Comstock Township - October 13, 2025 Parks and Recreation Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

At the Comstock Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting, the committee reviews the agenda, addresses public comments, and approves the consent agenda, which includes minutes and reports. A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to a presentation by Dakota Chapski on a proposal for prescribed burns at Robert Morris Park to manage invasive species and improve park ecology. The committee also discusses operational logistics and community involvement in the burns, as well as considerations for trail improvements and budget adjustments.

Chapters

Welcome (00:01:19)
The meeting is brought to order with a welcome to the Comstock Parks and Recreation.

The meeting begins with a welcome to the attendees, specifically mentioning the Comstock Parks and Recreation.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:34)
The agenda for the meeting is reviewed and approved without objections.

The first item on the agenda is the approval of the agenda itself. The chair asks if there are any comments or additions, but there are none. The agenda is approved as is.
Public Comments (00:02:01)
Opportunity for public comments is presented, but no comments are made.

The chair opens the floor for public comments, asking if there are any. However, no public comments are made during this time.
Consent Agenda (00:02:20)
The consent agenda covers meeting minutes, mercantile bill, and GL distribution report, with discussions on purchases for the farmer's market and transfer station charges.

The consent agenda includes approval of the meeting minutes, the mercantile bill, and the GL distribution report. There is discussion about the purchases made from JS Farms and Brookhaven Orchards for the farmer's market due to a lack of produce vendors. Also discussed are transfer station charges and insurance coverage for a fence at Merrill. There is some confusion about the Barco products listed in the report, which are clarified to be items for Neil Park.
Presentation on Prescribed Fire Burn Proposal (00:06:22)
A presentation on the proposal for a prescribed fire burn at Robert Morris Park is given by Dakota Chapski, discussing the benefits of controlled burns.

Dakota Chapski presents a proposal for a prescribed fire burn at Robert Morris Park, highlighting its benefits for the environment, fire prevention, and potential grants. The presentation includes details about the burn plan, safety measures, crew involvement, and the ecological benefits of prescribed burns. Dakota answers questions about site selection, operational logistics, and the educational opportunities associated with the burn.
Continuing Business (00:29:18)
Ongoing business discussions include changes to ball field rental rates and other operational adjustments.

The continuing business section discusses changes to the ball field rental rates and the assessment of expenses related to field maintenance. Adjustments are made to better align rental fees with actual costs. There is also a brief discussion on vehicle passes and pavilion rental rates.
Supplies and Equipment Discussion (00:34:23)
Discussion on managing supplies and equipment, possibly separating tracking for improved program management.

The discussion focused on whether supplies and equipment should be tracked separately from other program lines to improve internal management. Considerations included the impact on program tracking and potential departmental differentiation.
Capital Outlet and Project Postponement (00:36:06)
Discussion on capital outlet for a postponed project, including considerations for construction and budget placeholders.

The meeting addressed a capital outlet for a fence project at Neil, which was postponed. Discussion included adding items to the budget as placeholders for potential construction projects, such as a driveway to an old football field, pending actual quotes.
Budget Discussion and Approval (00:39:41)
Discussion on the budget proposal, its presentation to the Township board, and its approval for review.

The board discussed the budget proposal, including the need for approval to present it to the Township board next Monday. The nature of fund accounting and revenue appropriations was also discussed, and a motion was made to approve the proposal.
Jan Shaw River Villa Discussion (00:43:06)
Discussion on improving the Jan Shaw River Villa with trail marking, community feedback, and potential enhancements.

This discussion revolved around enhancing the Jan Shaw River Villa. Ideas included marking trails, making trails accessible to the river, clearing brush, and engaging community feedback for usage. Budget considerations and potential for fundraising were also discussed.
Reports and Correspondence (00:52:47)
Brief mention of reports and correspondence, leading into the concession report.

The agenda moved to reports and correspondence, with a specific focus on the concession report that followed in the discussion.
Concession Report and Financial Analysis (00:53:07)
Detailed breakdown of concession sales by location, with analysis of revenue and considerations for future operations.

The board reviewed a detailed concession report, including sales data from different locations and programs. The discussion considered operational costs, staffing, and the feasibility of continuing concession operations at Robert Morris.