Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

Meeting Minutes Minges Brook/Riverside Neighborhood Planning Council (NPC) #11 Central Christian Church - 713 Riverside Drive Battle Creek, MI 49015 Wednesday, September 27, 2017 1. 7:00 PM – Welcome and opening – Randall Champlin called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 2. Attendance sheet: Ann Wyson, Dave Hawks, Don Larder, Helen Larder, Frank Egland, Ken Long, Laura Herzing, Leah Ortiz, Randall Champlin, Talia Champlin, Tim Martinovich, City Rep: Yolanda Johnson, Battle Creek Police Department Rep: Officer Jon Kilbourne, City Commissioners John Godfrey, Mayor Dave Walters, Vice Mayor Susan Baldwin, Dan Boyd, Don Bradstreet, Elizabeth Insley, James Hamlin, Tate Turjillo, Linda Phelps, David Kaynor, Chris Simmons, Rachel Johnson, Fran O’Neil, Jan Frantz, Chevy Rocho and ,Jessica Gilbert from the Humane Society of South Central Michigan, Blake Prewitt Superintendent of Lakeview Schools, 3. Additions or deletions to this agenda: None 4. Approval of the previous month’s meeting’s minutes. John Godfrey moved to approve and Frank Egland supported the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 5. Correspondence sent/received 1. Community Development Department Attending NPC meetings in Oct & Nov. 2. September Zoning Board meeting is cancelled due to no new business. 3. Documents from June 22, 2017 Community engagement workshop 6. City staff reports: City staff reports and Commissioner Comments:  City Commissioners’ reports: Commissioner Godfrey explained how he got on the commission yet again, replacing Mike Sherzer who ended up moving to the Ypsilanti area earlier than he had planned. John is only in the position in September and October until a replacement can be chosen by the voters. He is not running for a commission spot. Vice Mayor Susan Baldwin reported on the importance of finding methods for meeting legacy costs for pensions. The City Manager has appointed a committee to explore and report on possible methods for meeting these costs. A water line caused sediment problems recently, and the city is reviewing maintenance of water and sewer lines. The resurfacing of roads is also ongoing. The Heritage Tower has been an important project of the Economic Development Fund, and the project is now moving forward, as referenced in the newspaper today. In addition, several potential businesses are exploring downtown locations. Mayor Dave Walters added that he is excited to see an emphasis on small business development by the Economic Development Fund. There are 1832 small businesses within the city limits currently, and the group is working to expand this number. Walters said a visiting Japanese dignitary shared his research that Japanese companies employ about 16,000 in Michigan, and 7,000 are right in our Industrial Park. Walters thanked John Godfrey for his willingness to serve again. He alerted us to a potential Goguac Lake assessment for weed control, that would cost lake residents about $36.50 per year. Question regarding the names of incoming  businesses. Mayor Walters explained the necessity for confidentiality of negotiations until agreements are reached.  County Commissioners’ reports: No commissioner in attendance.  Police Department Report: Officer Jon Kilbourne, formerly of Emmett Township, reported that car larcenies are up. Almost without exception, vehicles that are burglarized are unlocked. He encouraged us to lock our car doors and keep outdoor lighting on overnight. Question regarding the impact of a Riverside development on crime in the area. Requested information on prostitution and drugs along the Beckley corridor, and how it might increase with additional commercial development. Comment regarding the necessity of occasional attendance by Chief Blocker at our NPC meeting. Comment regarding the apparent increase of police street patrol. Acknowledgement that police try to increase their presence near schools when students are leaving. Comment that lessened traffic enforcement seems to have resulted in increased speeding in residential neighborhoods. If we will supply the police department with specific locations and times of the day, they may be able to increase surveillance at those places and times. Comment that women are asking for walking partners because they do not feel safe walking alone.  City Representative Report: Yolanda Johnson from the City gave an update on the City of Battle Creek Economic Development Fund’s efforts to support the development of small businesses in Battle Creek. 1700 property surveys have been completed in NPC 11, and many more are to be completed. If there are concerns about specific properties or situations, Yolanda provided a form for reporting. Question regarding what burning is allowed in the city limits. There is a permit required for burning leaves, and the leaves must be in a container. There are fines for violations. Yolanda will check on the reporting requirements and will bring information back to our group. Consistency was suggested for the fire department’s policy so residents know the process for reporting neighborhood burning. 7. Committee reports: 1. Beautiful Battle Creek Award Nominations – Dave Hawks – Ben and Michelle Sprygada, 118 Reyn Circle, Battle Creek, MI 49015. Dave requested all attendees submit suggestions so neighbors can be commended for their work in improving the appearance of our NPC. 2. Neighborhoods and Land Use – John Godfrey – This month’s meeting was cancelled, so no report was given. 3. NPC 11 Programs – Laura Herzing – Laura Herzing moved to modify the November/December to be used as a social gathering where neighbors can get to know each other better. Ann Wyson supported and motion was carried. 8. Old business: None 9. New Business: Monthly informational Program: Chevy Rocho, Kennel Technician & Administrative Assistant, and Jessica Gilbert, Director of the Humane Society of South Central Michigan ( http://www.hsscm.org/ ) gave an update on the organization’s work. The Humane Society has been at the Watkins location for 30 years, and has been serving the area since 1887 in some form. They are a “no kill” facility where no adoptable animal will be euthanized. There are two residents – one dog and one cat – who have been at the facility  for over 3 years. Up to 100 animals per day can be accommodated – 60 cats and 40 dogs - based on financial reality. Animals are tested for temperament so they can be adopted into an appropriate home. The Humane Society works with affiliated organizations to find homes for animals who are not compatible with the Humane Society program. The organization offers training classes at market rates. The Curtis Whitaker Bark Park is offered to the community with the only requirement being an application submitted, along with your pet’s updated vaccination record. The organization needs volunteers and money, as they are funded only by the generosity of the community. Volunteers work to help socialize the animals. You can visit the cats any time, even without training. After a short orientation, you can walk dogs. Attendees were encouraged to visit, or follow the Humane Society on Facebook or Instagram. Jessica reported that the animal control ordinance in Battle Creek has changed. Tethering and housing requirements have been tightened. The new ordinance allows only 3 dogs and 5 cats per property, and beyond that, kennel licensing is required. On Saturday, October 28, 11am, the organization is sponsoring a dog costume competition and trick-or-treating for the kids. Donuts, cider, and picture-taking will be available. Question regarding what we can do about loose animals. We only have 2 animal control officers for the whole city. If an animal control officer is not available, any officer can respond. The Union Street facility gets all the animal control animals. All Species Kinship is a group that goes into neighborhoods to educate owners about the law and the animals’ needs. Under city ordinance, barking cannot become a nuisance. If you want to make an anonymous complaint regarding abuse or neglect, the Humane Society will make the call with you, so your neighbor would not be able to track the complaint to you. Blake Prewitt, Lakeview School Superintendent, reported on the school construction projects. Minges Brook is coming along, and they were the only elementary building that had working air conditioning during the recent hot spell. As with any construction on an older building, there were plenty of surprises and delays. The projects are currently $1.2 Million over budget on Minges and Prairieview. The district has hired Plante Moran Cressa to audit invoices and compare work to original estimates to make sure the district is getting what it pays for in the most cost-effective manner. The overages will require the next two buildings’ projects to be carefully managed to make sure we get all that was promised, within the budget allowed. All the work will get done that was promised, but we will have to be very careful to make sure we do what is best for the kids. District leadership hopes for stable growth so no new buildings will be necessary. Central Christian, Chapel Hill and St. Mark’s are sending backpacks home for children who may not have enough to eat over the weekend. Donations are gratefully accepted for these programs. Blake commented that many kids are “presenting” well, but many children are living in poverty. There is a lot of need. Question regarding safety measures at the Middle School. Bond is providing safety glass, security doors, and a panic button. Safety is enhanced when adults are present, kids are trained to treat each other well, and restorative justice techniques are used to help students, teachers and counselors manage behavioral challenges. Question regarding increasing graduation rate. Our rate is relatively high but could always be better. State curriculum requirements might not meet all kids’ needs; they may be more academically rigorous than some kids can handle. The district is looking for more integrative classes. Question regarding tracking at 8th grade, similar to practices in Germany a few decades ago. Instead, we need to create pathways for kids. Most successful countries do not track. 8th grade is too young to know how each child will “bloom”, so the emphasis is on creating career pathways – prepared to work and/or to go on to college. Question regarding poverty rates in Lakeview School District. Over 50% of students qualify for free and reduced lunch, making them economically disadvantaged. 10. Public comments: Randall invited City Commission candidates to speak.  i. Chris Simmons – 2323 Capital Ave SW – served Ward 1 for 2 terms. He believes he offers a competitive advantage in that he could step back in to a commission position and be productive quickly. His family has 4 small children and could have moved out of Battle Creek, but he loves this city. He wants to serve for his kids, our kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Many people have misconceptions about living in Battle Creek. Because of his government employment, there is no chance he aspires to political office, so he would not leave the commission to run for a partisan office. He is running for Ward 4, Mike Sherzer’s vacated place. ii. Dave Walters – Ward 5 Commissioner and current Mayor – is a lifelong Battle Creek resident, retired from Battle Creek Police, as did his wife. His son currently serves in the department. His dad always said, “Step up or step aside” and he feels that community service is his way of stepping up. In response to recent negative press about Battle Creek, Dave reminded us that stats don’t talk about the people, and there are wonderful people here. He does not want to pretend there aren’t problems, and we have to work together to solve these issues. He hopes he has been representing you well, and would like to continue to serve. iii. Dan Boyd, running for Ward 4, has lived in the community for 17 years, and he is very passionate about social justice. Although he has not had previous experience in an elected office, he is willing to do the best he can. He is a Lakeview grad. He and his wife have two children. He has been a member of Trinity Lutheran for 17 years, and worked with their social justice programs for 15 years. He is president of the Board of Directors for Creating Change, and vice president of the local union to which he belongs. iv. Susan Baldwin has been a commissioner for 14 years. She believes in economic development but feels the City needs to keep a strong focus on neighborhoods. November 7 is the election, and she would appreciate your vote so she can continue the work of the commission. Absentee ballots are available next week. John Godfrey explained that a move is being considered to move to even-year elections, with the upcoming commission to be elected for a 3-year cycle. This could save the city $30,000 in voting costs, and has the potential to increase voter participation, as well. He is also encouraging staggering 4-year terms, so we would could avoid the chance of having a brand new commission, with no commissioner having previous experience. On the Sunday before Halloween, Central Christian Church is holding a Trunk or Treat from 4-6pm. Comment regarding the importance of public awareness regarding pension compensation, and legacy costs. The city has a significant unfunded liability, and we need to be aware of how it will impact other city programs and services in the future. Linda Phelps and Fran O’Neill would like information on how to become voting members of the Neighborhood Planning Council. Randall will submit their names to the City Commission for approval. 11. Member Comments: Several attendees like the new venue, and felt it was a big improvement in access and comfort. Laura Herzing was thanked for facilitating the change. 12. Next Month’s Meeting: 7:00PM Wednesday October 27th, 2017, at Central Christian Church. Program: Update on the Master Plan, Christine Zuzga. 13. Adjournment: There being no further business, Randall Champlin adjourned the meeting at 8:45.