February 9, 2026 Comstock Parks & Recreation Board

Updated about 15 hours ago

The board approves landscaping and fencing projects for Neil Street Park, selecting Molders Landscaping for the work. Discussions include the installation of chain link fencing by Fence Consultants of West Michigan. The board also reviews the River Oaks Winky Softball Complex contract, focusing on the need for lighting upgrades and considering a longer-term lease with the county. The meeting outlines plans to address safety concerns with lighting poles at the complex and discusses options for future improvements. Additionally, the board confirms details for the upcoming Memorial Day parade, including route changes.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:30)
The meeting welcomed participants to the Charter Township of Comstock.

The meeting began with a welcome to everyone present, marking the start of the session for the Charter Township of Comstock.
Call to Order (00:00:41)
The meeting was officially called to order.

Following the welcome, the meeting was formally called to order, indicating the official start of the proceedings.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:43)
The agenda was approved without objections.

The members reviewed the agenda, and a motion was made to approve it as presented. The agenda was approved with no objections from the members.
Public Comments (00:01:00)
No public comments were made.

The floor was opened for public comments, but no comments were made by the public.
Consent Agenda (00:01:09)
The consent agenda was discussed and approved with a minor change.

The consent agenda was presented, and a question was raised regarding the meeting minutes. A minor rewording was suggested, and a motion was made to approve the consent agenda with the change to the minutes. The motion passed with no objections.
Business Items - Neil Street Park Fencing and Landscaping (00:03:30)
Discussion on Neil Street Park landscaping and fencing project, including bids and plans.

The board discussed the Neil Street Park landscaping and fencing project. Various quotes were obtained for the project, and a new layout was decided upon after consulting with experts. Molders Landscaping was recommended for the project, and the board approved their bid. Discussion included the types of trees, watering plans, and the overall landscaping strategy.
Business Items - Fence Installation (00:17:28)
Approval sought for fence installation by Fence Consultants of West Michigan.

The board discussed the installation of a fence at Neil Street Park. Quotes were obtained from several companies, and Fence Consultants of West Michigan was recommended despite a slightly higher bid due to reliability. The board discussed the type of fence and its purpose, and a motion was made to approve the bid for a black chain link fence. The motion passed with no objections.
Winky Softball Complex Contract (00:25:30)
Discussion on the Winky Softball Complex contract with the county, focusing on lighting upgrades.

The board discussed the renewal of the Winky Softball Complex contract with the county. The main issue was the need to upgrade the lighting and poles, which are currently unsafe. Options included replacing all lights or just some. The county seeks a long-term commitment from the township regarding the complex. No decision was made, but further discussions are planned to determine the best course of action regarding the lighting and overall investment in the facility.
Discussion on Night Games and Field Usage (00:32:15)
The board discussed the possibility of having night games and the implications of lighting fields, considering current usage and demand for tournaments.

The idea of having night games is considered fun, but the county being the owner requires contract adjustments. The board discussed the decline in field bookings and tournaments, with organizations desiring more fields. Investing in more fields was considered unnecessary due to the current tournament decline, and the focus should remain on improving existing fields. Lighting and cost issues for night games were debated, with the need for more data before making significant investments.
Field Lighting and Safety Concerns (00:36:01)
There was a detailed discussion about the condition of field lights, safety concerns, and the potential costs of upgrading to newer poles and lighting systems.

The board examined the condition of the field lights, highlighting specific poles that need attention due to safety concerns. Discussions included the possibility of upgrading to newer lighting technology, such as LED lights, and the potential costs involved. Options for phased upgrades were considered to spread out costs, and the impact on field usage during upgrades was discussed. The need for a formal proposal and further evaluation of lighting options was emphasized.
Lease Agreement and Contract Negotiations (00:42:03)
The board discussed the current one-year lease agreement with the county, potential extensions, and the implications of field improvements on future contracts.

The board reviewed the existing one-year lease with the county for the softball fields and considered the benefits of negotiating a longer-term lease, especially if significant investments in lighting and field improvements are made. The current contract's terms regarding electricity payments and the county's expectations were discussed. A longer-term lease could provide more security for future investments, but the board agreed to maintain the one-year lease while exploring improvements.
Approval of One-Year Contract (00:52:00)
A motion was made and passed to approve the one-year contract for the Winky softball complex with the county, with plans to revisit terms next year.

The board unanimously approved the one-year contract for the Winky softball complex between the county of Kalamazoo and the Charter Township of Comstock. The decision was made to continue with a one-year term while planning for potential upgrades and improvements. This approach allows the board to reassess the situation next year and consider a longer-term contract if significant investments in facilities are pursued.
Reports and Correspondence (00:55:02)
The board reviewed the revenue and expenditure report and the director's report, noting a positive development regarding vendor insurance requirements.

During the reports section, the board was informed of a significant win regarding insurance requirements for vendors. It was reported that the insurance company no longer requires vendors to carry separate insurance, easing the burden on small vendors participating in events. The financial reports were reviewed, and other routine updates were provided.
Veterans Monument and Memorial Day Planning (00:59:01)
The board discussed the status of the veterans monument and changes to the Memorial Day parade route, with plans to keep the monument at its current location.

The veterans monument will remain at its current location in Pier Park. The VFW and the board have agreed on this, and the Memorial Day parade route will be adjusted to end at the VFW instead of Pier Park. This change is to accommodate the VFW's preferences and logistical considerations for the event.