Charter Township of Commerce

The meeting agenda was approved, followed by a review of correspondence concerning the placement of Cozier chairs. The Financial Report for the period ending August 31, 2025, was reviewed, showing 62.47% of the budget spent. The Director's Report detailed circulation statistics, noting a year-to-date decrease in physical circulation but an increase in digital circulation via Overdrive (Libby App). Program highlights included positive patron feedback on events like the Sea Shanty Sing-a-long and the Lavender Sachets and Mocktails program. Personnel updates included anniversaries, new hires, a departure, and professional development. The Summer Reading Program Recap indicated 1,477 patrons signed up, with 64% active participation, and $657 was raised for Feral Kitty Trappers TNR charity. Old Business included revising the 2026 Holiday Closing schedule to incorporate Early Voting and adopting the final Meeting Room Policy, effective January 1, 2026. New Business briefly touched upon the need for an Appeal Policy. Supervisor Gray provided remarks from the Township Board of Trustees meeting on September 9, 2025, noting approvals for the 2026 Fire & Rescue and Police Protection SADs, awarding the water system agreement to F&V saving $600,000 annually, and the presentation of the Flock Camera program. The Board recommended approval of the revised 2026 Holiday Closings schedule to the Township Board of Trustees.

The meeting agenda was approved, and the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting were approved. Correspondence included patron comments regarding the waiver of late fees and praise for library programs. The Financial Report for the period ending November 30, 2025, was reviewed, showing 82.94% of the budget spent. The Director's Report provided circulation statistics for September and October 2025, noting comparisons between physical and digital usage. Program highlights included Fall Storytime sessions, a Tea and Murder Book Club, a CPR class, an Ikebana flower arranging workshop, a local history walk, a Homeschool Meetup, a Halloween Costume Swap, a Tarot Card Workshop, and a special visit from PAWS, the Detroit Tigers mascot. The Library noted the closure of vendor Baker and Taylor and the transition to Ingram Library Services. Old Business included the review of the 2026 Approved Budget. New Business involved the approval of the 2026 Furniture Purchase Request for a nonfiction lounge and display updates, and the approval of the 2025 Envisionware purchase for three new self-check machines. The Board also discussed a request to require cardholder status for program registrations in 2026, which will be trialed.

The Planning Commission meeting addressed several key areas including agenda and previous minutes approval. Updates from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) covered the 5 & Main project negotiations for a gourmet market and extension of an option for a library parcel, and the approval of the 2026 DDA budget. Updates from the Township Board included cost-saving measures by moving wastewater treatment plant management from the County to a local contractor, amendments to the massage parlor ordinance to address illicit activities, approval of a Brownfield Plan for The Springs at 5 & Main, and the ongoing 2026 budget process. Public discussion focused on resident concerns regarding development density, traffic impact near Commerce and Carey Roads, and road expansion limitations. A detailed discussion ensued regarding private deed restrictions versus Township Ordinance enforcement concerning building setbacks and lake views for a property on Seager Street. The Commission conducted a public hearing and recommended revisions to a Text Amendment for Zoning Ordinance Sec. 26.505.F regarding noise and vibration standards, specifically advocating for removing the 30-minute continuous noise definition and establishing specific generator restrictions for construction sites. New business involved reviewing the site plan for The Enclave at Stillwater, a PUD condominium proposal for 90 single-family dwellings, including detailed discussions on lot sizes, preservation of natural spaces, access points, and architectural guidelines.

The meeting included public comments regarding noise levels from W-Industries and concerns about language for lakefront setbacks. A public hearing was held for the 2026 Township Budget, followed by the budget approval, including setting Elected Officials' Wages, approving Trustee pay, and adopting the MALT Budget. The budget was approved with increases for financial sessions participation and a parking lot replacement at Fire Station #2. The Consent Agenda items, including 2026 meeting schedules and budget amendments, were approved. Purchasing items included approving furniture and self-check machine replacements for the Library. Old Business involved approving the Master Services Agreement with Flock Group, Inc. New Business covered the Sidewalk Repair Program, where approval was granted to send notices to property owners; an extension of the contract with Plante Moran for three years; approval of a Contract for Services with Lakes Area Youth Assistance; and a conditional approval for the Wixom/Sieeth Project contingent on Milford Township's participation. Expenditures related to Water and Sewer Operations Transition, including purchasing meter readers and authorizing generator rentals, were also approved. Other matters included discussions on SAD voting/billing, recognizing Fire Chief Dundas for improved emergency response times, a request for an actuarial analysis, and discussions on business lighting ordinances and reviewing the Ordinance Manager title.

The meeting included discussions on an inquiry regarding unidentified construction north of Pontiac Trail on Haggerty Road, which the Chair authorized staff to investigate. An update was provided by the OCSO regarding a recent homicide at Prime 7 restaurant, noting the suspect is in custody and the motive is believed to be related to a financial disagreement. The DDA held its informational meeting, where the Insite Report detailed progress on 5&Main development, including draft purchase agreement for the gourmet market and discussions concerning Parcel F and Parcel J1, which includes developing a conceptual site plan showing a potential drive-through use. The Asset & Liability Report indicated balanced financials with a specific note on funds reserved for the Commerce Towne Place (CTP) Pathway Construction. The Attorney's Report focused on the Phase II option expiration, emphasizing that any extension is contingent upon finalizing the carving out of Pad A, obtaining necessary CC&Rs, and securing easement agreements. A temporary extension for the Phase II option was approved until February 18, 2026. The Director's Report provided updates on various developments including 5&Main construction status, leasing updates for Springs at 5&Main, and progress on the Dart Federal Credit Union construction start. Other matters included a detailed discussion on the planned Pathway Connection project funded partly by developer contributions and earmarked DDA funds, involving connecting existing CTP pathways to the sidewalk along LaFontaine property frontage.