Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

NORTHCENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL #2 Meeting Minutes—January 8, 2018 SMCDC 47 N. Washington Avenue Battle Creek, MI 1. Call to Order & Welcome: Mr. Ron Sweet called the NPC#2 meeting at 7:00 p.m. 2. Attendance: Members Present: Ron Sweet, Jeffrey Dinkins, Guests 3. Approval of Minutes: Correction of Dec 11, 2017 minutes: Kristyn Denison was present as SWMCDC member, not a guest, therefore a quorum was present. Ron Sweet moved that we accept Dec 11, 2017 minutes and seconded by Ms. Kitty Hillian. 4. Correspondence (sent/received) & Announcements: David Draper stated that Grace Health will be opening up a pharmacy to the public in April or May. Lester Johnson reported that the former Washington Elementary School will be the new Community Center incorporated with activities, citizen access to resources, and renting out facility to be opened in April/May. Alpha Kappa Alpha sponsoring MLK Luncheon at Washington Heights Jan 15, 2018, 12-1:30 and a concurrent service at Second Missionary Baptist Church: State of the African-American. Other MLK Events Jan 13: Breakfast Maranatha; Jan 14 at 4:00 p.m. Ecumenical and Ministerial Alliance at New Harvest Rev. Bell Speaker. February 17, 2018 National Heritage Quiz Bowl 9:30a.m. at McQuiston Learning Center. 5. Guest Presentation: Noah Hollander Principal of Battle Creek Central reported changes to the suspension policy as research shows no real benefit to suspension. Discussed implementation of a new program called Career Pathways in which will help students align their course-work with desired career goals. Also, as of August 1, 2017 there is no zero tolerance policy. Principals and teachers will be able to assess each incident in its particulars and use the appropriate amount of discipline doing away with a one-size-fit -all solution. Mr. Hollander further stated we will look at kids socially and emotionally and develop replacement behavior models. 6. Committee & City Staff Reports: a) Police Department: Chief Blocker reiterated the support for BCPS in its transition of the last 24 months and says that after attending numerous meetings with judges, prosecutors, probation officers and summit point specialists that there is a better understanding of the trauma that young people are daily experiencing. Living in unconventional times we must do better and think differently. Chad Francisco passed out crime report for month, talked about the Battle Creek Police Department Citizens Police Academy whereby citizens can understand “What we do” and “Why we do what we do”. The citizenry will understand Criminal investigations, Gang Problems, Fire Arms Policies/Use of Force, Motor Vehicle Enforcement, Search & Seizure/Laws of Arrest, Youth Issues plus department tour. Classes will meet March 7 to May 16, 2018, every Wednesday 6:00 p.m. to 9:00p.m. also one Saturday  (9:00-3:00p.m.) Any questions contact Jenny Mualhlun: Community Engagement Coordinator. He reminded everyone to move cars so plows can remove snow. Francisco is working with Dawn Woodard, invited to speak to NPC#2. b) Neighborhood Services—Chris Lussier passed out code reports 12-01-17 – 1-05-18 for major renovations discussed. Asked to see a before and after presentation of the properties. Again, Ms. J. Dinkins asked about the impact of these properties on the beautification of the area with concerns that the Wood/Greenwood house needed no renovation. C) Beautiful Battle Creek Award Nominations—None d) Membership—N/A e) Community Engagement: Kelly Dillman: Been holding orientation meetings for New Members to Gain understanding of the function of NPCs. Orientation and training for NPC2 members last of February. Also looking to recruit members to discuss two grants: We are Pride and Learn by doing. For further info contact Ms. Dillman. The need to increase membership, through outreach and retention was discussed for the NPCs to further community engagement. f) Elected Officials: Commissioner Gray reported that a blue ribbon committee formed to review : (1) term lengths, (2) who should elect mayor and vice-mayor, and City Charter. Each commissioner ask to submit two (2) names of a committee of eighteen(18). A report following will occur in May. Gray reported that precincts will be undergoing change—Precinct 7 would be divided between Second Missionary Baptist Church and another part going to precinct 18. A meeting Jan 9, 2018 at City Hall to discuss and review changes. Gray stated the Medical Marijuana still on-going and the City Commission will vote on the ordinances for the City of BC February 6, 2018. Gray said Goal Setting Meeting for the Year is on Thurs. Jan 18, 2018 from 5 to 9 p.m. at City Hall. Tue. Jan 16 Workshop for City Commission at 5:30 before Commission meeting. 7. Old Business: 8. New Business: 9. Public Comments/Member Comments: Nick Virgil asked about the process of the four houses being selected. The process was explained by Chris Lussier with Jeffrey Dinkins reiterating the dispute of boundary lines. Nick was also concerned with the timely output of information and better communication of issues needing to be addressed before the next meeting. Nick has offered to set-up NPC2’s own FaceBook page. Mrs. Dinkins again reiterated her disapproval of the process of grant money distribution vis-à-vis property beautification. 10) Next Meeting: Monday February 12, 2018, 7:00 p.m. at SWMDC 47 N. Washington Ave. 11) Adjournment: The Meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m. RS