Manchester Township board meeting: large donation received to cover cost of new firetruck

by Sybil Kolon  

All board members were present at the October 14 board meeting. Also present were fire chief Mike Kouba, firefighter Holly Horodeczny, deputy township supervisor Ron Mann, planning commissioner Jim Carpenter, planning consultant Alissa Starling, and a few members of the public. 

Kouba provided the monthly report for September. There were 51 calls for service, including 25 EMS responses and two fires. Trainings and inspections were completed as required.

Efforts to address problems with the two-year-old fire truck continue. The warranty has been extended once by the manufacturer. Kouba has placed an order for a replacement utility truck, a single axle, one-ton Chevy. Horodeczny, who is also the president of the Dutchmen Firefighters Association, explained they had received a large donation to cover the cost, and voted to fund the utility truck. No funds will be needed from the township. The donor will be announced in the near future.

Firefighter Ellison, who has been on a leave of absence, has submitted his resignation due to time constraints. The board approved hiring Jeff Hannah as a firefighter. He lives in the city and is a licensed paramedic and a certified firefighter. 

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning permits were issued for one residence and three barns/garages. Blight issues at various locations are being monitored with progress on Lakeside Drive.

Milkey reported that the tire recycling-event was very successful and he would like the township to sponsor it again next year, with assistance from the county. Milkey has been in touch with the county sheriff regarding lack of coverage in the township. Efforts to resolve responsibility for repairs to the trail along Austin Road west of town continue. He reported that there would be a gravel-road bike race that includes township roads on October 18.

Starling provided an overview of the new master plan for the township. The board approved a resolution to adopt the master plan.

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by Sara Swanson

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