Comstock Charter Township - May 19, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board addresses the need for tornado sirens, with public input highlighting safety concerns after recent storms. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to the contentious topic of a proposed battery storage facility near local schools, with community members expressing strong opposition due to safety concerns. Despite these concerns, the board votes to end the moratorium on energy projects, which could allow such facilities to proceed, citing prior safety assurances and the need for progress. The meeting also covers various administrative updates and public comments, reflecting the community's engagement in local governance.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:44)
The meeting begins with a welcome to the charter township of Comstock.

The chair of the meeting welcomes everyone to the charter township of Comstock.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:51)
Attendees are asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting continues with the attendees being asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:18)
Approval of the agenda with additions proposed by the treasurer's office.

The agenda is discussed for approval, with proposed additions including discussion items for the superintendent and moving the Caba report under the treasurer.
Public Comment (00:02:50)
Citizens make public comments on various issues including tornado sirens and local governance.

Several citizens voice concerns and opinions on issues such as the need for tornado sirens, opposition to a battery plant, and dissatisfaction with local governance and board members.
Consent Agenda (00:22:19)
Approval of the consent agenda for bills payable is requested.

The board looks to approve the consent agenda which includes bills payable. A motion is made and seconded, and the agenda is approved.
Presentations (00:23:26)
A presentation on licensing and inspection requirements for food trucks by Kalamazoo County.

Chris Kujawa from Kalamazoo County presents the licensing and inspection requirements for food trucks, including types of licenses, plan review, and operating requirements.
First Reading of Food Truck Ordinance (00:23:56)
First reading of a new food truck ordinance in the township.

The meeting includes the first reading of a food truck ordinance. Chris Kujawa explains the regulations and licensing process for food trucks in Kalamazoo County.
Mobile Vendor Ordinance Discussion (00:35:14)
Discussion on the ordinance for mobile vendors, including changes and considerations for licenses and permits.

The board and a member of the public discuss the mobile vendor ordinance, particularly around the licensing of vendors, the inclusion of provisions for private events, seating, lighting, noise levels, and permit durations. There is a concern about how the ordinance impacts private property and commercial operations differently.
Ordinance Timeline Overview (00:43:39)
An overview of the timeline and process that led to the current mobile vendor ordinance proposal.

Mr. Martin provides an overview of how the current mobile vendor ordinance proposal was developed, starting from an application received in January. The Planning Commission was involved, and several community models were considered. The timeline includes workshops and public hearings, leading to the current proposal.
Planning Commission Input (00:51:33)
Discussion on seeking further input from the Planning Commission on the mobile vendor ordinance.

There is a discussion about whether to proceed with the ordinance as is or send it back to the Planning Commission for further refinement. Some board members feel more input is needed, especially considering industry feedback.
Resolution for Camp Quality USA (00:59:47)
Resolution request for Camp Quality USA to hold a charitable event, requiring board approval.

The board discusses a resolution request from Camp Quality USA, which needs a local resolution to apply for a state license to hold a charitable event in Ovid, Michigan. The resolution is approved unanimously.
Treasurer's Report on Open Meetings (01:01:55)
Treasurer Bloomfield emphasizes the importance of open meetings for transparency and accountability.

Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield reads a statement asserting her right to have discussions about her role conducted in open session and not in closed meetings, emphasizing transparency and the legal requirements under the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
Planning Commission and Kaba Report (01:05:29)
Treasurer Bloomfield provides an update on planning commission activities and Kaba report for permit income.

Sandra Bloomfield, as the liaison, reports on planning commission activities, noting that the last two meetings were canceled. She also discusses the Kaba report, noting significant permit income from construction, particularly Redwood construction on Gold Road.
Discussion on Battery Plant Moratorium (01:06:22)
Discussion on the existing moratorium on battery plant development, including presentations, discussions, and a possible vote on whether to continue the moratorium.

The board discussed the current moratorium on battery plant development. The moratorium was put in place due to unanswered questions and concerns. Presentations and discussions have been held, and the board is considering whether to continue the moratorium or lift it. There is an ordinance that is considered one of the toughest in the state of Michigan, and businesses and attorneys have shown interest. Incentives from the state of Michigan were discussed, and the possibility of a battery plant bringing non-polluting energy benefits to the community was considered. Concerns about health and safety, particularly related to battery fires, were raised, but the presenting company assured the board of their safety record. A motion to discuss and possibly vote on the moratorium was suggested.
Committee Reports on Moratorium Progress (01:12:33)
Reports from the moratorium committee on their progress, highlighting that significant work on zoning and setbacks has not yet begun.

The moratorium committee reported on their progress, indicating that they have had three meetings but have not yet begun significant work on zoning overlays, setbacks, or other critical issues. There was a concern that the push for incentives might be prioritizing financial gains over comprehensive knowledge and community input. The committee has not yet rolled up their sleeves to begin detailed work, and there is an emphasis on the need for more information and education before making decisions.
Public Comments and Concerns (01:24:00)
Public comments raised concerns about the decision-making process, safety, and prioritization of financial incentives over community interests.

During the public comments section, several concerns were raised about the decision-making process regarding the battery plant. There were accusations that financial incentives were being prioritized over the interests and safety of the community. Concerns about the safety of the proposed battery plant, including risks of fires and explosions, were discussed. Some members of the public felt that the board was not listening to the community and that the moratorium committee's work was being undermined.
Roll Call (01:28:25)
The roll call vote was conducted for various members of the board to record their presence.

Roll call vote was taken by the supervisor. Members present included Supervisor Martin, Trustee Cherry, Trustee Amos, Treasurer Bloomfield, Trustee Pratt, Trustee MacGyver, and Clerk Boche.
Motion to End Moratorium and Reinstate Ordinance (01:35:00)
A motion was made to end the moratorium on battery plant applications and reinstate the existing ordinance that was previously in place.

A board member moved to end the moratorium on battery plant applications and to reinstate the existing ordinance that was worked on for a year and a half. The motion included repealing the moratorium ordinance and going back to the tough ordinance that was previously adopted. There was discussion about the procedural steps needed to repeal the moratorium, including setting a first and second reading for an ordinance to repeal the moratorium ordinance.
Resolution Discussion (01:37:47)
Discussion on the resolution process for ordinances and zoning, with a focus on public hearings.

Discussion involved whether certain ordinances, such as the police power ordinance and zoning ordinance moratorium, require a public hearing and how resolutions can be used to address these issues.
Finance Report (01:39:49)
The finance report included discussions on tax penalties and resolutions needed for financial adjustments.

The finance section covered the general property tax act, the potential to eliminate penalties on late tax payments, and the need for board resolutions to authorize such changes. The discussion also included streetlight installation and costs.
Superintendent's Report (01:50:14)
Superintendent provided updates on township projects and damage assessments.

The superintendent reported on various projects including playground builds, trash pick-up data, and the status of road contracts. Damage to township property from recent events was also discussed.
Weather Siren Discussion (01:54:00)
Discussion on the installation and proposals for weather sirens in the township.

The board discussed proposals for new weather sirens, considering modern systems that include voice alerts. Several companies have shown interest in providing solutions, and the deputy treasurer is coordinating demonstrations.
Public Comment (02:03:06)
Residents expressed concerns about the battery plant and environmental safety.

Numerous residents voiced their opposition to the proposed battery plant near schools, citing safety and environmental concerns. They demanded more transparency and public involvement in the decision-making process.
Public Comments (02:12:22)
Numerous citizens express concerns about the board's decisions and perceived lack of respect during the meeting.

Several citizens spoke during the public comments section, expressing concerns about how the board's decisions could negatively impact the community, particularly regarding the safety of children. There was a notable concern about board members not paying attention during the comments, which was seen as disrespectful.
Member Comments (02:16:09)
Board members respond to public concerns and provide updates on various issues including elections and community support.

Board members, including Treasurer Bloomfield, Trustee McGiver, Clerk Bridgeman, and others, shared their thoughts and updates. Bloomfield appreciated the citizens' participation, Bridgeman announced no August election but confirmed a November election, and other members thanked the public for their engagement.
Discussion on Community and Emergency Support (02:21:22)
Board discusses recent emergency response efforts and future plans for community support and emergency preparedness.

The board discussed recent efforts in emergency response, including thanking emergency services and discussing potential contracts for police presence at meetings. They also talked about the cleanup efforts after a recent storm and the possibility of setting up an emergency fund for future incidents.