Comstock Township - April 22, 2026 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

Updated about 10 hours ago

At the April 22nd Comstock Township Downtown Development Authority meeting, the board welcomed new members and explored opportunities for collaboration with the Michigan Downtown Association for training and development. The meeting touched on ongoing projects like a coffee shop opening and the potential for grants to support local businesses. The board also elected new officers and emphasized the importance of revitalizing the downtown area and fostering a vibrant community space.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:03)
The meeting begins with a welcome to the downtown authority board meeting.

The meeting starts with a welcome to the downtown authority board meeting, indicating the start of the session.
Call to Order (00:00:14)
The meeting is officially called to order by the presiding officer.

The presiding officer officially calls the meeting to order, marking the formal beginning of the meeting's proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:18)
The attendees stand to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

The attendees stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, reciting the words to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:00:42)
Roll call is conducted, noting attendees and absentees.

Roll call is conducted to determine which board members are present and accounted for, with some members noted as absent.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:23)
The agenda is reviewed and approved, with additions suggested by members.

Members review the agenda, suggest additions, and then approve the revised agenda for the meeting.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:35)
Minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed and approved with changes.

The minutes from the previous meeting are reviewed. Changes are suggested for lines on page three, and the minutes are approved with those amendments.
Public Comment (00:03:37)
Public comment is opened, with several community members expressing their views and updates on local projects.

The floor is opened for public comment, allowing community members to speak for three minutes each. Several members express appreciation for efforts in the community and provide updates on local development projects, such as a new kayak business and a proposed coffee shop.
Election of Officers (00:11:00)
Officers for the board are elected, with members abstaining from voting on their own positions.

The board elects officers for various positions. Jeffrey Townsend is appointed as Chair, Keith Wilcher as Vice Chair, and William Knight as Secretary Treasurer. Members abstain from voting on their own nominations.
Mission Statement (00:16:38)
The mission statement of the DDA board is read and discussed, emphasizing community development.

The mission statement of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) board is read aloud, highlighting goals to provide a welcoming downtown that enhances history and promotes business and recreational opportunities. Discussion ensues about the board's role and goals for the community.
Public Statement on Resignations (00:21:26)
A statement is read regarding recent board member resignations due to time constraints.

A public statement is read addressing recent resignations from the board. The resignations were due to time constraints, and the board expresses its intention to continue its work and welcomes new board members.
Introduction of New Board Members (00:23:04)
New board members are introduced, sharing their backgrounds and visions for the community.

Newly appointed board members introduce themselves, sharing their backgrounds, business interests, and visions for contributing to the community. They express excitement and readiness to serve on the board.
Public Comments (00:30:51)
Residents and officials introduce themselves and discuss their roles and community involvement.

Various residents and officials, including Keith Wil and Benac Martin, introduce themselves. They discuss their roles in the community, their businesses, and their interests in local development. They express a commitment to community service and improvement.
DDA Board Overview and Budget Discussion (00:36:00)
The DDA board discusses the budget and financial reports, noting no major changes but mentioning new contracts.

The DDA board, led by Mr. Wilcher, reviews the budget report and revenue and expenditure report. There are no major changes to the budget, with all expenditures previously approved. Two new contracts are mentioned but not yet reflected in the financials.
Public Act and Monthly Reporting Requirement (00:37:06)
Discussion on the public act requiring monthly reporting of DDA activities.

The board discusses the legal requirement under the public act authorizing the DDA, which mandates monthly public reporting of DDA activities. This ensures transparency and compliance with state regulations.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) Engagement (00:39:00)
Discussion on engaging with MEDC and leveraging resources for downtown development.

The DDA board discusses an email from the MEDC, which offers resources and support for the township's downtown development efforts. The board is encouraged to continue working with the Michigan Downtown Association for guidance and training.
Michigan Downtown Association Board Training Motion (00:44:00)
Motion to approve in-person board training by the Michigan Downtown Association.

The board considers a motion to approve the Michigan Downtown Association's in-person board training for downtown management. The training aims to improve knowledge and skills in downtown development.
Vote on Board Training Session (00:48:00)
The board discusses whether to include other communities in the training session.

The board debates whether to open the Michigan Downtown Association training session to other communities or keep it focused on Comstock Township to ensure specific issues are addressed.
Approval of Membership Dues for Michigan Downtown Association (00:52:00)
Discussion and approval of membership dues for continued access to resources.

The board discusses and votes on paying the membership dues for the Michigan Downtown Association to maintain access to their resources and training materials for the township.
Motion to Authorize Expenditure for Dewar's Emails (01:02:59)
A motion was made to authorize an expenditure for Dewar's emails, supported by Mike Keith. The motion passed with unanimous votes.

The meeting discussed authorizing an expenditure for Dewar's emails. A motion was made by Mike Keith and supported by others. All members voted in favor, and the motion passed successfully, allowing for the allocation of funds for the email setup.
Discussion on Email Implementation and Open Meetings Act Compliance (01:03:54)
The board discussed coordinating email implementation and emphasized the importance of Open Meetings Act compliance, particularly avoiding 'reply all' in emails.

There was a discussion regarding the coordination of email implementation for board members. It was noted that members should avoid using 'reply all' in emails to prevent violations of the Open Meetings Act, as this could constitute an unintentional meeting.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and DDA Overview (01:06:37)
The board discussed engaging with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the importance of understanding Downtown Development Authority (DDA) operations and tax increment financing.

The conversation focused on the benefits of engaging with the MEDC to better understand the functions and opportunities provided by the DDA. The principle of tax increment financing and its potential impact on township funds was highlighted as a key area of interest.
Discussion on Prioritizing Small Wins and Community Goals (01:08:59)
The board emphasized the importance of setting realistic goals and celebrating small wins to maintain momentum in community development efforts.

The board members discussed the value of setting achievable goals and recognizing small victories as part of a broader strategy for community development. This approach was seen as crucial for maintaining engagement and momentum, especially with new board members.
Focus on Downtown Redevelopment and Community Engagement (01:09:56)
The board focused on downtown redevelopment, including small projects that could enhance the area's appeal and community engagement.

The discussion centered on identifying small-scale projects within the downtown area that could significantly improve its appearance and functionality. The potential for new businesses and community engagement was highlighted as a key focus for redevelopment efforts.
Consideration of DDA District Boundaries and TIF Funding (01:16:00)
The board considered the boundaries of the DDA district and how TIF funding could be optimized for both small business and industrial development.

The boundaries of the DDA district were assessed in terms of their impact on tax increment financing (TIF). The discussion included potential adjustments to the district to optimize funding opportunities for both small businesses and larger industrial developments.
Public Comments and Business Launch Insights (01:19:55)
Public comments were made regarding business launch challenges and the supportive environment in Comstock compared to other areas.

Various members of the public shared insights on launching businesses in Comstock, noting the supportive environment compared to other towns. Challenges related to business permits and community engagement were also discussed.
Tour of Successful DDA Projects and Funding Opportunities (01:22:38)
The board was invited to tour successful DDA projects in Michigan and explore funding opportunities beyond TIF, potentially enhancing community development.

An invitation was extended to the board to tour successful DDA projects across Michigan, showcasing what could be achieved with effective use of available funds. The discussion also touched on diverse funding opportunities that could be leveraged for community projects beyond what TIF offers.
Discussion on Downtown Resources and Business Support (01:31:27)
The meeting discussed resources available at the downtown Kilm Zoo library, including free courses on writing grants and obtaining business loans.

The downtown Kilm Zoo library offers free courses on grant writing and obtaining small business loans. These resources are particularly helpful for individuals unfamiliar with the process of establishing a business, such as obtaining an LLC.
Opportunities with Foreclosed Properties (01:32:18)
Discussion on utilizing foreclosed properties as revenue-generating resources for the DDA through auctions or other means.

The meeting explored the potential for the DDA to generate revenue by utilizing foreclosed properties. These properties could be auctioned or repurposed to create income for the DDA.
Housing Development on Portage Road (01:32:50)
The old Holiday Inn on Portage Road is opening as housing for homeless families, supported by a millage and grants.

The old Holiday Inn on Portage Road is being converted into housing for homeless families, with support from a housing millage and additional grants. This development is part of efforts to provide housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
Adjournment (01:34:34)
The meeting was adjourned after a motion and a vote, following a discussion on meeting procedures.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and voted upon. There was a brief discussion about the necessity of making a motion to adjourn according to the bylaws, and a decision to continue this practice as a precaution.