Comstock Township - Township Board - September 29, 2025 Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

Public comments address concerns about the assistant fire chief, property rights, and local development projects like the battery plant. The board discusses the employment status of Deputy Fire Chief Dyer following legal proceedings and addresses ordinance updates related to homeless encampments and panhandling. The meeting also includes discussions on the township's planning, zoning, and financial matters.

Chapters

Welcome (00:01:03)
The meeting was officially opened with a welcome to attendees.

The Charter Township comms board meeting was officially opened with a welcome address to all attendees.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:14)
Attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting attendees were asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, which was then recited.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:42)
The meeting agenda was approved with a motion and support from board members.

A motion was made by Clerk Boche and supported by Trustee Pratt to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was carried with all in favor.
Public Comments (00:02:05)
Citizens expressed concerns and opinions on various issues including the assistant fire chief, property rights, and local business support.

Several citizens made public comments. Tammy Keeler expressed a desire for the firing of the assistant fire chief and concerns over property rights. Joanna Lee Maker opposed the battery plant and supported local businesses. Other speakers praised local events and raised personal grievances with township actions.
Announcements from Departments, Boards, and Commissions (00:21:50)
The Great Lakes Rescue and drone operations were briefly discussed.

Michael Clayton, Director of Operations for Great Lakes Rescue, announced an update on drone operations for rescue missions in the Great Lakes area.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:22:34)
The consent agenda was approved after a correction to the minutes was noted.

A correction was made to page eight of the minutes regarding a name spelling. The consent agenda was approved with the corrections, following a motion and support from board members.
Fire Code Amendment (00:23:26)
The second reading of the uniform fire code amendment was completed and approved.

Chief Boche presented the second reading of the NFPA 1 fire code amendment, which includes updates on energy storage systems and fire protection. The amendment was approved following a roll call vote.
Planning and Zoning Request (00:28:15)
A request to rezone a property for increased chicken capacity was discussed and approved.

The board discussed a property owner’s request to rezone from R1A to AGR to allow for more chickens. The applicant was present and answered questions. The board approved the rezoning after discussion.
Refund and Approval Motion (00:34:33)
A motion was made to refund money and approve an ordinance, but it was split into two separate motions for clarity.

During the meeting, a motion was introduced to handle a refund and an ordinance approval. It was suggested that these should be two separate motions. The first motion was to refund money and the second was to approve an ordinance related to rezoning. The motions were supported and passed after a roll call vote.
Second Reading of Ordinance (00:35:22)
The board moved to approve the second reading of an ordinance, which was supported and carried after a vote.

The meeting continued with a motion to approve the second reading of an ordinance. This motion was made by a trustee and supported by the treasurer. A roll call vote followed, and the motion was carried unanimously.
First Reading of New Ordinance (00:36:14)
A new ordinance was introduced for the first reading, involving rezoning a parcel for light manufacturing.

The board discussed a new ordinance for the first reading. The ordinance involved rezoning a newly acquired parcel to light manufacturing to match the existing complex. A detailed staff report was presented, indicating that the planning commission recommended approval. The ordinance was consistent with the master plan and did not anticipate adverse public impacts.
Soil Fence Attorney Email (00:41:44)
An attorney discussed an email regarding a case affecting conditions placed on a land use approval.

The board received a correspondence from an attorney about a significant case impacting conditions placed on a special land use approval for Soil Friends. The planning commission reviewed and struck certain conditions deemed preempted by law. Further review will determine if other conditions are unenforceable.
Election Report (00:43:06)
The clerk reported on the mailing of ballots and changes to the ballot Dropbox location.

The clerk updated the board on the mailing of ballots to those on the permanent ballot list and informed about a new Dropbox location for ballots, which is now more accessible. The report also covered precincts and school millages on the ballot, with sample ballots available online.
Truth in Taxation Hearing (00:45:30)
The treasurer and superintendent discussed truth in taxation and the need for a hearing due to tax rate changes.

The board held a truth in taxation hearing due to planned increases in tax rates. The treasurer studied the calculations, and the superintendent explained the process and legal requirements. The hearing allowed public comments on the proposed tax rates, which were then to be approved by the board.
Authorization of Tax Rates (00:50:09)
The board reviewed and authorized tax rates for the upcoming year, maintaining some current levels.

After the public hearing, the board considered the authorization of tax rates as per the discussed calculations. The motion to authorize these rates was made and supported, followed by a roll call vote. The board decided to maintain certain tax levels as previously discussed.
Township Bills on Website (00:54:28)
The board discussed the possibility of placing township bills online for transparency, with concerns about logistics.

The treasurer and clerk discussed the potential for publishing township bills online to increase transparency. Concerns were raised about the logistics, workload, and data privacy. The board considered the implications and decided to gather more information from other municipalities before proceeding.
Deputy Discussion for Trustee (01:01:58)
The board discussed the role of deputies on boards and committees, aiming to set consistent standards.

A discussion was held regarding the role of deputies on various boards and committees. Trustees debated setting a consistent policy to prevent deputies from automatically filling in for elected officials unless formally appointed. Legal perspectives on deputies' roles were considered in the discussion.
Discussion on Board Member Voting Rights and Deputy Roles (01:05:24)
Discussion on the change in law regarding board member voting rights and the role of deputies in board meetings.

The discussion focused on the recent changes in law that affect board member voting rights, particularly how deputies are no longer allowed to vote at the board level. The conversation included considerations for developing a policy regarding the presence of deputies at board meetings, especially in legislative capacities. It was noted that deputies do not have legislative authority, and there was a suggestion to formalize a policy on this matter. The role of deputies in planning commissions and other committees was also discussed, emphasizing that a deputy should not replace a board member in such roles unless it is within their statutory duties.
Ordinance Report and Homeless Discussion (01:12:43)
Report on ordinance enforcement actions and a detailed discussion on the homeless situation and proposed solutions.

The ordinance report highlighted enforcement activities, including court appearances, citations, and property cleanups. The discussion then shifted to the growing homeless issue in the area, with reports of increased encampments and the challenges faced by ordinance officers. Suggestions for forming a committee to address homelessness were made, with a focus on creating policies and finding long-term solutions. The need for collaboration with other townships and law enforcement was emphasized, and potential ordinances to manage panhandling were considered.
Homeless Committee Formation (01:30:28)
Proposal to form a committee to address the homelessness issue and explore solutions.

The board discussed the formation of a committee dedicated to addressing homelessness in the township. The committee's goal would be to develop strategies and policies to manage the issue effectively, with the involvement of board members, residents, and possibly law enforcement. The discussion included the idea of integrating successful strategies from other communities and ensuring the homeless have access to necessary resources. The committee would also look into ordinances that could help manage related issues, such as panhandling.
Sheriff's Office Perspective on Homelessness (01:30:56)
Sheriff's office offers insight into handling homelessness and the importance of addressing it with compassion.

Chief Deputy Bishop from the Sheriff's Office provided insights into the handling of homelessness from a law enforcement perspective. He emphasized the need for a compassionate approach that focuses on directing individuals to resources rather than punitive measures. The Sheriff's Office expressed willingness to participate in a committee to address homelessness and work with the township on developing effective solutions. The importance of community-wide efforts to address homelessness was highlighted, as well as the challenges in balancing enforcement with support.
Discussion on Handling Homelessness and Ordinances (01:33:50)
The board discusses strategies for addressing homelessness, including potential ordinances and committee involvement.

The discussion revolves around how to handle homelessness within the township. Various trustees and officials discuss the possibility of developing an ordinance related to panhandling and homeless issues. The idea of forming a committee that includes residents, board members, and possibly law enforcement to study and propose solutions is discussed. Superintendent mentions a possible county initiative related to homelessness. The need for a resource plan and careful legal considerations is emphasized.
Employment Status of Deputy Fire Chief Dyer (01:45:04)
The board considers the employment status of Deputy Fire Chief Dyer following his no contest plea.

There is discussion regarding the employment status of Deputy Fire Chief Dyer who has pleaded no contest. Due to his legal situation, he is uninsurable, which affects his ability to perform his duties. Board members express their thoughts, and a motion is made to terminate his employment. The motion is discussed, supported, and ultimately passed unanimously.
Superintendent Report (01:51:34)
The superintendent provides updates on various ongoing initiatives and agreements.

The superintendent updates the board on several issues, including the follow-up on attorney policy, an upcoming county initiative on homelessness, and the renewal of a water franchise agreement with the city of Galesburg. Adjustments to service territories between the township and Galesburg are being negotiated to reflect current service provision.