Comstock Township - February 25, 2026 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

Updated 3 days ago

In the Comstock Township Downtown Development Authority Meeting, the board decides to table the economic development marketing and outreach committee report. A significant portion of the meeting is devoted to addressing a formal complaint regarding the Downtown Development Authority (DDA), involving misuse of funds and other allegations. Public comments include calls for accountability and oversight. The board also discusses the DDA's budget, particularly concerning the maintenance of flower pots, and explores funding strategies. The meeting concludes with a closed session regarding a complaint against an employee.

Chapters

Approval of the Agenda (00:01:58)
Discussion on modifications to the agenda including tabling the economic development marketing and outreach committee report and adding a closed session regarding a complaint.

The agenda was approved with amendments. Item B, the economic development marketing and outreach committee report, was tabled. A closed session regarding a complaint against an employee was added as item number eight. A motion was made and passed to accept these amendments.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:52)
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved without any changes or corrections.

The meeting minutes from the previous session were presented. There were no changes, corrections, or comments from the board members regarding the minutes. A motion was made to approve the minutes as submitted, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
Public Comment (00:03:14)
Several citizens provided comments on various issues including a formal complaint regarding misuse of funds and the need for changes in DDA oversight.

During the public comment section, multiple citizens stepped forward to express their concerns. Tim Kearney raised issues about a formal complaint involving misuse of funds, political persuasion, and a request for the board to read the complaint on record. Another citizen expressed concerns about a DDA board member's repeated absences, requesting a formal review of the attendance record. Dean Rockwell, a commander of the veterans of foreign wars, expressed appreciation for the board's efforts and invited members to an event at the post.
DDA Budget and Financial Report (00:10:01)
The DDA budget was reviewed, showing expenditures for staff salary and education. The financial report was approved as submitted.

Steve presented a brief review of the revenue and expenditures for the DDA budget. The only expenditures noted were for staff salary and a conference under education and training. The financial report was reviewed, and a motion was made to accept it as submitted. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
Old Business (00:11:11)
There was no old business to discuss at this meeting.

The agenda item for old business was announced, but no old business items were brought up or discussed during this meeting.
Committee Reports - Maintenance Contract (00:11:18)
Discussion on the beautification committee's meeting with applicants for the maintenance contract, including watering schedules and proposals.

The beautification committee met with three applicants for the maintenance contract related to gateways and flower pots. The discussion included watering schedules, the type of watering required, and proposals from MoCo, Landscape Plus, and CD Lawn. The committee clarified expectations and discussed potential sponsorships to support the beautification efforts. The contract is proposed to be a three-year agreement, with rates discussed for additional work. Board members debated the funding challenges and the potential for infrastructure projects versus beautification efforts.
Discussion on Financing and TIF (00:32:01)
Discussion about ways to increase TIF and incentivize private investment through infrastructure improvements.

The board discussed the importance of increasing the TIF (Tax Increment Financing) to finance infrastructure improvements and incentivize private investment. They talked about the role of the Township board in coordinating projects like sidewalk improvements and how to approach potential funding sources.
Motion to Table Fundraising Strategy (00:38:02)
Motion to table the current discussion on fundraising strategy until the next meeting for further consideration.

A motion was made to table the ongoing discussion about fundraising strategies and infrastructure improvements until the next meeting. The motion was seconded and discussed, focusing on potential funding sources such as ARPA money and the need for a clear strategy.
Closed Session (00:49:22)
Board entered a closed session to discuss a complaint against an employee.

The board entered into a closed session under the Open Meetings Act to discuss a complaint against an employee of the DDA. The specifics of the complaint were not disclosed in the transcript.
Motion to Take Complaint Under Review (02:01:27)
Motion to take the complaint under review and bring findings to the next board meeting.

After returning from the closed session, a motion was made to take the complaint under review and bring findings to the next board meeting, allowing involved parties time to provide evidence.
Board Member Comments (02:02:02)
Board members shared comments before adjournment.

Board members shared their final comments before the meeting adjourned. They discussed the importance of finalizing decisions on ongoing projects and strategies.
Adjournment (02:03:02)
Meeting was adjourned after a motion to adjourn was passed.

A motion to adjourn the meeting was made and passed. The meeting was officially adjourned with all members in agreement.