Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council #5 Council Minutes – January 11, 2016 Meeting at Christ United Methodist Church Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Robert Whitfield, chair. Attendance: Robert Whitfield; Johnny Vick; Freeman Thomas; Sara Schmanske; Curtis Roberts; Deb Owens; David Moore; Walt McIlroy; Terry Lancaster; Pat Graw; Fred Bachman; Kathy Antaya. Excused absence: Steven Andrus; Joshua Fausey; Catherine LaValley; Hal Longman; Rebecca Runyon. A quorum of at least seven members was present. ** Members please call 963-7148 for “excused absence” (leave message) ** Guests included: Beverly Case; Commissioner Kaytee Faris; Jennifer Kay; David Kemp (SWMCDC); Mary Lou Ramon; Brian Steele. City staff included: Dennis McKinley; Officer John Chrenenko. Chair Announcements/Correspondence: Next meeting of the Planning Commission is Feb 8. Additions/deletions to the Agenda: no changes to agenda Previous Minutes: Minutes from December mtg were approved by voice vote. Police Report: Officer John Chrenenko provided a written and oral report of crimes in the Urbandale area in December. Approximately 250-300 police calls were made to NPC #5 in Dec. He answered members’ questions. We discussed speeding vehicles along Morgan Ave. Police will look into temporary use of a roadside speed monitoring and warning device. Guest Speaker: For unknown reasons, guest speaker was not available. School Report: Jennifer Kay, principal of Urbandale Elementary School, distributed a letter from interim Superintendent Kimberly Parker-DeVauld and discussed the current BCPS Strategic Planning Process. BCPS are hosting a series of community conversations across the school district, seeking input from residents and stakeholders. They intend to create “a new vision for our schools that is grounded in our current reality and centered on college and career readiness.” Our local mtg is scheduled for Feb 2, 530-700 pm, at Urbandale Elementary School. Code Report: Dennis McKinley provided a written and oral report. He reminded us that grants are available for low-income households for minor home repairs. These are grants, not loans, up to $5,000 ($12,000 for roofs). See city website or call Code Dept for more info. We also had a discussion on snow removal. BC ordinance says “accumulated snow must be removed before noon, if it falls at night; you have until noon of the next day to remove any daytime accumulation.” Beautiful Battle Creek Award: Sara Schmanske nominated 52 Eldredge. Old Business: Chair Whitfield reminded attendees that our NPC will be applying for the Neighborhoods, Inc., grant. We should submit ideas to Deb Owens or Paula Scarbrough. New Business: Chair Whitfield distributed the BC Area Transportation Study report. David Kemp briefly described why Neighborhoods, Inc. changed its name to the Southwest MI Community Development Co. Nominating Committee: Pastor Brian Steele was nominated for NPC #5 membership, and he was elected with a voice vote. Public Service Comments from Commissioner: Comments from Commissioners Owens & Faris.  More discussion of snow removal. It was suggested to contact 211 or City Linc if you need help.  Smart Meters for measuring residential city water use. City plans to replace all water meters in residences. You can “opt out” or ask to have the meter placed up to 100’ from your residence. You should call the Water Dept right away, because the replacement may come without prior notice. Both Commissioners have asked for more clarity from city on the replacement process, and more scrutiny (“independent research”) into this technology based on unknown health effects.  Inspection Division now has “same day service” for most minor home repairs/projects that require permitting.  Urged residents to attend the BC Public Schools Strategic Planning meetings.  New “Wounded Warrior” parking signs at City Hall. To honor wounded veterans.  Reported on the City Commission workshop about becoming a “Welcoming Michigan” community. Next Meeting: February 8, 2016 Adjournment: 8:07 P.M. Respectfully submitted by: Kathy Antaya