Manchester Township holding hearing on master plan, pilots program for better FD nighttime response

Manchester Township Hall

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the June 10 board meeting except Lisa Moutinho. Also present were fire chief Mike Kouba, planning commissioner Jim Carpenter, and a few members of the public.

Fire Chief Kouba provided the monthly report for May. There were 51 calls for service, including 35 EMS responses, two fires, and no HAZMAT incidents. In an effort to ensure adequate response time for nighttime calls, Kouba recommends establishing a pilot program that would provide a $25 per night stipend for two firefighters per night to be on call. The board voted to fund that program, at a cost of $18,250 per year. The pilot program will be adjusted after the first three months but is planned to continue. The board approved $2,000 to fund a 50-amp plug for heavier equipment and for lighting in front of the fire hall.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber had issued zoning permits for two new residences, one variance and one address. Milkey reported that significant progress has been made on the blight issues at Lakeside Drive and at Sharon Hollow Road near Wellwood Road.

Trustee Mike Fusilier noted in driving around the township that several roads around the lakes do not have adequate clearance for fire trucks; the same applies to many driveways. These roads were created many decades ago, before there were standards. Kouba acknowledged issues in some areas where brush overhanging the roads and driveways has not been cut back. These conditions have resulted in damage to fire vehicles and make it more difficult for emergency response vehicles to access properties. Milkey suggested a review of township ordinances that could address these issues. Because the fire department serves the surrounding townships, these concerns should be discussed with the other townships.

Milkey reported that a public hearing will be held on June 24 at 6pm on the draft master plan. The plan is available on the township website.

The board tabled action on the renewable energy ordinance until next month to give the board time to review after the public hearing last week.

The board appointed Sybil Kolon, Jim Carpenter, Mike Fusilier, and Mike Lowery to a permanent land preservation committee to continue work on this issue. Additional members could be appointed. Milkey asked that the committee meet before the end of the month to set a public meeting to seek public input on land preservation. Trustee Mike Walter brought up the need for a standing committee to have bylaws. Fusilier suggested those bylaws be established by the board. Walter and Fusilier agreed to draft such bylaws for board consideration. They will also consult with the land preservation committee before finalizing.

Milkey reported that a settlement with the City of Manchester is in the final stages. There were minor changes that required board and council action. The board voted to approve that change. The City is expected to pass it on Monday. A stipulated order will then be submitted to the court to end the lawsuit between the parties. The settlement document will then be available to the public.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.