Comstock Township - Township Board - January 5, 2026 Meeting

Updated about 20 hours ago

The Charter Township of Comstock holds a board meeting featuring intense public comments. Concerns are raised about a proposed Redwood development and its impact on local traffic and housing. The meeting also addresses allegations against Treasurer Sandra Bloomfield regarding a private property dispute, leading to a heated debate among board members. Discussions include ordinance enforcement, emergency services, and upcoming township projects. The meeting reflects ongoing tensions and differing perspectives within the community.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:18)
The meeting was called to order and attendees were welcomed.

The Charter Township of Comstock meeting was called to order on Monday. Attendees were welcomed to the meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:25)
Attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting participants were asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance together as part of the meeting's opening.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:57)
The agenda was approved by motion and seconded by the board.

A motion was made by Clerk Amp to approve the meeting agenda, which was seconded by Trustee MacGyver. The motion was carried with all in favor.
Public Comments on Agenda and Non-Agenda Items (00:02:10)
Public comments were heard, including concerns about bullying and board member conduct.

Citizens were invited to make public comments on both agenda and non-agenda items. Several citizens expressed concerns, including issues related to bullying of a veteran by board members and inappropriate conduct on social media.
Concerns About Veteran Treatment (00:02:47)
Tammy Keeler raised concerns about bullying of a veteran and inappropriate board member conduct.

Tammy Keeler, a resident, spoke about the bullying of a veteran, highlighting issues with board member conduct on social media and the need for better treatment of veterans within the community.
Rezoning and Development Concerns (00:07:14)
Multiple residents expressed concerns about the proposed rezoning and its impact on traffic and community.

Several residents, including Autumn Smith and Emily Murphy, raised concerns about the proposed Redwood Living Apartment community development. They highlighted issues such as lack of traffic studies, impact on local infrastructure, and alignment with the master plan.
Investigative Journalism and Recall Interest (00:11:23)
Autumn Smith, an investigative journalist, discussed recall interest and government actions.

Autumn Smith, an investigative journalist, addressed the board about her interest in the recall actions and concerns about governance. She mentioned her past experiences with recalls and emphasized the need for transparency and proper oath-taking by officials.
Suggestion for Town Hall Meetings (00:20:05)
A resident suggested conducting regular town hall meetings to improve communication and transparency.

Jill Erdi, a Comstock resident, suggested organizing regular town hall meetings to allow residents to ask questions and receive answers from the board, promoting transparency and collaboration between the community and its leaders.
Discussion on Oaths of Office (00:24:14)
Questions were raised about the necessity and legality of oaths of office for township officials.

A resident from Cooper Township discussed the importance of oaths of office for government officials, highlighting constitutional obligations and the need for adherence to the Michigan Constitution and U.S. Constitution by all government employees.
Public Comment on Redwood Complex Rezoning (00:34:22)
Residents express concerns about the proposed Redwood Complex, emphasizing community impact and urging adherence to the master plan.

Several residents express their concerns about the proposed Redwood Complex, highlighting the potential impact on tax revenue and the surrounding owner-occupied neighborhoods. They urge the board to uphold the master plan and reject the rezoning request, emphasizing the community's opposition to a dense rental complex that does not align with the area.
Town Hall Meetings and Community Forum Requests (00:35:22)
Residents request regular town hall meetings for better communication and response from the board.

A resident supports the idea of holding regular town hall meetings to facilitate better communication between the community and the board. They express frustration about not receiving responses to questions asked at previous meetings and highlight the need for a forum where community concerns can be addressed.
Clarification on Proposed Complex (00:36:17)
A resident clarifies that the proposed complex is rental apartments, not condos, and raises traffic and safety concerns.

Sue Bradford addresses the board to clarify that the proposed development is a rental apartment complex, not owner-occupied condos, which contradicts previous descriptions. She raises concerns about traffic safety on country roads and urges adherence to current zoning guidelines.
Criticism of Clark Hill Report (00:37:23)
A resident criticizes the Clark Hill report as a witch hunt and questions its validity and legal standing.

Karen Height criticizes the Clark Hill report, labeling it a witch hunt and questioning the validity of the accusations within it. She highlights the lack of firsthand testimony and signatures on documents, questioning the legal standing of the report and its findings against township officials.
Comments on Oath of Office and Legal Concerns (00:39:47)
A speaker discusses legal requirements for holding office and implications of not meeting them.

A speaker from Richland addresses legal concerns regarding the oath of office and the necessity of filing a bond. They explain that failure to meet these requirements invalidates one's authority to hold office and raises concerns about the legality of actions taken by officials.
Support for Redwood Development (00:42:15)
Supporters argue the Redwood development will bring economic and community benefits to Comstock Township.

Nicole Brill reads a statement in support of the Redwood development on behalf of Chris Lomax, citing its alignment with the township's master plan and potential to generate significant tax revenue. The statement argues the development will enhance housing stability and community resources.
Opposition to Redwood Facility (00:44:41)
Residents argue against the Redwood facility, emphasizing community character and existing infrastructure.

A resident speaks against the Redwood facility, arguing it does not fit the community's needs or character. They emphasize the importance of maintaining the existing neighborhood structure and express concerns about increased traffic and the impact on local roads.
Support for Property Development and Rights (00:47:40)
A resident supports development, emphasizing the importance of property rights and community growth.

Josie Brill speaks in favor of developing her property with Redwood, emphasizing the importance of respecting property rights and the potential positive impact on Comstock Township. She highlights her family's history with the land and the opportunity to realize her late husband's vision.
Call for Civility and Respect (00:50:13)
A speaker calls for more civility and respect in community interactions and meetings.

A speaker expresses disappointment in the lack of civility and respect in community interactions, calling for a more respectful and polite discourse. They emphasize the importance of hospitality and kindness in public discussions and interactions.
Commissioner Report on Road Projects and Budget (00:52:47)
The commissioner reports on road project budgets and upcoming funds, emphasizing planning and cooperation with townships.

Larry Sta Hower, the liaison commissioner for the Kalamazoo County Road Commission, discusses the completed budget approval process and the anticipation of new road funds. He emphasizes the importance of having a five-year capital improvement plan to utilize these funds effectively.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:54:51)
The board approves the consent agenda, including regular board meeting minutes and out-of-state travel.

The board moves to approve the consent agenda, which includes the regular board meeting minutes and out-of-state travel arrangements. The motion is made and supported, with unanimous approval and no opposition.
Fire Department Presentation on Response Times (00:55:18)
The fire department presents on response times, emphasizing the importance of location and proper equipment.

The fire department presents on the importance of response times, discussing current and proposed station locations to optimize coverage. Captain Michael Flick II explains how response times impact emergency outcomes and the necessity of well-trained and equipped firefighters to ensure public safety.
Presentation on Phase Two Architectural Services for Station 93 (01:10:05)
Discussion on the progress of Phase Two architectural services for a new fire station, including design updates, budget considerations, and construction timelines.

The meeting discusses the next steps for the Phase Two architectural services for Station 93. The initial Phase One design proposal was presented in the last meeting, and now the focus is on finalizing plans to allow for construction bids. The cost of these services includes budgetary numbers and soft costs like architectural fees. The fire department intends to replace the current Station 93, which was a temporary solution, with a new facility that includes training areas and proper accommodations for staff. The discussion also covers the strategic plan for capital expenditures and the engagement with different architectural firms.
Approval of Engagement with JPR Architects for Phase Two Services (01:18:10)
The board discusses the engagement with JPR Architects for Phase Two services, including project management and oversight of the construction process.

The board members discuss the role of JPR Architects in managing the project from start to finish, including ensuring structural integrity and overseeing milestones. It is emphasized that the architects' experience with large projects is crucial for navigating the construction process. There is a brief discussion about the project management structure and the involvement of fire department personnel in monitoring the progress.
Financial Planning and Bonding for the Fire Station Project (01:20:00)
Financial planning for the fire station project is discussed, focusing on bond issuance and legal procedures for funding the construction.

The finance director outlines the timeline and necessary legal steps for issuing bonds to fund the fire station project. A resolution of notice of intent to purchase bonds needs to be adopted at the next board meeting. The timeline includes publishing the notice, issuing bonds, and awarding construction bids. The discussion covers the involvement of the bond team, the need for a bond rating from Standard & Poor's, and the procedural nature of the resolution. The aim is to fund the project without increasing the fire department assessment rate for taxpayers.
Motion to Move Forward with Phase Two Architectural Services with JPR (01:34:28)
A motion is made and approved to proceed with Phase Two architectural services for the new Station 93 with JPR.

The board votes on a motion to move forward with Phase Two architectural services with JPR Architects for the new Station 93. The motion is supported by Treasurer Bloomfield and passes with a roll call vote. The approval allows the project to proceed to the next phase of development.
Public Hearing and Approval of Rezoning Request (01:40:11)
The board reviews a rezoning request for a development project, including public concerns and conditional approvals.

The meeting includes a presentation of a rezoning request for a parcel of land from R-1B to RM multiple family district, conditioned on specific use limitations. The staff report indicates that the proposed rezoning is consistent with the Township's master plan, allowing for multi-family use. Various standards are considered, such as compatibility with surrounding areas and impact on public facilities. Redwood, the developer, has offered conditions to ensure the project fits the area, including traffic data and landscaping plans. Public concerns and Planning Commission recommendations are addressed.
Discussion on Redwood Landscaping Plan (01:47:27)
The commission discusses Redwood's landscaping plan, focusing on buffers around the existing neighborhood.

The meeting begins with a discussion about Redwood's landscaping plan, specifically addressing the presence of buffers around the existing neighborhood. The planning commission debates whether the uses allowed under the proposed rezoning would be equally or better suited to the area compared to the current zoning. This is part of the conditional rezoning process, with limited permitted uses and other conditions being part of the agreement.
Presentation by Redwood Neighborhoods (01:50:00)
Redwood Neighborhoods presents their proposal for conditional rezoning for a new neighborhood in Comstock Township.

Emily Englehart from Redwood Neighborhoods presents their proposal for a conditional rezoning to build a new Redwood neighborhood in Comstock Township. She highlights Redwood's history in the area, the need and demand for their type of housing, and the specifics of their proposal, including the types of units and the conditions of the rezoning request. The discussion includes the benefits of the development and how it aligns with the township's master plan.
Traffic Concerns and Study (02:10:00)
There is a discussion about the traffic impact of the proposed development and the need for a traffic study.

The board discusses traffic concerns related to the proposed Redwood development, with particular focus on the potential increase in traffic and how it would affect the surrounding area. Redwood's representatives explain that a trip generation memo has been prepared, indicating the traffic impact would not exceed thresholds requiring a full traffic study. They commit to addressing any traffic issues at the site plan stage if required by the county.
Board Discussion and Concerns (02:15:01)
Board members express concerns about compatibility with the surrounding area and the need for affordable housing.

During the board discussion, several members express concerns about the compatibility of the proposed Redwood development with the surrounding area, which is largely composed of single-family homes. There is also a strong sentiment that the community needs more affordable housing options, which the Redwood development does not provide. The discussion also touches on the impact on local schools and the desire for stability in the community.
Vote on Rezoning Request (02:22:00)
The board votes on the motion to deny the Redwood rezoning request, resulting in a decision to deny.

The board holds a roll call vote on the motion to deny the conditional rezoning request by Redwood Neighborhoods. The motion to deny is supported by the majority of the board members, with concerns about traffic, compatibility, and the lack of affordable housing being key factors in the decision. The final vote results in the denial of the rezoning request, with board members emphasizing the need to consider the community's needs and the master plan.
Vote on Variance Request (02:24:06)
Roll call vote conducted on the variance request, resulting in a unanimous decision to deny the variance.

The board conducted a roll call vote concerning a variance request. The vote was unanimous in denying the variance request.
Discussion on Purchasing Policy (02:38:55)
Treasurer Bloomfield and Deputy Treasurer Knight presented a new purchasing policy for discussion, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to purchases.

Treasurer Bloomfield and Deputy Treasurer Knight introduced a new purchasing policy to the board, highlighting the importance of implementing a structured approach to purchasing, especially with the fire department's upcoming projects. Brett provided feedback and suggested amendments to the policy.
Court Case Discussion (02:48:15)
Trustee Pratt discussed a court case involving Treasurer Bloomfield, raising concerns about her role due to the legal issues.

Trustee Pratt brought up a court case involving Treasurer Bloomfield, expressing concerns about her credibility and suitability for her role. He read from the court order and raised the issue of her recusal from voting on property matters. There was discussion about whether the board should take action or involve the attorney.
Motion and Vote on Legal Opinion (03:15:55)
A motion was made to investigate a matter further and provide a legal opinion. The vote passed with a majority of yes votes.

A motion was proposed to look into a matter further and provide a legal opinion to the board. Supervisor Martin voted no, Trustee Terry and Clerk Amp voted yes, Trustee Pratt voted yes, and Trustee Amos voted no. The motion was carried with a majority of yes votes.
DDA Appointments (03:17:02)
Appointments were made to the Downtown Development Association board, and the motion passed unanimously.

Supervisor Martin recommended the appointments of Jeffrey Townsend, Evan Kowalski, and Larry Rabbit to the Downtown Development Association board. The motion was supported by Clerk Amp and passed unanimously with all members voting yes.
Planning Commission Appointments (03:18:09)
Appointments to the Planning Commission were discussed and approved, with some board discussion on the candidates and their qualifications.

The board discussed appointments to the Planning Commission, recommending Larry Nichols, Amber Lawrence, and Joseph Weinraub. The discussion included their qualifications and recent training. The motion was made by Supervisor Martin and seconded by Trustee Amos. It was supported by a majority of the board, with one no vote.
Discussion on Emergency Sirens (03:24:33)
The board discussed the implementation of emergency sirens, including potential vendors and installation plans. No action was taken.

There was a discussion on implementing emergency sirens in the township. The possibility of using different vendors and the practicality of different installation plans were discussed. The board considered various options such as different tones for different emergencies and the financial implications.
Sheriff's Contract Extension (03:31:23)
The board approved the extension of the contract with the county sheriff's department, allowing Supervisor Martin to sign the agreement.

The board discussed and approved the extension of the contract with the county sheriff's department. The motion to authorize Supervisor Martin to sign the agreement was made by Clerk Amp and supported by Trustee Pratt. The roll call vote was unanimous in favor.
Reports and Future Action Items (03:34:03)
Reports on private property cleanup and ordinance enforcement were presented, with a summary of year-end totals.

Reports on ordinance enforcement and private property cleanup were presented by the ordinance officer. The year-end totals since April were shared, highlighting the number of cases handled. No questions were posed by the board.
Public Comments (03:35:14)
Public comments were made by several citizens, addressing various concerns and opinions about board actions and member conduct.

During the public comments section, several citizens expressed their views on recent board actions, member conduct, and specific issues such as the legal opinion motion and the role of government in community matters. Some comments were supportive while others were critical of certain board members.
Public Comments (03:51:55)
Citizens express concerns about board conduct, social media posts, and the need for unity in the township.

Multiple citizens expressed their concerns regarding the township board's inability to work together, comparing it to kindergartners throwing rocks. They criticized board members for engaging in personal disputes and using taxpayer money for unnecessary legal actions. Citizens also highlighted the negative impact of public spats on the township's reputation and urged the board to focus on governance instead of personal issues.
Positive Developments in Comstock (03:59:01)
A citizen highlights positive aspects of Comstock, including a new STEM school and job opportunities.

A citizen countered the negative comments by pointing out positive developments in Comstock, such as the establishment of a new STEM school that is expected to attract families and the expansion of local businesses providing real job opportunities. The citizen encouraged the board and residents to focus on these positive aspects and work towards improving the township's image.
Citizen Comment on Professional Conduct (03:59:59)
A citizen comments on the importance of professional conduct during meetings, referencing a biblical quote.

A citizen, Barbara Hathaway, reminded the board of the importance of maintaining professional conduct during meetings, citing a biblical reference to emphasize that judgment should be left to those without fault. She highlighted the impact of the board's actions on the township's schools.
Board Member Comments (04:00:06)
Board members address public comments, clarify misunderstandings, and discuss legal and operational issues.

Board members responded to public comments, addressing misunderstandings regarding the board's actions and clarifying their positions on various issues. Trustee Cherry acknowledged the public's frustration and clarified the motion regarding the treasurer's position. Trustee MacGyver encouraged residents to engage directly with board members to avoid misinformation. Clerk Amp reminded residents of the board's accessibility and encouraged direct communication. Various board members discussed legal rulings, social media controversies, and operational challenges.
Adjournment (04:10:11)
The meeting is adjourned after final comments from board members.

The meeting was adjourned following final comments from board members, who reiterated the importance of community engagement and transparency. They encouraged citizens to continue participating in township governance and to reach out with any concerns or questions.