Manchester Township Board Meeting report: moratoriums extended, new fire truck coming soon

Manchester Township Hall

Submitted by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the December 12 board meeting except John Seefeld. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and other members of the public. 

There were public comments about activities at Iron Mill Pond.

Fire Chief Scully provided the monthly report for November. There were 45 calls for service, including 26 EMS responses, 4 fires, and 0 hazmat events. Scully reported the new fire truck should be in service within a week, after firefighters receive training.  

Supervisor Ron Milkey reviewed the zoning report for November. Six permits were issued. This included two variances, both of which were approved by the zoning board of appeals, and one deck. Zoning inspector Carl Macomber also picked up two bags of trash on Mull Road.

Trustee Mike Fusilier provided a summary of the planning commission meeting last week. The proposed ordinance on agri-tourism was again discussed and additional public comment was received. This will be on the agenda in January. One vacancy on the planning commission needs to be filled.  

Sybil Kolon, chair of the Land Preservation Committee (LPC), provided a brief update on the LPC, which continues to work on its charge. Detailed maps of natural features and other attributes are being consulted to determine areas to target for preservation.

Milkey reported on the first meeting between the township and new City of Manchester to discuss allocation of assets now that the village is no longer part of the township. This process could take a year. Goals and dates were set to address this issue. 

The board voted to extend the moratoriums on solar, wind, and mineral extraction projects for 90 days to allow for updates to the relevant ordinances.

Milkey reviewed correspondence received from local residents about activities on Iron Mill Pond. These letters reported on offensive signage being displayed by the owner of the island in Iron Mill Pond. This issue appears to be related to the ongoing private lawsuit regarding the use of the island. Last month the board had deferred a decision to file an amicus curie brief to support the appeal of a recent ruling due to having just received a report from the township attorney. Milkey indicated the deadline for filing a brief has now expired. Milkey explained that the township has been keeping up with the situation and is attempting to resolve the one zoning violation that remains. The board also addressed the concern about the offensive signage. Although initial research indicates the signage may be protected speech, Milkey will ask the township attorney to review the residents’ concerns.

There were additional public comments about the situation at Iron Mill Pond. The residents were generally appreciative of the township’s support.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.