Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

NORTHCENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL #2 Meeting Minutes—February 12, 2018 SMCDC 47 N. Washington Avenue Battle Creek, MI 1. Call to Order & Welcome: Rev. Joe Hopper called to order the NPC#2 meeting at 7:00 p.m. 2. Attendance: Present Members: Larz Martin Bey Prentice Thomposn, Nicholas Virgil, Kitty Hillian, Joe Hooper, Geraldine King, Krisitin Johnson-SWMDC, Ron Sweet, Lynn Ward Gray, Karen Johnson Visitors: Yolanda Johnson, Robert Gilbert, Jessica Gilbert, Sherry Chevis Barko, Brad Gray, Mark Lancaster, Carrie Briggs 3. Approval of Minutes: Larz Martin Bey moved to accept the minutes. Ms. Kitty seconded the minutes and Mr. Sweet asked the minutes to be placed in the record. The minutes stand approved. 4. Guest Presentation: Mark Lancaster, CEO of Workforce solutions, formerly Employment Group stated that their mission is to succeed and get people hired. Citing that 2100 people last year were gainfully employed. Ms. Kitty asked did Employment Group to keep track of the clients who were not employed. He was also asked if the company get kickbacks. He did not know if they kept tracked of those clients but the company definitely did not get kickbacks. In fact, he stated WS charged a fee for executive management positions. Mr. Lancaster stated that there are four divisions of the company (1) Temporary Staffing (2) Outsourcing-e.g. helping Meijers staff store (3) Manage Service companies and (4) assist large companies—as non- strategic business. Moreover, he stated that e.g.) if hired in at $10.00 the company pay’s WS $13.00 but only makes about 1 cent per hour for temporary persons. Mr. Sweet asked how does the WS look at felonies? Mr. Lancaster stated that there are rules to follow as to certain felons; however most non-violent felons may be considered. Mr. Nicholas Virgil asked if there was a shortage of qualified applicants and whether they offer training or partnerships? Mr. Lancaster stated there was a shortage of qualified truck drivers. Also, asked how many unskilled positions are not filled which currently stands at 104. It was asked if WS provides health insurance. Answering in the affirmative, he says they provide three different tiers of health as well as the ACA. Commissioner Ward asked if there were any misconceptions needing to be addressed? Mr. Lancaster reiterated the hiring of 2100 ppl permanently and that people are not kept as temporaries permanently. He says it cost approx. $1500 for employee turnover. Moreover, he reaffirmed again that WS does not charge a fee to put applicants to work. Finally asked what is the length of process from filling out application to actual hiring. Mr. Lancaster stated he really didn’t know but perhaps 2 weeks. Mr. Lancaster’s e-mail is Mark@eg-us.com . 5. Guest Presentation: Jessica Gilbert—Humane Society: Has been a non-profit advocate of animals since 1887 and in Battle Creek for 30 years. The Humane Society serves Calhoun, Branch, Kalamazoo and Barry counties. The HS stated they are not affiliated with animal control or any other animal organizations. Sue Stern is responsible for testing and overseeing appropriate fitting for households. Ms. Gilbert stated they do animal adoption and there is dog training classes to the public on Saturday’s. Battle Creek has dog parks however all have to provide proof of vaccinations and be registered yearly. She also stated they are always looking for volunteers and that last year volunteers provided over 2000 service hours. Ms. Gilbert states that now the number of cats is being tracked. Also, she ask not to be called in lieu of animal control, they will kindly call for you but they are not animal control. Ms. Gilbert stated they are offering cat yoga class—still three openings in March. On February 13, Pints for paws—Griffin Pub 5:30-8:30 $1 dollar from every pint goes to help the animals at the shelter. If you bring an item from our human society wish list you get a coupon for griffin food. Morgan Burns—volunteer for book buddy program to read the cats. It was asked how to get dog licenses? Humane Society does not offer licenses. You must go to city hall and you need a rabies vaccination. If animal is spade or neutered then the price of permit is cheaper. Jessica Gilbert 2500 Watkins Road—269-963-1796 ext. 13. 6. Guest Speaker: Carrie Briggs of Battle Creek Public Schools stated that there is currently a reading program to read 10,000 books by June. Each student in the accelerated reader reads for points and each school building sets their own standards for achievement. She stated the community could help by asking what the students interests are because research shows that “interest” of reading material outweighs just reading generally. She stated the goal is to get the kids to read more. February 1, 2018 would be the kick-off date! 7. Committee & Staff Reports: a) Police Department: Part 1 and Part 2. For the past month there were 18 assault crimes, 3 B&E, 4 Larcenys, 2, MDOP—disorderly conduct; 4 drug offenses, 1 family abuse, 3 frauds-(scams or bad checks) ; 1 hit and run; 8 obstructing justice; 2 obstructing police; 1 sex offense and 1 trespass. (See report for more) b) Beautiful Battle Creek Award Nominations—None c) Membership committee d) Community Engagement: Nicholas Virgil, NPC2 member has created a Facebook account for our NPC2. Yes! The Facebook account is Facebook.com/bcnpc2. e) SWMDC—Ms. Kristin stated there will be three grants available in March. One for Karen Johnson—Dr. Bizon State Rep, District 62 has coffee hours: 4th Saturday of the Month at the Lux Café 2587 Capital Ave. S.W. Next Meeting Feb. 24, 8-9a.m. f) Yolanda Johnson, B.C. Code Inspector stated there is an increase of junk Vehicles and it should be reported for cars using front yards as parking spaces - Which is prohibited and result in fines and costs. She stated it’s always best to keep in communication with a code officer for an issue rather than avoiding the matter. h) Barbara Travis of Upjohn states there is a new employment hub located at three locations at different times: New Level Sports from 1-4 or 6, MWF and Sat 9-2; Community Action 8:30-12:00 MWF; and Parkway Manor (?) The services offered  Are resume writing, interviewing and getting individuals connected to Work. Transportation to the Career Expo at Wing Stadium. Dates are Feb. 20, 12-4. i) Kelly Dillman Community Liaison stated that the NPC New Member Orientation will be held on Feb. 26, 2018 from 5:30 to 7:30. Dinner will be served at 5:00. j) Elected Officials Lynn Ward Gray Commissioner reminded people about the Snow Emergency ban being lifted 6:00 a.m. on Feb. 13. She stated at the Feb. 6 comm. Meeting that the medical marijuana ordinances were passed and on Feb 20, the city Will start accepting applications. Go to bcmi.gov for more info. Mayor Behnke to give City of the Address which can be seen every Wednesday on channel 17 of keeping you Informed. She stated that the Blue Ribbon had meetings the week of the 4th of February And will meet every other week at DPW—February 21 is next meeting and again March 7 and 21. The Blue Ribbon’s chair is Dr. Joe Schartz and Terry Broson vice-chair. It was noted that Treehouse formerly Ralston’s is closing however there is prospect for another buyer. She stated that review of the MasterPlan of the City is being reviewed and the plan will be voted on at next Commission Meeting on Feb. 28. A reminder of the Heritage Quiz bowl NAACP at the McQuistion Learning Center on Feb 17. Maude Bristol Perry will be guest speaker at BC Regional History Museum on Jackson Street next 303 West. 8) Old Business 9) New Business: The City Manager has asked the NPC’s to request signage for the blocks of Streets and then once examined can sit with city engineer to go over specifics. 10) Public/Member Comments: Nicholas Virgil asked about snow removal policy- how long are you given to remove your car in snow emergency….so after the snow stopped….one is given 24 to 48 hours. Ms. Betty Robinson stated that the sidewalks are B.C. City Property and expressed grievance that under the former city mayor—the residents would not be Responsible for tickets if homeowners were to receive a ticket; however, the ordinance is written maintaining residents of city must clear the sidewalk surrounding the resident’s Dwelling. Prentice Thompson concerned about the hiring policy in terms of Drug Testing at Denso- would like to generate a letter gathering information on how we can better get young people hired. Currently, there is only hair-follicle testing in order to have gainful Employment. Prentice would like to get a vote from council for support on this issue. Lynn Ward Gray stated that its time to organize again for Juneteenth and that the first planning Will be on February 26, 2018 from 6:30 to 8:00 at the Urban League. Pastor Joe Hooper stated that the Kwanza representation is on display at the Regional History Museum which is next to 303 West. Nicholas Virgil asked what the Byrne Grant means. This was tabled to next meeting. 11) The next meeting is March 12, 2018. The Meeting was adjourned at 9:00 Pastor Hooper.