Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
NORTH MANCHESTER - The Manchester Town Council did its part to encourage new business in the area Wednesday evening.
The council unanimously approved an $11,060,712 tax abatement over the next five years for manufacturing equipment for Oji Intertech, a new industry in North Manchester.
The council also approved a promotion for Manchester Police Department Officer Max Kinsey. Just days sort of his one-year anniversary, Kinsey was named first class patrolman retroactive to Oct. 5 to coincide with his pay schedule.
Kinsey is also one of three individuals approved to be volunteer firemen in North Manchester. Along with Kinsey, Nathan Enyeart and Nicholas Kantzer are the newest members of the North Manchester fire squad.
Council members also approved a traffic ordinance amendment. Along with the ordinance to make a few small changes to update the wording of some sections of the existing ordinance, it allows the town to charge for the removal of junk and abandoned cars. The town now also may charge a fine of up to $1,000 on top of the removal costs for the cars.
Another ordinance was tabled until the November meeting to gather more information. That ordinance would create a new fund to pay for expenses relating to enforcing parking and junk or abandoned car ordinances. All monies raised from those enforcements would go to the fund and be used by the police department to continue the enforcement efforts.
The superintendent of public works, John Mugford, informed the board town trash days will be Oct 15-16 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, this year participants will be asked to show identification to prove they are residents before they will be allowed to drop off items. This is necessary because in past years people from outside the town have dropped off items to be disposed.
Mugford also told the council that, weather permitting, hydrant flushing will begin Oct. 12. He said that residents may have rusty water for about a week while the flushing takes place.
The council also gave consent for Mugford to take asphalt bids to present at the November council meeting.
