Comstock Township - May 27, 2026 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

During the May 27, 2026 Comstock Township DDA meeting, board members discussed various infrastructure improvements, including the potential installation of new sidewalks and pedestrian crosswalks. They also considered budget adjustments to reallocate funds previously designated for salaries and flowers. The board emphasized the need to include public safety measures, such as the installation of tornado sirens, in their development plan. Public input was considered important for future planning, and a workshop was proposed to refine the DDA's goals and projects.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:08)
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, where members stood and recited the pledge to the flag of the United States of America.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendees were asked to stand and join in the pledge to the flag of the United States of America, affirming their loyalty to the nation and its values of liberty and justice for all. This is a traditional start to many governmental meetings, reflecting a commitment to civic duty and the principles of democracy.
Roll Call Attendance (00:01:06)
The roll call was conducted, confirming the presence of members. Two members were noted as absent.

A roll call was conducted to confirm the attendance of the meeting participants. Jeffrey Townsend, Ben Martin, William Knight, John Geisler, Larry Rabbit, Matt Elliot, and John Schultz were present. Keith Wilcher and another member were noted as absent. This process ensured that a quorum was present to conduct official business and to document who was in attendance for the meeting's records.
Amendment to Agenda (00:01:49)
A motion was made to amend the agenda to include a budget amendment. The motion was supported and passed unanimously.

A motion was proposed to amend the meeting agenda to add a discussion on a budget amendment. The proposal was seconded and put to a vote. All members present voted in favor, with none opposed, allowing the agenda to be officially amended. This procedural step ensured that the meeting could address the new agenda item in an orderly manner.
Approval of Minutes (00:02:33)
The minutes from a previous meeting were reviewed and approved without changes. A motion to approve was seconded and passed.

The minutes from a previous special meeting were presented for approval. No corrections or changes were deemed necessary. A motion to approve the minutes was made and seconded by Larry Rabbit. The motion was unanimously approved by the members present, finalizing the record of the previous meeting's proceedings.
Public Comment Policy (00:03:04)
The rules for public comment were outlined, allowing individuals three minutes to speak without transferring time to others. Comments must be respectful.

The chairperson outlined the public comment policy for the meeting. Individuals were allowed to speak for up to three minutes, with no option to transfer their time to another person. Speakers were required to address the board without engaging in direct dialogue, although they could schedule an appointment for further discussion with the authority director. All comments were to be respectful and clean, maintaining decorum during the meeting.
Discussion on DDA Bylaws (00:03:52)
The board discussed the DDA bylaws, focusing on attendance requirements and roles of officers. Suggestions for amendments were made.

A detailed discussion took place regarding the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) bylaws. Members debated the attendance policy, particularly the requirement for the secretary treasurer to attend all meetings and how to handle absences. They also discussed the roles and responsibilities of officers in the absence of the chair and vice-chair. Suggestions were made to amend the bylaws to allow for reasonable excuses for absences and to clarify officer roles. The discussion aimed to ensure the bylaws are clear and practical for all board members.
Review of Downtown Development Plan (00:19:44)
The board reviewed the downtown development plan, discussing outdated elements and potential projects. Financial constraints were noted.

The board reviewed the current downtown development plan, noting that some elements were outdated and discussing the feasibility of various projects. Members assessed the financial constraints impacting project choices, such as streetscape improvements and infrastructure upgrades. They identified the need to prioritize projects that align with the community's current needs and the board's strategic goals, potentially revising the plan to better reflect these priorities and available resources.
Discussion on Development Goals and Progress (00:29:24)
The board discussed development goals and progress, focusing on sidewalk installation and street trees along Merrill Park.

The board discussed the importance of tracking their development goals and progress, emphasizing the installation of a five-foot sidewalk and street trees along Merrill Park. Concerns about space and the impact of trees on sidewalks were raised. The idea of prioritizing projects within a zero to seven-year plan was also discussed.
Challenges in Implementing Sidewalk and Tree Projects (00:35:41)
Challenges regarding space for trees, impact on sidewalks, and prioritizing plans were discussed among board members.

Board members discussed the challenges in implementing sidewalk and tree projects, focusing on space constraints for trees between the sidewalk and park fence. They debated the feasibility of street trees, potential damage to sidewalks, and prioritizing other plans such as beautification of buildings over sidewalk expansion.
Public Safety and Sidewalk Maintenance (00:43:42)
Board members discussed public safety, sidewalk maintenance, and the involvement of parks in clearing sidewalks during winter.

The discussion shifted to public safety and sidewalk maintenance, particularly during winter. Ideas included ensuring sidewalks are clear for pedestrians, adding a pedestrian crosswalk, and collaborating with the parks department to maintain sidewalks. The importance of repairing broken sidewalks for safety was emphasized.
Community Engagement and Planning (00:50:50)
The board considered community engagement for future planning and the importance of public input in development plans.

The board discussed the importance of community engagement in future planning, suggesting the inclusion of public comments in meetings and potentially organizing a workshop to create new development plans. Engaging the public in discussions about development goals was seen as essential for creating effective plans.
Grant Writing and Funding Opportunities (00:53:04)
Discussion on the importance of grant writing and exploring funding opportunities for development projects.

The importance of grant writing and securing funding to support development projects was highlighted. The board discussed leveraging available resources like the Kalamazoo Public Library's support for grant writing to help with project funding and the need to focus on securing grants as a priority.
Public Suggestions and Tornado Siren Proposal (00:55:01)
Public suggested installing a tornado siren as a community safety measure, which could be funded through grants.

A member of the public suggested installing a tornado siren as a visible action of community safety, which the board could take credit for. This proposal was discussed as a way to engage the community and fulfill public safety needs within the district, potentially funded through grants.
DDA Budget Discussion (00:56:47)
Discussion on the DDA budget with focus on salary, wages, and flower fund amendments.

The board discussed the current DDA budget, highlighting the need to amend the salary and wages line item due to the absence of a director. There was also a discussion about the flower fund budget and whether it should be adjusted or removed. The board decided to remove the salary and wages line item but keep the flower fund allocation as it can be used for other contracted services.
Tornado Siren Proposal (01:00:00)
Proposal to install a tornado siren in the downtown district and collaboration with the township.

Board members discussed the potential benefits of installing a tornado siren in the downtown district as a measure to improve community safety. The idea received unanimous support, with members suggesting collaboration with the township to potentially share costs and coordinate with the fire department. This is seen as a step to enhance safety and community relations.
Community Development and Beautification (01:05:01)
Discussion on improving community aesthetics and infrastructure to attract businesses and residents.

The meeting included a detailed discussion on ways to improve the community's aesthetic appeal and infrastructure. Suggestions included enhancing sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, and addressing issues like goose droppings in parks. The board emphasized the importance of making the area appealing to attract new businesses and residents, with specific examples like improving vacant lots and ensuring building maintenance.