Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

NORTHCENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL #2 Meeting Minutes – Monday, October 14, 2013 – Neighborhoods, Inc. 1. Call to Order & Welcome: The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. by S. Gray, Chair. 2. Attendance, Members Present: Samuel Gray, Kitty Hillian, William Phillips (NIBC), Scott Hutchings (FHC), Jeffrey Dinkins, Lynn Ward Gray, Cal Thompson, Karen Lynn Todd, Fredrico Porter, Geraldine King; Absent: Pastor Keith McDonald, Steve Lee, Sheryl McDonald; Members Excused Absence: Pastor Joe Hooper, Tammie Porter, Betty Settles, Dorothy Young; Guests: Coby Fletcher (Battle Creek Public Schools), Samantha Pearl,(Community Health Care Connections), Officer Chad Francisco (Battle Creek Police Department), Chris Lussier (City of Battle Creek, Community Development), Deborah Bonds A quorum was present. 3. Approval of Minutes: Motion to approve the September 9, 2013 meeting minutes was made by Lynn Ward Gray. The motion was seconded by Fredrico Porter. Motion Carried. 4. Correspondences & Announcements: Sam Gray distributed a letter from NIBC along with a power point presentation from Samantha Pearl (Community Health Care Connections). Announcements: Sam Gray reported a few of the City Commission candidates would have attended the NPC #2; however, they were attending the NPC #5, Urbandale Planning Council for a candidate forum. Another opportunity for a candidate forum is scheduled October 22, 2013 at 6:30 pm, the Burnham Brook Community Center. The Calhoun County Tea Party forum is scheduled October 24, 2013, at 6:30 pm, Burnham Brook Community Center – get to know your candidates. Sam Gray also reported about the NAACP Freedom Fund dinner on October 25, at 6:00 pm., Holiday Inn Harper Village. There is a fashion Show/talent event scheduled at W.K. Auditorium on November 30, at 5:30 pm. Sam Gray thanked Karen Lynn Todd (Battle Creek Enquirer) for the article regarding the Irving Park neighborhood clean‐up; which was sponsored by ACO. Sam Gray also handed out a letter from NIBC regarding the taping of the NPC #2 meeting, which will allow a more accurate script of the meeting minutes as NIBC is the backup for meeting minutes. 5. Committee & City Staff Reports: a. Police Department – Officer Chad Francisco introduced himself as there were new faces at the meeting, he passed out the neighborhood report. Chad reported he has been off the “road” (for six months) due to shoulder surgery. He thanked AJ Jones for the tremendous work in the neighborhood, as “peace” has been brought back into the neighborhood; a lot less nuisances’ issues. There was discussion regarding the various changes within the Battle Creek Police Department and who will be assigned to patrol NPC #2, as the  neighborhood has shown improvement. For example, Claude Evans Park has been drama‐ free, plus there were children playing at the park. Chad reported there are officers on the force who have had less than a year’s experience who will be patrolling the neighborhood. Residents at 69 Hanover, have been very active in the neighborhood, participating in neighborhood clean‐up as well as being aware of their surroundings. Sam Gray reported the house across the street from 69 Hanover, has accumulated trash, which is causing an eye sore in the neighborhood. b. Neighborhood Services – Chris Lussier would entertain any questions or concerns anyone may have. Jeffrey Dinkins placed a call to the Neighborhood Services regarding a vacant home next to her as it has accumulated: a truck, trash, and shingles. The home has been vacant for over a year. There has been an issue regarding the weeds on Meadowlawn. Chris reported Sheri Cunningham, deals with “weed,” issues, and will make sure she is aware of the issue on Gordon Street. c. Beautiful Battle Creek Award Nominations – N/A d. Membership – N/A e. Nominating Committee – Lynn Ward Gray reported the members of the nominating committee: Lynn Ward Gray, Jeffrey Dinkins, Kitty Hillian, voting next month. Please contact a committee member if interested in an officer position. There is no meeting in December and officers serve for the calendar year. City/County Commissioner(s) – Lynn Ward Gray reported, NPC #2, precinct 12 & 21 are now combined starting with the November 5, 2013 election at Second Baptist, same location. At the next City Commission meeting Tuesday, October 15, the following will be on the agenda: To appoint Jill Steele the new City Attorney; The Battle Creek Transit’s Express Bus, Circular Bus and Night Van’s future is unknown at this time due to a reduction in the federal funding. Public comments regarding this service are requested through October 22, 2013. A public hearing will be held for a tax exemption certificate to DENSO. Another topic that is coming up for the city commission is regarding food trucks ‐ should they be allowed within the Central Business District and a group of Battle Creek Fire Fighters are suing the city for back pay. f. Battle Creek Public Schools – There is a concern for low enrollment at the Battle Creek Public Schools. Residents believe children are leaving the district for school of choice, also there some members felt a negative perception regarding the Battle Creek Public Schools still exists. There was discussion regarding the decline in enrollment as well as trying to change the perception in the community. There was discussion regarding the importance of customer service at the school level. Individuals believe initial contact with students may assist in student achievement. There are no quick solutions to the issues that the Battle Creek Public Schools are currently facing. There needs to be a serious effort, which is deep rooted in raising the student achievement, quality of education, and publicizing those efforts needs to increase. Coby Fletcher, Battle Creek Central Principal has made a considerable effort to be more visible to the student body. NPC #2 is requesting a BCPS representative to attend their monthly meetings in order to give residents and local  leadership updates on the school district. Mr. Fletcher is responsible for setting the schedule of BCPS representation at NPC 2 meetings and has already supplied that list through the end of the school year. 6. Presentation: Samantha Pearl, Community HealthCare Connections, presented information regarding the Affordable Healthcare Act. Community HealthCare Connections is a nonprofit operating as the Nursing Clinic. They also have a mobile clinic available to the community as well. There is a common understanding amongst our residents; how will it affect our community. There are good things that are coming regarding the health care act as well as problems. There are consequences our community may experience ‐ directly or indirectly. There are over 6,000 residents who have access to full medical benefits. The Affordable Healthcare Act will allow more people to have access to insurance. It will cover more services as well as covering children up to the age of 26. Individuals have a couple of choices to learn more about the Affordable Healthcare Act: the website: healthcare.gov or contact Summit Pointe, who is the “Lead Navigator” for Calhoun County. All personal inquires need to addressed online. Small businesses and non‐profits will be refunded 35% of the medical coverage. The deadline for enrollment is December 15, 2013. 7. Old Businesses: Sam Gray reported follow‐up was sent to support City regarding the acquisition of the property 453 N Washington, Second Baptist Church. 8. New Business: N/A Public Comments/Member Comments: Lynn Ward Gray reported a community advocate, Jim Hazel, Jr. passed away. We are asking residents to where blue ribbons and place blue bows around the community in order to show support to Jim Hazel. Election time, Lynn Ward Gray passed out flyers for re‐election. City Commission meeting is tomorrow. Lynn Ward Gray reminded the group of the meeting date change for the November meeting is Nov. 12 and begins at 7:30 p.m. with the organizational meeting. Fredrico Porter inquired how and who determines resurfacing the roads within the City of Battle Creek. 9. Next Meeting: Monday, November 18, 2013, 7:00 pm at Neighborhoods, Inc. of Battle Creek, 47 Washington Avenue North. 10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 pm. NPC2 Mission: To improve the quality of life by listening and engaging residents. NPC2 Vision: A safe, friendly, family‐driven neighborhood where everyone wants to live. The City of Battle Creek will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered in the meeting upon reasonable notice to the City of Battle Creek. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Battle Creek by writing or calling the following: City Clerk Office at (269) 966‐3348/TDD.