NORTH?MANCHESTER – The Manchester Town Council approved an engine brake ordinance at its November meeting. Amendments were made to account for emergency vehicles and emergency situations that could be forgiven if a compression release engine brake were used. This new rule is technically in effect as of Tuesday, but will be enforced as soon as signage is properly displayed in town. Aaron Popplewell has been hired as the new wastewater superintendent in place of Adam Penrod. Popplewell will be starting his new position immediately, allowing Penrod to fully engage in the town manager duties. The first reading of the 2017 salary ordinance for town employees was read. The last two readings will take place at the December Town Council meeting Dec. 7, and then at an additional meeting Dec. 21. Cam Kissinger reported the fire department had responded to 28 incidents in October. Fourteen of these incidents happened after he had submitted his report to the town council. Eight of the incidents were medical emergencies and the remaining four were fire emergencies. The fall events in North Manchester went by smoothly. The haunted house, hosted at the Public Safety Building, had 600 visitors. The pumpkin hunt, hosted by the Park and Recreation Department, had a good turn out as well due to the mild weather. The fall clean-up had a total of 66 local volunteers participate, Friday being the day most came to help. The reduced hours for fall clean-up seemed to be effective and will most likely carry over to next year. Manchester University will be holding a tree lighting ceremony from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. They have asked the town council for East Street to be closed for this event.
