Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

NORTHCENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL #2 Meeting Notes – Monday, October 13, 2014 – Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek 1. Call to Order & Welcome: Sam Gray called the NPC #2 meeting at 7:02 p.m. 2. Attendance, Members Present: Samuel Gray, Kitty Hillian, Pastor Joe Hooper, Jeffrey Dinkins, Bill Phillips (NIBC), Dawn Wilkerson (NIBC), Scott Hutchings (FHC) Absent: Terris Todd, Karen Lynn Todd, Geraldine King, Erin Mapes (Chemical Bank), Cal Thompson, Steve Lee, Fredrico Porter, Tammie Porter, Keith McDonald, Sheryl McDonald; Members Excused Absence: Lynn Ward Gray; Guests: Jeanette Cook (City of Battle Creek), City Commissioner Andy Helmboldt, Officer Chad Francisco (Battle Creek Police Department), Karen Evans (BCPS), Ron Sweet, Byron D. Alexander, Paul Kendrick, Tom Owiti, Jose DeJesus. 3. Approval of Minutes: No quorum. 4. Correspondence (cent/received) & Announcements: Sam Gray reported there is a Calhoun County Candidate Forum scheduled at First United Methodist Church on Monday, October 20, 2014, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Candidates for the 62nd District are Dr. Bizon & City Commissioner Andy Helmboldt. CityLink has a Handymen service available for residents, who may need odd jobs accomplished on their homes. 5. Committee & City Staff Reports: a. Police Department – Officer Chad Francisco provided a report from the new system. The report is for NPC #2 (Northcentral), which also incorporates the time of the incident. Officer Chad Francisco also reported the “speeding” issue in the morning at Ann J. Kellogg School has been addressed. There was an officer patrolling the area by car and Officer Chad Francisco patrolled the area by foot. Also, Officer Chad Francisco has been attending a monthly training: driving skills and policies. Chief Jim Blocker entered into a “trial” period to assist other law enforcement agencies on I-94 between M66 to Helmer Road with drug trafficking. b. Neighborhood Services – Jeanette Cook reported the property surveys are winding down as the weather is turning cooler. The “weed” program is also coming to an end as well. There was discussion regarding the code violations on properties throughout the City. There was a question regarding how much does the City receive from code violations, and Commissioner Andy Helmboldt replied “very little” as majority goes into the court system. Commissioner Andy Helmboldt also reported they are looking at forming an authority for vacant & abandoned properties as an option. c. Beautiful Battle Creek Award Nominations – N/A d. Membership – Sam Gray reported the following individuals have exceeded the number of unattended meetings: Pastor Keith MacDonald, Sheryl MacDonald, Fredrico & Tammy Porter, as well as Cal Thompson. Sam Gray has reached out to Pastor Keith MacDonald with no success; however, Sheryl MacDonald has another obligation, which does not allow her to attend the meeting on the second Monday of the month. We will “table” this discussion for the next month’s meeting. Also, Ron Sweet has shown an interest in becoming a member of the NPC, he has attended two (September & October) of the meetings. e. Nominating Committee – They have not met; however, Lynn Ward Gray will connect with Jeffrey for a contact number, per Sam Gray. The following positions are up for election: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary & Assistant Secretary. Chair is open, Vice Chair, Pastor Hooper is interested, and both Secretary positions are open. f. Elected Officials – Commissioner Andy Helmboldt reported the new City of Battle Creek, City Manager, Rebecca Fleury, is going well. Her first day was October 1, 2014. Susan Bedsole was appointed as Interim Assistance City Manager. Commissioner Andy Helmboldt also reported there may be changes in the ordinance for City Commission meetings. Also the Ethics Committee will be adding the description of “hearings” what does it entail, what does the process look like, and how does what. Waste Management will be providing yard waste delivery until the end of November. FYI – Non-emergency number is as follows: 781-0911 or 781-0912.  g. Battle Creek Public Schools – Karen Evans reported the new parent group at Northwestern had a rocky start; however, the parents are now being very supportive. Springfield Middle School is planning on implanting the parent group as well. 6. Old Business: Sam Gray reported once Lynn Ward Gray returns they will discuss the NeighborWorks Training Institute (NTI) that took place in Orlando, FL August 18-22. They will also present their knowledge and experience from the training. 7. New Business: N/A 8. Public Comments/Member Comments: Paul Kendrick is concerned about individuals who wear dark clothing and walk in the street at night – is there a way to issue “jay walking” tickets. Byron Alexander met with Rev. Marshall regarding the Urban Farm, which is on hold until spring 2015. Byron believes the youth could play a big part in participating at the Urban Farm. The NPC is looking to plan a “Block Party” in the spring at Parkway Manor. The residents are nervous about allowing their children to play outside. We as an NPC need to look at creating a safer environment for our children of the future. 9. Next Meeting: Monday, November 10, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek 47 Washington Avenue North. 10. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm. NPC2 Mission: To improve the quality of life by listening and engaging residents. NPC 2 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.