Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

NPC 4 (Fermont/Verona/McKinley) 1.16.2019 Members: JP Wilson, Mary Lusk, Chuck Yarger, Kim Yarger, Mark Jones, Leah Dodd, Sarah Smith, Sherry Sofia, Kate Flores, David Salerno, Mary Conklin, Kelly Dillman, Brice Kerschen, (I know they have been nominated , not sure they are members yet ; Chandra Youngblood, Susan Glidden, Debby Fryer) Guests: Nathan Grajek, Roger Koning, Ron Cady, Lynn W Gray, Brandon Phonix, Todd Nowicki, Heather Vlietstra, John Hennick Leah delivered swag and handouts detailing Willard Library's winter programs prior to our meeting. 7:00 program: Salvation Army board member Ron Cady distributed handouts. Five full time workers involved with the church and community services. Highlighted lunch program that serves 200 meals a day six days a week, staffed by volunteers from 15 area churches that rotate during the month. Director of Development, Heather Vlietstra thanked the police / fire departments for their assistance in restocking their emergency food bank around Christmas. Kelly said they were open to help out again. program: Chris Lussier from community development gave handout mapping the city and NIBC funded projects in the target areas. Of particular note in our npc were a variety of minor home repairs. Also mapped were paint voucher program projects and median home sale values city wide. Went in detail about lead abatement. Get the lead out program is a $1.5 million per year for 5 year project to abate lead from homes with children lead poisoned. Would give preference to a state certified lead abatement contractor. BCPD: Brice Kerlchen; our npc second in volume for calls. Y Center car break ins involve unlocked doors. Call volume has been about the same year to year. Oui drugs (THC) is difficult to determine. Not necessarily impaired though it is detected by bloodtest. The road rage shooting and the McKinley St homicide both drug related. Vandalism at Temple Beth El and Fed Center labeled hate crimes. Street light outages should be reported to Consumers directly. Benjamin Park needs itemized list for a $2500 grant. Sign and light suggested. Also plan a spring clean-up. Leah suggested a gaga pit for dodge ball. Kelly Dillman, community outreach liaison, gave update on Byrne grants. The $140,000 learn by doing money is spent. We are pride grants still available. Encouraged participation in BC Safe (third Thursday of month at police station 5:30 eats, program 6-8), citizen police academy and the explorers (14- 16 year old). Code: Todd likes to refer front yard parking to zoning for enforcement. More expensive ticket. Minutes: Sept. Oct. Nov. minutes approved separately. Elections: JP reelected chair. Sarah reelected vice chair. David agreed to be a note taker. Membership: Mark Jones, Kate Flores membership renewed. Nate Grajek nominated for membership. City commission: Kate said the commission is at work setting goals for the city manager. There is a $2.4 million deficit in the general fund budget. Lynn said her television program will concern the state of the community Wednesday at 6, with the city manager, mayor, and county official. Rap with reps, Jan 25, 7:30- 9 at chamber of commerce. Waste Management getting a rate increase. Recycling going to biweekly. Sherry explained the state change in handling property tax lead to the deficit. State informed city was not going to get the budgeted amount half way into the fiscal year. Chuck referred to the fire departments decline in staff over the years as getting township service for city taxes. BCPS: Brandon Phonix, Fremont International Academy principal; Opens Aug 21, non-boundary school. Starting out pre K- 2. No bussing for the first year. Kim gave a heads up to Brandon that Central St was congested at drop off and pickup time. Zoning board of appeals: Mark encouraged the city commission to change tattoo parlor rules to general business because of the lack of a current standard for approval. Historic: JP commented on the Fullbright house, 312 Capital NE and a sign for a kitchen incubator. Beautiful Battle Creek: 108 Fremont and 312 Capital Ave NE nominated. Comments: Brice reiterated he needs an itemized list for Benjamin Park by Feb in order to secure a Byrne grant. Mary Conklin was concerned about bus service being cut in light of the budget deficit. Leah encouraged participation in Willard Library winter events. Deb was going to meet with park and rec to see if they can partner with the city in the hope of expanding grant money possibilities. adjourn 9:05