Manchester Township Board meeting: Daubner recognized, WWRA, & Huron Valley Night Hawks

Manchester Township Hall

by Sybil Kolon  

All board members were present at the February 10 board meeting except John Seefeld and Mike Walter. Also present were fire chief Mike Kouba, planning commissioner Jim Carpenter and a few members of the public. 

Kouba provided the monthly report for January. There were 63 calls for service, including 33 EMS responses, four fires, and four HAZMAT incidents. Kouba introduced Sand Lake Fire Chief Don Cushing. The Sand Lake Fire Department (SLFD), in coordination with the MTFD, provides emergency services to sections 30 to 35 in the south portion of Manchester Township, and participates in mutual aid as needed. Cushing and Kouba both emphasized their good working relationship. The contract between the two units is up for renewal and the board voted to enter into a new three-year contract with the SLFD.   

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber had issued a zoning permit for one new residence. A civil infraction was issued for continued blight issues on Lakeside Drive.  

The board passed a resolution to request continued assistance from Washtenaw County for recycling services provided by the Western Washtenaw Recycling Authority. Public hearings are expected in June and July 2026. If approved, the $35 per year assessment per household, currently in place, will continue for five more years. Recycling bins for Manchester Township are located in back of the Township Hall.

The board approved the ride dates for the Huron Valley Night Hawks at their property on Sharon Hollow Road near US-12, which is under an agreement with the township to follow a certain schedule for their events. Spring events would be April 26 and May 17, with one make-up date of May 31. Summer events would be July 26 and September 13, with one make-up date on October 4.

Prior to the board meeting there was recognition of George Daubner, who stepped down from the Planning Commission after serving for 23 years. Daubner thanked the board and all members of the board thanked him for his service.

During board comments Milkey discussed the proposed gravel mine next to Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve. Milkey mentioned funds the township has contributed toward the trails that lead to the park and expressed concern about environmental impacts to the park, possible truck routes that could include Manchester Township, and that the same company owns at least 78 acres on Herman Road adjacent to Watkins Lake. Trustee Lisa Moutinho agreed to draft a resolution to express concerns to Norvell Township about impacts to the park.

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by Sara Swanson

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