Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

NORTHEAST PLANNING COUNCIL #4 (Fermont/Verona/McKinley) MEETING MINUTES February 21, 2024 First Congregational Church, 342 NE Capital Ave Meeting Date 2.21.24. 6:58 Members: Mary Lusk, Roger Koning, Kim and Chuck Yarger, Dave Morgan, Mary Conklin, Dave Salerno, Boonikka Herring Guests: Helen Guzzo, Autumn Smith, Khyrinn Herring, Michael McCullough, Bryan Gandy, Craig Long, Charles Rose, John Kenefick Boonika Herring introduced herself as chair. BCPD: Craig handed out Jan crime report. N Wabash homicide suspect identified by decoding the decedent's phone password. Motor vehicle thiefs using transponders for starters targeting Kia, Hyundai, Dodge. General discussion regarding homelessness. Homeless camp along Wagner Dr getting city contractor cleanups. Kingdom Builders taking over operational management of the Battle Creek Shelter. Policewoman injured in cafe shooting recovering from injuries. Code: Bryan handed out code compliance and inspector issues report for Jan and Feb. Paint and roofing should be priorities with the return of mild weather. Chuck reported a resident at 261 N McKinley running a wood business. Library: Mac McCoulough handed out folder of Willard Library's information on conversation cafe, Black History, and BC aviation pioneers. Gave an overview of different work projects he is involved in that residents can input relating their story; building community, black history, tours of Battle Creek , community conversations, things worth remembering and in your own backyard. Mentioned how being a reference librarian involves social work and sorting a treasure trove of historical artifacts. Khyrinn offered to volunteer on a historical project. Minutes: Members did not receive the Jan minutes from the city. Voting was postponed. Community Development: Helen introduced herself and gave an introduction of her involvement with city and county government. Made reference to the city's minor home repair program and the city funding Neighborhood Inc to handle rental assistance to people on the margains of society. Comments: Chuck reiterated his wish for a stop sign on Laurel Dr to slow N McKinley traffic, Mary Lusk touted the First Presbyterian Church's Taco Tuesday 3-6 at the Youth Building across from the church, pickle ball and Zumba classes in the gym, summer camp for grades 1-8, Boonikka related a plan is in the offering for a NPC 4 cleanup in April and a picnic in Quaker Park and/or Piper Park in June, Charles related a WKK Foundation meeting which is working to reinvigorate, revive Battle Creek, Autumn mentioned a Tea Party meeting at the American Legion 6-8 and a petition circulating to axe the property tax. Adjourn: 8:07