Manchester Township reviews fire report, commissioner changes, and city challenges

Manchester Township Hall

Submitted by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the November 14 board meeting except Krista Jarvis. Also present were Fire Chief Bill Scully and other members of the public.

There were public comments about activities at Iron Mill Pond and the condition of Wolff Road.

Scully provided the monthly report for October. There were 36 calls for service, including 23 EMS responses, two HAZMAT incidents, and no fires. The new fire truck is still not in service because required components have not yet been received. The fire department received a grant for $30,000 for equipment. Supervisor Ron Milkey commented that during an inspection of the fire department facilities, the insurance agency representative was very impressed with how clean and organized everything is.

Milkey reviewed the zoning report for October. Permits were issued for one new residence and four barns/garages.

Trustee Mike Fusilier provided a summary of the planning commission meeting last week. Review of the draft agritourism ordinance is continuing to address comments from the township board. Planning commissioner Ashley Buniack is moving out of the township and will complete her service in December. In addition, Milkey indicated that due to the vote approving the Village of Manchester to become a city, one member of the planning commission is a resident of the city, so no longer a township resident. State law allows for one member of the planning commission to be from outside of the area. The committee that reviews and recommends candidates for various positions with the township will take this into consideration, along with filling the vacancy that will be created by the departure of Buniack.

Fusilier and Sybil Kolon, chair of the Land Preservation Committee (LPC), provided an update on the LPC, which has been meeting ahead of the planning commission meeting on the first Thursday of each month. Planning consultant Alissa Starling is now assisting the LPC, which is beginning to consider what features in the township should be targeted for preservation and specific areas to target. Kolon encouraged the audience to provide feedback to help guide the process.

The upgrade of the parking lot across from the township hall has begun. One layer of asphalt has been applied. As winter approaches, the remainder of the work will be done in the spring. The concrete in front of the fire department has also been replaced.

The board adopted Ordinance 106, regarding civil infractions, which provides for and clarifies enforcement measures the township can employ to enforce its ordinances.

There are three vacancies on various committees that need to be filled. The township is seeking applicants for the district library board, the planning commission, and the zoning board of appeals.

Milkey provided some background on the status of private lawsuits related to Iron Mill Pond. The most recent action was dismissed by the court, stating the plaintiff had no standing. That ruling is being appealed. Iron Mill Pond residents have submitted a petition requesting the township file an amicus curie brief supporting the appellant. Milkey has been in touch with the township attorney about the matter. The board went into closed session for about 15 minutes to discuss legal matters.

When the open meeting resumed, Milkey indicated the township agrees that the plaintiff has standing. The township board just received additional information pertinent to the citizen petition late this afternoon and has not had adequate time to review it. Further discussion was tabled until the December meeting, after the board has had time to review the documents.

Milkey referred to the recent vote that will establish the City of Manchester. The village has been a part of the township, which has provided services to the village, including elections and assessing. The city will be separate from the township and will take on these services. The township clerk and treasurer have been in touch with the county to ensure they take the steps necessary to accommodate this change, which requires significant adjustment to township operations. There is much to figure out and many steps to implement, some of which will take time to resolve, including the allocation of assets between the township and city.

Milkey reported that an updated draft of our ordinance regarding utility-scale solar facilities has been received and is being reviewed by the township attorney. The state legislature has just adopted a law giving much of the control for these facilities to the state. It is expected to be signed by the governor. The current moratorium on these facilities expires in December and may be extended.

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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.