Comstock Township - Parks and Recreation - September 14, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 18 hours ago

The Commission hears comments by representatives from the disc golf community, expressing concerns about park bans and security perceptions. Updates on the McLinden Trails indicate collaboration with the City of Kalamazoo, emphasizing the exclusion of trails from hunting areas. The Merrill Park Rivers Edge project is discussed, detailing potential DNR grant applications and necessary park improvements. The meeting also covers the replacement of light poles at the Wenke Softball Complex and the need for pavilion roof repairs. Discussions about the Parks Director salary survey and potential hiring for the position are highlighted, with considerations for competitive salaries to attract qualified candidates.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:02)
The meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock Parks and Recreation Commission is called to order, and the agenda is approved.

The regular meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock Parks and Recreation Commission was called to order. The agenda for the meeting was presented and a motion was made to approve the agenda as presented. There were no objections, and the motion was passed.
Public Comments (00:00:46)
Residents express concerns about disc golf issues and interactions with park officials, seeking a meeting for resolution.

A representative of a disc golf club, expressed concerns about negative attitudes towards the club and incidents that occurred at the end of June. He requested a meeting with the park board to discuss these issues and clarify misunderstandings, especially regarding threats and a ban announced at an emergency meeting.
Consent Agenda (00:06:20)
The consent agenda, including meeting minutes and GL distribution report, is approved without objections.

The consent agenda was presented, including the meeting minutes and the GL distribution report. It was noted that the mercantile bill for August was not included. A motion was made to approve the consent agenda, and there were no objections. The motion was passed.
McLinden Trail Update (00:07:27)
Discussion on McLinden Trails, highlighting its features, public comments, and safety priorities. Public input led to exclusion from hunting area.

An update was provided on the McLinden Trails, which are featured in Discover Kalamazoo and operated jointly by Comstock Charter Township and the City of Kalamazoo. The trails are popular for walking and ranked highly in the master plan survey. Safety is a top priority, and public comments have led to the exclusion of the marked trail system from the hunting area. The trail system will remain unaffected by proposed DNR maintenance activities and hunting hazards.
Merrill Park Rivers Edge Project (00:11:08)
Discussion on Merrill Park Rivers Edge project, including cost estimates and potential funding from DNR and Morrow Lake settlement.

The Merrill Park Rivers Edge project was discussed, with an engineering firm providing estimates for various improvements such as shoreline naturalization and boat launch rehabilitation. There is interest from the Michigan DNR for additional funds from a settlement. The board discussed the need to prioritize project elements and potential funding sources, including grant applications to the DNR.
Budget and Financial Considerations (00:15:31)
Budget discussions focus on grant applications and funding availability for park projects, considering capital improvements.

The board discussed budget considerations for the Merrill Park project and other potential park improvements. They explored options for prioritizing expenditures and aligning them with available grants and funding opportunities. The discussion included the need for public information meetings and the timeline for grant applications due in November. Coordination with the engineering firm and Michigan DNR was emphasized.
Softball Complex (00:28:28)
The board addresses infrastructure needs at Softball Complex, with discussions on light poles, roof replacement, and leasing contracts.

TheSoftball Complex was reviewed, highlighting the need to replace light poles and a pavilion roof. The board discussed the upcoming contract renewal for leasing the complex and considered the financial implications of investing in infrastructure that is not owned by the township. Safety concerns and budget constraints were key points in the discussion, with the board contemplating whether to replace infrastructure incrementally or pursue larger capital projects.
Budget Discussion (00:36:20)
Discussion on the current budget, contracted services, and capital outlay with no amendments necessary.

The meeting began with a discussion on the current budget, specifically focusing on contracted services and capital outlay. It was noted that no amendments to the budget were necessary at this time. The group discussed the feasibility of completing certain projects within the existing budget constraints.
Motion for Pole Repairs (00:37:00)
Motion to repair and replace four problem poles at Wenke fields was discussed and passed.

A motion was proposed to authorize the repair and replacement of four problem poles at the Wenke fields. The discussion included the safety issues posed by the poles, the need for repairs, and the budget to cover these expenses. The motion was approved without objections.
Parks Director Salary Survey (00:43:32)
Review of parks director salary survey showing low salary range compared to peers.

The council reviewed a salary survey for the parks director position, which revealed that the current salary is on the low end compared to similar positions. The discussion also covered the need for a full-time parks manager and the inclusion of a comprehensive benefits package.
Security and Park Management Discussion (00:47:01)
Discussion on park security concerns and the potential role of a parks operations director.

The council discussed growing concerns over security in the parks and the need for a dedicated park management position. Suggestions included hiring a parks operations director with a focus on security and ordinance enforcement. The goal is to ensure park safety and maintain a welcoming environment.
Recruitment for Parks Director (00:52:55)
Plans for recruiting a new parks director and forming an interview committee were outlined.

The need to recruit a new parks director was discussed. The process involves forming an interview committee, screening resumes, and conducting interviews. Volunteers for the committee were requested, and it was suggested that commissioners submit potential interview questions.
Revenue and Expenditure Report (00:59:07)
Review of the revenue and expenditure report alongside the director's report.

The commission reviewed the latest revenue and expenditure report, along with the director's report. Discussions included financial performance and any discrepancies or noteworthy points in the budget.
Adjournment (01:02:55)
Meeting adjourned without objections following a motion to close.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was passed without any objections. Attendees were thanked for their participation, and the meeting formally ended.