Manchester township board discusses wide variety of issues

Manchester Township Hall

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the March 12 board meeting except John Seefeld. Also present were assistant fire chief Mike Kouba, Carl Werner, and a few other members of the public.

There were public comments about continued blight issues on Lakeside Drive. Sybil Kolon urged the board to continue working on the Manchester Area Joint Master Plan with the city as it is an important tool in preserving our rural character.

Assistant fire chief Kouba provided the monthly report for February. There were 47 calls for service, including 31 EMS responses and three fires. Kouba reported that the alternator on the old fire truck has gone bad. The alternator will be repaired prior to selling the truck. The board approved a grant application for Milwaukee emergency lighting for $3,500. The old lights need to be replaced and the batteries for the new lighting would be compatible with other equipment. If awarded, the entire amount would be reimbursed.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning permits were issued in February for one residence and two pole barns/garages. Two violation notices were issued on Lakeview Drive for unlicensed cars and one was issued for blight on Sharon Hollow Road.

Trustee Mike Fusilier provided a summary of the planning commission meeting held last week. Carl Werner has completed his review and reorganization of the existing zoning and general law ordinances and recommends a few changes to the zoning ordinance that the planning commission supports.

Milkey reported on several issues. He attended a meeting about the state legislation on large-scale solar, wind, and battery projects. There are many unknowns. The Michigan Townships Association will provide sample ordinances that may provide some protections for townships. There is a petition drive to allow a vote to overturn the state legislation.

The City of Manchester provided a proposal for division of assets between the township and city to account for the city no longer being a part of the township after the village voted to become a city. Two new blight complaints have been received for the northern part of the township and will be investigated. The county prosecutor issued counts against the owner of the dogs in the dog bite case from last year. There was a court hearing today and the trial has been set for April.

There has been a delay in the start of construction of the Thorn Lake Solar project until mid-summer.

There was discussion of the parking lot across from the township hall. No stripes were put on last fall as another layer of asphalt was to be added this spring. It now appears the lot needs to be bigger. The fire department asked for it to be widened by twelve feet. Milkey will contact the contractor to request an updated quote.

Kolon attended the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority as an alternate for Treasurer Kim Thompson. Operations are continuing as usual. Prices for some products have increased recently. Kolon reported on an issue with glass recycling. (See separate story.)

Kolon reported on the Land Preservation Committee. In addition to purchase of development rights, the LPC is considering planning and zoning tools that can be used to help preserve our rural character.

The board appointed Jeremy Rippey to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The board approved the purchase of office furnishings for the fire department in the amount of $2,400.

Milkey introduced the request of the Land Preservation Committee for the board to consider adopting a purchase of development rights ordinance. It was suggested it could be called a land preservation ordinance. The LPC plans to begin detailed discussions on wording and wants to be sure the board is willing to consider it. Kolon explained that such an ordinance does not require passage of a millage to fund the program. There are other sources of funds that could be used. Having local matching funds is often a requirement of many programs and gives the project a better chance. The board voted unanimously that it supports the LPC continuing to work on the ordinance. The planning commission will also be involved.

The board reviewed the road projects proposed for this year by the road commission. The amount proposed exceeds the township’s available funds. The county does provide some matching funds, but the township has to contribute a portion. Some of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been used for roads, in addition to funds from the road millage. The board discussed doing only some of the upgrades. Milkey will talk to the road commission to get a breakdown of costs to do a portion of the roadwork this year, consistent with the township’s budget.

The board approved two resolutions to the zoning ordinance that were requested by the planning commission. One will take fees out of the ordinance so the fees can be part of other fee schedules that can be updated as needed. The other resolution will make living quarters in the commercial district a conditional use instead of a permitted use.

A temporary setup of audio/video equipment was used during the meeting to address concerns about the ability of the public to hear. It was agreed that it is easier to hear with this equipment. The board decided on individual microphones instead of the tabletop units used tonight. Video equipment was also discussed but would require additional effort and resources. The board was not ready to commit to video recording at this time. The board voted to approve up to $3,500 for installation of audio equipment. These funds are coming from the township’s ARPA funds.

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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.