Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

Northeast Planning Council of Battle Creek (NPC#4) Call to Order & Welcome: 7:11PM September 17, 2014 Attendance: Members Present: Mary Conklin, Kaytee Faris, City Commissioner Andy Helmboldt, John Hennink, Mark Jones, Jonna Siano, John Whittaker, Chuck Yarger Members Absent: Marcia Austin, Charitable Union, Nathan Grajek, Tricha Grajek, Rick Harrison, City Commissioner Dean Newsome, David Nielsen, Daniel Rall, David Salerno, Sherry Sofia, Laurie Sullivan, Helen Van Valkenburg, John Walton, Kim Yarger, Joe Zigler Guests: Laura Adams, Jim Baldwin, Jana Davis, City Commissioner Lynn Ward Gray, County Commissioner Jim Haadsma, Mary Juhnke, John Paul Wilson, BCPS Board Candidate Cathy LaValley, Sean K. Lewis City Staff: Chris Lussier, Helen Guzzo, Todd Nowicki, Police Department: Lt. John Chernenko Approval of Minutes: Chuck Yarger made motion; John Whittaker gave support and motion passed. Chair Notes/Correspondence/Announcements: none Additions & Deletions to the agenda: none Program: Chris Lussier and Helen Guzzo from the City of Battle Creek Community Development Department conducted a needs assessment that will be used to develop a plan to guide how Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME, Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance and Public Housing federal dollars are spent in Battle Creek. They also presented information on how such monies have been used in the recent past and the positive affect that they have had on our NPC. A printed version of this information was distributed and is also available in the Community Development office. Motions/Discussion/Vote: Chuck Yarger made a motion that the NPC contact the City of Battle Creek’s Zoning Board of Appeals, Housing Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, and Planning Commission requesting more lead time on issues affecting the NPC as information is coming to the NPC after these meetings have taken place. Mark Jones gave support and motion passed. John Hennink will pen these letters on behalf of the NPC. City Commission Reports: Andy Helmboldt announced that Rebecca Fleury’s contract has been approved as the new city manager. Her start date will be October 1, 2014. The commission is continuing its revision of the city manager performance review. The commission will be looking at an ordinance change that will allow residents to clear snow from sidewalks with recreational vehicles, such as small four wheelers. Lynn Ward Gray shared that her next episode of Keeping You Informed, on Access Vision, would focus on the city manager search process. County Commission Reports: Jim Haadsma announced that Matt Niesen is now acting as Director of Operations for Calhoun County Roads Department. He shared that he was pursuing a relationship between MSU Extension and Calhoun County, stating that a similar relationship between Kalamazoo and the MSU Extension is going strong. Committee Reports: none City Staff Reports: Todd Nowicki stated that the property surveys are pretty much done. However, the tickets that have been issued are starting to bottleneck at the courthouse. He said that stiffer fines by judges could help improve property owner accountability. Mark Jones reported to Mr. Nowicki roosters on Emmett St., weeds at demo site next to Liberty Mart on Capital Ave NE, stuffed animals in a tree on East Ave. and concerns that 911 operators have little knowledge of Battle Creek’s ordinances. Jana Davis reported a downed tree that Consumer’s Power left in her yard. Chuck Yarger reported trash on the porch of 247 North McKinley. Sean K. Lewis reported a grass complaint for 49/51 Rose St. Chris Lussier stated that many of these conversations are acute problems and not indicative of a systemic problem. He also said that he has evidence that this type of survey method yields results and that the city has resources available to residents cited on the survey. He said that no one has been turned away for assistance but that because of a limited number of contractors willing to do this type of handyman work some projects are delayed. Police Report: Lt. Chernenko reported that thieves are targeting area garages and stealing bicycles. Residents should report and unusual after dark activities involving bikes and that in general, if you see odd behavior, call it in. Chris Brown is now assigned to our area and Lt. Chernenko and Lt. Madsen will also be in our area. Also, the online crime mapping and reporting system is nearly complete so that residents will have ready-access to this information. Chuck Yarger informed Lt. Chernenko of a car parked at Emmett and Central St. that is hard to safely pass. Lt. Chernenko stated that city hall would need to be notified to get a no parking sign installed. Mark Jones requested an update on the animal hoarding incident on East Ave but Lt. Chernenko did not have information available. He said that he would obtain this information for Mr. Jones. John Hennink requested an update regarding 80 Merritt. Lt. Chernenko will find out this information and respond to Mr. Hennink. For all unresolved questions, Lt. Chernenko collected resident information and will respond to residents personally. Old Business: none New Business: none Comments for the good of the order: Public Comments: none Member Comments: none Adjournment: 8:35PM Next Meeting Date: October 15, 2014