Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

WESTALKE/PRAIRIEVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL #10 Meeting Minutes July 22, 2013 The meeting was held at First Assembly of God Church, 800 S. 24th Street, Battle Creek Michigan Call to Order & Welcome Chair, Jeff Koteles called the meeting to order at 7:04pm MaryLou Ramon led the invocation. Attendance: Members: Chairman: Jeff Koteles, Secretary: Linda Patenaude, Vice Chair: David Weaver, Diana Cole, Julie Davis, Tom Frame, Joyce Garrett, Commissioner Jeff Domenico and Mary Lou Ramon Guests: Mayor Susan Baldwin, Jim Baldwin, Kevin Kline, Dan Ryan, Hal Longman, Ted Headdings, Gloria Hand, Robin Lester, and Sharon Newell City staff: Marcie Gillette and Sergeant Todd Elliott Chair Notes/Correspondence/Announcements: Additions or Deletions to Agenda: Carroll Development was added to old business on changes to their development of Keystone Lake Rentals. Minutes: Mary Lou Ramon motioned to approve June 2013 minutes with support from David Weaver. "and Jim Ritsema" needed to be removed from the minutes under Public Service Announcements from Commissioners, paragraph 2, under Commissioner Ramon's comments. Minutes were unanimously approved with the change Cheryl Beard and Jim Ritsema of BCU were was not cooperative in providing her that information. Police Report: Sergeant Todd Elliot passed out reports. Officer Winer was unable to attend as he was on a call. Officer staffing is 17 positions down, but they do have 3 in training now. The city is in talks with the city of Springfield to provide police services to them. 24th Street speeding traffic is ongoing. The ongoing dispute on Woodrow with neighbors is still going on. They are shooting fireworks off at all hours. The officer said that they had to be physically present to see fireworks to charge them with disorderly conduct. Normally, fireworks are not on a priority list to get an officer to the scene. The officers are still aware of the situation on Woodrow. Once items are sent to the prosecutor it is out of the officers hands. Public Service Announcements from Commissioners: Mayor Susan Baldwin shared: • The city is working with a developer from Grand Rapids on improving the Heritage Tower in downtown. • The city is working on a new process for sewer sludge. • Lots of road work continues and water valves are being replaced. The bridge on Capital Avenue will be closed for 6 weeks. • Economic investment in Battle Creek has been really good, especially compared to the state. • She will be running again as an at large commissioner. Commissioner Domenico thanked the Fire Department for their community friendly presence. Commissioner Ramon shared the collection box issues in our city would be coming up on the commission's agenda. The Columbia Avenue BID is still on hold. Surveys are being sent out to property owners to see if they want it to continue. Difficultly in making left hand turns onto Columbia Avenue was discussed. a. Membership : Linda Patenaude said we are still looking for new members. b. Beautiful Battle Creek Award‐ The Kline residence at 71 Sunnyside and the Salinas at 222 S. 22nd St. c. Neighborhood Planning‐ Nothing planned again. Keystone Development will be on in August. d. Woodland Park‐ Joyce Garrett reported that youth and search and rescue groups are using the park. A park meeting will be held on July 24th. The QR code is up and running great for the trail guide. They are working with a sign company for trail signs that are being named. City Staff Report: Marcie Gillette handed out code reports. Lakeshore and Charles E place has a huge branch in their yard. Joyce asked when her road, Devonshire, was going to be resurfaced. Pool regulations are being enforced. Swimming pools need to be fenced in and if they have a pump they need an electrical inspection from the city. Pools cannot be placed in front yards and require permits if over 3 ft high. Old Business: Kevin Kline, presented a new drawing with some modifications to the plan he showed us before of Keystone lake property. It creates a bigger green space by eliminating a second entrance/exit. It eliminated a garage and moved a building. Now the plan has a hammer head turnaround. Jeff Domenico thanked him for presenting his plan and using our concerns to modify it. Kline Kline has attended for many months now and is interested in being a member. MaryLou Ramon nominated him with support from David Weaver and he was unanimously approved. His address is 71 Sunnyside Drive. New Business Program: Dan Ryan ,Chief Information Officer for the city of Battle Creek, shared his work and money saving projects. Comments for the Good of the Order: Public Comments: • Members of the Lakeview Baptist Church introduced themselves and shared that they are doing outreach in their community and let us know that they are our neighbors and willing to partner with us. • The problem with neighbors on Woodrow has going on for years and it is a disgrace that it can't be stopped. Hopefully the new prosecutor can make a difference. Anti‐bullying is being discussed at the city commission. Member Comments: • Diana Cole reported that after a trip to Europe there are many churches whose congregations are low. • Mary Lou Ramon spoke about door to door salespeople for cable services and cautioned about letting them in your home. Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:42pm Next Meeting: September 23rd, 2013 Submitted by Secretary, Linda Patenaude Members who will not able to attend our meeting for an excused absence, please call Linda @ 269‐962‐8514