Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER -ÊNorth Manchester Public Safety underwent major and minor changes Wednesday, when a new police manual was approved and the fire chief resigned.
Bill Morris, chief for less than two years, said last night he regrets resigning his position, but his priorities are elsewhere. Morris will retain the position until June 2, when a new chief will be named.
There are great candidates within the department, Morris said, who have assisted him in providing quick service to the town.
"With 110-percent certainty I assure you that (great service) will continue," Morris said.
Internal applications for the position will be accepted. They will be reviewed by a committee of town council members and volunteer firefighters.
The council also approved a new police manual. The lengthy manual was presented at the last meeting, but approval was tabled until it could be reviewed in detail.
The new manual is aligned with state accreditation standards and is a better reflection of how Manchester Police Department actually works.
In other business:
• Director of Parks & Recreation, Brian Wagner, reminded the council that the annual "Sundae in the Park" is Saturday. The event is sponsored by Manchester College and includes free ice cream and entertainment.
• Discussed adopting a set of guidelines for future tax abatements. The guidelines will ensure that abatements are given fairly and equitably. Council president Don Rinearson said the guidelines lend credibility to the process.
Town council members are Chris Garber, Diana Haupert, Don Rinearson, Stan Escott and Laura Rager. Town manager is Dan Hannaford, secretary-treasurer is Nancy Reed and town attorney is Charles Tiede.
