Manchester Township Board talks about LPC, expenses, and social media

Manchester Township Hall

submitted by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the July 8 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 June. There were 47 calls for service, including 28 EMS responses, three fires, and no HAZMAT incidents. The new platoon system is working well. The township board approved quotes to upgrade the floor in one room of the fire hall and gear for firefighters.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber had issued zoning permits for one new residence, two garages/pole barns, and one deck. Three violations were issued.

Mike Walter and Mike Fusilier had drafted bylaws for the newly established permanent land preservation committee (LPC). These will be provided to the LPC for their review and comment before coming back to the township board for final approval. The township board appointed William Gross as a fifth member of the LPC.

A recent zoning board of appeals meeting required significant resources to be spent by the township for attorney attendance and review of complex issues. The escrow deposited before the meeting covered only half of the township’s expenses. After reviewing the invoice, the board determined that all but one minor charge were attributable to the hearing and a new invoice will be sent to the applicant for payment. Other area townships all have an escrow provision for ZBA meetings and that will be considered as the fee schedules are updated.

Milkey brought up the need for a social media director or a better way to help keep the township website and Facebook page active and up to date for township residents. Clerk Danell Proctor and treasurer Kim Thompson handle this and don’t think they need help and question the need for hiring a professional. Other board members believe there is a need for a more robust presence on the internet. It is not easy to find information because our documents are PDFs that are not searchable. Trustee Mike Walter suggested that everyone involved with township business should have a task to provide information for posting. It was suggested that the website may need upgrading to allow for new methods of accessing information. Proctor will call the operator of our website to request a meeting to discuss improvements. The township board will also consider establishing a community engagement policy.

The board approved the regular board meeting dates to continue on the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm. The wages of non-elected employees were increased by the cost of living, 3.1%.

The board approved the same township attorney, auditor, banks, and newspaper of record. The board passed a resolution to amend the zoning ordinance to regulate small-scale and community-energy systems. Next month they will consider another resolution to amend the zoning ordinance regarding large-scale systems.

Proctor reported that an entire set of living room furniture was placed in the parking lot next to the recycling bins overnight. They were picked up by the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority that services the bins and taken for disposal today. The camera footage of the recycling bins is being reviewed and the incident has been reported to the county sheriff. Such dumping is illegal and the township will take appropriate actions.

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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.