Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

Attendees: Mary Conklin, Kate Flores, Sean Lewis, Mary Lusk, David Salerno, Sarah Smith, Sherry Sofia, JP Wilson Guests: Stephanie Bruce, Kelly Dillman, David D Evans, Chad Francisco, Roy Koning, Chris Lussier 7:00 Nov 15 2017 The meeting opened with the approval of minutes for Sept and Oct. The npc annual schedule was approved; meeting on the third Wed of the month at 7 with no meetings in July, August and December. Election of officers: JP elected chairman, Sean elected vice chair, David assumed the role of notetaker. Program: Chris Lussier community development gave handouts explaining the city handling of grants and how the money is spent, specifically the community development block grants. Home owners with annual income $50 000 or less are the main target for grants. They also do strategic planning and housing studies. There is a paint program offering free paint, a lead task force whose goal is to increase public awareness, fund a plan for lead abatement and test children. Applying for a grant for more lead abatement and testing children. Lead problems primarily in the rental housing stock. Kellogg Foundation offering incentives for teachers to live in the school district. Handed out a "2017 community needs discussion" survey. Sean questioned about lead in the city water. Chris responded the lead is in the paint in the house not in the water. Police: Chad Francisco, Byrne grant officer reported 87 traffic stops in Oct, an unusually high number, which reflects officer Kerschen's active policing. There were multiple stops at the drug house at 32 Elm. Explained that the 74 foot patrol reports are police interactions meant to improve community relations. Officer Francisco said drug arrests are up and he did a street light survey and his reported outages were repaired within a few days. Suggested the Consumers phone number for street light outages be on the water bill for citizen report. Also worked on getting abandoned vehicles towed and vacant houses boarded up. Kelly Dillman outreach liaison BCPD questioned us on how we want the police report. JP suggested instead of printing, post it on the internet with the minutes and agenda. They are having weekly meetings on the neighborhood ambassador rollout. Community service officer Sgt Chris Rabbit has the desk next door to her and is an added resource. Sherry complained of a past disparity in police reporting between calling the non emergency number and 911. Officer Francisco offered to look into it. City Commission: Kate reported Behnke was elected mayor, Walters vice mayor. Med marijuana issue is the upcoming concern. Sherry agreed. Mary Conklin inquired about the bus system specifically fare increase. Kate explained it is being discussed in the master plan process. BCPS: Northwestern principal Stephanie Bruce gave the students off campus experiences including Kingman Museum- Leila Arboretum and the My Career Quest in Kalamazoo. There was an increase of Northwestern students eligible for the Math and Science Center. Kate had a question about the Fremont building but the outcome on that has not been decided. Planning Commission: JP reported 93 W Michigan requesting a special use permit for a tattoo parlor. Historic District Commission: JP reported a presentation on the replacement of the retaining wall around city hall. 199 E Emmett new windows should reflect the correct style. 31 N Washington (old Hart Hotel) signage, new entrances and rehab. David Evans, minister at Potters House Church brought to our attention they are seeking a special use permit to start a charter school next Fall at the annex building S of the Church. Choice Management is their manager for the project. It would be K-5, 75 students max. They have teacher resources at the church. 6, 7, 8 year old learning is dependent on their mental and emotional maturity. Stephanie questioned why they don't invest in BCPS. David answered they want to give parents other options. Comments: Concerning Benjamin Park, Kate agreed the $1 year lease from the land bank was the best option for the neighborhood. Concerning the dog park option at Quaker Park, Kelly advised more discussion and the formulation of a plan. Grants are available (Learn By Doing, We are Pride). Mary Lusk gave handouts advertising First Presbyterian's Anticipating Christmas, Chili, Crafts and Carols! Sunday Dec 3. 11:15am- 2:15pm. 8:40 adjourned