Manchester Township Board moving forward on Iron Lake special assessment district, rejects revised fire contract with City
Manchester Township Hall
by Sybil Kolon
All board members were present at the November 12 board meeting. Also present were a few members of the public.
The fire chief was not present. Supervisor Ron Milkey referred the board to the fire chief’s report. There were 37 calls for service, including 20 EMS responses and three HAZMAT incidents and four fires. The October 13 open house was a great success; one of the largest crowds they have ever had.
Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber issued permits for two pole barns/garages and one household solar installation. One zoning violation for blight and a dangerous building was issued for a residence on Stonefield Drive.
Milkey explained that some agenda items under Department Report/Business have been removed, including the planning commission and other committees. Any reports on these issues are included in the packets for the board and can be referenced.
Milkey reported on a meeting with staff of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation who provided useful information on state programs that can provide financial resources for planning.
The board agreed on the wording of a note to be included in the December tax bill to inform residents about the report being finalized by the Land Preservation Committee (LPC) next month. Sybil Kolon, chair of the committee, explained that the report will include a recommendation that the board hold public meetings to get input and provide information for residents about the township’s land preservation efforts. The board agreed to include the note and to schedule such a meeting after receipt of the report.
The board also discussed the request from the LPC committee for funds to create maps to identify where efforts to preserve agriculture and natural resources in the township should be focused. There was discussion about the ongoing effort to update the master plan, now that the City of Manchester has withdrawn from the joint master plan with the township. That effort will also require mapping. The board agreed to table the request to explore how those mapping efforts can possibly be combined.
The board reappointed Mike Fusilier to another term on the planning commission. Fusilier may assume another role with the Michigan Farm Bureau, in which case he expects to step down from the planning commission and a replacement could be required.
Last month the board agreed to look into creating a special assessment district around Iron Mill Pond for weed control. Treasurer Kim Thompson has researched the process and the township is prepared to move to the next steps. The board passed a resolution that outlines the next steps. A public hearing was scheduled for 6pm on December 10. If the board agrees to move forward after that hearing, there are other steps, including a second public hearing. All affected property owners with legal lake access will be notified of the hearing. The term of the assessment would be five years. The total cost is based on a quote of $11,775 per year for the first two years, with increases in the next three years not to exceed 5%. The goal of the residents requesting the assessment is to begin treatment in the spring of 2025. Documents regarding the process are available at the township office.
The board passed two resolutions extending moratoriums on renewable energy projects, including wind energy and utility-scale solar developments, for 60 days. Milkey explained that the planning commission had finalized the ordinances that had been drafted to address changes to state law, but that the state had just provided additional information that needs to be incorporated, requiring additional time to ensure the new ordinances reflect those changes.
The township board had received an attorney/client privileged memo from its attorney regarding the proposal from the city on the division of assets between the township and city after the village became a city. The city proposed that they should not be charged for fire service in 2023, 2024, and 2025. After discussion, the board voted to request the city to provide the dollar amount for the value of the fire service the city proposes not to pay.
The city had also provided an amended contract for fire service, which includes the following language: “All fire/rescue equipment and housing of the Manchester Fire/Rescue Department are the exclusive property of Manchester Township, subject to any claim that the City of Manchester has for being part of Manchester Township up until November 15, 2023.” The proposed contract would also have to be accepted by Bridgewater, Freedom, and Sharon Townships. After discussion, the board did not accept the revised contract.
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