Manchester Township board deals with blight, supports agricultural future

Manchester Township Hall

submitted by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the January 9 board meeting. Also present was Captain Booth of the fire department and several other members of the public.

Public comments were made about continued blight issues on Lakeside Drive.

Captain Booth provided the fire department’s monthly report for December. There were 45 calls for service, including 32 EMS responses, one fire, and one HAZMAT event. Booth reported the new fire truck is in service and the old fire truck will be put up for sale. The recommendation to promote Jason Lindeman to lieutenant was approved by the board.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that two zoning permits were issued in December. The zoning report indicated that several calls about new homes had been received and trash was picked up on Van Tyle Road. The board discussed the blight on Lakeside Drive and agreed that a new violation notice should be issued and the township attorney notified for potential legal action.

Trustee Mike Fusilier provided a summary of the planning commission meeting last week. The planning commission is looking at the possibility of creating an overlay district to support agriculture. More information is being gathered. Multi-family housing and the sign ordinance will be reviewed in the coming months.

Milkey reported that the township identity meeting, held January 8, was well attended. (Editor’s note: See related article.) One more meeting is planned with a tentative date of February 22 or 29, depending on the availability of a speaker.

The board voted unanimously to continue working with the City of Manchester on the Joint Master Plan, which needs to be updated. City Council is also voting on the issue at their meeting tonight.

The township is continuing to advertise for a new member of the zoning board of appeals. Interested persons should apply to the township.

Milkey reported that the township is responding to requests from the City of Manchester for documents related to the division of assets between the township and city, after the village, which was part of the township, voted to become a city. The next meeting is set for January 23.

During the second public comment, one resident offered to assist the township with the design of the township’s new Facebook page.

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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.