Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

<davidsalerno54@aol.com> Date: May 20, 2018 at 8:19:27 PM EDT : jpwilsondrywall@aol.com Subject: npc notes Members: David Salerno, Jenny Klueter, Sean Lewis, JP Wilson, Chuck Yarger, Tommy Formato, Mary Lusk, Kate Flores, Mary Conklin, Brice Kerschen Guests: Linda Schlee, Joanna Ross, Debby Fryar, Barbara Parsons, Tom Carroll, Carol Carroll, Alberta Matthews, Bill Brier, Matt Lindsy, Alycin Lindsy, Greg Rickman, Sue Heinen, Roger Koning, Ron Cady, Todd McCrumb, Jeff Breedlove, Angela Hartung, Monique Cheeks 7:05 May 16 2018 Police report: Officer Kerschen explained grants are available that improve neighborhood/reduce crime. Bronson Hospital gets the most calls for service as the point of investigating people who are injured elsewhere. Businesses and gas station along NE Capital, Wabash to McKinley reported drug users and dealers stealing to support their meth and heroin addiction. Ron questioned if users are coming into the neighborhood to buy. For the most part they are residents of our npc who walk to dealers because they lack car and job. Land bank: Angela Hurting gave handout and explained about upcoming practical preservation workshops presented by land bank and Michigan historic preservation network at 26 Fremont, June 9, July14 and August 11. Workshop sessions cover foundation and window repair and restoration and more. Answered question about Benjamin Park status. In foreclosure by Calhoun County treasurer for back taxes. Land bank and BC community foundation coordinating the effort to retain the property as a neighborhood park. Voted to endorse the plan to retain park through a Michigan nonprofit organization- all members present in favor ill give time to review last months minutes so postponed approval until next month. Salvation Army: Bill Grier explained the SA not just a church. Provides social services including pantry and meals (Sally's Kitchen). Seeking member from npc to serve on their advisory board to advise on service projects. They meet once a month 8 am. City Street Construction: Tad McMrumb related the State is responsible for the reconstruction of Capital Ave NE. City is replacing water main along Capital. Chuck questioned if the city and state could work together on the storm drains. The city is responsible for the drains on the side streets along Capital. BC Public Schools: Monique Cheeks reported they are trying to reduce the absence rate, increase attendance at schools. Answered question about school bus driver delaying disruptive students 20 minutes to give them time to settle down. Commission: Kate Flores is looking for charter committee to give report on mayor elections. Budget is remains status quo, no change in millage. There is an increase to the police/fire retirement fund that will cause a reduction in other departments. Chuck questioned if police pension was in line with the fire pension. Brice responded that it has changed to 70% of base pay. Back yard chicken ordinance will have an evaluation after one year. Only six of the twenty slots have been filled so far. Historical: Conway photography sign approved. Beautiful BC: 54 Chestnut, new roof; 40 Maple Terrace, new paint; both nominated by Jeff. Membership: Sean argued for the expulsion of Andy Helmboldt and Kaytee Faris because of lack of attendance. David questioned the urgency of the matter. Voted on Kaytee tabled until next month. Andy Helmbolt to be removed. Complaints: Matt Lindsy reported traffic speeding by his residence on Garrison. Concerned about safety of people walking to and from the linear park below him. Suggestions included a stop sign on Curtis speed bumps, radar sign as possible solutions. Other nearby residents opposed the need for a change. They say traffic speed is fine. Greg Rickman, city traffic engineer, said that a survey found excess speed was not an issue. Officer Kerschen will monitor the situation and report back next month. Comments: Mary Lusk gave a reminder about the health fair July 25 at First Presbyterian Church. Mary Conklin found the meeting to be interesting and informative. Sean stated there was nothing personal about his wanting Andy or Kaytee removed. Brice talked up the idea of someone taking the lead for a proposed npc picnic. Debby Fryer noted that discussion and voting for grant money projects is June 4, 6:30 at the Salvation Army. Projects include Quaker Park dog park, additional street lighting. Ron gave his approval of street lights over carriage lights. adjourn 9:15