Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

POST/FRANKLIN NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL Thursday, May 3, 2012 CAA Board Room 175 Main St. 7:00 p.m. The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the CAA Board Room. ATTENDANCE: Members Present: Cynthia Fritz, Katie Hubbard, Gilbert Ortiz, Deborah Perkins, Diana Quiqq, Pat Shellenberger and James Moreno. Members Excused: Linda Carmona, John Cash, John Kenefick and Eliose Fogg. Guests and Visitors: Commissioner Lynn Ward, BC Police Ofc. Tanya Wilt, Susan Bedsole Battle Creek City, Marilyn Smolsky, and Sandy Huntington ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA: No additions or deletions to Agenda, Motion to approve made by Pat Shellenberger. and seconded by Diana Q. Motion approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: A motion to approve Apr minutes was made by Diana Q. and seconded by Gilbert O. – motion approved. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Hazardous Waste disposal at KCC was successful and the county will hold more through-out the summer and fall, watch the paper for dates and times. Spring Clean-Up is May 7-12; you may place items at the curb with your normal garbage. Street Court Mtg. will be May 7th, at the 1st Congregation Church at 7:00 p.m. COMMITTEE AND STAFF REPORTS: Police: Police officer was present, Monthly STAT report was distributed to all. It was reported that the Assaults/Larcenies and B/E’s were about same as last month. Please be vigilant as they seem to be crimes of convenience. Report suspicious activity – call 911. Front yard parking and blocking of sidewalk need to be reported by calling 911. Issues submitted: 15 Cliff St. – front yard parking 120 Highway – Parking across the sidewalk. 106 Academy – continuous problems exist – Abandon house is open – teens have been seen coming and going – possible vandalism. (Susan reported that the city continues to secure the property) Questions about curfews and loud noise were discussed. If you suspect either call 911 to report disturbance. Code: Appointed Code Rep. was not present. Susan Bedsole, Compliance Dept. Manager(guest speaker) answered our concerns. Code STATs were distributed. Fire Stats were added to the report. Weed complaints have started. Code sends notice to comply and they have 10 days to comply, if not, the city sends out the mower and they are fined. It was reported that the city has 473 vacant lots and mowing this year will take longer and occur less frequently. The following was reported: the first two properties generated considerable discussion amongst the council and Susan Bedsole. Susan shared that judge’s play a significant role in the outcome of code matters that are brought before them. 118 Highway – vacant and abandoned property, driveway is being used by neighbors at 120 Highway to store trash, and debris. This has created numerous code issues and concerns. 120 Highway – numerous complaints – excessive junk/garbage in front/side/back yards – deplorable condition in backyard where dog is kept. Backyard is full of dog feces. 42 Willow - burn out needs to be resecured – front door and window are unsecured; this is a hazardous situation considering proximity of Franklin Elementary. 457 Main - check to see if the zoning is correct for this residence – is it R1, R2 or R3? Planning: None Beautiful Battle Creek Award: The following property was presented for a BBC award 177 Cliff St. A motion was made by Pat S. and seconded by Diana. Motion passed and addresses will be sent forward. Membership: We welcomed our visitors and invited them to become members. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: Comm. Gray shared with us the upcoming City Comm. Agenda. She reported that the Budget Mgt. will be May 7, at 6 p.m. and that the city has about $275,000 shortfall. Concern on the personal property tax elimination and how it affects the city budget is a concern. She announced the Franklin Fun Fest will be held May 24 from 5-7 at Franklin School. Battle Creek Public Schools: No representation. Dr. Hicks will be guest speaker at our Jun Mtg. OLD BUSINESS: We will be discussing the data collection for our property survey at our next meeting. Survey documentation will be sent out in minutes. NEW BUSINESS: Susan Bedsole reported that the new initiative she wanted to put in place did not come to fruition. She reported that the City could help us with updating our property survey with maps, data, etc. A silent issue that could help us identify areas that are in need is to project out the tax foreclosures within our area. The average house sold in the BCPS district for $67,000, 8 yrs ago. Today's average home sale is $21,000; information was based upon local relator’s data given to Commissioner Gray. Remember: Dr Hicks, BCPS Superintendent, will be in attendance at our June meeting. MEMBER COMMENTS: It was reported that the Community Garden at the old tennis courts by Post, is being headed up by the Post Foundation. They are in need of neighbors helping with this initiative. Public COMMENTS: None. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Next Meeting is Jun 7, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by, Cindy Fritz, Recording Secretary