Comstock Township - Township Board - January 14, 2026 Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The Board addresses a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeal concerning fees associated with document requests, sparking debate over transparency and public interest. Citizens express strong opinions on various issues, including alleged harassment and transparency concerns. The Board also receives an ethics presentation, emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in public service. Discussions highlight community tensions and the Board's commitment to ethical governance. The meeting concludes with public comments and board member reflections.

Chapters

Welcome (00:01:18)
The meeting began with a welcome to the special session of the Charter Township of Comstock.

The meeting was called to order with a welcome message to all attendees present at the special meeting for the Charter Township of Comstock.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:27)
Attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

The meeting participants were asked to stand and join in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:57)
The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and approved without opposition.

A motion was made to approve the meeting agenda, which was supported and passed unanimously with no opposition from the board members.
Public Comments (00:02:11)
Multiple citizens expressed concerns and comments regarding board actions and transparency issues.

During public comments, citizens raised issues about alleged attacks against individuals, questioned board decisions, and discussed transparency and accountability within the township. Concerns about interpersonal conflicts and the handling of a specific board member's situation were also voiced.
FOIA Appeal Discussion (00:08:57)
The board discussed an appeal regarding fees associated with a FOIA request, ultimately deciding not to waive the fees.

The board reviewed an appeal from a citizen requesting a waiver of fees for a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request related to a report and additional documents. Concerns about the costs and transparency were debated. A vote was taken, and the decision was made not to waive the fees.
Ethics Presentation (00:31:04)
An ethics presentation was given to inform board members about ethical standards and conduct.

A presentation on ethics was conducted, focusing on the importance of ethical behavior in governance. It covered the moral and legal standards that public officials should adhere to, emphasizing transparency, non-bias, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
Fiduciary Duty of Township Officials (00:36:01)
Discussion on the importance of fiduciary duty for township officials, emphasizing trust, public obligation, and avoiding personal biases.

The speaker outlines the fiduciary duty that township officials have, which involves setting aside personal biases and acting in the interest of the public and the township. Officials must not let personal feelings or relationships influence their decisions and must prioritize the public's trust and the township's welfare.
Code of Conduct and Public Service Values (00:39:59)
Exploration of the code of conduct for public service, including trustworthiness, fairness, responsibility, respect, loyalty, and compassion.

The discussion covers the expected code of conduct for public officials, highlighting the values of trustworthiness, fairness, responsibility, respect, loyalty, and compassion in serving the public. Officials should act in the township's interest, not personal gain, and treat everyone with respect and fairness.
Ethical Considerations and Violations (00:43:20)
Examination of ethical considerations, including conflicts of interest, FOIA, and Open Meetings Act to ensure transparency and prevent secrecy.

The speaker discusses the ethical obligations of township officials, focusing on the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest, adhering to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Open Meetings Act for transparency, and the consequences of unethical behavior, such as public distrust and potential legal penalties.
Incompatible Offices and Political Activities (00:47:02)
Explanation of the Incompatible Offices Act and restrictions on political activities of public employees to prevent conflicts of interest.

The Incompatible Offices Act is discussed, which prohibits holding conflicting public positions. The session also covers political activity restrictions for public employees, emphasizing the need to separate official duties from political interests to maintain ethical governance.
Contracts and Public Servants (00:51:00)
Guidance on contracts involving public servants, highlighting restrictions to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure ethical behavior.

Public servants are advised against entering into contracts with the township if they have a personal or financial interest, to avoid conflicts. Exceptions for small townships are noted, where board members can perform additional services if approved.
Standards of Conduct for Public Officers (00:55:05)
Overview of standards of conduct, focusing on confidentiality, personal opinion representation, and use of township resources.

The session reviews standards of conduct for public officers, including maintaining confidentiality, distinguishing between personal opinions and official positions, and responsibly using township resources without personal gain.
Whistleblower Protections and Ethical Policies (01:00:01)
Discussion on whistleblower protections and the importance of adopting local ethics policies to enforce ethical standards.

Whistleblower protections are outlined to safeguard employees who report ethical violations. The need for townships to adopt their own ethics policies is emphasized, allowing for enforceable standards and sanctions for ethical breaches among officials.
Penalties for Ethical Violations (01:02:53)
Explanation of penalties for neglect of duty, embezzlement, and misuse of township resources to uphold ethical standards.

Penalties for ethical violations such as neglect of duty, embezzlement, and misuse of township resources are detailed. These include potential fines, imprisonment, and misdemeanor charges, serving as a deterrent to unethical conduct.
Whistleblower Protection Discussion (01:06:07)
The discussion covered the protection of employees who report legal violations, emphasizing the need for clear evidence and workplace postings.

An employer may not fire or threaten an employee who reports a violation of the law. Employees must show clear and convincing evidence that they were about to report and were damaged by the employer for that reason. Employee protection under this act must be posted in the workplace for whistleblower protection.
Ethical Standards and Due Process (01:06:24)
Board members discussed ethical standards, emphasizing the importance of avoiding ex parte communications to maintain unbiased decision-making.

The discussion focused on board member interactions regarding due process, such as rezones and special exemptions. It was emphasized that board members should refrain from outside conversations with applicants or related parties to maintain the integrity of due process. Staff should handle zoning questions to avoid bias. The importance of board members being unbiased decision makers and the potential legal ramifications of not adhering to this were discussed.
Closed Session Motion (01:14:27)
The board moved to enter a closed session under the Freedom of Information Act to consult with legal counsel.

A motion was made to enter a closed session under section 8, 1H of the Freedom of Information Act to consult with the attorney regarding a legal opinion. The motion was supported and carried following a roll call vote. The closed session was for the purpose of receiving legal advice, which is confidential and cannot be disclosed publicly.
Public Comments (02:46:14)
Residents expressed concerns about transparency, harassment, and communication issues with the board.

During public comments, residents voiced their concerns about various issues, including stalking and harassment by board members, lack of communication with constituents, and transparency regarding FOIA requests. Some residents expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of legal matters and the perception of favoritism. Others mentioned the need for civility and respect in board meetings and interactions.
Appointments and Nominations (02:56:24)
The board accepted the DDA and planning commission appointments and discussed upcoming interviews for the zoning board of appeals.

The meeting included a segment where the board was thanked for accepting the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) appointments and the planning commission appointments during the last meeting. There was also a mention of upcoming applications for the zoning board of appeals, with the Treasurer of Bloomfield and Trustee Pratt planning to conduct interviews next week. It was also mentioned that applications are still being accepted.
Adjournment (02:56:48)
The meeting was formally adjourned and attendees were thanked for their participation.

The meeting concluded with a formal adjournment. The attendees were thanked for their participation. The chairperson made a remark about the utility of meeting with the computer in the office, indicating the meeting was held or broadcasted using electronic means.