Manchester Studies Golf Cart, Engine Brake Ordinance Changes
October 13, 2016 at 5:39 p.m.
By Keri Koenig-
The issue of golf cart modifications was a legal specifications request by the town council’s attorney. There are no laws that say they cannot force the golf carts to have brake lights and turn signals, but the issue will still receive further discussion.
An engine brake ordinance was introduced for North Manchester. Diesel engines and semi trucks will no longer be able to use compression release engine brakes, or “jake” brakes, in the town. This type of braking results in loud and disruptive noise that many other towns have already passed ordinances against, such as South Whitley and Fort Wayne. Council member Thomas Dale explained that it is about livability in North Manchester. There are many third-shift workers that would find this to be an unbearable inconvenience while living in North Manchester. Dale explained that he drives a truck as well and that these brakes are usually unnecessary.
Council member Tobias Chalmer, however, requested that this ban not include emergency vehicles. Fire Chief Cam Kissinger confirmed that their emergency vehicles did have this type of braking, but they were not nearly as loud as on other larger vehicles. The council will consider this amendment before the ordinance is put into effect.
This year’s fall cleanup is planned for Friday and Saturday at the street department. The hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. The Saturday hours have been reduced this year and will take place from to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The decrease in hours is due to previous attendance and limiting overtime hours for the Public Works Department.
Town events for October will be taking place soon in North Manchester for Halloween at Warhol Park. The Parks and Recreation Department will host the Great Pumpkin Hunt Oct. 28. A magic show will begin a 6:30 p.m. at Scout Hall, and at 7 p.m. there will be a costume contest at Scout Hall as well. At 7:15 p.m., the pumpkin hunt will begin. Children 3 and under, 4 to 7 and 8 and up are welcome to enjoy the festivities and should be sure to remember their flashlight to find the pumpkins.
Trick-or-treating hours for North Manchester will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. There will be a haunted house at the public safety building. Manchester College students will be volunteering their time to decorate.
Town manager Adam Penrod is still looking for his replacement as the waste water superintendent. There are five qualified applicants to look through this week and hopefully by the end of this month someone can take over Penrod’s previous role.
Before closing this month’s meeting, town council president James Smith wished to recognize the passing of Ralph Naragon. Most notably, he was a certified public accountant and owned Gilbert & Naragon Co., was a business manager at Manchester College, the treasurer of the North Manchester Historical society and Shepard Center, and a member of the Honeywell Foundation Board of Directors. His memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday at the North Manchester First Brethren Church.
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The issue of golf cart modifications was a legal specifications request by the town council’s attorney. There are no laws that say they cannot force the golf carts to have brake lights and turn signals, but the issue will still receive further discussion.
An engine brake ordinance was introduced for North Manchester. Diesel engines and semi trucks will no longer be able to use compression release engine brakes, or “jake” brakes, in the town. This type of braking results in loud and disruptive noise that many other towns have already passed ordinances against, such as South Whitley and Fort Wayne. Council member Thomas Dale explained that it is about livability in North Manchester. There are many third-shift workers that would find this to be an unbearable inconvenience while living in North Manchester. Dale explained that he drives a truck as well and that these brakes are usually unnecessary.
Council member Tobias Chalmer, however, requested that this ban not include emergency vehicles. Fire Chief Cam Kissinger confirmed that their emergency vehicles did have this type of braking, but they were not nearly as loud as on other larger vehicles. The council will consider this amendment before the ordinance is put into effect.
This year’s fall cleanup is planned for Friday and Saturday at the street department. The hours will be 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. The Saturday hours have been reduced this year and will take place from to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The decrease in hours is due to previous attendance and limiting overtime hours for the Public Works Department.
Town events for October will be taking place soon in North Manchester for Halloween at Warhol Park. The Parks and Recreation Department will host the Great Pumpkin Hunt Oct. 28. A magic show will begin a 6:30 p.m. at Scout Hall, and at 7 p.m. there will be a costume contest at Scout Hall as well. At 7:15 p.m., the pumpkin hunt will begin. Children 3 and under, 4 to 7 and 8 and up are welcome to enjoy the festivities and should be sure to remember their flashlight to find the pumpkins.
Trick-or-treating hours for North Manchester will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31. There will be a haunted house at the public safety building. Manchester College students will be volunteering their time to decorate.
Town manager Adam Penrod is still looking for his replacement as the waste water superintendent. There are five qualified applicants to look through this week and hopefully by the end of this month someone can take over Penrod’s previous role.
Before closing this month’s meeting, town council president James Smith wished to recognize the passing of Ralph Naragon. Most notably, he was a certified public accountant and owned Gilbert & Naragon Co., was a business manager at Manchester College, the treasurer of the North Manchester Historical society and Shepard Center, and a member of the Honeywell Foundation Board of Directors. His memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday at the North Manchester First Brethren Church.
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