Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

WESTALKE/PRAIRIEVIEW NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL #10 Meeting Minutes November 24 , 2014 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 7:03pm Invocation: A moment of silence was observed. Attendance: Members: Chairman: Jeff Koteles, Vice Chair: David Weaver, Secretary: Linda Patenaude, Tom Rose, Karol Henegar, Diana Cole, Gary Dodd Commissioneer Jeff Domenico Guests: Mayor Deborah Owens City staff: Officer Mark Tillman and Marcie Gillette Chair Notes/Correspondence/Announcements: Jeff said there will be a meeting for all NPC’’s. He will attend to help set up some policies for NPC’s. The Dec 19th zoning meeting is cancelled Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: none Minutes: Minutes were unanimously approved after a motion by Dave Weaver and seconded by Jeff Domenico. They were unanimously approved. Police Report: Officer Tillman said there was a decrease in B&E’s in our area. He reminded residents to call the police if you see strangers in your neighborhood. He also reminded us to break down large appliance/tv/gift boxes before putting them on the curb for garbage. Robbers will see them and target your home for burglary. Public Service Announcements from Commissioners: Mayor Owen shared that she is working hard on communication and is establishing a mayor’s report on the website, will hold office hours at city hall and will begin bi-monthly coffee hours to talk with residents. She is also working with a youth advisory board. The city is working with the new CEO of BCU on economic development. They are working with the state development arm “Southwest Michigan First”. The city is reviewing process’s for business to function in the city. They want to make us a “business friendly” community to draw more businesses here. With the closing of Skyline drive there will be 2 round abouts put on Columbia and I-94. Commissioner Domenico feels that with the new mayor and city manager we will have a positive and productive future. He also shared that he followed up on our council’s questions regarding our city manager’s continued teaching at Western. She will not be teaching new classes, just finished her previous commitment. Committee Reports:. a. Membership: Always looking. Possible representatives from businesses in area and schools. b. Beautiful Battle Creek Award-. None this month again. c. Neighborhood Planning: none affecting our area d. Woodland Park none City Staff Report: Code reports were provided. Marcie shared the priorities of snow removal in the city. 1) School zone areas where children walk to school, priority given to sidewalks ½ mile away from schools. 2) Public transportation routes (bus stops) 3) Business corridors-commercial property. The city does not try to be punitive and does it’s best to allow people time to get the snow removed. Old Business: none New Business: Current officers will serve again at the pleasure of the membership. Linda will talk with members to see if there is any interest in serving as an officer. Special Presentation: Dave Tannis, Community Wellness Activities Director of the YMCA. He is new to the community and wants to make some big changes in the way the Y interacts with the community, He is always available for talking with residents and welcomes your opinions on what you’d like to see. He wants to implement bringing some programs to the neighborhoods. He plans to keep the great things that are working like the turkey trot and lake swim. Comments for the Good of the Order: • Jeff wished everyone happy holidays • Linda said she attended the fly quiet meeting at the airport. Tenants at the airport seem really interested in participating in making the airport a good neighbor by keeping the noise down. Another meeting will follow. • Gary Dodd asked about safety and studies on round-abouts. Adjournment: 8:20pm Next Meeting: January 26 , 2015 Submitted by Linda Patenaude Members who will not able to attend our meeting for an excused absence, please call Linda @ 269-962-8514