Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

NORTHEAST PLANNING COUNCIL #4 (FERMONT/VERONA/MCKINLEY) November 15, 2023 First Congregational Church, 342 NE Capital Ave MEETING MINUTES ATTENDANCE: MEMBERS: Dave Morgan, Mary Lusk, Sherry Sofia, Dave Salerno, Mary Conklin, JP Wilson GUESTS: Jim Haadsma, Autumn Smith, Craig Long, Bob Bullard, Belinda Bullard After introductions BCPD: Officer Long passed out Sept crime report. Commented on how people have found the Kia automobile easy to steal, a problem house on Merritt St demolished, a good turnout for their Halloween trunk or treat. Transportation study: JP handed out a Battle Creek area transportation study which listed fed and state funding for various projects. CITY COMMISSION: Sherry discussed a proposal incentivizing low-income housing development, payment in lieu of taxes, and a form of property tax relief, for the former K-Mart property and another on E Michigan. The shortage of bus drivers may be due to recreational marijuana use. Fed funding requires drug testing. Calhoun countywide transportation is being retarded by a lack of township participation. Bob commented that he could use the Kalamazoo countywide transport system to get to the VA and take the city bus to Battle Creek. JP said the city lacks an interest in replanting trees. STATE GOVERNMENT: Senate: Jim Haadsma related a productive session prior to their adjournment. Presidential primary Feb 27. Did not think the general public was concerned about the disclosure practices of Proposal 1. Autumn sought his support for a bill to stop the production of the COVID-19 vaccine. He directed her to work with people on the same philosophical bent. Vote pending in 2024 on mandatory staffing for collective bargaining limited to police and fire. Autumn commented on the city's lack of bidding for home improvement projects. JP said Beautiful BC Awards returning. COMMENTS: JP says to plant more trees. Mary Lusk invited everyone to their 10 am service, and 7 pm on Christmas Eve, planning a mid-Dec youth party. Mary Conklin finds the meeting informative. Jim wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. ADJOURN 8:17 PM NEXT MEETING: January 17, 7 PM