Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast
Regular MeetingBattle Creek, MI · March 21, 2018
Minutes
Members: Mark Jones, Chuck Yarger, Kim Yarger, Sarah Smith, Kate Flores, JP Wilson, Mary Conklin,
Mary Lusk, David Salerno
Guests: Roger Koning ,Sharlle Coffman Cook, Brice Kerschen, Leah Dodd, Chandra Youngblood
7:05 Mar 21 2018
Program: Sharlle Coffman Cook, Fair Housing Center of SW Michigan: Gave handout and presentation
about fair housing; the right to equitable access to housing and housing services. They investigate
violations by realtors and landlords and work to resolve disputes. People with disabilities have the most
complaints. Racial discrimination in housing transactions has also been studied by the city. There is a
connection between discrimination in housing and education. She has good rapport with Chris Lussier
at community development. Fair housing laws address the inside of the house, ADA the outside. May 4
at Fetzer Center at WMU hosting a Fair Housing conference 8:30-2:00.
Feb minutes approved.
All members present voted in favor.
Police: Brice gave handout of crime report. Overall rates were lower month to month. Feb. calls for
service at 13% in our area. Car larcenies from unlocked cars and broken windows at schools and gyms
were highlighted. Drew a connection between drug offenses and this type of crime. Suggested a Learn
by doing grant for more light in the area S of NE Capital, Cherry St.
Commission: Kate Flores: Transit master plan route changes are being made to connect with
apartments and mobile home parks. Pop up shops for small business available at Hamlin and McCamly
parking lot at $225/ mo. Chuck started a discussion about structural barriers to business development
that seem systemic to Battle Creek. Kate responded that the city is working on a one stop shopping for
permits etc. Suggested we invite John Hart to a meeting to discuss this problem. KCC is working on a
linear park extension to North Ave and Roosevelt. This years street construction projects can be looked
at from the city public works website.
Zoning board: Mark relates a building at Jackson and Angel is being proposed for housing. Gave an
example of the city potentially losing a business over signage size restrictions.
Kim Yarger is seeking suggestions for a npc cleanup project.
Membership: Shandra Youngblood was nominated for membership to the npc. All members present
voted in favor of her membership.
BBC: House on NE corner of East ave and Pitman.
BC Public Schools: Shandra Youngblood director of elementary ed: Gave handout that explains the
proposed spending of the KF $51 million grant over 5 years. The millage vote is coming up May 8. A
community read at Post Franklin Mar 29, 10:00- 11:00
Comments: Mary Lusk from First Presbyterian Church promoted Rib Fest Apr 28, & Health Fair July 25.
JP relates the carpenters union is looking for apprentices.
9:00 adjourn Next meeting Apr 18
Agenda
AGENDA
NORTHEAST PLANNING COUNCIL #4
(Fermont/Verona/McKinley)
Meeting Date: 7PM, Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Location: First Congregational Church, 145 NE Capital Ave
Call to Order
Attendance (Please be sure to Sign-in Name, Address, Phone # and E-mail Address.)
Introduction of Guests/Members
Chair Notes/Announcements/Correspondence
Additions or Deletions to the Agenda
Approval of Previous Minutes: February 21, 2018
Program:
Governmental Reports
1. Police Department Report – Officers arrive at 8pm
2. Code Compliance Report and Community Development
3. Battle Creek Area Transportation Study (BCATS)
4. Calhoun County Land Bank
Elected Officials Reports
1. City Commission Report
1. Kate Flores – Ward 3 Commissioner
2. Lynn Ward-Gray – Ward 2 Commissioner
3. Kaytee Faris – Commissioner at-large
4. Andy Helmboldt – Commissioner at-large
5. Battle Creek Public Schools
6. County Commissioners Report
External Commission Reports:
1. Zoning Board of Appeals –
2. Planning Commission -
3. Historic District Commission: Canceled July and August
4. Housing Board of Appeals:
Committee Reports:
1. Beautiful Battle Creek
2. Membership
3. Nextdoor Application
Visitor Reports and Requests
Old Business
New Business
1. New Secretary/Note Taker
Membership Comments for the Good of the Order:
Public Comments for the Good of the Order: (Three minutes only per person)
Adjournment: (Thanks for attending)
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 7pm
Topic:
Community Information and Upcoming Calendar
Community Information
City of Battle Creek Water Quality Reports are available on the web and at Utility Billing, 269-966-
3366
Free Painting Kits: Code Compliance has teamed up with ePaint Recycling to offer free painting
kits for home projects. Applicants MUST own their residential property within the City of Battle
Creek, submit photos demonstrating a need for paint, and may not apply more than once per
calendar year. No income restrictions and projects do not have to be a result of code violations.
More information and to complete the application, visit: battlecreekmi.gov/code OR City Hall
Room 117, 10 N. Division St from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday or by calling 269-966-
3387
Waste Management has a new webpage for information regarding trash, recycling and yard
waste and much more. You can bookmark the page at home.wm.com/battle-creek or through
the city’s website, battlecreekmi.gov/recycling
Check the Nextdoor App for Street Closures/repairs. There is a list of all work being done in the
city.
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