0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 90%

00:00

Comstock Charter Township - April 28, 2025 Meeting

Updated about 3 hours ago

The board discusses the controversy surrounding a proposed battery storage facility. Public comments express concerns about the facility's proximity to community schools and its potential risks. The board debates whether to lift a moratorium on the project, weighing safety concerns against potential financial benefits. Trustees consider the input from various experts and the implications of changing or maintaining the current ordinance. The meeting also includes a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:37)
The meeting begins with a welcome to the Special Township Board meeting.

The meeting starts with a welcome to the Special Township Board meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock.
Call to Order (00:00:44)
The meeting is officially called to order by the presiding officer.

The presiding officer officially calls the meeting to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:45)
Participants stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the USA.

The participants are asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:13)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed and approved by the board members.

The board reviews the proposed agenda for the meeting. A motion to approve the agenda is made, seconded, and passed unanimously.
Public Comments (00:01:29)
Emily Murphy speaks about concerns over a battery storage facility near schools.

Emily Murphy expresses concerns about a proposed battery storage facility being close to two community schools and the lack of a safety plan in case of emergencies.
Business Moratorium Discussion (00:03:41)
Board members discuss the current business moratorium and potential changes.

A detailed discussion among board members regarding the ongoing business moratorium, the information gathered, and considerations for lifting the moratorium or making changes to existing ordinances.
Closed Session (00:31:07)
The board moves to a closed session for personnel evaluation purposes.

The board votes to enter a closed session to conduct a periodic personnel evaluation of a public employee, as requested by Scott Hess.
Adjournment of Closed Session (02:19:30)
The board exits the closed session and resumes the public meeting.

The board makes a motion to exit the closed session, which is supported and passed, bringing the public meeting back to order.
Resolution on Superintendent (02:19:50)
A resolution is read to acknowledge and increase the salary of Scott Hess.

The board offers a resolution to acknowledge Scott Hess for his dedication and service over the past eight years, authorizing an increase in his salary.
Resolution for Car Allowance and Contract Amendment for Scott Hess (02:20:58)
The board authorizes a car allowance for Scott Hess and directs legal counsel to draft a contract amendment reflecting salary and benefit enhancements.

Upon Scott Hess's written acceptance, the Township Board authorizes a car allowance for Scott Hess. The board authorizes its legal counsel to draft an amendment to Superintendent Hess's contract to reflect these enhancements to Mr. Hess's salary and benefits and authorizes and directs the supervisor and clerk to execute the same. This resolution shall be entered into the official record of Comstock Township and shall be published accordingly.
Roll Call Vote on Resolution for Scott Hess (02:21:32)
The board conducts a roll call vote on the resolution for Scott Hess, with a majority voting in favor, and the motion carried.

Roll call vote conducted by Supervisor Martin: No, Trustee Cherry: Yes, Trustee Amos: No, Trustee Pratt: Yes, Clerk Amp: Yes, Trustee MacGyver: Yes. Motion carried.
Public Comments on Ordinance Writing and Moratorium (02:21:49)
Public comments addressed concerns about ordinance writing for companies and the effectiveness of a moratorium, questioning the progress made.

One member of the public expressed concerns that writing an ordinance for one company is ludicrous, clarifying that ordinances apply to any company or individual. The speaker commented on the moratorium, noting that little progress has been made and that the same information has been available for years. The speaker emphasized that public information sessions and meetings have been held, but the moratorium does not seem to advance the situation.
Member Comments and Adjournment (02:25:24)
Board members provide their comments, with most having nothing to add, and the meeting is adjourned.

During the members' comments section, Deputy Knight, Trustee MacGyver, Clerk Bechamp, Trustee Pratt, Trustee Amos, and Trustee Cherry all indicated they had nothing to add. The meeting was then adjourned.