Fire Chief Scully provided the monthly report for September. There were 30 calls for service, including 18 EMS responses and one fire and three HAZMAT incidents. Calls have returned to normal after a busy summer of storms. The additional components for the new fire truck have not yet been received and need to be installed before it can be brought into service. The fire department will have an open house on October 15.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reviewed the zoning report for September. Permits were issued for three new residences and two barns/garages. One conditional use has been requested. The board expects to update Ordinance 100 next month to resolve a conflict with Ordinance 77 regarding civil infractions and the ability of the township to enforce civil infractions.

Trustee Mike Fusilier provided a summary of the planning commission meeting last week. The Land Preservation Committee, established by the board, has begun meeting, has adopted a mission statement, and is in the process of working through its charge. The planning commission has requested further input from the board regarding the proposed Agritourism Ordinance.

The concrete in front of the fire department will be replaced the week of October 16 and work on paving the parking lot across the street is also expected to begin soon.

Trustee Lisa Moutinho reported that about half of the township is expected to be connected to the broadband network by the end of October and the remainder by the end of the year.

Milkey reported that there has been no dumping outside of the recycling bins since the security cameras were installed. The amount of unrecyclable materials placed in the bins is still a concern. Plastic bags and Styrofoam are not accepted and should not be placed in the bins.

Milkey indicated that if the village votes to become a city in November that a new contract will need to be negotiated with our assessor, as assessing for the village is currently covered by the township. The board agreed that if a new contract is needed, it should be for five years, not just one year.

The board discussed proposed legislation that would take away local control for siting and permitting of utility-scale renewable facilities, including solar, wind, and large-scale battery-storage facilities, and transfer it to the state. Milkey asked board members to make calls to state representatives opposing this legislation.

The township attorney prepared a detailed review of how the township will be affected, and steps it will need to take, if the village votes to become a city. Milkey noted that regardless of the decision of village voters, we are and will continue to be a community. Fusilier indicated it is important for the township and village or city to continue being part of the Manchester Area Joint Master Plan.

As discussed last month, a proposed contract for planning services was received from Alissa Starling. After discussion, the board voted to approve the contract for one year. Starling will provide day-to-day service to the planning commission. Additional services will be charged on an hourly basis. The township will continue to use our current planner, Carlisle-Wortman Associates, on larger projects as needed.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

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.