Charter Township of Comstock - March 24, 2026 Township Board Special Meeting

Updated about 14 hours ago

The Comstock Township Board held a special meeting to hold a hearing on a contentious ordinance potentially affecting Soil Friends, a local farm owned by Supervisor Ben Martin. The meeting covers into the legality of a local ordinance prohibiting township officials from holding interests in alcohol manufacturing. Residents passionately voice their opinions, with some supporting Martin and others emphasizing adherence to the ordinance. The board would vote on whether to recommend revoking Soil Friends' winemaker license.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:16)
The meeting was officially called to order.

The meeting was officially called to order by the chairperson.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:18)
Attendees stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.

All attendees were asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:56)
The agenda for the meeting was approved with amendments.

There was a motion to approve the agenda. Questions were raised regarding the agenda, and a motion was made to add a second public comment. The agenda was approved as amended after a roll call vote.
Public Comment (00:06:01)
Citizens expressed concerns and support regarding various township issues.

During the public comment period, citizens voiced their opinions on topics such as ordinance violations, township governance, and support for local businesses. Concerns were raised about due process, constitutional rights, and the treatment of Supervisor Ben Martin. Some citizens spoke in favor of supporting local businesses like Soil Friends, while others emphasized the importance of following existing laws and ordinances. The public comment period allowed citizens to address the board with their concerns without back-and-forth discussion from board members.
Public Comments on Ordinance and Business (00:36:42)
Citizens express concerns about a local ordinance affecting a business, questioning its application and impact on local economy and governance.

During the public comments section, multiple residents and business owners expressed their concerns about the interpretation and enforcement of a local ordinance that affects a business named Soil Friends. Various speakers, including Sarah Martin and Dale Rudd, highlighted that Soil Friends holds a state-issued winemaker's license, not a retail liquor license, thus questioning the ordinance's applicability. Concerns were raised about the detrimental impact of this situation on the local economy, governance, and community trust. Several speakers believed that the ordinance was outdated or misapplied and called for fair treatment by the board. There were also discussions about the political nature of the ordinance's enforcement and the call for recalls of certain board members seen as acting against the community's interest.
Public Comments (01:08:36)
Multiple community members voiced concerns about local governance, citing issues of personal vendettas and lack of proper conduct among officials.

Several citizens expressed their dissatisfaction with how certain board members are handling issues, accusing them of personal and malicious actions that go against the community's needs. One speaker highlighted that an unelected individual is influencing board decisions, while another criticized the board for failing to address issues legally and transparently. Concerns were raised about the community's image due to ongoing disputes.
Discussion on Ben Martin's Role and Ordinance Violation (01:17:03)
Community members discussed the alleged ordinance violation by Supervisor Ben Martin regarding his business, Soil Friends, and its impact on the community.

Several speakers defended Ben Martin, stating that he has been an asset to the community through his business Soil Friends, which is being unfairly targeted by the board. They argued that the alleged ordinance violation is a continuation of a 'witch hunt' against him. Others pointed out that the MLCC has already approved his license, suggesting that local ordinances should not override state decisions.
Call for Better Community Focus (01:25:57)
Speakers urged the board to focus on important community issues like homelessness and proper spending rather than internal conflicts.

Community members criticized the board for wasting time and resources on internal disputes instead of addressing pressing issues such as homelessness, public safety, and community development. They called for unity and collaboration to improve the overall well-being of the community.
Motion for Recusal of Supervisor Martin (01:39:29)
The board voted on a motion for Supervisor Martin to recuse himself from discussions involving his business to avoid conflicts of interest.

A motion was made and supported for Supervisor Ben Martin to recuse himself from discussions involving his business, Soil Friends, due to potential conflicts of interest. The motion was carried with a roll call vote.
Appointment of Meeting Moderator (01:40:28)
The board appointed Trustee Pratt as the meeting moderator following Supervisor Martin's recusal.

After Supervisor Martin's recusal, a motion was made to appoint Trustee Pratt as the moderator for the remainder of the meeting. The motion was supported and carried with a roll call vote.
Presentation by Supervisor Martin (01:42:01)
Supervisor Martin addressed the board regarding the ordinance violation allegations concerning his business, Soil Friends.

Supervisor Ben Martin was given the opportunity to address the board from the podium about the allegations of ordinance violation related to his business, Soil Friends. He provided context for the situation and explained his position on the matter.
Hearing on Soil Friends License Review (01:44:03)
The board reviews the licenses of Soil Friends, including a small winemaker's license and an on-premise tasting room license. This is not a public hearing but a case presentation by Soil Friends.

The board is reviewing two licenses held by Soil Friends: a small winemaker's license and an on-premise tasting room license. The township has already approved the small winemaker's license, but the on-premise tasting room also requires board approval. This meeting is not a public hearing but a hearing for Soil Friends and Ben Martin to present their case for not being in violation of the ordinance. The board will then make a written statement of its findings, which will only be a recommendation to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
Opening of Public Hearing (01:45:05)
A motion was made and passed to open the public hearing regarding Soil Friends and Supervisor Ben Martin. The board members received copies of the necessary documents from Attorney Thall.

The board entertained a motion to open the public hearing regarding the alleged violation by Soil Friends and Supervisor Ben Martin. There was a discussion about ensuring all board members had the necessary documentation, which was provided by Attorney Thall. A vote was taken, and the motion to open the hearing was passed, with some members voting in favor and some against.
Presentation by Soil Friends and Ben Martin (01:46:56)
Ben Martin presents the case for Soil Friends, arguing that the local ordinance does not apply to their winemaker's license, which is a state-issued manufacturing license. He requests the township board review and redact incorrect information.

Ben Martin, representing Soil Friends, addresses the township board. He argues that the local ordinance does not apply to their state-issued winemaker's manufacturing license and that the board lacks jurisdiction over the license. Ben Martin also highlights a federal case that supports their position and requests the board to review and apologize for the false information released in a public statement. He discusses the history of zoning issues and the problems faced by Soil Friends due to local restrictions. Martin emphasizes the importance of aligning local ordinances with state laws to avoid unnecessary legal conflicts and costs.
Board Member Questions and Comments (02:01:02)
Board members question Ben Martin about the applicability of local ordinances to Soil Friends' operations. Discussions include past zoning changes and the potential conflict of interest for Supervisor Martin.

Board members engage with Ben Martin, questioning why the local ordinance does not apply to Soil Friends. Martin explains that the ordinance is outdated and not applicable to their manufacturing license. There is a discussion on past zoning changes and how they were handled by the township. Board members express concerns about the township's approach to handling business regulations and the potential legal consequences of enforcing outdated ordinances. Martin clarifies the role of state laws in preempting local regulations and the lack of enforcement power held by his position as supervisor.
Discussion on Tasting License and Outdoor Service Area (02:21:59)
Discussion about compliance with Michigan Liquor Control Commission, including tasting license and outdoor service area.

The meeting involved a detailed discussion about the unique outdoor service area associated with a tasting license. There was a situation where a new barn was built inside the licensed area, leading to a compliance issue due to lack of submitted diagrams. The situation was rectified, but it brought up issues of space management and compliance with local ordinances. The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by business owners in staying compliant with both state and local regulations.
Township Citation and Compliance with Ordinances (02:30:29)
The board discussed a citation from the Township regarding licenses to sell alcohol, food, and play music.

A citation was issued by the Township for not having the proper licenses to sell alcohol, food, and play music. It was noted that winemakers typically have the right to these activities, highlighting a discrepancy between state allowances and local ordinances. The discussion also touched on the need for special exemption approvals, which had not been obtained despite prior approvals, leading to a convoluted situation.
Legal and Administrative Challenges (02:34:34)
Legal challenges and administrative remedies were discussed, including motions for reconsideration and federal court involvement.

The meeting covered the legal and administrative challenges faced, including filing a motion for reconsideration and a writ for superintendent control due to disagreements with the Township. There was a stipulation to apply for special exemptions despite already holding necessary licenses. This process was lengthy and involved federal court, highlighting the complexity and expense of resolving such disputes.
Court Case and Mediation Outcomes (02:39:22)
Discussion of court case outcomes, including mediation and the role of the Planning Commission.

The discussion addressed outcomes of the ongoing legal case, including mediation processes and interactions with the Township Planning Commission. It was noted that the court case was deemed moot as the business was allowed to operate, but monetary damages were not granted. The Planning Commission's cooperation was seen as settling the dispute, although it was not a clear win for either party.
Motion and Vote on Liquor License Recommendation (02:47:02)
A motion was made to recommend not renewing the liquor licenses of Soil Friends, followed by a vote.

The board discussed and voted on a motion to recommend that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission not renew the licenses of Soil Friends for being in violation of local ordinances concerning the involvement of public officials in alcohol-related businesses. The vote resulted in a decision to send this recommendation to the state, with a 4-2 vote.