Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

Call to Order & Welcome: October 15, 2014 7:04PM Attendance: Members Present: Jim Baldwin, Mary Conklin, Kaytee Faris, Nathan Grajek, City Commissioner Andy Helmboldt, John Hennink, Mark Jones, David Nielsen, David Salerno, Members Absent: Marcia Austin, Charitable Union, Tricha Grajek, Rick Harrison, Dean Newsome, Daniel Rall, Jonna Siano, Sherry Sofia, Laurie Sullivan, Helen Van Valkenburg, John Walton, John Whittaker, Kim Yarger, Chuck Yarger Guests: City Commissioner Lynn Ward Gray, County Commissioner Jim Haadsma, Mary Juhnke, Chris Lussier (City of Battle Creek), John Paul Wilson, Sean K. Lewis, Ronald Cady, Liz Neumeyer, Jeff Slaby, Tony Perin (BCPD), Zachary Burgess (BCPD), Lori Peters Approval of Minutes: Davis Salerno moved for approval of September Minutes with the correction of “Northwest” to “Northeast.” David Nielsen gave support and the motion passed. Chair Notes/Correspondence/Announcements: John Hennink shared a street sweeping map with the group. Christine Zuzga responded to the NPC’s letter regarding getting information to the NPC for review before Planning Commission and Historic District Commission Meetings. State regulations limit the timeframe by which information can be distributed. The Historic District Commission meeting was cancelled for October. The Planning Commission is hosting a workshop on October 22. Karl Olson, of Guest Street sent John Hennink a letter saying that a tree branch had fallen on his property and that the city responded very promptly. Thanked NPC. Additions & Deletions to the agenda: None Program: Liz Neumeyer talked about how streets and places were named on the Historic Northside and how neighborhoods formed from the original Merritt homestead. Motions/Discussion/Vote: Mark Jones made a motion that the NPC write a letter to Todd Gerber of Parks and Recreation requesting that banners featuring neighborhood association names be removed from electric posts. Andy Helmboldt gave support and the motion passed. Andy Helmboldt made motion to make Mary Juhnke and John Paul Wilson NPC members. David Nielsen gave support and the motion passed. Mark Jones made a motion to form a committee that will solicit ideas for the investment of $1,000 given to the NPC by Neighborhoods Inc. Battle Creek. David Nielsen gave support and the motion passed. Committee Reports: None City Commission Reports: Commissioner Andy Helmboldt shared that new city manager, Rebecca Fluery started on October 1, the off road vehicle snow plowing ordinance was introduced, the ethics ordinance has gone back to committee, and that the commission continues to revise the city manager review process. Commissioner Lynn Ward Gray shared that the ethics committee would be meeting on October 28 at 5:30PM, the new ordinance will be introduced on November 18. A candidate forum for the midterm election, hosted by the Calhoun County Voters Coalition, will take place on October 20 at 5:30PM. City Staff Reports: Chris Lussier announced that through 11 public meetings, online surveying, and surveys in the city water bills and the help of project 20/20 and the Beacon Community, the city has collected approximately 1,200 completed needs surveys. City staff is now working to prioritize and theme this data and should have this data themed by next month. 255 Cherry St. had until 5PM on October 15 to comply with court orders. Mark Jones asked about the stuffed animals in the tree on East Ave and their chickens. Chris Lussier said that Todd Nowicki spoke to the homeowner and issued a warning. He will follow up with a ticket if needed. Sean K. Lewis thanked Chris Lussier for addressing the lot near his house. Ron Cady said that 8 Elizabeth Street has roof and fascia damage. Chris Lussier said that he would investigate and respond to Mr. Cady. Police Reports: Officer Burgess will be covering this area for the next 5 months. He shared with us a practical list of crime preventing measures and said that the crime prevention unit is available to visit with homeowners and help them assess their specific needs and offer advice. Mark Jones had questions about rowdy Halloween parties. He was advised to call 911 if the parties were too loud or creating an unsafe environment. Jeff Slaby thanked the police for a quick response time when his garage was burgled this month. Mary Juhnke informed Officer Burgess that cars frequently speed on Garrison and that she is concerned for the safety area children. The officer on afternoon beat will be advice to monitor the area for speeders. John Paul Wilson reported cars ignoring the stop signs on Central. Andy Helmboldt praised officers for their presence at Fremont Elementary School as school lets out each day. County Commission Reports: Commissioner Jim Haadsma shared that the budget committee would be meeting with County Department Heads. The budget is in great shape and may allow for the addition of assistant prosecuting attorneys. Old Business: The East Ave drain is fixed. The Joint NPC meeting has been postponed, new date to be announced. Neighborhood banners are in poor condition. The streets have been cleaned twice this year. NIBC has offered $1,000 to the NPC. A newly formed committee will discuss how these funds will be invested. Tee shirts, NPC lawn signs and replacement neighborhood banners were discussed as options. New Business: Benjamin Park is for sale. Neighbors interested in potentially purchasing the park should contact John Paul Wilson. Comments for the good of the order: Public Comments: City Commissioner Lynn Ward Gray stated that legislation had changed allowing voters to request absentee ballots at their home clerk’s office and to vote at their home clerk’s office the Saturday before the election from 8AM to 2PM. Sean K. Lewis distributed a printout from the Michigan Registered Sex Offenders website concerning Kenneth Michael Preston and informed us that he has seen Mr. Preston acting suspiciously, near children on Rose St. Member Comments: David Nielsen asked to be removed from the NPC because his family has moved. Mark Jones will be attending Neighborworks training in Washington DC, this December. He sought input as to which courses would most benefit the NPC. John Hennink shared that the city is looking for Election Day workers and is paying $9 to $10 per hour. Adjournment: 8:45PM Next Meeting Date: November 19, 2014