Comstock Township - Township Board - June 15, 2026 Meeting

The Comstock Township Board Meeting addressed several critical issues impacting the township. The board approved a bond resolution for the construction of a new fire station, a decision supported by detailed presentations on the strategic need and financial planning for the project. Additionally, the board voted on the termination of Superintendent Scott Hess, resulting in significant debate regarding the terms and justifications for the decision. Other discussions included the appointment and salary considerations for Deputy Treasurer William Knight and the need for updates to the township's employee manual and procurement policy. Public comments reflected a range of opinions, highlighting concerns about fiscal responsibility and governance. The meeting concluded with board members expressing varied viewpoints on the day's decisions. 00:00:00 Welcome 00:00:10 Pledge of Allegiance 00:00:36 Approval of Agenda 00:01:33 Public Comment: Agenda Items Only 00:11:02 Public Comment: Fire Station Bond 00:33:04 Fire Station Facilities 00:35:09 Community Support and Concerns 00:43:00 Citizen Comments 01:00:00 Commissioner Announcements 01:05:35 Staffing and Facility Issues at Fire Station 01:06:28 Infrastructure Limitations and Expansion Challenges 01:07:03 Fire Station Background and Response to Community Growth 01:08:28 Land Acquisition and Future Development Plans 01:09:58 Apparatus Replacement and Financial Strategy 01:10:49 Future Fire Station and Training Facility Plans 01:12:15 Importance of Response Times and Training 01:13:19 Training Requirements and Current Challenges 01:14:19 Proposed Training Location and Sheriff's Office Collaboration 01:27:01 Design and Health Considerations for New Station 01:32:02 Architectural and Financial Planning for New Station 01:34:42 Public Comments and Board Questions 01:37:00 Discussion on Bond Resolution for Fire Department 01:44:04 Financial Overview of Fire Department Bond 01:50:05 Vote on Bond Resolution Authorization 01:53:23 Approval of Portable Radio Purchase for Fire Department 01:55:04 Hiring of Part-Time On-Call Firefighters 01:57:02 Discussion on Fire Department EMS Service Upgrade 02:10:08 Second Reading of Ordinance on Landscaping 02:12:12 Second Reading of Mobile Vendors Ordinance 02:14:24 Fireworks Sales Ordinance First Reading 02:15:52 Superintendent Contract Release Agreement 02:19:04 Recusal of Trustee Cherry Discussion 02:20:30 Motion for Investigation on Termination for Cause 02:22:24 Settlement Payment Terms for Superintendent Hess 02:39:33 Treasurer's Office Staffing and Transition 02:48:43 Discussion on Township Leadership and Duties Allocation 03:02:04 Employee Manual and Handbook Amendments 03:08:53 McKenna Contractual Services Discussion 03:18:18 Public Comments and Open Discussion 03:19:40 Discussion on Township Financial Issues and Recusals 03:22:00 Concerns Regarding Clerk's Signing Authority and Special Meetings 03:23:00 Allegations of Collusion and Financial Mismanagement 03:25:00 Public Concerns on Transparency and Zoning Issues 03:43:00 Board Member Comments on Township Management and Decisions