Submitted by Sybil Kolon, The Manchester Mirror
All board members were present at the August 12 board meeting. Also present were Carl Macomber, Zoning Administrator, fire chief Mike Kouba, and a few members of the public.
Marie Gress, executive director of Western Washtenaw Value Express (WAVE), reported on their activity in Manchester Township. WAVE provides door-to-door rides for all, by reservation, anywhere in Washtenaw County. Research and experience show that this is the most economical way to provide affordable public transportation in rural areas. Riders must make a reservation, which they can cancel at no charge one hour or more before time. The charge for each ride is $1. Gress reported that charging more is not viable, but they do ask for donations and that covers more than if they raised rates, due to declining ridership as the cost increases.
WAVE provided 1,822 rides for 60 households in Manchester Township in the past 12 months. WAVE provides this service to all western Washtenaw residents, not just seniors and those who lack transportation. Gress requested $10,500 to support Manchester Township’s residents’ use of the service. The Township Board had budgeted $4,000 and approved that amount and agreed to consider more, depending on how the new Washtenaw County Senior Millage will be allocated to cover any of these costs.
Fire Chief Kouba provided the monthly report for July. There were 51 calls for service, including 26 EMS responses, no fires, and four HAZMAT incidents. The new platoon system did not result in more equitable distribution of firefighter response to calls and was discontinued after one month. Dan Miller retired from service. Another firefighter remains on leave. Staffing EMS personnel continues to be a challenge nationwide.
The fire department participated in the Manchester Fair. The Manchester Township Fire Department won the Extrication Training Competition, a new event that challenges firefighters to quickly dismantle a car.
Zoning Administrator Carl Macomber reported issuing zoning permits for three new residences and one remodel. One zoning variance was approved and there was a public hearing on a conditional use request. Enforcement activities continue regarding blight at three residences. The Township Board went into closed session at the end of the meeting to consider legal options for ongoing zoning enforcement cases.
Supervisor Ron Milkey reported meeting with the road commission and contractor about repairs needed to address flooding on the trail to Watkins Lake along Austin Road, east of Grossman.
The board voted to adopt a zoning ordinance related to large, renewable-energy projects that can be permitted by the state under a recent law. This ordinance establishes the township’s ability to put additional conditions on such projects if the developer applies to the township. The state’s review process may be more time-consuming, giving developers an incentive to work with the township instead of being under the control of the state.
The board voted to approve bylaws for the permanent land preservation committee, which will begin meeting soon. Trustee Mike Walter reviewed the status of the draft Master Plan. Significant public comment was received and changes were made to the text of the plan and the future land use map to increase the area of the rural agriculture district. The revised Master Plan will be available for review. The board expects to vote on it in September.
The board voted to pay for an upgrade to the township website to make it more user friendly. That process is expected to take several months and will allow residents to access township information much more readily.
8-21-2025 Correction: This article originally stated that WAVE provided 600 rides for Manchester Township residents over the last 12 months when in fact it was 1,822 rides for 60 Manchester Township households over the past 12 months.
