Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council #5 Council Minutes – September 9, 2013 Meeting at Christ United Methodist Church 65 North Bedford Road Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by Robert Whitfield, chair. Attendance: Robert Whitfield, Chair; David Moore; Stan Beckwith; Dale Stratton; Mary Lou Ramon; Deborah L. Gregory; Carl Brockman; Fred Bachman; Deborah Owens; Brett Myers; Kathy Antaya; Patricia Graw; Rebecca Runyon; Joshua Fausey; Sara Schmanske; Seth Parker; John Kenefick; Erik Morris; Tonia Bennett; Kaytee Faris A moment of silence was observed Previous Minutes: August 2013 minutes were approved by voice vote. Correspondence: N/A Police Report: Written report Guest Speaker: Brett Myers from Leila Arboretum reviewed the various projects at the Arboretum. He has been the Director for 14 years of the 72 acre complex which includes Kingman Museum. The new Fragrant Hill Pavilion on Overlook Hill is now available for rental and has full electrical. If interested call 269-969-0270 for information. The Arboretum has many opportunities to interact with nature such as the Gardening 365 program and a three mile long - 18 disc golf course. A new sculpture garden is an upcoming project which will transform current ash columns into art and benches to be used throughout the community. Commissioner’s Report: May Lou Ramon discussed the dissolution of the Columbia Business Improvement District by a 63% margin. The assistant City Manager James Ritsema applied for the City Manager of Kalamazoo. He is one of the finalists. School Report: Deborah Gregory discussed the district audit for the previous fiscal year as well as the current school year being off to a great start. Code Report: Eric Morris fielded questions and distributed a written report. Membership: Darlene Mayo; Mason Mayo had excused absences Beautiful Battle Creek Award: 10 Hillcrest Court as reported by Dale Stratton Old Business: The following Nominations were approved and the candidates were voted in by the council: Council Chair – Robert Whitfield Assistant vice Chair – Carl Brockman Secretary – Deborah L. Gregory Assistant Secretary – Rebecca Runyon Membership – Carl Brockman Speaker Committee – Deb Owens  (2) New Business: The speaker for October will be candidates for City Commission. The normal agenda of speakers will be set aside to allow for each candidate to speak as well as field questions from the council. The agenda will return to normal at the November meeting. Public Comment: Deb Owens reviewed the upcoming events at Oak Hill Cemetery on September 15th at 2pm. There is a tour of 8 burial sites during this event. Adjournment: Chair Whitfield adjourned the meeting at 8:04 PM Respectively submitted by: Deborah L. Gregory