NORTH MANCHESTER – At the most recent town council meeting, President Christopher Garber was unable to attend due to his physical health. Currently, he has still not left the hospital and is in intensive care. His family has released information stating that it was not a heart attack or stroke. Garber’s doctors have identified the problem is in his spinal cord, but do not know what has caused the physical illness. They are treating the symptoms for the time being and the hearts of the council go out to Christopher and his family. Vice President Laura Rager lead the October town council meeting in his place. The Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 was discussed extensively at the meeting. It would be a benefit to adopt this policy for the town, council heard, as it would provide funding as well as hinder discrimination. The discriminations covered by this act are race, color, disability, religion and natural origin. It was debated whether or not this act be amended to include sexual orientation and military status. The motion for this amendment was turned down because the act does cover general discrimination and the issue was deemed too narrow to amend locally versus the national standard. This issue may arise again because of the varying opinions of the council members. A new parking lot at the Town Life Center has been approved. It came to the council’s attention that there was not adequate parking and at particular times, such as Wednesday morning for the Manchester Shepard’s Center program, the current parking spaces are filled and some resort to parking in the grass nearby. It was proposed that an additional parking lot be added to the east side that would also have a U-shaped driveway to allow buses easier access and departure. To pave all this would cost about $17,000, though most of the money for this project has already been raised by the center. This is not an immediate need, but a temporary gravel lot may be constructed before the winter and then be paved when spring arrives. Council members expressed hope that adding a new lot for parking will allow more events to be held at the Town Life Center. A Water Utility Hydraulic Study has been completed and yields very positive results for North Manchester. A water distribution plan was developed and carefully observed to give a quick overview of the water treatment system. The water treatment plant is doing a beautiful job of maintaining, the water towers are holding three times the water capacity needed to support the town and most of the 38 miles of piping has been updated with the correct materials built to last, council heard. Even the 100-year-old pipes are not causing issues. But in time, some issues may need addressed, council heard. The south water tower has four feet less capacity than the north water tower. A few other buildings need utilities updated as well which will all receive attention in due time. The recent property development program will soon be underway. A new fund was approved to oversee the expenses for the project and an estimated 92 acres are available for the town to purchase. For the kids this month, there will be a Great Pumpkin event Oct. 29 and trick or treating will begin in the neighborhoods of North Manchester at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31.
