Comstock Township - October 20, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated 1 day ago

The board reviews attorney billing practices and the implications of a controversial development proposal. They discuss the removal of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA) member due to attendance and conflict of interest issues, ultimately deciding against proceeding with removal. The board also hears public comments on local issues, including a proposed battery storage plant and concerns over millages. Additionally, a commercial rehabilitation district is established to encourage local business growth. The meeting highlights local governance challenges and community interactions.

Chapters

Pledge of Allegiance (00:01:11)
The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance led by the chair.

All attendees were asked to stand and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Approval of Agenda (00:01:40)
The agenda was approved with an addition regarding attorney bills under the treasurer's report.

A motion was made to approve the agenda with the addition of discussing attorney bills under the treasurer's report. The motion was supported and passed.
Public Comments (00:02:45)
Several citizens expressed concerns about local issues, including a battery plant and millage increases.

Multiple citizens spoke during the public comment period. Concerns were raised about the proposed location of a battery storage plant near residential areas and schools. Comments were also made about local government transparency, potential conflicts of interest, and the need for more equitable distribution of tax burdens.
Department Announcements (00:24:09)
Commissioner Gissler reported on a successful senior expo and the launch of a new county website.

Commissioner John Gissler shared two announcements: the senior expo was a success with over a thousand attendees, and the new county website has been launched, which includes information on job openings and advisory board vacancies.
Consent Agenda Approval (00:31:12)
The consent agenda was approved unanimously by the board.

A motion was made and supported to approve the consent agenda as presented. The board voted unanimously in favor.
Metro Presentation (00:31:43)
A presentation on the Metro transportation boards and their efforts to improve access across the region.

Kurt Artema, board chair of the Metro boards, gave a presentation on the efforts to improve transportation access in the Kalamazoo area. The Metro boards are working on integrating and enhancing transportation services for the community.
Governance Structure Update (00:32:46)
The new governance structure involves two boards, enhancing checks and balances.

Discussion on new governance structure, regional authority, and turnover of leadership. Representation from townships and cities ensures productive discussions at board meetings. New board member appointments are expected soon.
Metro Public Transit Update (00:34:08)
Metro's goals include providing mobility solutions and evolving services post-pandemic.

Update on Metro's services and programs, with a focus on mobility solutions, especially during the pandemic. Metro offers various options for public transit access, including economic opportunities, social interactions, and medical appointments.
Fire and Rescue Department Hiring Request (00:43:34)
Request to hire two part-time on-call probationary firefighters.

The Fire and Rescue Department requested hiring two part-time on-call probationary firefighters, Dominic Bush and Jacob Hess. Both candidates live within two miles of the township and need further medical and fire training.
Rezoning Request for Light Manufacturing (00:44:52)
Rezoning of property from R1B Single Family to Light Manufacturing.

Discussion on rezoning a property currently zoned R1B Single Family to light manufacturing for landscape forms. The house on the property has been removed.
Rezoning Request for Agricultural Use (00:46:26)
Rezoning request to change property to Agricultural Residential District for farming.

Request from Emily Parfe to rezone a property from R1A Single Family to AGR Agricultural Residential to operate a farm. The rezoning aligns with the future land use plan.
Public Hearing on Commercial Rehabilitation District (00:51:02)
Public hearing for establishing a commercial rehabilitation district for high-tech business expansion.

Discussion on establishing a commercial rehabilitation district. High-tech electric company plans to move and expand, needing district approval for tax incentives to support rehabilitation costs.
Commercial Rehabilitation District Resolution (00:55:06)
Resolution to establish a commercial rehabilitation district for business growth.

Resolution to establish a commercial rehabilitation district, allowing businesses like high-tech electric to apply for tax exemptions, encouraging expansion and job creation.
Procurement Policy Discussion (01:00:06)
Discussion on drafting and finalizing a procurement policy for the township.

The Treasurer discussed the ongoing efforts to finalize a procurement policy, aiming to save money through competitive bidding processes. Research on other municipalities' policies is underway.
Attorney Billing Review (01:01:36)
Review of attorney bills and consideration for inclusion in board packets.

Treasurer Bloomfield reviewed attorney bills, highlighting ordinance-related expenses and suggesting their inclusion in monthly board packets for transparency and understanding of legal expenditures.
Motion Discussion on Attorney Billing Process (01:07:29)
The board discussed a motion regarding the inclusion of attorney billing in the board packet, with various members voicing opinions on transparency and accountability.

The discussion involved a motion made by Treasurer Bloomfield to include attorney billing in the board packet for transparency. There was a debate on whether it should be an action item or just a report. The motion was retracted and revised to place attorney invoices under reports, which passed after a vote.
DDA Complaint Hearing Decision (01:12:13)
The board discussed whether to hold a hearing regarding complaints against a DDA member's attendance and conflict of interest issues, ultimately deciding not to proceed.

Attorney Thun explained the complaints about a DDA member's attendance and conflict of interest. The board debated whether to move forward with a hearing. Some members felt the DDA had addressed the issues satisfactorily, while others believed the member should have a chance to be heard. A motion to hold a hearing failed in a vote.
Closed Session (01:22:03)
The board entered a closed session to discuss a complaint against an employee at the employee's request.

The board moved to a closed session under MCL provisions to discuss a personnel matter at the request of the employee involved. The session included township attorney Thun and superintendent Hess. After the closed session, the board returned and a motion to approve the attorney's recommendation was made but failed.
Streetlight Additions (02:09:14)
A resolution to add new streetlights in a subdivision was passed, with the board authorizing changes to a lighting contract.

The board discussed and approved a resolution to amend the standard lighting contract with Consumers Energy to add nine streetlights to the new Wesley Farms subdivision. The lights will be funded by the subdivision and added to the township's streetlight bill.
Sale of Ford Expedition (02:11:19)
The board authorized the sale of a Ford Expedition utility vehicle, considering fair market value and auction options.

The board was asked to approve the sale of a Ford Expedition used by the township, which has specialized equipment making it difficult to sell. The motion to sell at fair market value or through auction passed.
Budget Discussion (02:13:55)
The board received the first draft of the budget and was encouraged to review it with staff for detailed discussion.

Superintendent Hess and Brett provided the first draft of the budget to the board and suggested board members review it individually with staff to avoid quorum issues. The budget will be discussed in detail at upcoming meetings.
Policy on Attorney Usage (02:17:28)
The board debated a policy on who is authorized to contact the township attorney, focusing on elected officials and staff procedures.

There was discussion about a previously failed motion regarding the policy on attorney usage. The board reiterated the importance of having clear guidelines on who can contact the attorney, ensuring elected officials have direct access while staff must go through supervisors. The meeting ended without a new motion being passed.
Discussion on Legal Counsel Usage and Policy (02:23:52)
Board members discuss the usage and expenses of legal counsel, the need for policy clarification, and past decisions affecting the budget.

Board members express concerns over the high legal expenses incurred due to consultations without full board knowledge. The discussion covers the history of the issue, the need for a clear policy to regulate attorney consultations, and the actions taken by the superintendent and attorney to draft a new policy. The board debates the differences between the current policy draft and a previous motion, with some members expressing dissatisfaction with the policy's complexity.
Motion to Accept Attorney Policy (02:39:04)
A motion is made to accept the new attorney policy, which is passed by a narrow vote of 4-3.

Trustee Pratt makes a motion for the board to accept the policy on attorney usage created by Attorney Thaul and Superintendent Hess. The motion is seconded by Clerk Boche. The board conducts a roll call vote, resulting in the motion passing with four votes in favor and three against.
Public Comment (02:40:36)
Citizens express concerns about secret meetings, attorney usage, and board accountability, calling for transparency and potential recalls.

Several citizens voice their concerns during the public comment period. They criticize the board for holding secret meetings and question the frequent use of legal counsel by certain board members. Citizens demand more transparency and accountability from the board, suggesting that some members should be recalled due to perceived backstabbing and lack of integrity.
Board Members' Comments (02:47:57)
Board members briefly provide their closing comments, with most opting not to add further remarks.

During the board members' comments section, most members state they have no additional comments. Treasurer Bloomfield mentions an open public hearing for an ordinance by the planning commission. The meeting concludes with members thanking each other for a good meeting.

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