Manchester Township discusses standardizing some ordinances among municipalities served by fire department and more

Manchester Township Hall

by Sybil Kolon

All board members were present at the September 8 board meeting. Also present were fire chief Mike Kouba and a few other members of the public.

Kouba provided the monthly report for August. There were 59 calls for service, including five fires, 37 EMS responses and 5 Hazmat incidents.  Regular meetings and trainings were held. The board accepted the resignation of Eagan Lounsbery. The fire department was present at the Manchester Community Fair and again won the extrication challenge. Kouba will attend the South West Washtenaw Council of Governments meeting and will provide drafts of three ordinances for other township’s consideration. Open burning, driveway and dangerous building ordinances affect fire department operations and vary among the townships the fire department serves, complicating response actions.

Supervisor Ron Milkey reported that zoning administrator Carl Macomber issued two permits for new residences, three permits for barns or garages, one deck and one residential solar installation. Driveway access problems due to the overgrowth of brush on Yonge’s Drive at Iron Mill Pond are being addressed by the owners.

Milkey reported a resident called about extensive tree trimming along Mahrle Road by the Washtenaw County Road Commission. Mahrle Road is a Natural Beauty Road and tree cover was affecting clearance for vehicles. Milkey reported extensive foundation work is being done around the foundation of the house at Iron Creek Church due to water issues.

There will be a tire collection day at the Manchester Township Hall on October 10. The Irish Hills Gravel Bike Race will be held on October 17.  It will begin at Michigan International Speedway and have a significant route through Manchester Township.

As reported in July, the owner of property along M-52 near Austin Road may request rezoning from low density residential to industrial. The owner had asked the township for a letter of support for a grant to investigate the feasibility of developing the property. Neither the board nor the planning commission support signing the letter without some idea of what the use would be. Milkey will send a letter to the owner to inform them of the rezoning application process.

by Sara Swanson

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