Manchester Township board discusses blight, agriculture, and fire trucks
Manchester Township Hall
submitted by Sybil Kolon
All board members were present at the February 13 board meeting except Krista Jarvis and John Seefeld. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully, planning commission chair Mike Walter, Manchester city mayor Pat Vailliencourt, and several other members of the public.
There were public comments about continued blight issues on Lakeside Drive.
Fire chief Bill Scully provided the monthly report for January. There were 50 calls for service, including 29 EMS responses, three fires, and three HAZMAT events. Scully reported on the effort to sell the 25-year-old fire truck now that the new truck is in service. The board agreed to attempt to sell it through a company that will make a commission. There are currently many such trucks on the market.
Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that two zoning permits were issued in January for pole barns/garages and one permit for a new residence. One variance request was received and the zoning board of appeals will consider that on Thursday, February 15.
Trustee Mike Fusilier provided a summary of the planning commission meeting held on February 1. The planning commission is still considering the possibility of creating an overlay district for agriculture. This is a new approach from the earlier consideration of an agritourism ordinance and more details will be considered next month. The planning commission will seek input from the board prior to any recommendations. Milkey invited comments from Mike Walter, Planning Commission chair. Walter indicated that most of the public comment received so far strongly favors protection of farmland and open space.
Milkey reported on several issues. The dog bite case from last June has not been acted upon by the county prosecutor. The complainant was advised to contact the prosecutor’s office directly.
On the blight issue on Lakeview Drive, Milkey reported there are numerous vehicles outside in various states of disrepair. Zoning inspector Carl Macomber is to issue a violation notice regarding unlicensed vehicles. Macomber had indicated the blight issues have otherwise improved. There are indications of burning of materials not allowed by our burn ordinance. Scully advised that this part of the township is covered by the Sand Lake Fire Department.
On the Sanborn Road blight situation, little progress has been observed. The township intends to follow up with court action. The unsafe house on West Austin Road has not yet been demolished. The owner states the power has been disconnected and a contractor will begin that process when its equipment on another job is available. A new blight issue has been reported on Sharon Hollow Road near Wellwood Road. Milkey has observed that site as well as the others. Macomber has been directed to address that situation.
Milkey reported interest by one person to fill the vacancy on the zoning board of appeals; no application has been received. There is also interest by others in serving as an alternate on the ZBA.
Sybil Kolon, chair of the Land Preservation Committee, reported that the LPC now has access to detailed maps, some of which were passed around. The LPC is now getting into details about methods to preserve farmland and natural areas in the township, which will include suggesting planning and zoning changes and programs to help residents manage their lands, as well as programs that will allow for more permanent protections. Kolon stated that preserving our rural character will take hard work, funding, and difficult decisions. The LPC believes there are things that can be done on the planning commission and board level before its final recommendations are due this fall. Kolon informed the board that the LPC will be discussing purchase of development rights (PDR) in more detail, and that adopting such an ordinance is not necessarily a prerequisite to asking township residents to support a millage to fund PDR. Such an ordinance could establish a fund for land protection that could rely on other sources of funding. It would also qualify the township to apply for state funds to protect farmland.
The board agreed to provide a letter of support for holding the Manchester Canoe Race on May 19.
Carl Werner was appointed to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission. Board member Krista Jarvis was appointed to fill a position on the Manchester District Library Board.
During the second public comment a neighbor to the Lakeview Drive blight stated that the situation is a hazard, including cars jacked up for long periods and gas cans, and that the blight issue has not been adequately addressed.
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