Comstock Charter Township - August 19, 2026 Comstock Township Special Meeting

Updated about 6 hours ago

The Comstock Township Special Board Meeting focused on several pressing Township issues, including the appointment of Amber Lawrence as the new Township Clerk following the resignation of Nicole Beauchamp. The board also addressed public comments on topics such as the proposed deer management plan involving municipal employees for hunting, and the need for a forensic audit related to recent Township activities. Additionally, the board considered a partnership with the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition for a homeowner rehabilitation grant through MSHDA, aimed at improving housing conditions for low-income residents. The meeting featured extensive public participation, reflecting community concerns and engagement with the board's decisions.

Chapters

Welcome and Call to Order (00:01:41)
The meeting is called to order, welcoming attendees to the special board meeting for Comstock.

The special board meeting for Comstock Township is called to order, welcoming all attendees to the proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:48)
Attendees are asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag.

The meeting proceeds with the Pledge of Allegiance, with all attendees standing and pledging allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:15)
Discussion on approving the agenda with proposed changes, including removing the second reading of the PUD ordinance and moving planning commission appointments under the supervisor.

The board discusses the approval of the meeting agenda. Proposed changes include removing the second reading of the PUD ordinance and moving planning commission appointments from the treasurer to under the supervisor. A motion is made and supported to approve the agenda as amended, with all in favor.
Public Comments on Agenda Items (00:03:30)
Public comments are invited on agenda items, with citizens given three minutes to speak without board discussion.

The meeting opens the floor to public comments specifically on the agenda items. Citizens are invited to state their names and addresses, and given three minutes to make statements to the board without discussion from board members.
Public Comment Session (00:03:53)
Several citizens express concerns over past board actions, transparency, and the need for a forensic audit, among other issues.

A lengthy public comment session ensues, where citizens express a range of concerns. Comments include criticism of former board members, calls for transparency and accountability, the need for forensic audits, and concerns over the management of local issues such as the McLendon nature trails and deer culling. Citizens also discuss the importance of appointing trustworthy new board members and ensuring open governance.
Public Comment - Jamie Ford's Offer to Serve (00:33:40)
Jamie Ford offers to fill the seated trustee position, sharing her long-standing community involvement and professional background.

Jamie Ford, a resident and professional massage therapist, expressed her concern about the community not benefiting from taxes paid. She offered to help fill the seated trustees' position, emphasizing her availability and commitment to the community.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:36:02)
The consent agenda was approved unanimously after a motion by Treasurer Bloomfield and support by Trustee Amos.

The board discussed the consent agenda, with no changes proposed. Treasurer Bloomfield motioned to approve, supported by Trustee Amos, and it passed unanimously.
Resignation of Nicole Beauchamp - Township Clerk (00:36:28)
The board accepted the resignation of Nicole Beauchamp as Township Clerk, with a roll call vote confirming the decision.

Treasurer Bloomfield introduced the resignation of Nicole Beauchamp as Township Clerk. Trustee Amos made the motion to accept, supported by Supervisor Martin. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion passed.
Appointment of New Township Clerk (00:37:16)
Amber Lawrence was appointed as the new Township Clerk to ensure the continuity of bond obligations, following Nicole Beauchamp's resignation.

The board needed to appoint a new clerk due to an urgent need to sign off on a bond issue. Treasurer Bloomfield nominated Amber Lawrence, highlighting her leadership and availability. The board unanimously approved her appointment, and she was sworn in immediately.
Resignations of Trustees and Treasurer's Request for Audit (00:44:42)
The board accepted the resignations of several trustees and approved the Treasurer's request to seek quotes for a forensic audit due to recent events.

The board accepted resignations from Trustees Kristie Cherry, Bob Pratt, and Terry McIver. Treasurer Bloomfield requested permission to seek quotes for a forensic audit, citing concerns over recent resignations and financial matters, which the board approved.
Presentation on Timber Management and Deer Management Plans (00:48:03)
James Baker presented plans for timber management and deer management to improve water quality and forest health.

James Baker outlined a forest management program aimed at improving water quality by thinning hardwood growth areas and managing deer populations. Details were provided on the deer management plan, aiming to reduce deer browsing and promote tree regeneration. The board discussed the safety and environmental benefits of the plan.
Discussion on Hunting Program Regulation and Enforcement (01:05:52)
A detailed discussion on the regulation and enforcement of the hunting program, including permitting, monitoring, and handling violations with support from DNR.

The discussion focused on how the city issues specific tags for identification and tracking of participants in the hunting program. The regulation ensures only permitted individuals participate. Enforcement involves city staff monitoring and contacting DNR for any violations. Questions were raised about the need for boots on the ground to identify unauthorized participants, and it was explained that staff would monitor compliance and inform DNR officers of issues. The program aims to balance land use and benefit local farmers by preventing crop damage.
Police Contract and Staffing Discussion (01:17:36)
Discussion on the police contract with the Sheriff's office, including changes in billing, administrative fees, and staffing needs for effective coverage.

Chief Deputy Bishop and board members discussed the current police contract with the county, which includes billing for true costs of services such as wages, benefits, and fuel usage. The contract now includes an administrative fee to cover equipment, vehicle maintenance, and training costs. The board explored options for staffing levels to ensure adequate coverage, noting that four deputies are currently assigned but more may be needed for proactive policing. The possibility of increasing the number of deputies or adjusting the contract based on community needs and financial projections was considered.
Discussion on Sheriff's Contract (01:35:16)
Discussion on the current contract with the Sheriff's office, coverage expectations, and proactive policing.

The board discussed the current contract with the Sheriff's office, addressing concerns about coverage expectations and proactive policing. The discussion highlighted the importance of understanding the services paid for and the possibility of enhancing coverage to better serve the community. It was clarified that the contract allows for dedicated service within the township, fostering community rapport and reducing response times. The conversation emphasized the need to align expectations with budgetary constraints and the benefits of having a dedicated presence in the community.
Website Proposal and Possible Action (01:39:15)
Review and discussion of website proposal to ensure ADA compliance and potential rebranding.

The board reviewed a proposal for updating the township's website to ensure it is ADA compliant and considered the opportunity for rebranding and redesign. The need for compliance with legal requirements was stressed, along with the potential benefits of a more user-friendly and accessible website. The discussion included Trustee Amos and Clerk Lawrence's support for the proposal, emphasizing the importance of simplifying navigation and maintaining compliance.
School Street Property Sale Discussion (01:42:27)
Discussion on the sale of School Street property, addressing blight and potential community development.

The board discussed the sale of the School Street property, which is currently a site of blight with issues such as drug activity and loitering. The property is offered to a neighboring owner who intends to clean and develop it, potentially adding it back to the tax rolls. Attorney Thall explained the legal framework of the sale, ensuring value for value exchange and a right of reverter if the buyer fails to remediate the property.
Parking Lot Maintenance Proposal Discussion (01:47:23)
Discussion on proposals for parking lot maintenance to prevent further deterioration and ensure longevity.

Supervisor Martin introduced the discussion on parking lot maintenance proposals, highlighting the need for immediate repairs to prevent further deterioration. The board considered a quote from Tustin's for full resurfacing and striping, emphasizing the importance of addressing cracks and drainage issues to avoid costly future repairs. Trustee Amos and Treasurer Bloomfield supported the proposal, noting the reliability of the contractor and the fair pricing for the work involved.
MSHDA Homeowner Rehabilitation Partnership Presentation (01:51:00)
Presentation on potential partnership with KC3 for homeowner rehabilitation using MSHDA funds.

The Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition presented a potential partnership with the township for a homeowner rehabilitation program funded by MSHDA. The program targets income-qualified, owner-occupied homes in need of critical repairs, leveraging state and utility funds. The township would handle upfront costs reimbursed by MSHDA, requiring collaboration and community outreach to identify eligible participants. The presentation emphasized the program's benefits in improving housing and reducing utility bills, with KC3 managing administrative tasks and contractor coordination.
Discussion on Project Resubmission and Timeline (02:05:47)
Discussion on a project that required resubmission due to initial submission errors, and the timeline for the project start and completion.

The initial submission of a project document was not correctly done, which required resubmission with the signature of the chief elected official. The timeline for the project start is under discussion, with hopes that it begins from the resubmission date. Concerns about the timeline being tight but hopeful due to cooperative communication with relevant authorities were expressed.
Questions and Clarifications from Officials (02:06:51)
Officials asked questions about billing processes and project timelines, seeking clarifications to ensure smooth operations.

Treasurer Bloomfield and Clerk Lawrence asked questions regarding the billing process for ongoing projects and whether billing can occur before project completion. Clarifications were provided, indicating that billing can proceed monthly even if the project spans multiple months. Positive feedback on the program's potential impact was expressed, along with gratitude for the time spent on the project.
Motion for Support of MSHDA Homeowner Rehabilitation Partnership (02:07:44)
A motion was made to support the MSHDA Homeowner Rehabilitation Partnership, focusing on moving forward with concrete plans and application processes.

Clerk Lawrence and Attorney Thall discussed the appropriate way to make a motion to support the concept of the MSHDA Homeowner Rehabilitation Partnership, emphasizing that while not all details are finalized, the support is for the concept and for moving forward with the necessary application processes. The motion was made, supported by Trustee Amos, and passed with a roll call vote.
Planning Commission Appointment (02:09:16)
Appointment of Keith Wilcher to the Planning Commission to fill the vacancy left by Bob Sherwood, with emphasis on continuity in planning and development projects.

The board discussed appointing Keith Wilcher to the Planning Commission due to his experience and ability to provide continuity between boards. His background in the industrial sector was seen as beneficial for representing different areas of the township. The motion for his appointment was made and passed unanimously.
Appointment to Planning Commission (02:13:22)
Amber Lawrence appointed to the Planning Commission to replace Treasurer Bloomfield, following her resignation to comply with regulations on board membership.

A discussion took place regarding the appointment of Amber Lawrence to the Planning Commission to replace Treasurer Bloomfield, who resigned as a member to comply with regulations preventing two township board members from serving simultaneously. The motion for Amber Lawrence's appointment was made and passed after she abstained from voting on her own appointment.
EGLE Compost Approval Update (02:15:00)
The township received an approval letter from EGLE for composting operations at the transfer station, allowing for increased material handling.

The supervisor reported that the township's transfer station was previously out of compliance with state regulations but has now received approval from EGLE to operate as a compost facility, thus avoiding fines. The new license allows for the handling of additional material, and there is potential for generating revenue in the future.
Update on Employee Manual (02:16:24)
Proposal to replace 'superintendent' with 'supervisor' in the employee manual to clarify roles and responsibilities.

The board discussed updating the employee manual to replace the term 'superintendent' with 'supervisor,' aligning the manual with the current structure and clarifying the supervisor's roles and responsibilities. After discussion, a motion was made, supported, and passed with a roll call vote to make the changes in the manual.
Discussion on Supervisor's Salary (02:18:22)
Discussion on appropriate compensation for the supervisor, considering duties and responsibilities that include HR functions.

The board discussed the supervisor's salary, considering the expanded role that includes human resources responsibilities. Comparisons with previous superintendent salaries and benefits were made, and the board members expressed support for adjusting the supervisor's salary to reflect the increased workload. A motion was made and passed to set the supervisor's salary at $135,000 with benefits.
Process for Filling Trustee Vacancies (02:22:27)
Announcement of the process for filling three vacant Trustee positions, encouraging community participation and setting timelines for applications.

The board announced that there are three vacant Trustee positions to be filled by appointment. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to submit resumes and letters of interest. The interviews will be conducted in open sessions as required, and applications will be accepted for two weeks.
Public Comments (02:28:34)
Members of the public provided comments on various topics including deer population management, the battery plant project, and suggestions for trustee appointments.

During the public comment session, residents expressed concerns about deer population management methods and the implications of the battery plant project. Suggestions were made for trustee appointments, emphasizing the need for trustworthy and hardworking individuals. Public sentiment was mixed, with some expressing concerns about transparency and the impact of ongoing projects on the community.
Public Comments (02:36:36)
Various community members expressed concerns and gratitude about local governance and community issues, including transparency, appointments, and public safety.

Community members expressed their opinions and concerns about local governance, including issues of transparency, appointments, and the public safety implications of new projects. There were expressions of gratitude towards certain board members and criticisms of previous board actions. Concerns about the community's future, the impact of certain decisions, and the need for diverse opinions in governance were also discussed by the attendees.
Adjournment (03:00:56)
The meeting was officially adjourned after concluding comments from board members.

Following the member comments, the meeting was officially adjourned. Board members thanked each other and the attendees for their participation and efforts during the meeting.

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