Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council #5 Council Minutes – September 8, 2014 Meeting at Christ United Methodist Church 65 North Bedford Road Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Robert Whitfield, chair. Attendance: Robert Whitfield, Chair; Dale Stratton; Eric Morris; David Moore; Walt McIlroy; Hal Longman; Catherine LaValley; Brandin Huggett; Joshua Fausey; Fred Bachman; Carl Brockman; Kathy Antaya. Excused absences: Sara Schmanske, Pat Graw, Deb Owens. A quorum of at least seven members was present. Guests included: Michael Wood; Amy Rose Wallace-Robinson; Pamela Willison; Tyler Willison; Jill Sajtar; Paul Sajtar. Previous Minutes: August 11, 2014 minutes were approved by voice vote. Correspondence: There was no correspondence. Police Report: Officer Huggett reported fewer automobile break-ins this past month in Urbandale. It appears that “prevention” tactics used by residents are working. Guest Speaker: Helen Guzzo, with Eric Morris, discussed the “Community Development Snapshot.” The city’s Community Development Dept supports neighborhoods by administering federal programs and coordinating planning efforts. Every five years the city coordinates a needs assessment process to develop a Consolidated Plan, which governs the spending of these funds. The “Snapshot” includes data on how funds were spent and seeks residents’ input through surveys and meetings. Residents are asked to fill out the questionnaire that was delivered with your city water/sewer/trash bill. A Community Development forum is scheduled for Thurs, Oct 9, at Burnham Brook. Commissioner’s Report: N/A School Report: N/A Code Report: Eric Morris distributed a written report. He also fielded questions from the group. Membership: Former NPC members, Jill and Paul Sajtar, were nominated for membership. This nomination was approved by voice vote. Both new members reside at 65 Dunning Ave, BC 49037 Beautiful Battle Creek Award: 219 Kellogg as nominated by Dale Stratton Old Business: A continued discussion on plans to utilize the small-grant funding offered by Neighborhoods Inc to area NPC’s. Regarding our idea of a “work day and Urbandale Community picnic” at Fell Park: Deb Owens reported (via message to another NPC member) that the city just recently placed woodchips in the playground at Fell Park, and there was a plan for a city cleanup session this fall. We can still choose to use the funds for a community-building picnic at Fell Park. Urbandale residents (approx. 1800) could be notified with postcards to each address. A picnic may require a block-party permit and Health Dept regulations. It was suggested we could pay for installation of a light on a post to improve dusk-to-dawn safety at Fell Park. The City must be willing to pay the additional electric usage. Other ideas include: “sprucing up” another Urbandale park; new banners/flags for display on posts in downtown Urbandale; paying for installation of the Urbandale Business Assoc. Christmas lights along Michigan Ave. It was suggested we ask the Battle Creek City Public Works Dept to help with the light installation. Also, Deb Owens has been investigating a grant to help with installation costs. New Business: Residents reported chasing a purse-snatcher from Family Fare to the area behind Spanky’s. Police say the suspect was apprehended. These residents also noted that the unmaintained area behind Spanky’s/Smitty’s is a “hang-out for teens” after dark. Nominating Committee: Public Comment: Community Action Agency reminds residents there are funds available for weatherization and energy efficiency improvements to your home. Amy Rose Wallace-Robinson of CAA can provide more information at 269-441-1335 A resident wished to publically express serious concern and report the unsafe intersection of Michigan Ave and Bedford Rd. Specifically, the danger when turning left onto Michigan from either north- or south-bound Bedford. Members discussed rumors of plans for Michigan Ave road repairs, which might include the addition of a left turn signal. Unknown answers. Deb Owens will be consulted at next NPC meeting. Member Comment: A member inquired as to the possible return of the Willard Library book Drop Box, and Bookmobile, to Urbandale Plaza. Unknown reasons why both were removed. A member suggested city staff should be invited to attend more NPC meetings. The meeting adjourned at 8:23 P.M. Respectfully submitted by: Kathy Antaya