Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council #5 Council Minutes – February 8, 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; Brian Steele; Sara Schmanske; Paula Scarbrough; Paul Sajtar; Curtis Roberts; Deb Owens; David Moore; Walt McIlroy; Hal Longman; Terry Lancaster; Pat Graw; Joshua Fausey; Bev Case; Fred Bachman; Kathy Antaya. Excused absence: Steven Andrus; Catherine LaValley; Rebecca Runyon; Freeman Thomas. A quorum of at least seven members was present. ** Members please call 963-7148 for “excused absence” (leave message) ** Guests included: Vice Mayor Susan Baldwin; Jennifer Kay; David Kemp (SWMCDC), Bernadette Llewelyn; Carey Whitfield (speaker, NAACP). City staff included: Dennis McKinley; Officer Jordan Barrons; Cadet Hovarter. Chair Announcements/Correspondence: Historic District Committee, Zoning Board of Appeal Additions/deletions to the Agenda: no changes to agenda Previous Minutes: Minutes from January mtg were approved by voice vote. Police Report: Officer Barrons provided a written and oral report of crimes in the Urbandale area in January. It was a typical, “quiet” January. He answered members’ questions. We discussed speeding vehicles along Morgan Ave. Guest Speaker: Carey Whitfield, president of the Battle Creek chapter of the NAACP and Springfield City Council. By discussing several local efforts, Mr. Whitfield stressed the importance of good communication between community residents and community authorities. Open communication is a key factor for creating an inclusive, vibrant, resilient community, School Report: Jennifer Kay, principal of Urbandale Elementary School  Thanked residents for participation in a series of community conversations across the school district. The one held at our School was particular good. BCPS intend to create “a new vision for our schools that is grounded in our current reality and centered on college and career readiness.”  March is Reading Month! Ms. Kay is looking for guest readers for classes at Urbandale Elementary School. Please call 965-9735 if you are interested. Code Report: Dennis McKinley provided a written and oral report. Ted Hanson is the new Building Official in the Code Dept. The city is seeking election workers - please call the City Clerks Office if interested. Mr. McKinley’s duties will be changing. He will serve as a type of liaison between the Code Dept and other city departments, such as Police. We wish Dennis the best of luck in his new role, and thank him for excellent service to our NPC. Beautiful Battle Creek Award: Sara Schmanske nominated 49 Emerald. Old Business: Chair Whitfield reminded attendees that our NPC will be applying for the Neighborhoods, Inc., grant (now known as Southwest Mi Community Development Co.). We should submit ideas to Fred Bachman, Deb Owens or Paula Scarbrough. We will finalize our decision after thorough discussion at the April NPC #5 mtg. New Business: Chair Whitfield made note of the on-going NPC Leadership Meetings. The next one scheduled is Monday, May 2 at 5:15pm at the DPW offices. Nominating Committee: No business. Public Service Comments from Commissioner: Comments from Commissioner Owens.  Tuesday, March 8 is the presidential primary. Get out the vote!  City of BC is hosting a Master Plan meeting, Feb 18, at the Kool Center, 6:30-8pm  The City is planning to close three railroad crossings near downtown, as part of the effort to reduce railway noise in residential areas.  Discussed possible closure of firestation(s) in the City.  There is a grant available for teachers from the BC Public School Education Fund. It is intended to provide assistance for funding field trips. Public Service Comments for the Good of the Order: On March 8, 7 pm, at the Kellogg Auditorium, the BC Community Foundation and Agape Ministries presents Jaylen Bledsoe. Mr. Bledsoe is an 18-year old entrepreneur with an impressive story. No admission charge, but free will offering will be accepted. Next Meeting: March 14, 2016 Adjournment: 8:32 P.M. Respectfully submitted by: Kathy Antaya