Manchester Council Urges Wearing Of Masks, Social Distancing

November 6, 2020 at 12:30 a.m.

By Maddie Jo Shultz-

NORTH MANCHESTER – Wednesday night’s meeting was held virtually on Zoom as the town council discussed COVID-19 and its 2021 salary ordinance.

Council President Allen Miracle urged others, including all town employees, to wear face coverings and maintain social distance.

“We are entering the most concerning and most deadly phase of this pandemic,” he said, citing increases in positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the community.

Miracle reminded the council of the two large senior living facilities, Peabody and Timbercrest, in North Manchester, as well as the Manchester University campus, and how important it is to protect one’s neighbors. He quoted University President Dave McFadden as telling him the students “want to wear a mask. They wear a mask because they want to stay here.”

University students are encouraged not to leave North Manchester, which Miracle said is a good thing for North Manchester restaurants and businesses. “The more students stay in town, the more they will shop and eat local,” he said.

Council member Tom Dale detailed his experience with COVID-19. “We wore our masks and took precautions but we both got it,” said Dale, whose wife also tested positive. He echoed Miracle’s earlier remarks and concluded of the virus, “It’s not a good thing.”

In a first reading of the 2021 salary ordinance, pay for town employees and officials was raised based on a 3% increase. Longevity for positions remains the same.

Clerk-Treasurer Carrie Mugford reported a town docket of $518,534.70 and a utilities docket of $144,822.26.

The council recognized Steve Shumaker’s retirement from the town’s building commission. Bill Morris, a volunteer firefighter for 24 years, passed away on Oct. 29 and was also recognized.

“He was top-notch,” said Fire Chief Cam Kissinger of Morris. “He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

The next meeting will be held Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Building if not held virtually.

NORTH MANCHESTER – Wednesday night’s meeting was held virtually on Zoom as the town council discussed COVID-19 and its 2021 salary ordinance.

Council President Allen Miracle urged others, including all town employees, to wear face coverings and maintain social distance.

“We are entering the most concerning and most deadly phase of this pandemic,” he said, citing increases in positive cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the community.

Miracle reminded the council of the two large senior living facilities, Peabody and Timbercrest, in North Manchester, as well as the Manchester University campus, and how important it is to protect one’s neighbors. He quoted University President Dave McFadden as telling him the students “want to wear a mask. They wear a mask because they want to stay here.”

University students are encouraged not to leave North Manchester, which Miracle said is a good thing for North Manchester restaurants and businesses. “The more students stay in town, the more they will shop and eat local,” he said.

Council member Tom Dale detailed his experience with COVID-19. “We wore our masks and took precautions but we both got it,” said Dale, whose wife also tested positive. He echoed Miracle’s earlier remarks and concluded of the virus, “It’s not a good thing.”

In a first reading of the 2021 salary ordinance, pay for town employees and officials was raised based on a 3% increase. Longevity for positions remains the same.

Clerk-Treasurer Carrie Mugford reported a town docket of $518,534.70 and a utilities docket of $144,822.26.

The council recognized Steve Shumaker’s retirement from the town’s building commission. Bill Morris, a volunteer firefighter for 24 years, passed away on Oct. 29 and was also recognized.

“He was top-notch,” said Fire Chief Cam Kissinger of Morris. “He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

The next meeting will be held Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Public Safety Building if not held virtually.
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