By David Fenker
david@nmpaper.com
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – Truck drivers going through North Manchester may not be allowed to use Jake Brakes, also known as engine compression brakes, after December’s Town Council meeting.
At its October meeting, the North Manchester Town Council approved the first reading of an ordinance regarding the restriction of such equipment within town limits.
“Lots of other towns have an ordinance like this,” Councilmember Thomas Dale said.
“It’s something we need to do for livability in our town.”
Referencing his experience as a truck driver, Dale said he felt the ordinance would not unduly restrict truck drivers passing through the town and would help the community.
The only discussion on the matter came from Councilmember Toby Tobias, who requested that emergency vehicles be allowed to retain use of their engine compression brakes. Fire Department Chief Cam Kissinger confirmed that at least one of their trucks has such brakes, and Council President Jim Smith asked that it be included in the ordinance for the second reading next month.
Other news from the meeting included the third and final reading of an ordinance to help Peabody Retirement Community refund bonds, as well as the second and third readings of the town’s budget ordinance. Both ordinances were passed unanimously.
Smith addressed concerns voiced by citizens at the last meeting, noting that the town’s golf cart ordinance is fully legal, that the town has a program in place to assist residents with sidewalk repairs, and that third shift police officers have been reporting burnt out or flickering street lights. For more information about the sidewalk repair program, contact the Clerk-Treasurer’s office.