Comstock Township - Township Board - April 6, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 6 hours ago

The board discusses and approves a rezoning request and a new housing development by Watts Construction, which faced scrutiny from residents who claimed they were not informed. The board also addresses public comments on transparency, emergency management, and the need for weather sirens. The meeting features debates on ordinance compliance, public engagement, and the actions of board members during citizen comments.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:34)
The meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock is officially called to order.

The meeting is officially commenced with a welcome to all attendees, marking the beginning of the session. The chairperson calls the meeting to order, setting the stage for the agenda to be followed.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:42)
Attendees stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

The attendees are requested to stand and participate in the Pledge of Allegiance, showing respect and patriotism by reciting this pledge as a group.
Approval of the Agenda (00:02:09)
The agenda is presented and approved without changes.

The chairperson asks if there are any changes to the proposed agenda. After a brief discussion, a motion is made and seconded to approve the agenda as presented. The motion carries with a majority vote.
Public Comments on Agenda Items (00:02:45)
Citizens are invited to comment on agenda items, with a three-minute limit per speaker.

A period is opened for public comments specifically related to the agenda items. Citizens are instructed on the rules, including a three-minute time limit per speaker and the requirement to state their name and address.
Citizen Concerns and Comments (00:03:21)
Citizens express concerns about transparency and ordinance compliance.

Several citizens raise concerns regarding transparency in agenda items and compliance with ordinances. The discussion includes issues with agenda descriptions and alleged violations of the Open Meetings Act, as well as specific concerns about construction compliance.
Announcements from Departments and Boards (00:12:34)
Departments and boards share announcements, including upcoming training and meetings.

Various department heads and board members provide updates and announcements, such as training opportunities for local officials, emergency management issues, and upcoming meetings hosted by local organizations.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:16:07)
The consent agenda is discussed, and a member abstains due to a conflict of interest.

The board discusses the consent agenda, which includes approval of previous meeting minutes. A member raises a concern about a conflict of interest related to their business and abstains from voting on the consent agenda. A motion is made to approve the agenda with the abstention noted.
Fire and Rescue Grant Request (00:22:08)
A request to submit a grant for a fire extinguisher training system is approved.

The Fire Chief presents a request to submit a grant application to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation for a digital fire extinguisher training system. The request is approved by the board, with no matching funds required from the township.
Site Condominium Review for Lee Avenue (00:26:08)
The Planning Commission recommends approval of a site condominium plan with a street length waiver.

The board reviews a site condominium plan for Lee Avenue, which includes a waiver request for street length exceeding the standard 1,000 feet. The Planning Commission has recommended approval, noting compliance with safety standards and the absence of public safety concerns.
Public Hearing on Housing Development (00:34:00)
Discussion on the housing development project and extension of road for new housing project in Comstock.

Board members discussed the need for new housing in Comstock, where only nine new construction permits were pulled, and two of them were from the same developer. The board considered a motion to allow the extension of a road to support a new housing project, including a discussion on the approval process and necessary amendments to the motion.
Rezoning Request Discussion (00:39:00)
Board reviews a rezoning request to correct split zoning issues for a parcel on East Main and Lee Ave.

The board discussed a rezoning request from a property owner who claims that his parcels were previously zoned commercial but became split zoned. The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the rezoning request. The board moved to approve the rezoning request, with a roll call vote confirming the decision.
Protective Services Use Request (00:40:00)
Discussion on a request to add protective services as a permitted use in Comstock Center Core zoning.

A resident requested a zoning amendment to allow for emergency housing for children as a new permitted use. The Planning Commission will consider drafting a text amendment to define and include this use. The board discussed waiving the application fee and directing the Planning Commission to review and propose an amendment.
Memorial Day Parade Permit Approval (00:54:00)
Approval of the parade permit for the Memorial Day parade organized by the Parks Department and VFW.

The board approved a parade permit for the Memorial Day parade in collaboration with the VFW. Two motions were made: one for a performance resolution to MDOT and another to approve the parade permit with the Road Commission. Both motions were carried with roll call votes.
Election Report (00:56:00)
Preparations for the upcoming May election and availability of absentee ballots.

The Clerk provided an update on preparations for the May election, which will include a millage renewal and school bond proposals. Absentee ballots are available, and the public accuracy test is scheduled. The election commission will meet to appoint election workers.
Purchasing Policy Discussion (00:58:00)
Discussion on the need for a purchasing policy to prevent costly errors and ensure transparency.

The Treasurer discussed the importance of implementing a purchasing policy to protect the township financially and ensure transparent procurement processes. A draft policy was presented, and board members were asked to review it and provide feedback prior to the next meeting.
Police Week Resolution Discussion (01:00:00)
Proposal to honor Police Week with a resolution recognizing law enforcement personnel.

The board discussed honoring Police Week with a resolution that would recognize the service of police officers, deputies, and other law enforcement personnel. The Treasurer's office will prepare a resolution for the board to approve at the next meeting.
Planning Commission Letter Request (01:01:00)
Request for a copy of a letter discussed in a previous Planning Commission meeting.

A board member requested a copy of a letter that was mentioned during a Planning Commission meeting in March. The letter was hand-delivered and scanned, and it will be forwarded to the board and the Assistant Zoning Administrator.
Ordinance Compliance Discussion (01:03:00)
Clarification on the board's position regarding ordinance compliance related to a recent public hearing.

A board member clarified that the township is waiting for action from the MLCC in Lansing regarding a recent ordinance compliance issue. Until the state acts, the board has no further actions to take on the matter.
Superintendent Report (01:05:00)
Superintendent updates on emergency management training and current grant applications.

The Superintendent reported on attending emergency management training, which could be beneficial for board members. Updates were provided on grant applications, including a Brownfield grant and a block grant for home repairs for low-income residents.
SAW Grant and Sewer System Update (01:07:45)
The SAW grant helped inspect the sewer system, which is now in good condition. No major repairs needed except for potential lift station issues.

The SAW grant provided funding to inspect the infrastructure of the sewer system. After the grant ended, the remaining sections were examined and found to be in good condition. The report confirms there are no immediate repairs needed, ensuring the system is up to standard except for possible lift station concerns.
PFOS Testing and Water Quality (01:08:23)
No further PFOS testing planned unless new data suggests otherwise. Residents can contact officials if they have concerns.

The township reached out to officials regarding PFOS testing. Currently, no additional testing is scheduled unless new information arises. A greenhouse on Lawrence Winkys property passed testing and is approved as a water supply replacement. Residents with concerns are advised to contact township officials for further assistance.
Infrastructure Projects Update (01:10:09)
Ongoing water and sewer infrastructure projects causing road closures and confusion. Residents directed to contact city for issues.

Several infrastructure projects are underway, including the ML water construction and the Proctor Avenue sewer system upgrade due to odor issues. These projects aim to improve water pressure and eliminate sewer odors, though they have caused road closures and resident confusion. Residents are advised to contact the city for any issues related to these projects.
Ordinance Officer's Report (01:11:54)
Report on ordinance enforcement, court cases, citations, and cleanup efforts. Challenges include limited budget and high workload.

The ordinance officer reported on recent activities, including court appearances, citations issued, and cleanup efforts in problem areas. The officer emphasized the challenges of managing a large area with a limited budget, prioritizing dangerous buildings over minor violations, and the need for community cooperation. Several properties were addressed for violations, and future plans include continuing enforcement and seeking community assistance.
Public Comments and Concerns (01:29:39)
Residents express concerns over lack of public hearing notifications, tornado warnings, and backdoor meetings by officials.

During the public comment period, residents raised concerns about the lack of notification for public hearings on construction projects, insufficient tornado warning systems, and accusations of officials holding backdoor meetings. The need for improved transparency and communication with the public was emphasized, as well as enhancements to emergency warning systems to ensure resident safety.
Welcome and Opening Remarks (01:35:37)
The meeting begins with concerns over lack of sirens and general safety issues.

The meeting opens with a discussion about the recent weather and the need for sirens to ensure public safety. There is an emphasis on the urgency and necessity of installing sirens regardless of budget constraints.
Public Comments on Recall Efforts (01:36:04)
William Knight discusses recall efforts for accountability against four elected officials.

William Knight, the recall sponsor, speaks about the recall efforts targeting Clerk Nicole Beauchamp, Trustee Bob Pratt, Trustee Terry MacGyver, and Trustee Kristie Cherry. He emphasizes that the efforts are not politically motivated but are focused on accountability, particularly due to a vote affecting large-scale energy projects.
Concerns Over Board Conduct (01:38:29)
Citizens express dissatisfaction with board members' conduct, emphasizing respect and listening to public comments.

Several citizens voice their concerns about the behavior of board members, criticizing them for not paying attention and leaving during public comments. They insist that board members should respect the public and remain present during discussions.
Legal and Ethical Concerns (01:41:09)
Discussion about potential conflicts of interest with the retained law firm and ethical transparency.

A citizen raises issues regarding the law firm Bal Seber, Kaufman, and Chu, pointing out potential conflicts of interest and lack of transparency. The need for disclosure of any dual representation or relationships with the Michigan Department of Environmental and Great Lakes Energy is emphasized.
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness (01:44:03)
Karen Height apologizes for prior comments and urges for better emergency preparedness and public training.

Karen Height apologizes for previous angry comments about the lack of sirens. She suggests that the fire department should organize public emergency training, including CPR and hazmat response, to prepare citizens for critical situations.
Further Citizen Comments (01:46:55)
Various citizens continue to comment on board conduct and recall efforts, urging for better accountability.

Multiple citizens continue to express their dissatisfaction with the board's conduct, particularly the act of walking out during comments. They discuss signing recall petitions and insist on the need for board member accountability and respect for public discourse.
Board Members' Responses and Discussions (01:54:47)
Board members respond to public comments, explain their actions, and discuss meeting procedures.

Board members provide responses to the public comments, explaining their positions and actions during the meeting. They discuss the importance of transparency, the handling of public comments, and reflect on the challenges faced during the meeting.