Comstock Township - June 24, 2026 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

Updated about 8 hours ago

Comstock Township's Downtown Development Authority discussed several key items at their June 24 Meeting. Tim Kearney presented updates on development projects at Kings Highway and River Street, including vendor estimates and the acquisition of an EGLE permit for a launch project. The board reviewed DDA bylaw amendments, focusing on member attendance and meeting procedures, and approved the changes. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the discussion of installing a tornado siren in the downtown area. Supervisor Martin and Secretary Knight presented research on siren vendors, and the board voted to proceed with a purchase of a single siren from West Shore Services. Additionally, the board is planning a summer community cleanup and participation in a national night out event.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:15)
The meeting of the Downtown Development Authority Board was officially started.

The chairperson called the Downtown Development Authority Board meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:25)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by the members present.

The board members stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Roll Call (00:02:52)
Roll call was conducted with members present and absent noted.

Roll call was conducted with the following members present: Jeffrey Townsend, Keith Witcher, Benac Martin, William Knight, John Geisler, Larry Rabbit, Matt Elliot. John Sculley was absent due to a family emergency. Just re Ning was not present.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:33)
The agenda for the meeting was presented and approved by the board.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. The motion was passed unanimously by the board members.
Approval of Minutes (00:04:13)
The minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion was passed unanimously.
Public Comment (00:04:33)
Members of the public were invited to speak for up to three minutes each.

During the public comment period, individuals were allowed to speak for three minutes each without interruption. Comments were to be clean and respectful.
Public Discussion on Projects (00:05:36)
Tim Kearney discussed projects at Kings Highway and River Street and future plans.

Tim Kearney presented projects being done at the corner of Kings Highway and River Street, including a launch and repaving a parking lot. He mentioned the need for a tornado siren and addressed issues with transients.
Unfinished Business: DDA Bylaws (00:11:00)
Discussion and approval of changes to the DDA bylaws were conducted.

The board reviewed changes to the bylaws, including member removal for absences and meeting conduct. A motion was made to approve the amendments, which was seconded and passed unanimously.
New Business: Tornado Siren Discussion and Request for Bid (00:15:24)
The board discussed the need for a tornado siren in the downtown area and considered options and funding.

William and other board members discussed the process and need for installing a tornado siren, potential costs, and the involvement of the fire department. The board considered seeking bids for the project and discussed funding options.
Discussion on Sirens Implementation (00:32:56)
The meeting focused on the implementation of a new siren system in the DDA district, discussing quotes, testing, funding, and potential issues.

The discussion covered the implementation of a new siren system in the DDA district. Key points included obtaining quotes for the sirens, potential for grants for shoreline preservation, and the importance of testing the sirens regularly. Commissioners discussed the need for community involvement in funding and awareness, and the practicality of using sirens as a warning system. Concerns were raised about activation procedures and ensuring multiple points of activation to avoid single points of failure. The conversation also included technical specifications of the sirens, potential costs, and vendor selection, with emphasis on Westshore Services as a preferred vendor. The fire chief's involvement and the possibility of using county resources for integration were also discussed. The session concluded with the need to finalize decisions on funding, vendor selection, and implementation strategy.
Discussion on Emergency Siren Purchase (01:04:39)
The board discussed approving the purchase of an emergency siren from West Shore Services.

The discussion centered around the need for an emergency siren in downtown Comstock. A motion was made by a county commissioner to approve the purchase of a siren from West Shore Services, which was seconded by another member. There was a discussion on the importance of relying on established vendors and not nitpicking the details. It was emphasized that this siren could serve as a precedent for future installations. The board discussed the budget and potential funding sources and emphasized the importance of having a working system to encourage future funding. It was decided that a roll call vote would be conducted to finalize the decision.
Roll Call Vote on Emergency Siren (01:11:00)
A roll call vote was conducted to approve the purchase of the emergency siren.

The board conducted a roll call vote on the motion to approve the purchase of the emergency siren for downtown Comstock. All present members voted in favor, resulting in a unanimous decision to move forward with the purchase.
New Business: Summer Community DDA Cleanup Day (01:12:00)
Discussion on organizing a summer cleanup day for the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) area.

The board discussed the possibility of organizing a summer cleanup day for the DDA area, following the success of last year's spring cleanup. It was noted that the previous board had not organized a cleanup this year. The idea is to have a group of volunteers clean up parks and side streets in the DDA area. The board discussed involving other community groups such as the parks department and the VFW to increase participation. A motion was made to authorize further planning and collaboration to organize the cleanup event.
National Night Out Event Planning (01:17:06)
Planning for the National Night Out event, including budget approval for supplies.

The board discussed the upcoming National Night Out event and the DDA's role in it. In the past, the DDA has provided hot dogs and had a presence at the event to engage with the community. The discussion included logistical details such as budgeting for supplies like hot dogs, buns, and drinks. The board approved a motion to allocate funds for the event and to collaborate with the parks department for support.
Budget and Financial Report (01:22:13)
Presentation and explanation of the budget adjustments and financial report for the DDA.

A financial report was presented by the CFO, explaining the budget adjustments for the DDA. The report clarified the removal of the previous director's salary from the budget and the impact on the fund balance. The appropriated use of the fund balance was explained, emphasizing that it should not be included in revenue calculations. The board discussed the need to correct this in the official budget and approved a motion to authorize the necessary adjustments.
Board Member Comments (01:28:00)
Board members provided comments and discussed various topics, including community safety and future projects.

During the board member comments section, members expressed gratitude for efforts to improve community safety through the siren project. There was also a discussion about the need for more police patrols due to concerns about homelessness and safety in the DDA area. A grant opportunity for shoreline improvements was mentioned, and the board discussed the potential for future projects to enhance the community. Board members emphasized the importance of community involvement and collaboration with other local organizations.
Public Comments and Suggestions (01:34:36)
Discussion on potential ideas for improving local events and amenities, including a zip line proposal.

Participants discussed creative ideas for enhancing local events, such as implementing a zip line across the river during festivals. The idea was initially met with resistance due to insurance concerns, but it sparked further conversation about innovative ways to improve community engagement and generate revenue.
Public Comment Policy Review (01:36:38)
Consideration of allowing additional public comments after agenda discussions to improve community input.

The board discussed revising the meeting structure to allow public comments not only at the beginning but also at the end of the meetings. This change aims to increase public engagement and response to board discussions.
Motion to Amend Agenda for Public Comment (01:37:02)
Motion made and passed to amend the agenda to include a second public comment period after board discussions.

A motion was proposed and approved to amend the meeting agenda to allow a second public comment period after board member comments. This decision was made to facilitate dialogue and address public concerns more effectively.
Adjournment (01:43:25)
Meeting officially adjourned after board member comments and acknowledgments.

The meeting concluded with board members expressing gratitude for the productive discussions and successful outcomes, including the approval of a new public comment procedure. The motion to adjourn was passed unanimously, marking the end of the session.