Comstock Township - August 18, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The board discusses the need for budget adjustments to address blight cleanup and to manage opioid settlement funds. Public comments are dominated by reactions to a recent incident involving the deputy fire chief, with some residents calling for his termination. The board also discusses the ongoing moratorium on Best (Battery Energy Storage Systems) projects, considering input from the moratorium committee and awaiting a report from the local school district. The board evaluates the effectiveness of current ordinance enforcement and considers improvements to transparency and communication. The meeting concludes with a decision to put off terminating the deputy fire chief until more information from the legal proceedings is available.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:00:57)
The meeting began with a welcome and call to order for the Charter Township of Comstock.

The Charter Township of Comstock board meeting was called to order and attendees were welcomed. This marked the official start of the meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:03)
Attendees were asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited.

The meeting included the traditional recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance where attendees pledged their allegiance to the flag and the United States of America.
Agenda Approval and Amendments (00:01:30)
The agenda was amended to include new items and approved by the board.

The board discussed potential additions to the agenda. A request was made to add 'Fees for mobile vendors' under the treasurer's section. The agenda was then approved as amended, with votes taken to confirm the approval.
Public Comments (00:02:42)
Citizens were given the opportunity to make public comments on various township issues.

During the public comments section, several citizens, including William Knight and Dina O'Connor, expressed concerns about the township's governance, transparency, and accountability. Issues raised included superintendent authority, legal spending, and the conduct of board members.
Public Comments (00:34:10)
Community members expressed concerns about township issues, emphasizing the need for cooperation and respect among board members.

During the public comment section, several citizens voiced their opinions and concerns regarding various township issues. One speaker urged the board members to avoid interruptions and outbursts during meetings, likening the current discord to preschool behavior. They stressed the importance of cooperation for the township's progress and highlighted upcoming significant events that need attention. Another speaker clarified the independence of their political party's actions, specifically mentioning a vote of no confidence against an individual, stating it was done voluntarily by public citizens after observing board meetings.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:38:04)
The consent agenda, including township board meeting minutes, was approved without opposition.

The board moved to approve the consent agenda, which included the minutes from the previous township board meetings. The motion was made and supported, and upon voting, all members were in favor, resulting in the approval of the consent agenda as presented.
Audit Presentation (00:38:46)
An auditor presented the financial audit report, confirming the township's financial statements are fairly presented and in compliance with standards.

An auditor delivered a detailed presentation on the financial audit of the township. The auditor covered the responsibilities of the township management in preparing financial records and the auditor's role in reviewing these records. They confirmed that the financial statements are presented fairly in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The auditor also discussed the internal controls in place, noting no significant deficiencies or non-compliance with laws and regulations. The audit included a single audit of federal grants, with no findings of non-compliance or control failures. The presentation concluded with an overview of financial trends and highlights from the current year audit.
Fire Department Hiring (00:49:49)
The board approved the hiring of Paige Woods as a part-time paid on-call probationary firefighter.

The fire department requested approval to hire Paige Woods as a part-time paid on-call probationary firefighter. Paige, a township resident, successfully completed the interview process, background check, and medical examination. The board discussed and then approved the hiring with a unanimous vote.
DNR Mutual Aid Agreement Renewal (00:51:16)
The board renewed the DNR cooperative mutual aid fire control agreement, allowing access to federal and state resources.

The fire department sought board approval to renew the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cooperative mutual aid fire control agreement. This agreement, renewed every five years, provides local departments access to federal and state equipment and mutual aid for fire control. The board approved the renewal, noting no changes from the previous version.
Hazardous Materials Response Agreement Renewal (00:53:20)
The board renewed the hazardous materials incident response agreement, ensuring cost-effective response and recovery.

The board considered the renewal of the Campbell County intergovernmental hazardous materials incident response agreement. This longstanding agreement facilitates a cost-effective response to hazardous materials incidents and allows for cost recovery for personnel and equipment. The renewal includes updates to fees and clarifies municipal signature requirements. The board approved the renewal following discussion.
Mobile Vendor Ordinance - Second Reading (00:56:42)
The board conducted the second reading of the mobile vendor ordinance, setting regulations for vendors on private property.

The board moved to approve the second reading of the mobile vendor ordinance. This ordinance sets forth the regulations for food vendors operating on private property within the township. The ordinance aims to provide clear guidelines for mobile vendors and was streamlined based on feedback from previous discussions. The board unanimously approved the second reading.
Rezoning Request - Second Reading (01:00:29)
The board approved the rezoning of a parcel from R1A single-family to agricultural, aligning with the land use map.

The board conducted the second reading and approved a rezoning request for a parcel currently zoned R1A single-family to be rezoned to agricultural. This decision aligns with the current and future land use map and supports an exciting project involving native flora and a stocked pond. The board approved the rezoning unanimously.
Mobile Vendor Ordinance Fee Schedule (01:02:31)
The board set a fee of $25 for a seven-day mobile vendor permit, aiming to encourage vendor participation.

Following the approval of the mobile vendor ordinance, the board set a fee schedule for mobile vendors. The fee is set at $25 for a seven-day permit, which allows vendors to operate on private property. This fee aims to be reasonable to encourage vendor participation, particularly during township events.
Accounts Payable Procedures Update (01:03:37)
The board updated accounts payable procedures for better efficiency and oversight, ensuring bills are properly documented.

The treasurer presented updates to the township's accounts payable procedures, developed with the chief financial officer and deputy treasurer. The update aims to streamline the processing of bills and ensure better documentation and oversight. The procedures emphasize the importance of initialing and dating bills by department heads and having a backup for approvals when they are unavailable.
Discussion on Treasurer's Responsibilities and Authority (01:07:22)
Discussion about the treasurer's responsibilities and the approval process for expenditures.

The board discussed the treasurer's duties, specifically the process for approving expenditures and the possibility of approving changes at a future meeting.
Emergency Expenditure Approval Limits (01:08:34)
Debate on the appropriate emergency expenditure limit for the superintendent.

The board debated the appropriate limit for emergency expenditures by the superintendent, considering past expenses and potential future needs.
Deputy Roles and Participation (01:12:04)
Discussion on the role and participation of deputies in board meetings.

There was a discussion about whether deputies can sit at the board table and participate in meetings, with varying opinions on their role and voting rights.
Formal Complaint Against Trustee Cherry (01:17:22)
A formal complaint against Trustee Cherry was discussed, with Cherry responding to the allegations.

A formal complaint against Trustee Cherry was brought up, and Cherry took the opportunity to address the board, defending actions and expressing willingness to cooperate.
Legal Guidance Request (01:32:30)
Request for legal guidance on deputy authority and board assignments.

The board requested legal guidance on the authority of deputies and who can assign work to the attorney, with a focus on clarifying roles and responsibilities.
Discussion on Illegal Billing and Procedures (01:36:46)
Trustee Pratt raises concerns about illegal billing and suggests an independent review of procedures.

Trustee Pratt discusses the need for an independent review of the township's billing procedures due to concerns about illegal billing practices. The board considers the possibility of holding a session to discuss these issues without forming a quorum, and the idea of hiring an independent consultant to review the procedures.
Clarification on Legal Work Assignment (01:43:01)
Attorney Coffin seeks clarification on who can assign her work and requests a board motion.

Attorney Coffin addresses the board, asking for clarification on who is authorized to assign her work. She notes the confusion caused by receiving assignments from multiple sources and requests that the board adopt a motion to provide clear guidelines on this matter.
Budget and Legal Fees Discussion (01:47:00)
Discussion on managing rising legal fees and the need for a system to monitor legal costs.

The board discusses the rising costs of legal fees and the need for a system to manage these expenses. Suggestions include setting budgets for each department's legal expenses and creating policies to streamline communication with the attorney.
Moratorium and Planning Commission Updates (01:52:32)
Discussion on the moratorium on the best project and planning commission updates on zoning.

The board discusses the ongoing moratorium on the best project and hears updates from the planning commission. There is a focus on exploring overlay districts, permitted uses, and setbacks in response to community concerns and the proximity of the best project to a school.
Discussion on Ordinances and Decommissioning Plans (02:07:17)
Discussion focused on setbacks for facilities, ordinance improvements, and the importance of decommissioning agreements and surety bonds.

The meeting delved into the progress on setbacks for various facilities, and the need for additional measures in ordinance development. Significant emphasis was placed on the necessity of decommissioning plans and surety bonds to ensure proper cleanup and financial security. The importance of having these agreements in place before special use approval was highlighted, with acknowledgments of ongoing litigation influencing ordinance decisions.
Public and School Involvement in Planning (02:21:11)
The board discussed the impact of school board decisions on planning and emphasized communication with public and school officials.

The board considered the importance of waiting for the school board's stance on certain issues, acknowledging the school's influence on community planning. The master plan's reference to dialogue between elected officials and school boards was noted, highlighting the need for incorporating the school's suggestions into decision-making processes.
Opioid Settlement Discussion (02:22:02)
Discussion on the opioid settlement funds, their restrictions, and potential collaborations with the county for effective use.

The board reviewed the status of opioid settlement funds, noting the restrictions on their usage. Discussions included possibilities of partnering with the county or nonprofits to effectively utilize these funds for addiction care and first responder support. The need for careful consideration of fund allocation and potential impact on the community was emphasized.
Budget Adjustments and Blight Management (02:29:59)
Budget adjustments for property cleanups and demolitions were discussed, including court rulings and cost management strategies.

The board discussed budget adjustments related to property cleanups and demolitions, driven by court rulings on blight cases. The process of charging cleanup costs back to property owners and the challenges of managing high blight levels were explored. Strategies for selecting contractors and ensuring cost-effectiveness were also covered.
Finance and Millage Rates (02:32:29)
Presentation on millage rate calculations and the need for a truth and taxation hearing if rates exceed the previous year's levy.

The finance team presented calculations for millage rates, explaining the impact of revenue changes on allowable rates. The process for setting the millage, including the potential need for a truth and taxation hearing if the proposed rates exceed last year's levy, was outlined. The importance of board decision-making for setting final rates was stressed.
BSNA Training Opportunity (02:36:13)
Proposal for attending BSNA training to enhance understanding of the new cloud program and improve office comfort with technology.

A proposal was made for a board member to attend the upcoming BSNA training in Charlotte, North Carolina. The training aims to enhance understanding of the new cloud-based system, addressing concerns within the office and improving overall technology integration. The session details and associated costs were provided for board consideration.
Discussion on BSNA Training for Brett (02:37:38)
Discussion about Brett attending the BSNA conference for training on new software systems, including logistics and board approval.

The board discussed the need for Brett to attend the BSNA annual customer conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, for training on new software systems. The training was considered important due to the struggles with the new cloud-based system differing from the old BSNA system. Brett had already registered to get an early bird rate but could cancel if needed. Various board members expressed support for the training, noting the benefits of Brett returning to train others.
Superintendent Ordinance Enforcement Report (02:40:27)
Report on ordinance enforcement activities, including citations, warnings, and community engagement efforts.

An ordinance enforcement report was presented, detailing activities in July such as citations issued, warnings given, and community engagement through programs like 'coffee with codes'. The report highlighted efforts to improve compliance through detailed communication of violations and collaboration with other agencies, including health services. There was also discussion about continuous property cleanup efforts.
Discussion on Deputy Chief Employment (02:44:00)
Discussion on the employment status of the Deputy Chief after a legal incident, including options to terminate or wait for legal outcomes.

The board discussed the situation involving the Deputy Chief, who was put on unpaid leave following a legal incident involving a DUI charge. The discussion focused on whether to terminate the Deputy Chief's employment immediately or wait for the legal process to conclude. Legal counsel advised on the implications of waiting versus taking immediate action. Board members expressed different views on how to proceed, with some favoring immediate termination and others advocating for waiting for the court's decision.
Motion to Terminate Deputy Chief Employment (02:55:02)
A motion was made to terminate the Deputy Chief's employment, but it failed with a split vote.

A motion was made to terminate the employment of the Deputy Chief due to the legal incident. The motion was supported by some board members but ultimately failed to pass due to a split vote. The board will continue to monitor the situation as the legal process unfolds.
Public Comments (02:56:01)
Public comments covered various topics, including the Deputy Chief situation, board transparency, and zoning concerns.

During the public comment period, citizens expressed opinions on the Deputy Chief's situation, with some calling for immediate termination and others advocating for due process. Concerns were raised about board transparency, the handling of public funds, and zoning issues related to property developments. Suggestions for improving board operations and communication were also made.
Budget Adjustments Approval (03:09:35)
Motion to approve budget adjustments was made and passed unanimously by the board.

A motion was presented to approve the proposed budget adjustments. The motion was made by Clerk Bo Champ and supported by Trustee Amos. A vote was taken, and all members present voted in favor. The motion to approve the budget adjustments passed without opposition.
Public and Board Member Comments (03:09:56)
Comments from the public and board members were shared, including updates from the treasurer and discussions on transparency and online bills.

During the public comments section, several board members shared updates and opinions. Treasurer Bloomfield discussed meeting with the foreclosure prevention specialist and emphasized transparency, expressing concerns over pre-board meetings. Discussions included the potential for placing bills online for public viewing.
Planning Commission Updates (03:12:35)
Updates on planning commission activities were provided, focusing on accessory buildings and regulations regarding chickens.

The planning commission is working on regulations related to accessory buildings and the allowance of chickens in the township. There was a mention of restricting roosters due to legal and enforcement issues. Residents interested in these topics were encouraged to participate in future meetings.
Trustee Reports (03:13:22)
Trustees shared reports and updates, including FOIA concerns and community feedback.

Trustee Pratt discussed concerns regarding FOIA requests and shared a suggestion from a resident about hiring a consultant to improve board communication. Trustee Cherry received letters of support from the community, which were partially read at the meeting. The board considered the idea of holding a goal-setting workshop to align on future initiatives.
Adjournment (03:17:05)
The meeting was adjourned after final remarks and suggestions for future goal-setting workshops.

The meeting concluded with final remarks from board members, including a suggestion to hold a goal-setting workshop to review the master plan and set future objectives. The meeting was officially adjourned.