Comstock Township - June 16, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The board discussed staffing concerns, legal fee expenses, zoning issues, and the moratorium on large-scale battery storage projects. Citizens provided input on traffic safety and emergency sirens, while the board debated the necessity of maintaining the moratorium and addressed concerns about rising legal costs. The meeting highlighted the board's ongoing efforts to ensure effective township governance and public safety while balancing financial responsibilities.

Chapters

Welcome (00:00:43)
The board meeting of the Charter Township of Comstock is called to order with a welcome message.

The meeting begins with a welcome message to all attendees, marking the start of the official proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:51)
Attendees are asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited by all those present, paying respect to the flag and the nation it represents.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:19)
The agenda for the meeting is approved without any changes or corrections after a motion and a vote.

A motion is made to approve the meeting agenda as presented. The motion is supported and put to vote, resulting in unanimous approval by saying 'aye'.
Public Comments (00:01:36)
Citizens express concerns on various issues including staffing, financial policies, and emergency preparedness.

Multiple residents make use of the public comment period to address concerns ranging from staffing structure and financial transparency to emergency preparedness. Specific issues with zoning roles, accounts payable policy, and the absence of emergency sirens are highlighted.
Department Reports (00:16:20)
Departments and commissions give updates, including road commission activities and storm cleanup.

Reports are presented by various departments and commissions. Larry, the liaison commissioner with the road commission, discusses local road projects, storm damage, and federal funding for safety improvements.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:19:52)
The consent agenda is approved, excluding the accounts payable policy, which is moved to business agenda.

A motion is made to approve the consent agenda items, including bills payable and a letter of support for the finance director. The accounts payable policy is removed from the consent agenda and moved to the business agenda for further discussion.
Zoning Map Update (00:22:11)
The annual update of the Township zoning map is approved following the previous year's rezonings.

The zoning administrator presents the updated zoning map reflecting the approved rezonings from the previous year. The board approves the map update to ensure it aligns with the adopted ordinances.
Board of Review Date Changes (00:24:17)
The board approves changes to the July and December Board of Review dates as requested by the assessor.

A resolution is passed to update the July and December Board of Review dates. The changes are made to better align with scheduling needs and are reflected in the updated resolution.
Accounts Payable Policy Discussion (00:25:28)
Discussion on the draft accounts payable policy with concerns about statutory duties of the treasurer.

The treasurer raises concerns about a draft accounts payable policy that might infringe on statutory duties. Discussion includes suggestions to ensure oversight of payments and to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Post Audit Bills Discussion (00:32:50)
Discussion on the verification and distribution process of post audit bills and regular checks, and concerns about automatic payments.

The finance director verifies checks before distribution. It's suggested that Brett, who handles accounts payable, prepare a report of all checks to be presented at the next board meeting. There's a debate on including the treasurer's review in the process. Concerns are raised about automatic payments to vendors and the need for oversight by the treasurer's department. It is emphasized that checks are dispersed upon Township board approval.
Credit Card and ACH Policy Review (00:34:34)
Concerns about the credit card policy and ACH definitions, suggesting Township board involvement in policy development.

The need to see the policy on credit cards is expressed. For ACH transactions, it is suggested that the finance director's responsibilities include the treasurer's department for oversight. There's a call for the Township board to be involved in policy development to ensure accountability and proper checks.
Training and Compliance (00:35:50)
Proposal for regular training sessions for employees and board members to understand Township policies and ethical guidelines.

Regular training sessions are proposed to ensure employees involved in the accounts payable process are familiar with Township policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines. It is suggested that both elected board members and appointed officials be included in these sessions to improve understanding and compliance.
Moratorium on Large Renewable Energy Facilities (00:38:36)
Discussion on repealing a temporary moratorium on large renewable energy facilities, with mixed opinions and a final vote outcome.

The board discusses the temporary moratorium on large renewable energy facilities. Some members express support for continuing the moratorium due to legal and planning concerns, while others oppose it. The board ultimately votes, and the motion to repeal the moratorium is carried.
Budget and Financial Reports (00:41:43)
Review of current budget concerns, especially legal expenses, and a resident's letter urging transparency and accountability.

The board examines the budget, focusing on high legal expenses and their causes. A letter from a resident stresses the importance of transparency and accountability in accessing the Township attorney. The board considers how to manage costs while ensuring elected officials have the necessary information and support.
Board of Review Appointments (01:01:19)
Appointment of Emily Murphy to the Board of Review, with her background and qualifications discussed.

The board discusses appointments to the Board of Review, highlighting Emily Murphy's qualifications in social work and bilingual capabilities. Her appointment is seen as beneficial for addressing diverse community needs, including non-English speakers, during board reviews.
Appointment of Emily Murphy to the Board of Review (01:04:26)
Emily Murphy was appointed to the Board of Review. The motion was made, seconded, and passed unanimously.

The meeting began with a motion to appoint Emily Murphy to the Board of Review. The motion was made by Clerk and seconded by Trustee MacGyver. All present voted in favor, and the motion passed unanimously. There was a brief discussion about the board review date changes and the requirement for Emily to take an oath, which will be scheduled with Clerk Bechamp. The board also discussed coordination for virtual training for Emily and confirmed that Larry Nichols would remain as the alternate.
Consumer's Energy Streetlight Resolution (01:05:41)
The board approved a resolution for a free streetlight installation by Consumer's Energy. This will save money for the township.

The Superintendent introduced a resolution regarding a streetlight installation by Consumer's Energy. The light system installation was previously discussed, and Consumer's Energy offered to install it for free, which would save the township money. A motion was made to approve the resolution, and it was supported and passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Promotion of Assistant Zoning Administrator Casey Bryant (01:07:13)
Casey Bryant was promoted to Zoning Administrator with a salary adjustment. The board discussed her qualifications and value to the township.

The board discussed the promotion of Casey Bryant to Zoning Administrator. Casey has been with the township for a year, having started as an assistant planner right out of graduate school. The Superintendent recommended her promotion based on her performance and increasing experience. The board discussed the difficulty in finding qualified zoning administrators and the benefits of retaining Casey. A motion was made and passed to approve her promotion and salary adjustment.
PFAS Town Hall Update (01:19:32)
An update on the upcoming PFAS town hall meeting was provided. The meeting will address community concerns and provide information.

The Superintendent provided an update on the PFAS town hall meeting scheduled by the environmental authorities to discuss contamination concerns. The meeting aims to provide information and answer residents' questions. The Superintendent is awaiting further instructions on how the meeting details will be communicated to the public.
Superintendent Report on Safety and Traffic Issues (01:22:00)
The Superintendent reported on safety and traffic issues, including the Morrow Dam review and Gall Road traffic study.

The Superintendent attended the annual Morrow Dam review, which assessed flood risks and emergency preparedness. Additionally, he participated in a study of traffic conditions along Gall Road, addressing concerns about traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The Superintendent discussed potential improvements, including lighting and pedestrian crossings.
Public Comment (01:26:24)
Residents expressed concerns about budget, attorney fees, zoning issues, and public safety.

Several residents spoke during the public comment period. Concerns were raised about budget management, particularly regarding attorney fees and recent salary increases. Residents also discussed zoning challenges for accessory buildings and emphasized the need for improved public safety measures, such as tornado sirens. The PFAS contamination issue was also addressed.
Public Comments (01:35:12)
Several citizens expressed their concerns, including issues with FOIA requests, attorney fees, and the use of sirens.

Citizens raised concerns about various issues, including the cost and frequency of FOIA requests, the expenses incurred due to frequent consultations with Attorney Hoffman, and the perceived inefficacy of sirens as emergency alerts. One resident emphasized the need for community cooperation and highlighted the importance of responsible governance without unnecessary disputes.
Member Comments (01:42:19)
Board members thanked attendees and emphasized the importance of community cooperation and engagement.

Board members expressed gratitude to the community for their attendance and participation. They reiterated the importance of working together for the community's betterment and addressed ideas such as reviewing ordinances to generate more revenue for the township. There was a general consensus on the need to foster a respectful and collaborative environment.
Committee Reports and Discussions (01:45:00)
Discussion on the moratorium committee's work and plans for future meetings involving ordinance review.

The meeting included a discussion about the moratorium committee's ongoing work, particularly regarding battery energy storage ordinances. There was a proposal to coordinate meetings between the planning commission and the moratorium committee to streamline efforts. The importance of thorough review and comparison of existing and proposed ordinances was emphasized to ensure effective governance.