Manchester Township learned they will lose their fire chief, Bill Scully, after 30 years of service. Photo by Marsha Johnson Chartrand.

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the March 11 board meeting except John Seefeld. Also present were fire chief Bill Scully and a few members of the public.

The first item of business was a presentation about Manchester’s Community Resource Center (CRC). Dave Tamagne, president of the board, and Carol Wotring, executive director, provided information on the services the CRC provides to residents of the City of Manchester and the four surrounding townships. In addition to their food pantry, other services include emergency food and funding, assistance with income tax preparation, and referrals to other available services. The use of these services has increased gradually over the past few years. The CRC tracks the use of these services by locality. The use of these services by Manchester Township residents is second only to city residents. Freedom township is third, followed by Bridgewater and Sharon townships. The CRC is funded by grants and donations. See their website for additional information: manchestercrc.org.

During public comment, a township resident informed the board about a life-threatening event late at night when there were no nearby county deputies to respond. A state police response from the Brighton post took 25 minutes to arrive. During comments from board members at the end of the meeting, Supervisor Ron Milkey indicated he would follow up with the county and others to identify how this ongoing issue can be addressed.

Scully provided the monthly report for February. There were 43 calls for service, including 28 EMS responses, two fires, and two HAZMAT incidents. There are continuing issues with the new fire truck, which are being addressed. The truck is still in service. Scully announced he will be retiring as fire chief after 40 years on the fire department. There will be an open house appreciation for him at the fire hall from 1 to 3pm on April 13.

Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber had issued zoning permits for two new residences. Macomber continues to monitor various blight issues. Escalated enforcement action will be taken where additional unlicensed cars have been observed.

The board appointed Brenda Bancroft to serve on the planning commission.

The board approved the ride event schedule for the Huron Valley Night Hawks. They plan rides on April 27, May 4, July 27, September 14, and October 12, with rain dates on May 18 and October 19.

Sybil Kolon addressed the board regarding the December 2024 Land Preservation Report. She requested additional input at the meeting in April. The report proposes a series of public meetings to inform residents about the effort and to receive their input. Kolon hopes to begin that process in May.