Comstock Township - July 22, 2026 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

Updated about 22 hours ago

The board discusses the implementation of a new weather siren system, with detailed input from the fire chief about its capabilities and cost considerations. Local business owner Mr. Tim Kearney raises concerns about property appraisals and zoning changes, prompting board actions to address these issues. Plans for the upcoming National Night Out are finalized, including community engagement strategies. The board also reviews the DDA's master plan to align future projects and grant applications.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:02:11)
The meeting was called to order by the chair to begin the proceedings.

The chair of the meeting called the meeting to order, marking the official start of the proceedings for the government meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:02:16)
The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the chair.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by those present at the meeting, led by the chair, as a formal start to the meeting activities.
Roll Call (00:02:41)
Roll call was conducted with members stating their names to confirm attendance.

During roll call, each member present at the meeting was asked to state their name to confirm their attendance, ensuring a quorum for the meeting.
Approval of Agenda (00:03:07)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved by the members.

The chair asked if there were any issues with the agenda. A motion was made to approve the agenda, which was supported and passed unanimously by the members present, confirming the agenda for the meeting.
Public Comment (00:03:37)
Public comments were heard regarding past board actions, pending projects, and community concerns.

During the public comment session, Mr. Tim and other residents addressed the board with several issues, including pending appraisals, community projects like parking lots and sea walls, concerns about grant availability for businesses, and zoning text amendments. They also raised issues concerning property ownership conflicts, security, and the need for better communication on community developments like sirens.
Weather Siren Update (00:13:46)
The fire chief provided an update on the installation and activation of weather sirens.

Fire Chief Matt Poche provided a detailed update on the weather sirens project. He discussed the technical aspects of the sirens, including activation methods via dispatch, local fire station capabilities, and mobile applications. The new polygon-based automatic activation was highlighted as a key feature. Discussions also covered potential cost-saving measures and future expansion possibilities for the siren system.
Discussion on Siren System (00:33:15)
Discussion on the need to replace old sirens in the community due to their unreliability and the potential options for new systems.

The meeting discussed the issues with the current siren system, which consists of old and unreliable equipment. The community acquired used sirens from Palisades, but they are outdated and give a false sense of security. Many sirens have significant issues, and the cost of repair is high. The discussion included the need for new technology, warranty concerns, and the importance of ensuring reliable emergency communication.
Emergency Preparedness and Community Involvement (00:38:02)
Consideration of involving community members as trained spotters for emergency situations and the benefits of community engagement.

The board considered the potential for involving community members as trained spotters to aid in emergency situations, such as identifying tornadoes. It was suggested that training spotters could provide early warnings and improve emergency response. There was discussion about the challenges and benefits of having community involvement and how it could complement the work of emergency services.
Testing and Maintenance of Sirens (00:45:01)
Discussion on the importance of regular testing and maintenance of the siren system to ensure functionality during emergencies.

The board discussed the importance of regular testing and maintenance of the siren system. They considered policies for testing, including monthly tests and coordination with the Township policy. The discussion highlighted the need to ensure that all sirens are functioning properly and the role of the DDA in managing the siren system.
DDA Plan Review (00:50:03)
Review of the DDA plan, including potential grant opportunities and the importance of aligning projects with the plan.

The board reviewed the DDA plan, discussing potential grant opportunities for park and shoreline preservation projects. They emphasized the need to align projects with the plan and considered the order of operation for projects. The discussion included the need to familiarize with the plan and the possibility of making changes if needed.
Blight and Ordinance Enforcement (00:58:02)
Discussion on addressing blight within the DDA district and the role of ordinance enforcement in improving the area.

The board discussed the issue of blight within the DDA district and the role of ordinance enforcement in addressing property deterioration. They considered the importance of enhancing the district by mitigating blight and ensuring ordinance compliance.
Discussion on DDA Master Plan Review (01:00:45)
Board members discuss the importance of familiarizing themselves with the DDA Master Plan to make informed decisions. They mention strategies like assigning sections and sharing insights.

The board discusses the necessity for all members to thoroughly understand the DDA Master Plan, noting that it is a comprehensive roadmap. They agree that each member should independently review the plan and identify key priorities to discuss in the next meeting. This approach is compared to the Planning Commission's method of dividing and conquering large documents. The discussion also touches on the challenges of ensuring everyone is aligned and how this understanding can aid in decision-making, particularly with complex issues like battery energy storage.
Discussion on Blight and Property Improvement (01:07:00)
Discussion on addressing blight in Comstock, mentioning specific properties and potential grants for property improvements. A grant has been saved for township property improvements.

Board members discuss various blighted properties in Comstock and the possibility of helping property owners with improvements, such as fixing roofs. They mention a grant saved by Deputy Rockwell and another member, which can be used for safety and property improvement for low-income individuals. The discussion highlights the need to address blight tactfully and mentions ongoing efforts to monitor and improve properties under construction or in disrepair.
National Night Out Preparation (01:12:00)
Planning for National Night Out, including purchasing supplies and confirming no permits are needed for distributing food. A hundred hotdogs and other supplies will be bought.

The board discusses the upcoming National Night Out event, planning to purchase a hundred hotdogs, buns, chips, and water for the event. They confirm that no permit is needed as the food will be given away. There is a brief discussion about whether more than a hundred hotdogs might be needed based on past attendance, but they decide to stick with a hundred for now.
Budget and Financial Report (01:15:00)
Review of the financial status as of the end of July, highlighting that the budget is healthy and expenses are well under control.

The budget and financial status are reviewed, showing that despite being over halfway through the fiscal year, the financial position is strong. The revenue from tax captures has not yet posted, but expenses are well under budget, maintaining a healthy fund balance.
Board Member and Public Comments (01:17:00)
Members discuss various topics, including training opportunities, the efficacy of battery backups, and improving camera surveillance at the bus stop.

During the board member and public comments section, members express concerns about training opportunities with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the need for further education. The discussion also touches on the potential for upgrading the camera system at the bus stop to improve surveillance quality. Members debate the effectiveness of battery backups for sirens and suggest looking into more reliable power solutions.
Adjournment Preparation (01:20:00)
Final discussions on logistics for upcoming projects and events, including contract signings and public engagement strategies.

The board discusses logistical preparations for upcoming projects, including the need for contract signings and public engagement strategies for events like National Night Out. They discuss the importance of having clear communication and proper authorization for contracts, ensuring all necessary parties are involved in the signing process. The meeting wraps up with a focus on ensuring all preparations are in place for future initiatives.
Board and Public Comments (01:29:51)
The board and public were invited to provide any final comments or queries regarding the meeting topics.

Board members were asked if they had any further comments or if there were any comments from the public. This was a chance for last remarks or questions before closing the meeting.
Discussion on Collaboration and Planning (01:30:03)
Discussion on collaboration between the board and the planning commission, including issues with empty storefronts and development plans.

The board discussed the challenges faced in collaboration with the planning commission, addressing issues of empty storefronts and the need for reconstruction and development. There was a focus on improving communication and working together with the zoning administrator. The goal was to revitalize the Comstock corner and make it a showpiece for the community.
Comments on Community Image and Development (01:32:00)
The board discussed the image of Comstock and the importance of developing the four corners area to improve community perception.

There was a conversation about the perception of Comstock, particularly focusing on the four corners being a central image of the area. Board members expressed the importance of developing this area to improve the community's image and attract more businesses. The discussion included ideas for promoting the area and getting the community involved.
Adjournment (01:33:58)
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made, seconded, and approved by all board members.

The meeting was brought to a close with a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by the board members, formally ending the meeting session.