Manchester Township Board discusses fire issues, ongoing blight, and parking lot

Manchester Township Hall

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the June 11 board meeting. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully, planning commissioner Carl Werner, and several other members of the public.

Fire chief Bill Scully provided the monthly report for May. There were 44 calls for service, including 19 EMS responses, three fires, and two HAZMAT incidents. The potential buyer for the old fire truck fell through. The new CPR device has been used twice by firefighters who appreciate its ease of use. Recent training about electric vehicles highlighted the hazards associated with potential EV fires that cannot be addressed with standard equipment. There are blankets available that help contain such fires. Scully will apply for a grant to purchase one, which costs about $4,500. Another issue with EVs is that firefighters are unable to tell if an EV is still running and poses a threat of injury to firefighters. There is a unit available to insert into the charging port that will ensure there is no electrical charge present prior to contact with the vehicle or any victims.

There were no building permits issued last month. Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber followed up on various blight complaints. The letters sent to the owner and resident at the ongoing blight and unlicensed vehicles issues on Lakeview Drive resulted in some improvement in the appearance of the yard, although the underlying issues remain. Some vehicles have been put behind a makeshift fence. Three additional vehicles have appeared. The resident has agreed to meet with the supervisor and zoning administrator next week. Enforcement efforts have been put on hold until after that meeting.

Trustee Mike Fusilier reported on the planning commission meeting last week. A site plan has been received for phase II of the Hidden Lake RV resort that will be reviewed next month. A sign permit was approved after a variance request had been approved. The planning commission is reviewing the revised ordinance for utility-scale solar installations. There is currently a moratorium on such submittals until a new ordinance is adopted.

Sybil Kolon reported that the land preservation committee is making progress and will be working on documenting their findings and recommendations to the board by this fall.

Treasurer Kim Thompson reported on the activities of the fire department committee. They have three recommendations to date: 1) encourage township officials to attend the Michigan Townships Association training on emergency services, 2) the fire department should hold quarterly meetings with each contracting municipality, and 3) fire department officers should begin succession planning. The committee will continue to meet in the fall.

Milkey reported that the paving of the parking lot across from the township hall has resulted in more run-off into the road where it has caused some new flooding of a nearby home during heavy rain. The city requested the township fund the cost of installation of curb and gutter to help control the problem. Curb and gutter work is ongoing throughout the city and the work related to the township parking lot was completed today. As requested by the city, the board voted to approve up to $1,500 to cover the cost of that work.

There was discussion of the request from the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council to help fund upgrades to the city building that will serve as its new location. After discussion involving a citizen who is involved with the council, Milkey explained that the township is not allowed to fund capital improvements for non-township facilities. However, the board is willing to continue its support for furniture and equipment needed and will consider future requests.

Milkey reported the dog bite case discussed last month was voluntarily resolved between the parties, ending involvement by the township and court.

Milkey explained that the appointment of Sybil Kolon to the Manchester Area Joint Planning Commission as an at-large member was in error. Trustee John Seefeld had been appointed to fill that vacancy last year; however, there remains one vacancy for a township appointee. The board voted to appoint Kolon to fill that vacancy.

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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.