Comstock Charter Township - August 28, 2025 Comstock Charter Township Moratorium Committee

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Joint Planning Commission and Moratorium Committee Meeting discusses the proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Comstock schools. Dr. Jeff Tais, Superintendent of Comstock Public Schools, presents concerns about the proximity of the BESS to the schools, citing a study that recommends a safe distance of at least one mile. The meeting debates setbacks and sensitive areas, considering the impact on schools, daycares, and nursing homes. The committee aims to balance safety with development interests, planning for further discussions and public hearings.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:52)
The meeting was called to order at 4:00 PM by the chair.

The joint planning commission and moratorium committee meeting was officially called to order at 4:00 PM by the chairperson.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:08)
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all present at the meeting.

The chair invited everyone to join in the Pledge of Allegiance, which was recited collectively by those in attendance.
Approval of the Agenda (00:01:33)
The agenda for the meeting was approved without any additions or subtractions.

The chair asked if there were any additions or subtractions to the agenda. Hearing none, a motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda, which was passed unanimously.
New Business - School Report (00:02:56)
The superintendent presented a report on the battery energy storage system's proximity to the school and potential dangers.

Dr. Jeff Tais, superintendent of Comstock Public Schools, presented a report regarding concerns about a proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) near the school. An engineering study commissioned by the school board indicated the system was well-designed but its proximity posed potential risks. The school board took an official stance opposing the BESS and urged the planning commission to prioritize student safety.
Discussion on School Report (00:12:55)
Commission members discussed the findings and implications of the school report.

Following the presentation of the school report, commission members discussed the concerns raised by the superintendent and the engineering study. Questions were asked about the investment in the district and the potential risks associated with the BESS.
CIP Email Discussion (00:14:00)
The commission reviewed and discussed an email regarding the CIP and its implications for the meeting agenda.

An email related to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was distributed among the members. The email included comments on avoiding limiting viable options too early. Members discussed how this information would be integrated into ongoing planning processes.
BESS Ordinance Workshop (00:20:00)
A workshop was held to discuss the proposed BESS ordinance, including setbacks and overlay zones.

The commission engaged in a workshop to discuss the ordinance for the battery energy storage system. They reviewed potential setback regulations, the inclusion of overlay zones, and sensitive areas that should be considered in the ordinance. Various maps and studies were referenced to determine appropriate distances for safety.
Discussion on Overlay District for Battery Energy Storage (00:34:18)
The meeting focused on discussing the creation of an overlay district for battery energy storage projects, including setbacks and sensitive areas.

The council discussed the creation of an overlay district to accommodate battery energy storage systems. Various members expressed concerns and suggestions regarding potential overlay areas, land ownership issues, the role of developers, and health and safety considerations. The discussion included the proposal of setbacks for standard and sensitive areas, considering factors like proximity to schools, hospitals, and residential properties. A motion was put forward to pursue the overlay district, and various voting rounds occurred to determine the agreed setbacks, with debates on the appropriate distances and the implications for local control versus state oversight.
Motion to Pursue Overlay District (00:35:35)
A motion was made to pursue creating an overlay district for battery energy storage projects, focusing on community benefits.

The council moved to create an overlay district specifically for battery energy storage projects. The motion aimed to focus on the benefits for the local community while addressing potential challenges. An attorney clarified the motion's implications and the necessity for further parameters.
Voting on Overlay District Motion (00:36:49)
The council voted on the motion to pursue the overlay district, resulting in 5 yays and 3 nays, passing the motion.

The council conducted a roll call vote on the motion to pursue the creation of an overlay district for battery energy storage projects. The vote resulted in 5 in favor and 3 against, passing the motion.
Discussion on Setbacks for Overlay District (00:37:04)
Extensive discussion on appropriate setbacks for the overlay district, considering community safety and development feasibility.

The meeting involved a detailed discussion on determining appropriate setbacks for the overlay district. Council members debated the impact of various setback distances, considering factors like safety for schools and residential areas, and ensuring enough space for feasible project development. Members expressed diverse opinions on the ideal setback distances, with considerations of potential state overrides. Multiple motions were proposed and voted upon, with varying levels of agreement among council members. The discussions aimed to find a balance between community safety and project viability, with suggestions for standard and sliding scale setbacks being considered.
Discussion on Sensitive Land Uses and Setbacks (01:08:38)
The committee discussed identifying sensitive land uses such as schools, daycares, hospitals, and nursing homes, and setting appropriate setbacks for them.

The committee members deliberated on what constitutes sensitive land uses, including schools, daycares, and nursing homes. They discussed the need for setbacks to protect these areas from potential hazards. The conversation included considerations for evacuation difficulties and the particular needs of different facilities.
Public Comments on Sensitive Areas and Setbacks (01:26:33)
Citizens expressed concerns about proximity of sensitive areas to proposed developments and the adequacy of setbacks to protect vulnerable populations.

During the public comment period, citizens voiced concerns about the proposed setbacks for sensitive areas. They highlighted the presence of group homes, nursing homes, and facilities for individuals with disabilities, stressing the need for adequate protection and the difficulties in evacuating these populations in emergencies.
Committee Discussion on Future Actions and Plans (01:34:06)
The committee planned future meetings to finalize discussions on setbacks and sensitive area protections, aiming for ordinance adjustments before December.

The committee discussed their future action plan, including scheduling additional meetings to continue discussions on setbacks and sensitive area protections. They aim to finalize these discussions to adjust the ordinance accordingly before the end of the year.