Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

NPC #4 Minutes from January 21, 2014 Call to Order: 7:06PM by acting chair, Kaytee Faris Attendance: Members: John-Paul Wilson, John Hennink, Andy Helmboldt, Sherry Sofia, Mary Conklin, Kaytee Faris, Dean Newsome, Mary Juhnke, Mark Jones Members Absent: Marcia Austin, Jim Baldwin, Charitable Union, Laurie Sullivan, Nathan Grajek, Tricha Grajek, Rick Harrison, David Nielson, Daniel Rall, David Salerno, Jonna Salano, Helen Van Valkenburg, John Walton, John Whittaker, Kim Yarger, Chuck Yarger Guests: Niaomi Curtis, County Commissioner Jim Haadsma, Chris Lussier from the city of Battle Creek, Brad Palmer of BCPD, Zachary Burgess of BCPD Aproval of Minutes: Andy Helmboldt made motion to approve the October 15, 2014 minutes. Motion was seconded by Mary Conklin and motion passed. Minutes from the November 19, 2014 meeting will be compiled and submitted for approval at the February 18, 2015 meeting. Correspondence Sent and Received: None Presentation: None Committee and Staff Reports Police Reports: Officer Burgess reported that there was a spike in breaking and entering in our NPC during November and December and that three groups of perpetrators had been apprehended. Dean Newsome inquired how the spike had been brought down. Officer Burgess said that by talking to known subjects in the area the perpetrators were found and that in the process they were also able to close several drug houses. Niaomi Curtis requested more information on the mobile methamphetamine lab that was found in NPC. Officer Burgess said that the drug lab was found when a repeat offender was pulled over on a routine traffic stop, that the offender does not live within the NPC and that he is now incarcerated. Mark Jones reported pedestrians walking in the roadway and intentionally harassing vehicles on NE Capital Ave. Brad Palmer said that such instances should be reported to 911 and that unsatisfactory service should be reported to the dispatch supervisors. John Hennink reported drivers running stop signs at Calhoun and Orchard Place, sometimes unintentionally because of icy roadways. Andy Helmboldt reported that traffic around Fremont School during drop off and pick up times should be addressed with Chris Dopp (city of Battle Creek). Kaytee Faris expressed concern about speeders on Frelinghuysen. Brad palmer stated that officers are currently being recertified on radar speed detectors. Officer Burgess invited guests to join the BCPD on Thursday January 22 at 6:30PM at the Department of Public Works where the Crime Prevention Unit will present home safety information. This event is part of a Third Thursday crime prevention series. Identity theft will be the topic of discussion on February 19, 2015. Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance: Chris Lussier said that 1,979 people responded to the city’s resident needs assessment survey and that issues reported through the survey had been reported to the appropriate departments. The details of the report can be found on the front page of the city’s website. The top priority issues reported were a lack of job opportunities (regardless of demographic), road maintenance, and code compliance problems. Of 900 statements collected, 13% referenced code compliance problems and the 47% of all comments had to do with code compliance. The first in a series of community conversations addressing code compliance took place on January 14, 2015. This conversation engaged building contractors. Chris Lussier said that the city is issuing tickets for those not conforming to the city’s snow removal ordinance. Niaomi Curtis wondered who was responsible for shoveling sidewalks in front of vacant houses. Chris Lussier said that it is the property owner’s responsibility and that violations could be called in to the city. Kaytee Faris will post a link to the snow removal ordinance on the NPC#4 Facebook page. Mark Jones wondered if the code compliance reports could be sorted by address. He reported that objects have still not been removed from the tree in front of 64 N. East Ave. He reported, also that the owners of 110 Knapp Drive are building apartments in their building without acquiring city permits. Beautiful Battle Creek Award: Andy Helmboldt suggested Shouldice Brothers, provided that it is within the NPC boundary. The group was unsure if the NPC boundary was at Michigan Ave or the Battle Creek River. Membership: No new nominations. Elected Officials: City Commissioners: Andy Helmboldt said that the commission coming up on budget time. He also said the city is meeting with Battle Creek Unlimited as they go through leadership transition. Dean Newsome reported that the commission approved a contract to the WK Kellogg Airport for $135,000 for marketing and strategic planning. The BC Vision project is continuing to meet and put together a plan addressing local economic development. Comm. Newsome wondered when the last time Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek and the Community Action Agency had spoken with the NPC about their plan for the neighborhood. Mark Jones responded that it hadn’t been that long since NIBC had addressed the NPC but suggested an annual meeting with the groups. Mary Junhke clarified that the meeting would be to share our plans with these agencies and to ask them how their services can help us meet our neighborhood goals. County Commissioners: Jim Haadsma said the County Health Department has approved a five year contract with Greg Harrington. A grant obtained from the State of Michigan will fund a health clinic in Lakeview Middle School that will open in March. This collaboration is between the Western Michigan University School of Medicine, the Calhoun County Health Department and the Lakeview School District. The director of the Department of Veterans Affairs left in January 2014. All files there continue to be monitored to insure that claims are being investigated and prosecuted. Mary Junhke asked what oversight the County Commission had in regard to the Summit Pointe board. Jim Haadsma said that the commission appoints the board but otherwise has little interaction with board members. Mary Junhke suggested more oversight. Mark Jones wondered about the county’s road salt supply. Jim Haadsma said that the new roads director, Christopher Bolt is a competent and hands-on leader. Election of NPC#4 Officers for 2015 Mary Junhke nominated Kaytee Faris for chairperson which she accepted. John Hennink nominated John-Paul Wilson for vice chairperson which he initial accepted but then declined when Mark Jones nominated himself for the vice chairperson. John Hennink nominated Mary Junhke for secretary, which she accepted. Sherry Sofia made a motion that this slate of candidates be appointed to said positions. Andy Helmboldt seconded this motion and the motion passed unanimously. Ajornment: 8:32PM Next Meeting: February 18, 2015 at First Congregational Church, 145 NE Capital Ave, in the 2nd Floor Youth Room