Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

Neighborhood Planning Council #4: Fremont/Verona/McKinley October 16, 2013 Meeting Minutes Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by Vice‐chairman David Nielsen at 7:05 p.m. Attendance: Members present: Kaytee Faris, John Hennink, Mark Jones, David Nielsen, Sherry Sofia Officials present: Mayor Susan Baldwin, City Commissioner Andy Helmbolt, City Staff Chris Lussier Guests: Chad Curtis, Devon Gibson, Dean Newsome, Linda Hicks, David Gauthier, Doug Sofia Approval of September minutes: postponed due to lack of quorum Program: Ward 3 City Commission Candidate Forum Ward 3 candidates present: Devon Gibson, Mark Jones, Dean Newsome, Sherry Sofia At‐large candidates present: Susan Baldwin, Kaytee Faris, Andy Helmbolt Candidates were given three minutes each to introduce themselves and their candidacy. Members agreed to open a special “Public Comment” opportunity for at‐large candidates to speak on their own behalf and to include them in the member/audience question portion of the forum. All candidates were given two‐minutes to respond to each member/guest question. Responses provided a good opportunity to see similarities and differences among candidates on a variety of topics. Special Guest – Linda Hicks, Superintendent, Battle Creek Public Schools: She announced that BCPS representatives will be regularly attending NPC meetings. In response to questions she stated that 2 2013 BCPS graduates were named National Merit Scholars, and that the BCPS focus is on STEM and developing opportunities for students’ future employment. Government Reports: Police Report: Officer Chrenyenco (sp) spoke about Piper Park area concerns, an increase in loud music and barking dog stops. She also announced that Officer Thayer will begin a six month assignment to NPC 4 area. Member comments: BCPD commended for foot patrols. Presence was really seen and appreciated. Speed mentioned as a problem on East Avenue. Code Compliance ‐ Chris Lussier: Vacant and abandoned homes continue to be an ongoing problem. He discussed resident responsibility options and the need for resident/city partnership. He also announced Elijah Martin as new code officer in NPC 4 area. Member concerns included status of dealing with 200‐250 vacant homes, protection and stabilization of neighborhoods, and garbage pick‐up issues. City Commission – Sherry Sofia (Mayor Baldwin and Commissioner Hembolt): Tax abatement voted on; discussion about JARC (Job Access‐Reverse Commute) and transportation concerns in general; the need to identify people interested in serving on city boards and commissions External Commission Reports: Zoning Board of Appeals: None Planning Commission – None Historic District Commission: One NPC 4area request approved; signage issue in downtown area Housing Board of Appeals: 94 Harvard‐ extension granted; 34 Maple Terrace‐ violation affirmed and is going into the court system Neighborhood Association reports – None Action Items – None Old Business – None New Business: NPC 4 Election of officers scheduled for November 20 NPC meeting. Anyone interested in positions of Chairman, Vice‐chairmen or Secretary should let Laura Adams or David Nielsen know prior to that meeting if possible. Public Comment: Thank‐you’s to Sherry Sofia, Deb Owens, Mark Behnke, David Walters and Jim Haadsma for responding to Fremont Street area concerns Citizens need to get active. Member Comments: Community conversation concerning the Fremont Garden was held and it was a good, productive meeting. Another meeting was scheduled in the garden for October 19. Planning has begun for the International Festival of Lights. Organizers are always looking for new ideas. Contact Mark Jones with suggestions. Meeting adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Next NPC 4 meeting – Wednesday, November 20, 2013