Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

NORTHCENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL#2 Southwest Michigan CDC, 47 N Washington Avenue, Battle Creek, MI Monday June 12, 2017 Minutes 1. Call to order & Welcome: Vice-Chairperson- Ron Sweet. 2. Attendance: Members-Ron Sweet, Jeffrey Dinkins, Grace Health(David Draper) Samuel Gray, Lynn Ward Gray, Kitty Hillian, SWMCDC (Yvonne Powell), Bettie Robertson, Karen Todd, Larz Martin-Bey,Prentice Thompson, excused- Joe Hooper, Guests: Perry Hart-City of Battle Creek, Eric Campbell-city of Battle Creek, Sharlee Coffman-Cook-Fair Housing center of Southwest Michigan, Joyce Hubbard, Yolanda Johnson- code city of Battle Creek, Chris Lussier- City of Battle Creek, Nancy Walker-SWMCDC, Officer Chad Francisco- BCPD. 3. Approval of Minutes: Motion was made and 2nd to approve May 8, 2017 minutes, motion carried. 4. Correspondence- Historic District meeting was cancelled. 5. Guest Presentation: Eric Campbell, Project Engineer City of Battle Creek. Eric provided two charts showing road repairs for 2017 for Battle Creek. Most street repairs will use the chip and seal fix on the road surface which allows for more streets to be repaired. Questions were raised about certain streets that were listed on the chart; they have started on Howland both sides. Members can contact public works with questions on road repairs and possible problems. There was discussion on sidewalks and the lack of in the Dudley school area. If members are interested, there is a grant opportunity that the schools can apply for with “Safe Route to school”. 6. Perry Hart- Utility Administrator, Public Works- presentation on water, water quality and status of our water in Battle Creek. The information was distributed on water quality and reports. This is also available online and information was given to residents in water billing. Our water is good and safe. Our water fields are protected we still use the Verona site. The water quality in the homes is tested using a designated number in each area and follow up to have a base report to determine any changes. We don’t softer our water at this time. We treat for copper, lead and iron. If someone is concerned they can all the city water division and they can also have testing done through Regional Medical Lab. 7. Sharlee Coffman-Cook: Communications Manager, Fair Housing Center, Kalamazoo- the Fair housing center services 9 counties, including Calhoun. Sharlee gave an overview of what services they provide and invited anyone to call if they suspect or have been a victim of housing discrimination. They are also always looking for tester’s the phone is 269-459-4174. Fair Housing has been working with the city of Battle creek in the report around housing discrimination occurring in the real estate market. An additional meeting around this report led by several African America pastors will be held at 2nd Baptist on Tuesday, June 13, from 6:8:00pm all are welcome to attend. 8. Nancy Walker- MSDHA Neighborhood Grant- The grant was approved, and the final application due on Friday June 16, Nancy and Yvonne are attending training for implementation and reporting. 9. A Motion was made to have a meeting Monday, June 19, at 7:00pm to form committees around implementation of this grant. The motion was 2nd and carried. 10. Office Francisco- There has been more activity in the past month as weather changes. There was more activity at Sun store market on W. Michigan. 11. Yolanda Johnson- Code Compliance- Large report, due to surveys on homes, many were closed. Problem of mattress on street, city has bags available to wrap in for disposal. City has paint program underway and those who need paint or exterior and interior can go to the city for this program. Jason Francisco, will give director on how to determine the amount needed for the project. They also ask homeowners for a before picture of the proposed project. 12. Beautiful Battle Creek Award- none, several were submitted last month by Officer Francisco and Ms. Dinkins. 13. Community Engagement- Sam- Juneteenth is approaching the weekend, and last year, NPC2 had a booth with information to recruit more members.  14. Elected Officials- Comm. Lynn Gray- next commission meeting is Tuesday June, 20, 2017. There may be commissioner input on new ordinance on alcohol consumption- public. Petitions are now out for commissioners seeking reelection. Comm Gray is seeking re-election for Ward2 and would like your support. 15. Member Comments- Grace Health, A.J.Jones is officially retiring end of June. Grace Health has opened up new site on E. Michigan and will be taking walk-in appointments. 16. Motion to adjourn, 2nd and supported. Next meeting July 10, 2017, at 7:00 SWMCDC, 47. N Washington Avenue, Battle Creek, MI NPC 2 Mission: To improve the quality of life by listening and engaging residents. NPC Vision: A safe, friendly, family-driven neighborhood where everyone wants to live.