Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council #5 Council Minutes – March 12, 2012 Meeting at Christ United Methodist Church 65 North Bedford Road Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by Robert Whitfield, chair. Attendance: Robert Whitfield, Chair; Dale Stratton; Nate Zanotti; Sara Schmanske; Joshua Fausey; David Moore; Stan Beckwith; Joe Britvec; Barbara Beckwith; Mary Lou Ramon; Deborah Owens; Fred Bachman; Dennis McKinley; Jeff Domenico; Lt. Todd Madsen; Walt McIlroy; Kyra Sichinga Previous Minutes: The minutes from February 13, 2012 were approved by a voice vote. Correspondence: A letter was received by William Phillips at 70 South Main thanking the council for the Beautiful Battle Creek award received. The draft of the Annual 5 year action plan is now available at the City Clerk’s office. Police Report: Lt. Todd Madsen updated the council on his current assigned route as well as the status of metal crimes in the area. He also discussed the creation of a twitter site for info, news alerts and live feeds. He will update the group once the site goes live. Guest Speaker: Kyra Sichinga – Battle Creek Urban League. Kyra discussed the various programs available for the purpose of youth development. Futures force is for 9th – 12th grade for students with a 3.0 or higher GPA. These students can pass their ACT’s, do 30 hours of community service and qualify for a 4 year scholarship to Western. Other programs include the Focus Academy which is an alternative school setting, Sojourner Truth Academy which has a focus on S.T.E.M., Kids Village for summer latch key, Top Club for teen outreach, 0-5 year Early Childhood program and GED prep. Most of these programs are done in collaboration with Battle Creek Public Schools. More information is available at 269-962-5553. Commissioner’s Report: Mary Lou Ramon dispensed information on the Leadership Symposium scheduled for Saturday March 17th and September 22, 2012. She also spoke to a website that is available when looking for information on rental properties. It is as follows: https://is.bsasoftware.com/bsa.is/PermitServices/ServicePropertySearch.aspx?i=5&appid=2 Commissioner Jeffrey Domenico introduced himself to the council. He is from Ward 5. He stated that he only hears positive things when Urbandale NPC is discussed. He also updated the group on properties within his area of interest to the group. School Report: Deborah L. Gregory discussed the upcoming board meeting on March 19th and answered questions in reference to the renovations and programs upon the completion of the Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center. Code Report: Written report by Dennis McKinley as well as answered council questions and updated the group on prior months issues raised. Code clerical staff has been expanded to achieve better reporting. Battle Creek has been determined to be fourth in the state in municipal citations. Membership: Excused absence for Carl Brockman; Mason Mayo; Darlene Mayo Beautiful Battle Creek Award: The award went to 1346 West Michigan – Jacks Bar & Grill as reported by Dale Stratton. New Business: Walt McIlroy nominated Fred Bachman and Joshua Fausey as new members of the council. Dale Stratton seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved by voice vote. Guest speaker for April will be Fred Bachman and a second speaker – name pending. Adjournment: Chair Whitfield adjourned the meeting at 8:06 PM Respectively submitted by: Deborah L. Gregory, Secretary