Comstock Township - Township Board - July 20, 2026 Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The board reviews bids for constructing a new fire station, ultimately selecting CSM Group with specific bid alternatives. Concerns about traffic speed in residential areas lead to approval of traffic calming measures on Casper Street, funded by the township's road millage. Additionally, the board appoints zoning and ordinance officials as wellhead protection ordinance administrators. Public comments highlight community concerns about funding, safety, and local development.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:56)
The meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock is called to order.

The meeting commences with a welcome to attendees followed by the call to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:04)
Attendees stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendees participate in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:31)
A motion is made to approve the agenda as amended to include a clean earth service agreement.

A motion is proposed by Clerk Beauchamp to approve the agenda with an amendment to add a clean earth service agreement after the EPS security update under the supervisor's report. The motion is supported by Treasurer Bloomfield and passes unanimously.
Public Comment (00:02:55)
Citizens express concerns about funding for the fire department, transparency in board decisions, and traffic safety.

Multiple citizens address the board during public comment. Tammy Kehler questions the funding for a new fire department, Lynette McCurley calls for more transparency in meeting minutes, and Jason Tollers speaks about freedom of speech and the impact of limiting public comments to agenda items. Emily Murphy discusses the superintendent's severance payout and its implications. Comments also focus on traffic calming measures for Casper Street and the need for speed humps.
Department Reports (00:25:37)
Department heads provide updates on ongoing projects and collaborations.

Reports are given by department heads, including a briefing by Sean McBride, director of Metro Transit, on public transit services and an upcoming millage vote. The report highlights the increase in ridership due to gas prices and details various transportation services provided by Metro, such as Metro Bus, Metro Connect, and Metro Share.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:31:00)
The consent agenda is approved without opposition.

Clerk Beauchamp makes a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented, which is supported by Trustee Pratt. The motion passes unanimously.
Fire and Rescue Update (00:32:27)
Discussion on the approval of the fire station construction bid.

The board discusses the fire station project, including the recommendation to approve the construction bid from the CSM group. The bid includes alternatives for a lightning protection system and interior finishes. The decision process involved extensive evaluation of proposals based on qualification scores and adjusted bid prices.
Introduction of Scoring Methodology (00:34:59)
Discussion on scoring methodology for evaluating bids, including weighted scores and composite scores.

The methodology for evaluating proposals was discussed, wherein each line item was given a rating from -2 to 2. These were multiplied by values in the Wayne column to produce weighted scores, which were tabulated to form a composite score. The adjusted price is determined by dividing the bid price by this composite score. The proposal with the lowest adjusted price is recommended, but the Township is not obligated to accept it.
Bid Evaluation and Contractor Recommendation (00:36:00)
CSM is recommended for the contract based on their low adjusted price and proposal evaluation.

After evaluating several bids, CSM Group was recommended to the Township board as they provided the best value to taxpayers with the lowest adjusted price. The Township, however, retains the right to reject any proposals.
Committee Member Selection and Expertise (00:39:00)
Explanation of committee members' expertise and why they were chosen for the project evaluation.

The committee included members with diverse expertise: the architect for continuity, Katie Bush for project management experience, and Matt Watts for his advisory role, despite not bidding. Fire department executive staff were also involved to provide input based on their operational needs.
Approval of Contractor and Project Alternatives (00:55:00)
Motion to approve CSM as the contractor including bid alternatives for the construction project.

A motion was made and carried to approve CSM Group as the primary contractor for the project, including two bid alternatives for the lightning protection system and the glazed CMU, with a focus on ensuring thorough evaluation of the bond options.
Phase Three Architectural Services Agreement (01:00:00)
Approval to enter into phase three of the architectural services agreement with JPR for construction administration.

The board approved entering into phase three of the architectural services agreement with JPR, which includes construction administration tasks such as site visits, meeting facilitation, and contract document clarification.
Project Cost and Impact on Taxes (01:02:00)
Discussion on the financial impact of the project on residents' taxes and bond repayment strategy.

The board discussed that the project is not expected to raise the fire department capital assessment rate. The financial strategy includes managing the bond to avoid increasing taxes, with a potential to lower the assessment rate or pay off the bond early if circumstances allow.
Joining the Kalamazoo Technical Rescue Team (01:03:00)
Approval for the fire department to join the Kalamazoo Technical Rescue Team for enhanced rescue capabilities.

The fire department requested approval to join a multi-jurisdictional technical rescue team to improve response capabilities for incidents like confined space or trench rescues. This collaboration reduces the need for individual departments to have full response capabilities.
Fire Department Technical Rescue Team Approval (01:07:50)
The board discussed the motion to approve the fire department joining the KMSU Technical Rescue Team, and the motion was carried unanimously.

The board members discussed the proposal for the fire department to join the KMSU Technical Rescue Team. After some questions and clarifications, a motion was made by Treasurer Bloomfield and supported by Clerk Beauchamp to approve the proposal. The board conducted a roll call vote, and all members voted in favor of the motion, resulting in its approval.
Informational Items and Tentative Approval for Mobile Barrier (01:08:22)
The board received information about tentative approval for a mobile barrier through a Michigan appropriations request, facilitated by Senator McCain's office.

The board was informed that they received tentative approval for a mobile barrier through a Michigan appropriations request for the next budget year. This request was facilitated by Senator McCain's office, and if finalized, it will allow the replacement of their current traffic incident management trailer with a mobile barrier that can manage multiple lanes, providing more protection and visibility.
Appreciation Letter from Campbell Zoo Township Fire Department (01:09:28)
The board acknowledged a letter of appreciation from Campbell Zoo Township Fire Department for assistance during a technical rescue incident.

The board received and acknowledged a letter of appreciation from the Campbell Zoo Township Fire Department, thanking them for their assistance during a technical rescue incident involving a large tree that fell onto a house, trapping a person. The incident required a multi-department response and lasted over six hours, showcasing the importance of collaboration among neighboring departments.
Primary Election Information (01:11:10)
Information was provided about the upcoming primary election, including voting methods and precinct details.

Details about the upcoming primary election were provided, including three ways to vote: in-person at the Comstock Township hall, absentee voting, and voting on election day. The board reminded voters that Comstock Ave is closed for precinct three, requiring additional travel time for a detour. They also highlighted the importance of not crossing party columns in the primary ballot.
Discussion on Cell Tower Proposal (01:12:28)
The board discussed a proposal to place a cell tower near a fire station and its possible impact on future property sale.

The board discussed a proposal to place a cell tower on a lot next to a fire station and sought opinions on how it might affect the future sale of the property. Concerns about zoning, safety, and aesthetics were raised. Attorney Thall explained the zoning process, and the board debated the potential impact on potential buyers. The discussion included feedback from real estate professionals and considerations of township ordinances.
First Reading of Planned Unit Development Ordinance (01:18:15)
The board conducted the first reading of a new Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance to allow more flexible development options.

The board conducted the first reading of a proposed Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance, which aims to provide greater flexibility in design and development for projects within the township. The ordinance would replace the current PUD provisions, which were deemed ineffective, with more flexible options that encourage creative and affordable development. The board discussed amendments to the ordinance and expressed excitement about the potential for new developments.
Casper Street Traffic Calming Study (01:25:19)
The board discussed the Casper Street traffic calming study, including options for addressing cut-through traffic and funding potential measures.

Deputy Supervisor Rockwell presented findings from a traffic calming study on Casper Street, which identified cut-through traffic as a major issue for residents. The board considered options such as speed humps and traffic circles to mitigate traffic concerns. Funding for the project was discussed, with options including the use of township road funds or special assessments for residents. The board considered the next steps to move forward with addressing the traffic issues.
Discussion on Road Maintenance and Funding (01:36:43)
Discussion on the need for board support for the road maintenance project and funding options.

Board members discussed the need for supporting Jim and his team's road maintenance project. They debated the residents' concerns about road conditions and the funding mechanism, mentioning the potential use of millage and par funds. The Pacer tool was referenced for road assessments, and the consensus was to avoid assessing residents for road maintenance costs due to traffic not caused by them.
Approval of Casper Street Traffic Calming Project Motion (01:40:59)
Motion to approve the Casper Street traffic calming project using funds from the current and next fiscal year's budget.

Board members discussed and supported the Casper Street traffic calming project, addressing concerns about heavy traffic and safety. Trustee Cherry made a motion, supported by Treasurer Bloomfield, to proceed with the project using funds from the current and next fiscal year's road budgets.
Appointment of Wellhead Protection Ordinance Administrators (01:42:14)
Recommendation to appoint zoning administrator and ordinance enforcement officer as wellhead protection ordinance administrators.

The board discussed appointing the zoning administrator and ordinance enforcement officer as wellhead protection ordinance administrators. The proposal was to involve planning and zoning in ordinance review and enforcement. The motion was made and carried to appoint these positions without naming specific individuals.
Resolution for Ballot Language on Law Enforcement Millage (01:46:21)
Proposal to renew the law enforcement millage and approve the ballot language for November election.

Attorney Thall explained the resolution for renewing the law enforcement millage, which had expired. The board discussed keeping the millage at the current rollback amount and approved the ballot language to be included in the November election.
Discussion on Sheriff Contract and Potential Action (01:49:13)
Review of the sheriff contract and discussion on terms, funding, and potential renewal.

The board reviewed the sheriff contract, discussing the three-year term and the potential impact of the law enforcement millage renewal. Concerns about the contract's terms and funding were raised, with suggestions to clarify and crunch numbers before the next meeting.
Discussion on Sewer Line Options (02:06:26)
The board discussed the benefits and costs of having an independent sewer line.

The board engaged in a discussion about the possibility of having their own sewer line, considering the benefits of a direct connection versus the costs involved. A conference call with the engineer is planned to validate the benefits.
Authorization for Supervisor (02:07:51)
A motion was passed to authorize the supervisor to engage with Clean Earth and Roto-Rooter.

The board unanimously approved a motion to allow the supervisor to work with Clean Earth and Roto-Rooter as necessary for maintenance and repair needs.
Finance Reports (02:08:09)
The board reviewed the cash summary by bank account and other finance reports.

The finance section included the review of the cash summary by bank account, Kaba reports, and bills paid in July, along with informational and future action items, including a FOIA request.
Public Comments (02:08:21)
Citizens expressed concerns and comments on various topics including fire department and infrastructure.

Various citizens addressed the board with concerns about the fire department's involvement in a technical rescue team, maintenance of HVAC units, the bidding process for a fire station, and community development issues. Concerns about infrastructure and past decisions were also raised.
Members' Comments (02:22:44)
Board members provided their comments and acknowledgments.

Members of the board, including Treasurer Bloomfield, Trustee MacGyver, Clerk Beauchamp, and others, gave comments. Clerk Beauchamp acknowledged the contribution of an outgoing employee, Nicole, who is moving to a new position.
Discussion on Public Comment Procedure (02:25:06)
The board discussed the procedure for public comments in meetings.

The board considered the current procedure for public comments at meetings, discussing whether to allow more open comments at both the beginning and end of meetings to avoid interruptions and improve meeting productivity.
Adjournment (02:27:09)
The meeting was officially adjourned.

The chair officially adjourned the meeting after all agenda items and discussions were completed.