Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council #5 Council Minutes – June 9, 2014 Meeting at Christ United Methodist Church 65 North Bedford Road Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by Robert Whitfield, chair. Attendance: Robert Whitfield, Chair; Carl Brockman; David Moore; Fred Bachman; Deborah Owens; Hal Longman; Myrtle Evans; Catherine LaValley; Sara Schmanske; Walt McIlroy; Kathy Antaya; Patricia Graw; Terris Todd; Brandin Huggett; Eric Morris; Kurt Roth; Diane Ramirez Previous Minutes: April 14, 2014 minutes were approved by voice vote May 12, 2014 minutes were approved by voice vote. Correspondence: Discussion on neighborhood NPC’s in Battle Creek. There are a total of 11 NPC’s which cover 5 wards within the city. Attendance has been dwindling making it hard to conduct business at the monthly meetings. The City Commission is discussing this issue at an upcoming work session. Police Report: Brandin Huggett introduced himself as our new area Battle Creek patrol officer. Guest Speaker: Diane Ramirez, of Chemical Bank, spoke to the council about Federal & State MSHDA grants and non grant programs for low income residents of Battle Creek. The Property Improvement Program (PIP) program helps residents and landlords fix up properties for use. Township of Bedford has loans for home repairs with 1% interest rates. Also available are the AMP program for wheelchair ramps and accessibility and the Home Ownership Opportunity Program (HOOP) for first time home buyers. Further info is pending at upcoming NPC meetings. Commissioner’s Report: Deb Owens commended Eric Morris for his customer service skills when dealing with the community when explaining code issues. The City budget was approved for $43 million with no millage renewal this fiscal year. The shortfall is being covered by fund balance. School Report: BCPS Board Meeting scheduled for 6/16/2014 at 3 West VanBuren beginning at 5:30 P.M. Deborah Gregory also announced her retirement and subsequent vacancy on the NPC board. Suggestions are welcome for the replacement of the secretary position going forward. Code Report: A written report was distributed by Eric Morris. He encourages anyone with code issues to call 269-966-3387 to report issues so that the address can be placed on his schedule A discussion was also had on rain delays and the additional fee when a citizen files an appeal. In addition, the inquiry was made as to why commercial properties code violations are not enforced as much as residential violations. Membership: Rebecca Runyon, Josh Hausey & Dale Stratton had excused absences. Beautiful Battle Creek Award: 47 Kimber as nominated by Eric Morris Old Business: N/A New Business: 6/26/14 is the Tea Party meeting at Burnham Brook at 6:30, Urbandale parade is on 6/21/14 Public Comment: Carl Brockman made favorable comments on the new sidewalks in Urbandale. Walt McIlroy polled the group to determine interest of having a Taco Bell in Urbandale. Catherine LaValley announced her candidacy for Battle Creek Public Schools Board of Education. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 P.M. Respectively submitted by: Deborah L. Gregory