Comstock Township - Township Board - September 21, 2026 Meeting

Updated 34 minutes ago

The board discusses the application for a grant, intended to fund community projects and improvements. They also review fire department insurance, emphasizing the need for comprehensive coverage due to the high-risk nature of firefighting. Additionally, the board considers improvements to Gull Road, including potential non-motorized pathways and road safety enhancements. The meeting also addresses the township's sewer line issues and explores solutions for the transfer station operations. The board emphasizes transparency and community engagement throughout the discussions.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:16)
The meeting was officially called to order.

The meeting begins as the chairperson calls it to order.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:18)
Attendees stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all attendees, honoring the flag of the United States.
Approval of Agenda (00:00:47)
Adjustments were made to the agenda before approval.

The agenda was reviewed, and adjustments were discussed, including moving minutes from the consent agenda due to errors.
Public Comments on Agenda Items (00:02:33)
Residents expressed concerns about the battery plant and other issues.

Several residents voiced their concerns about the local battery plant project, its environmental impact, and the potential effects on public health and property values.
Reports from Departments, Boards, and Commissions (00:17:32)
Commissioner Larry Stehouwer reported on road commission activities.

Larry Stehouwer, liaison commissioner with the Road Commission, provided updates on road construction progress, budget status, and upcoming projects.
Approval of Consent Agenda (00:24:30)
The consent agenda was approved as amended.

The consent agenda, which included various routine items, was reviewed and approved with amendments.
Fire and Rescue Station Alerting Equipment Purchase (00:25:56)
Approval was sought for purchasing station alerting equipment.

The fire department requested approval to purchase station alerting equipment for a new fire station, highlighting its necessity and budget inclusion.
Discussion on Granicus Software Proposal (00:30:40)
Proposal to discontinue Granicus software was discussed.

The clerk proposed discontinuing the use of Granicus software for agendas and minutes due to its complexity and cost, suggesting a simpler alternative.
Discussion on Citizen Comment Adjustment (00:35:10)
Proposal to allow non-agenda comments at both comment periods.

A discussion was held on allowing citizen comments on non-agenda items during both public comment periods to ensure flexibility and accessibility for residents.
Trustee Appointments to Election Commission (00:36:42)
Two trustees were appointed to the Election Commission.

The board appointed two trustees to serve on the Election Commission in preparation for upcoming election responsibilities.
Homecoming Parade Permit (00:39:11)
Approval of the Homecoming parade permit for Comstock High School's parade route.

Comstock High School requested a permit for their Homecoming parade, which will start at the Family Worship Center and end at Comstock High School. The board was required to approve this permit, and a motion was made to accept the permit. The motion passed unanimously.
Review and Action on Township Employee Benefits (00:40:11)
Discussion on renewing township employee benefits and exploring different health plan options.

The township board reviewed the employee benefits, focusing on health plan renewals. Several plans were considered, including HMO and PPO options with and without HSA. After discussions, the board decided to renew the current plan but also provide options for employees to choose different plans at their own expense. The discussion involved input from township employees, including the fire department, who expressed support for the current health plan. A motion was made to renew the current plan with additional options at employee expense, which passed unanimously.
Elections Consultant Request (01:06:14)
Request for hiring an elections consultant to assist with upcoming federal election preparations.

Clerk Lawrence requested board approval to hire an elections consultant with experience in running elections to assist with preparing for the upcoming federal election. The consultant would ensure all procedures are correctly followed, minimizing liability risks. The board discussed the importance of accuracy in election processes and the potential legal repercussions of errors. The motion to hire a consultant was supported and passed after discussion.
Millage Rates and Budget Discussion (01:10:52)
Presentation of current millage rates and discussion on budget impacts and upcoming ballot items.

Treasurer Bloomfield presented the current millage rates, with no increases planned, and noted the library's decision to lower one of their millages. The board discussed the importance of managing millage rates while ensuring necessary services are funded. Upcoming ballot items, including a police millage, were also discussed. The board emphasized the goal of reducing tax burdens while maintaining fiscal responsibility. A resolution to adopt the presented millage rates was passed.
Forensic Audit Proposal Discussion (01:18:44)
The board discussed a forensic audit proposal, weighing costs, potential benefits, and community expectations. Two companies, Plant and Moran and Raymond, were considered.

The board discussed the proposal for a forensic audit, presented by Treasurer Bloomfield and Trustee Paver. Two companies were interviewed for the task. The board members debated the costs and benefits of conducting the audit, including transparency and potential financial recoveries. Both companies were seen as capable. There was extensive discussion on setting a cap on the costs and ensuring that any findings could justify the expenses. The board emphasized the need for transparency and accountability to the residents.
Traffic and Safety Improvements on Gull Road (01:37:12)
MDOT representatives discussed potential traffic and safety improvements on Gull Road, including intersection expansion and non-motorized pathways, and sought community support for maintenance responsibilities.

An operations engineer with MDOT, presented plans for traffic and safety improvements on Gull Road, focusing on intersection enhancements at Sprinkle and Gull Road. The proposal includes expanding intersections, addressing traffic safety concerns, and creating non-motorized pathways to separate bicycle and pedestrian traffic from motor vehicles. MDOT sought the board's support for the project, which would require the community to maintain the new infrastructure after its completion. The board discussed the potential benefits of the project, including improved safety and support for local development. They also considered the implications of maintenance responsibilities for the township.
Discussion on Sidewalk Ordinances (01:52:43)
The board discussed the responsibility of maintaining sidewalks and how different municipalities have ordinances making property owners responsible.

The board members discussed how different municipalities have ordinances in place that make the maintenance of sidewalks the responsibility of the property owner. There was mention of a recent ordinance by AMO and discussion on the interest it generates.
Traffic and Bicycle Safety on Gull Road (01:53:08)
A plan to improve safety on Gull Road was discussed, including segmenting for improvements based on speed and crash data.

The discussion focused on the segmenting of Gull Road improvements due to speed limit changes and bicycle crash data. The board considered prioritizing segments for improvements based on funding availability and safety needs.
Board Discussion on Speed Limits and Safety (01:54:46)
Board members discussed state police control over speed limits and past experiences that resulted in higher limits.

Trustee Amos explained that the state police set speed limits and recounted past experiences where a request for lowering limits resulted in an increase. The discussion emphasized the challenges in addressing speed limits.
Public Feedback and Safety Studies on Road Segments (01:55:47)
The board addressed public feedback regarding safety on various road segments and planned further studies for improvements.

Board members discussed public feedback regarding safety issues on road segments and acknowledged the need for further studies to determine necessary improvements. The focus was on addressing crash data and delays to secure funding.
Proposal for Non-Motorized Pathway on Gull Road (01:56:58)
A motion was made to support a proposal for non-motorized pathways on Gull Road, contingent on maintenance agreement.

The board discussed a proposal for non-motorized pathways on Gull Road, requiring a motion to support the MDOT study and a maintenance agreement if the pathways are installed. The board aimed to gauge interest and get started on the project.
Planning Commission Appointment (02:01:23)
Mary McDurmon was appointed to the Planning Commission, praised for her unique perspective and experience.

The board reviewed the application of Mary McDurmon for the Planning Commission. Her experience and differing perspective were highlighted as assets. The board unanimously supported her appointment.
Forest and Deer Management Plan Discussion (02:04:08)
Discussion on the forest and deer management plan by Kalamazoo Public Services, addressing safety and environmental concerns.

The board heard from a representative about the city of Kalamazoo's forest and deer management plan, which excluded walking trails from hunting areas for safety. The plan aims to balance new growth with deer population control, supported by public safety.
Employee Navigator Integration Discussion (02:12:03)
The board discussed integrating Employee Navigator to streamline healthcare and payroll processes.

The discussion covered the benefits of integrating Employee Navigator to improve efficiency in handling healthcare plans and payroll for township employees. The integration aims to reduce paperwork and potential human errors.
Parking Lot Repair and Replacement Discussion (02:16:03)
The board considered full repair versus replacement of the township's parking lot due to deteriorating conditions.

The board reviewed the condition of the township's parking lot, discussing whether to proceed with repairs or replacement. Concerns about costs, long-term durability, and getting quotes for both options were raised.
Second Reading of PUD Ordinance (02:23:03)
The board conducted a second reading of the PUD Ordinance to encourage development with oversight.

The Planning Commission's proposed PUD Ordinance was presented for a second reading, aiming to attract developers by offering flexibility while maintaining oversight to ensure alignment with the township's master plan.
Discussion on Homeless Encampments and Ordinance Enforcement (02:28:19)
Discussion on the formation of a homeless committee and ordinance enforcement for trespassing and camping on public property.

The meeting discussed the formation of a homeless committee to address the issue of homeless encampments. The committee's goal is to establish rules and accountability mechanisms for ordinance enforcement, especially concerning trespassing and camping on public property. The township faced challenges in coordinating between ordinance officers and the sheriff's department. An ordinance proposal was discussed, which includes provisions for enforcement, such as potential misdemeanor violations instead of civil infractions. This would give authorities the power to enforce trespassing laws, including asking individuals to leave and potentially arresting them if they refuse. The ordinance aims to fill gaps in current trespassing laws, which were outdated and only addressed vehicle trespassing. The proposal is up for first reading and will need a second reading for adoption.
EGLE Grant: Discussion and Action (02:37:00)
Discussion on the EGLE Grant and its intended use, including community concerns and township strategies.

The meeting moved on to discuss the EGLE Grant and the issues surrounding it. Trustee Paver explained the community's concerns and the township's actions, including a moratorium and police protection. The township has negotiated concessions with developers that provide benefits beyond what state law would offer. These include stricter standards and financial considerations. The township's approach has been recognized as a model by other communities. The intended use of the grant is still under discussion, with ideas such as creating community spaces and improving the transfer station. The township emphasizes transparency and community involvement in deciding the use of the grant.
Discussion on Senior Assistance for Tree Work (02:59:42)
The board discussed the challenges seniors face with tree work left by utility companies and potential township assistance.

The board addressed the issue of seniors who have tree work or debris left by utility companies and discussed the possibility of the township assisting them by using township equipment to collect and dispose of such debris. The idea would require legal consultation regarding liability and would aim to help seniors who are unable to deal with large debris themselves.
Discussion on Transfer Station Utilization (03:01:45)
Ideas were discussed about utilizing the transfer station for community clean-up and asset utilization.

The board talked about ways to utilize the township's transfer station to help clean up the community, such as accepting more types of waste and possibly using township equipment to assist in the clean-up. There was also discussion on how the township could make the area more presentable and how to maximize the use of existing assets.
Discussion on Grant Applications and Use of Funds (03:10:00)
The board considered various ideas for grant applications, including infrastructure improvements and community safety enhancements.

The board discussed potential uses for grant money, such as improving township hall infrastructure, fixing sewer connections, and enhancing community safety through the installation of emergency sirens. They considered how to best allocate grant funds to benefit the community and lower costs.
Discussion on Transfer Station Operations and Expansion (03:17:28)
The board discussed potential expansions and improvements to transfer station operations, including increased operating days and new revenue streams.

The board explored the idea of expanding the transfer station's operating days and hours to better serve the community. They discussed how to offset costs by charging landscapers for dumping yard waste and potentially selling wood chips. The need to maintain cost-effectiveness while improving service was emphasized.
Civic Assure Agreement Presentation (03:22:23)
A presentation was given on the Civic Assure platform for improving ordinance enforcement and zoning administration efficiency.

Presentation of the Civic Assure platform, which aims to streamline ordinance enforcement and zoning administration by integrating various processes into a single system. This would improve efficiency, allow for better tracking of cases, and enhance cost recovery. The board discussed the benefits of the platform and considered its implementation to improve township operations.
Discussion on Sewer Line Issues at Township Hall (03:32:52)
The board discussed the negative grade issue with the sewer line at Township Hall, potential maintenance and repair strategies, and the lack of an agreement with the adjacent property owner.

The meeting began with a detailed discussion on the issues concerning the sewer line at Township Hall. It was noted that the sewer line has a negative grade, causing frequent backups in the Township Hall bathrooms. The township engineer confirmed the negative grade and the need for repair. The board discussed the current maintenance program with Clean Earth, which involves periodic maintenance that is less costly than a full repair, but it was highlighted that the lack of a maintenance agreement with the adjacent property complicates the situation. It was also mentioned that if the line breaks during winter, it could lead to significant operational issues for the Township Hall. A maintenance quote was mentioned, and options for repair or continued maintenance were considered. The board discussed the financial implications of repair versus maintenance and the potential for using grant money to fund repairs. Various trustees provided their opinions on whether to repair or maintain the line, considering the financial and operational impacts.
Public Comments (03:43:23)
Citizens provided comments on various issues including firefighter insurance, community service projects, and the need for more police officers. Concerns about housing repairs for low-income residents were also raised.

During the public comments section, several citizens expressed their views on different topics. One citizen emphasized the importance of providing 100% insurance coverage for firefighters due to their increased risk of cancer. Another citizen discussed the potential for community service projects to assist low-income residents with home repairs, suggesting partnerships with local businesses or using community service labor. There was also a call for more police officers in the area, with a citizen sharing a personal story of being assisted by an officer when locked out of their home. Concerns were raised about the financial burden on residents and the importance of understanding how local taxes are allocated.
Members' Comments (03:52:06)
Board members shared closing remarks, reflecting on the meeting and expressing gratitude for public participation. They reiterated their commitment to transparency and community service.

In the members' comments section, board members provided their closing thoughts on the meeting. Trustee Hart expressed no further comments. Trustee Amos clarified that the board's opposition to the best system was not about money but about what was best for the township. Trustee Van Bruen and others discussed the need for deer population control to protect local gardens and ecosystems. Several members addressed logistical details from the meeting, including the importance of obtaining multiple quotes for projects. The board thanked the public for their input and participation, emphasizing the value of transparency and open communication. They acknowledged the challenges faced by the township and expressed a willingness to serve and listen to the community's needs.

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