Coming off of a challenging year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its far-reaching impact, the Manchester Township Council is looking forward to focusing on restoring normalcy in 2021. The Council members reorganized for the new year during their January 4, 2021, meeting held virtually via Zoom due to COVID-19 safety precautions.

Congratulations to Council Members Sam Fusaro, James A. Vaccaro Sr., and Robert Hudak, who took their Oath of Office during the meeting. All were re-elected in the General Election held on November 3, 2020. Following the Oaths, Councilman Craig Wallis was elected to lead as Council President and Councilwoman Joan Brush was elected Vice President.

In public remarks, Council President Wallis spoke about the challenges our residents and staff faced in 2020 due to COVID-19. “Last year was a very tough year and the employees really stepped up to help the residents,” he said. Despite these challenges, Manchester Township fully implemented a Division of Emergency Medical Services, which has proven a success in just its first year.

Ken Palmer, Mayor of Manchester also spoke, addressing some of his goals for the near year, which include a re-focusing on infrastructure projects such as street paving, park renovations, and solar panel implementation that were sidelined in 2020 due to COVID-19. “This is a year when we can gather ourselves and reconvene these things,” the Mayor said.

The complete composition of the Township Council for 2021 is: President Craig Wallis, Vice President Joan Brush, Councilman Sam Fusaro, Councilwoman James A. Vaccaro Sr., and Councilman Robert Hudak.

Other items at the Reorganization Meeting included the appointment of Manchester Township’s professional services and establishment of meeting dates for 2021. Municipal Clerk Sabina Martin noted that, while meetings are being advertised as in-person, they may be changed to virtual Zoom meetings as needed. Information about Manchester’s Township Council, its members, meeting agendas, and minutes can be found at www.ManchesterTwp.com/town-council.