Comstock Township - March 17, 2025 Township Board Meeting

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Comstock Township - March 17, 2025 Township Board Meeting

Updated about 4 hours ago

The Board considers a budget adjustment for the deputy supervisor, plans for implementing early voting in compliance with Proposal 2, and public comments regarding the conduct of Trustee Cherry and other board members. Public safety issues related to a proposed battery storage facility near schools and the environmental impact of PFAS contamination are also discussed. The meeting includes approvals of appointments to the Planning Commission and discussions on cemetery maintenance contracts.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:42)
The meeting was called to order, and attendees were asked to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

The chairperson called the meeting to order and requested everyone to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, marking the official start of the meeting.
Approval of Agenda and Minutes (00:01:11)
Corrections and additions to the agenda were discussed, including a motion to change the agenda.

The meeting proceeded with a call for approval or corrections to the agenda. There was a request to change the agenda by pulling a budget adjustment from the consent agenda and adding it under the supervisor's section.
Public Comments (00:03:33)
Citizens expressed various concerns, including apologies, leadership issues, and community grievances.

Numerous citizens took the floor to express their concerns, including apologies for past mistakes, criticisms of leadership, and concerns about community issues such as environmental hazards and public safety.
Department Announcements (00:24:34)
Commissioner Gissler discussed parking issues, upcoming changes, and airport occupancy statistics.

Commissioner Gissler provided updates on parking challenges near the county building, upcoming changes to traffic patterns, and airport occupancy statistics. These issues are expected to impact the community significantly.
Approval of Consent Agenda (00:28:51)
The consent agenda was approved with amendments, as presented and amended.

A motion was made and seconded to approve the consent agenda with the previously discussed amendments. The motion passed with all in favor.
Fire Engine Lease Agreement (00:29:19)
Discussion on leasing a fire engine due to recent equipment loss, with a potential six-month lease.

Superintendent Scott discussed the need to lease a fire engine following the loss and damage of fire trucks. A lease agreement with Parchment was proposed, with a potential duration of up to six months, and a motion for approval was made.
Second Reading of Renewable Energy Zoning Ordinance Moratorium (00:31:53)
Discussion on the second reading of the zoning ordinance moratorium for renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, with clarification on eligibility for intervention funds.

Charlie Kaufman spoke about the second reading of the renewable energy zoning ordinance moratorium. He clarified previous statements about eligibility for intervention funds during a moratorium and discussed the legal aspects of the ordinance. The board was considering whether to pass the second reading, which would make the moratorium effective after publication.
Motion to Approve Second Reading of Zoning Ordinance Moratorium (00:35:00)
Board members made a motion and voted to approve the second reading of the renewable energy zoning ordinance moratorium.

A motion was made by Clerk Boche and supported by Trustee Amos to approve the second reading of the renewable energy zoning ordinance moratorium. A roll call vote was conducted, and the motion was carried unanimously.
Resolution to Thank Oshtemo Township (00:36:42)
A resolution was proposed to thank Oshtemo Township for the use of their fire engine while the local one was under repair.

The board discussed a resolution to thank Oshtemo Township for allowing the use of their fire engine. If approved, the resolution would be printed and presented by the fire chief. A motion was made and carried unanimously to approve the resolution.
Election Worker Pay Structure Change (00:38:38)
Proposal to change the pay structure for election workers from per day to per hour to accommodate new sick pay laws.

A discussion was held about changing the election worker pay structure from per day to per hour. This change is in response to new sick pay laws and aims to ensure fair compensation for hours worked. A motion was made to approve the pay structure change, and it passed unanimously.
Discussion on Early Voting and Proposal 2 (00:38:57)
Presentation on Proposal 2, which allows early voting in Michigan, and the exploration of agreements for implementing early voting.

The board discussed Proposal 2, which provides Michigan voters the right to vote early in person for nine consecutive days before state and federal elections. The board is considering entering agreements with the county or neighboring jurisdictions to implement early voting. Input from the public and board members was sought, and a cost analysis will be presented at a future meeting.
Appointments to Planning Commission (00:42:27)
The board made appointments to the Planning Commission, confirming Amber Lawrence and Joseph Weintraub.

Supervisor Martin made motions to appoint Amber Lawrence and Joseph Weintraub to the Planning Commission. Both candidates spoke about their qualifications and intentions. The board conducted roll call votes, and both appointments were approved unanimously.
PFAS Water Testing Update (00:49:19)
Update on PFAS water testing results, with some wells testing above Michigan drinking water standards, and plans for further testing.

The board received an update on PFAS water testing, with two wells testing above the state standards. There are no specific standards for private wells, but further testing and resident notifications are planned. The board discussed the need for ongoing monitoring and engagement with affected residents.
Budget Adjustment for Deputy Supervisor (00:51:07)
A budget adjustment was proposed to align the deputy supervisor's salary with other deputies, and a motion was passed to approve it.

A proposal was made to adjust the budget to increase the deputy supervisor's salary to match that of other deputies. The board discussed the adjustment, made a motion to approve it, and the motion passed unanimously.
Cemetery Lawn Care Bid Approval (00:52:08)
The board reviewed bids for cemetery lawn care and approved the continuation of services with CD Lawn Care.

Superintendent Hess presented bids for cemetery lawn care services. CD Lawn Care, the current provider, was recommended and praised for their quality work. A motion was made to accept their bid, which passed unanimously.
Superintendent's Report (00:56:02)
Superintendent Hess provided updates on various topics, including ordinance officer interviews and park restoration projects.

Superintendent Hess reported on the progress of interviews for ordinance officers, the closure of the old township hall, restoration at Merrill Park, and the construction at Neil Street Park. Updates on dumping issues and road project approvals were also provided.
Public Comments (00:59:05)
Citizens made comments regarding various topics, including renewable energy, lawn care contracts, and meeting accessibility.

During the public comment section, citizens expressed their opinions on the renewable energy ordinance, concerns about the cemetery lawn care provider, and suggestions for broadcasting meetings on Facebook Live for better accessibility. The board listened to the comments without discussion.
Public Comments on Early Voting (01:05:33)
Public comments focused on early voting overflow, traffic issues, and poll worker challenges at the Douglas Center and other locations.

A citizen named Jill provided comments on the early voting process, indicating that there was an overflow of voters at certain locations, including the Expo Center and Portage, which caused traffic issues and parking problems. She suggested that additional polling locations be considered to alleviate the burden on poll workers, who were overwhelmed and did not have time for breaks.
Public Comments on Battery Storage Unit (01:07:13)
Citizens expressed concerns about communication and involvement with battery storage unit stakeholders, urging board members to handle discussions exclusively.

Tammy Keeler, a citizen, expressed her opinion that only board members should be involved in discussions with the battery storage unit stakeholders, as there have been reports of external communications that might not be appropriate. She urged the board to maintain control over these interactions.
Public Comments on Lawn Care Bids and Cemetery Maintenance (01:07:55)
Discussion on lawn care bids, contractor responsibility, and community respect regarding cemetery maintenance and previous incidents.

A citizen discussed the lawn care bids and the responsibilities of CD, a contracted lawn care service, regarding cemetery maintenance. The citizen shared a personal experience where CD resolved an issue with a damaged headstone promptly and emphasized the importance of respect in community discussions. He also addressed past disrespectful comments at meetings and hoped for more respectful dialogue moving forward.
Citizen Comments and Acknowledgements (01:09:21)
Citizens thanked board members for their service, encouraged more community involvement, and clarified past cemetery cleanup activities.

A citizen thanked the board members for their dedication and service, highlighting the efforts required to run for public office. The citizen also clarified past cemetery cleanup activities, explaining that CD Lawn Maintenance had not been responsible for removing personal belongings and had acted respectfully in uncovering and restoring tombstones.
Board Member Comments on Moratorium Committee and Renewable Energy Academy (01:11:00)
Board members discussed the moratorium committee's goals, upcoming meetings, and educational initiatives with the Renewable Energy Academy.

Board members provided updates on the moratorium committee, detailing plans for goal setting and upcoming meetings. They discussed the inclusion of educational components in future meetings, such as presentations from the Renewable Energy Academy, to enhance understanding of relevant topics. The committee, consisting of board members and planning commission members, aims to set clear objectives and engage with experts to inform decision-making.
Adjournment (01:13:56)
The meeting was formally adjourned after all agenda items were discussed and comments were made.

The meeting was adjourned following the completion of all discussions and comments. Board members thanked participants and reiterated the importance of continued engagement and respect in future meetings.

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Comstock Township - Zoning Board of Appeals - February 25, 2025 Meeting

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Comstock Township - Township Board - February 24, 2025 Meeting

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Comstock Township - Planning Commission - February 13, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

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Comstock Township - Parks and Recreation - February 10, 2025 Meeting

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Comstock Charter Township - February 4, 2025 Comstock Charter Township Special Meeting

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Comstock Township - February 3, 2025 Township Board Meeting

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Comstock Township - Planning Commission - January 23, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

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Comstock Township - January 22, 2025 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

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Comstock Township - January 22, 2025 Downtown Development Authority Meeting

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Comstock Charter Township - January 16, 2025 Comstock Charter Township Board Special Meeting

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Comstock Charter Township - January 13, 2025 Comstock Charter Township Parks & Recreation Board

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Comstock Township - Planning Commission - January 9, 2025 Planning Commission Meeting

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Comstock Charter Township - January 8, 2025 Comstock Charter Township Downtown Development Authority

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Comstock Township - January 6, 2025 Township Board

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Comstock Charter Township - December 17, 2024 Comstock Charter Township Zoning Board of Appeals

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Comstock Township - Township Board - December 16, 2024 Meeting

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Comstock Township - Township Board - December 16, 2024 Meeting

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Comstock Township - December 12, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting

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Comstock Township - November 26, 2024 Zoning Board of Appeals

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