Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

NORTHCENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL#2 Southwest Michigan Community Development Corp. 47 N. Washington Avenue Monday, May 8, 2017 @7:00 PM 1. Call to order and welcome: Joe Hooper,, Chairperson 7:10 PM 2. Attendance, Members Present:Joe Hooper, Ron Sweet, Jeffrey Dinkins, Lynn Ward Gray, Sam Gray, Kitty Hillian, Yvonne Powell (SWMCDC), Bettie Robertson ,Geraldine King, Larz Martin Bey, Guests Officer Chad Francisco (BCPD), Christine Kosmowski, Chris Lussier (City of Battle Creek) 3. Approval of Minutes- There was a motion made and supported to approve the April 10, 2017 minutes with the two corrections: Beautiful Battle Creek award nominated by Jeffrey Dinkins last meeting to correct the address to 334 N. Wood Street, and on member’s names to correct in attendance that it was Geraldine King and not Williams. Motion passed. 4. Correspondence & Announcements- Historical District committee met at 4:00 today May 8, 118 Oaklawn new business and 312 Capitol Ave NE wants 4ft fence. Zoning board of appeals meets a sign request for Willard Library. 5. Flyer was handed out- A Community Discussion of the Documentary 13th- Friday May 12 2017 5:30 to 8:30 and Saturday May 13, 2017 from 10AM to 1PM at McQuiston Learning Center, 100 Van Bure Ave West Battle Creek. Discussion will follow. (Guest Presentation Christine Kosmowski formerly Calhoun County Water Resources Commission gave a presentation of water resources in Calhoun Co. She presented information on what our drinking water comes from, the quality of our water and what we can do to encourage activities or actions that may have an effect on our water now and in the future. Committee and City Staff reports.- a. Police Department- Officer Francisco-gave report. In comparing to adjacent area some items show improvement over past few years. District ds District E b. Neighborhood Services- Chris Lussier the code officers are doing property surveys in certain areas and NPC2 is one of the areas for this survey. These do not appear of the reports, but when the surveys are completed, this will be reported out as to the status and findings. There are several junk accumulations and junk vehicles which are being addressed. The city had a goal of doing at least 15 roofs this spring and they have requests 20. The paint program has 6 colors available for residents to get both indoor and outdoor paint. With an average of 10 gallons per household the city feels it will be able to provide paint for about 110- to 130 homes. This program is recycled paint through the E-Paint company, and homeowners in Battle Creek are eligible. c. SWMCDC- has started advertising for the home repair program through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis, NI AMP and HOP. This program for incomes at or below 80% area median income provides funds for home repairs, accessibility for those with disabilities and down payment funds for first time home buyer. This program can also work along with other programs such as CA, city or Habitat. There is a maximum of 7500 for NIP, 15,000 for AMP and 4,000 for HOP. Applications are available at SWMCDC office.  d. Beautiful Battle Creek Awards- We will make sure that home on 334 N Wood Street is entered at the top of the list. Officer Francisco gave other address to be considered 174 Ann Ave., 160 Ann Avenue, 138 E. Northside Dr., 97 Redner Avenue and 60 Gordon Blvd.- Motion was made to accept list for BBA, supported and motion passes. e. Membership- Lee McDonald, Jr, is working when we have meetings so he is unable to attend. There are several others on the list that members will try to contact and report back at next meeting. f. Community Engagement Sam Gray-on May 12, from 9:30-12:00 students will from area high schools are participating in youth day of caring at Claude Evans Park. United Way grant that bought supplies needed for the day and water. Members are invited to come out to help support this event. Students will be taken to Full Blast for lunch. g. Elected Officials- Lynn Gray-First Comm Gray thanked all those who came out to the city commission meeting to give their input on the Urban Farming/Livestock proposed ordinance. Upcoming events-Budget workshop May 18 dept of public works 6:00pm. May 16th city will talk about new licensing act around Medical Marijuana. Town Hall Meeting- May 23, 2017 at Second Missionary Baptist Church, N. Washington Ave, from 6:30-8:00. Subject is housing issues with several speakers/panel discussion. 6. Old Business- MSHDA Neighborhood Grant- a team from MSHDA along with Chris, SWMCSC, toured the area of the proposed porch improvement projects. They were touring several cities before making their final decision on what project will be funded. SWMCDC is looking to hear something on Friday. 7. New Business- Joe, Chair brought up the various committees that will be needed to help see the project through. There was discussion and this was moved and seconded to wait until we know if NPC2 was awarded a grant. Motion carried. 8. Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 pm Next meeting date June 12, 2017 NPC2- Mission- To improve the quality of life by listening and engaging resident NPC2-Vision- A safe, friendly, family-driven neighborhood where everyone wants to live.