Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

Minutes: Northeast Planning Council NPC#4 Meeting Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2015 7:00 PM Location: First Congregational Church, 145 NE Capital Ave Call to Order 7:00PM Attendance: Members: Nathan Grajek, Tricha Grajek, Andy Helmboldt, David Salerno, Mary Conklin, Sean Lewis, John-Paul Wilson, Mark Jones, Kaytee Faris, John Hennink Members Absent: Helen Van Valkenburg, Rick Harrison, Dean Newsome, Charitable Union, Jonna Siano, John Whittaker, Daniel Rall, Laurie Sullivan, Sherry Sofia, Marcia Austin, Kim Yarger, Chuck Yarger, Jim Baldwin, John Walton Guests: Helen Guzzo, Chris Lussier, Denise Rust, Krista Trout Edwards, Dave Schmaltz, Kate Flores, Rebecca Ramon, Rogelio Ramon, Jim Haadsma, Jim Blocker Introduction of Guests/Members Chair Notes/Announcements/Correspondence Additions or Deletions to the Agenda Added Fire Chief Dave Schmaltz to speak after police report Approval of Previous Minutes: Andy Helmboldt moved to approve minutes for June 17, 2015, July 15, 2015, August 19, 2015 and September 16, 2015, David Salerno gave support. Minutes were unanimously approved. Review Membership List and New Membership Renewal Process for Memberships Expiring in December Andy Helmboldt made a motion to add Kate Flores and Denise Rust as new NPC members, David Salerno gave support. Motion passed unanimously. Mark Jones made a motion to officially remove Mary Juhnke from the NPC membership list because she moved to Kalamazoo, Nathan Grajek gave support. Motion passed unanimously. (NOTE: The bylaws require that NPC members can only be removed by ⅔ vote. We request that the City Commission please remove Ms. Juhnke as she no longer lives or has a substantial interest in NPC#4) Mary Conklin made a motion to renew the membership of Mark Jones, whose term expires Dec. 4, 2015, Nathan Grajek gave support. Motion passed unanimously. Mary Conklin made a motion to renew the membership of Kaytee Faris, whose term expires Dec. 4, 2015, Nathan Grajek gave support. Motion passed unanimously. Mary Conklin made a motion to renew the membership of Andy Helmboldt, whose term expires Dec. 4, 2015, Nathan Grajek gave support. Motion passed unanimously. Mary Conklin made a motion to renew the membership of Dean Newsome, whose term expires Dec. 4, 2015, Nathan Grajek gave support. After discussion, the motion failed 2:10, citing Mr. Newsome’s lack of attendance. Mr. Newsome’s member will expire on December 4, 2015. Form a Nominating Committee, Nominate 2016 Officials, Elect 2016 Officials Mark Jones made motion to suspend formation of a nominating committee to the November 18, 2015 meeting, David Salerno gave support. Motion passed unanimously. Andy Helmboldt made a motion to suspend the election of NPC officers to the November 18, 2015 meeting, Nathan Grajek gave support. Motion passed unanimously. Mark Jones announced that he would like to be NPC Chair in 2016. John Hennink nominated John-Paul Wilson to serve as NPC Chair for 2016. Police Report: Chief Blocker reports that breaking and entering is on the uptick. Said the calls to the area around East Ave and Emmett have been to a grow house and a house with frequent calls related to mental health issues. He reiterated the saying, “If you see something, say something.” If something seems wrong, call it in to 911. Regarding poor service from the 911 responder he suggests emailing him the specifics of the call, date, time, etc. Andy Helmboldt suggested that Rebecca Fleury and Susan Baldwin be copied on the email because they sit on the board of AMSA. John Hennink voiced frustration over slippery leaves in the roads and loud music from vehicles. Chief Blocker stated that an officer can only write a ticket for loud music if the officer witnesses it or if the resident witness signs the ticket. Chief Blocker and Chief Schmaltz invite the public to tour their facilities. Dates and times of the open houses were emailed to the NPC and posted on the NPC Facebook page. All facilities are aged and are not serving current or future needs of the departments. In the weeks following the tours, community conversations will be held and potential rehabilitation or new building plans will be presented for public input. Fire Department Report: Chief Schmaltz encouraged everyone to take part in the tours and discussions. David Salerno asked the ratio of emergency to fire calls. Chief Schmaltz said the average is 80% emergency, 20% fire, close to National average. Governmental Reports City Commission Report:Lynn Ward Gray shared that zoning changes were approved for a business at Goodale and North Ave. that will likely provide jobs to those in the neighborhood. Susan Bedsole is leaving the city. Her last day is October 30, 2015. The assistant city manager position has been posted on the city’s website. Commissioner Domenico also said goodbye at Tuesday’s meeting. Andy Helmboldt added that the commission has been discussing the effectiveness of offering tax abatements to businesses at the Fort. there is not currently a reporting system to measure jobs added to the community, etc. It isn't currently clear if this is an effective economic development tool. County Commissioners Report: Jim Haadsma shared that Christine Kozmowski, County Water Resource Commissioner, has updated reporting practices so that they align with current law. The County Budget Committee met Oct. 15 and meets again on Oct. 23. Battle Creek Public School Board Report: Nathan Grajek reports that Rosie Miller was appointed to fill the board seat vacated by Scott Cubberly. She plans to run for the seat again, at the end of the term. The board is in the process of redoing board policy documents, one section a week for the next year or so. They are also looking ahead to the budget. Code Compliance Report: Reports were circulated to the NPC and members will email any specific issues to Kaytee Faris. External Commission Reports: Only the Historic District took action within the NPC. Signage, landscaping and a fence were approved for the 245 E. Michigan Ave More information was requested of Mr. Thompson at 199 E. Emmett St. who requested porch improvements. 68 Frelinghuysen and 112 Frelinghuysen were both found to be noncompliant and will move into the court system. Presentation by Chris Lussier regarding the spending of Federal HUD dollars in Battle Creek and Krista Trout Edwards regarding the County Land Bank and land use Membership Comments for the Good of the Order: None Public Comments for the Good of the Order: None Adjournment: 9PM Next Meeting: November 18 , 2015