Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

URBANDALE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL Minutes from August 14, 2017 E-Mail: Besteele@gmail.com Phone: 269-274-0029 1. Call to Order & Welcome: Chairman Whitfield called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone present. 2. Attendance Members Present: Commissioner Deb Owens, Johnny Vick, Catherine LaValley, Freeman Thomas, Terry Lancaster, Beverly Case, Brian Steele, Roger Ballard, Regina Kilgore, Alvis Allen, Robert Whitfield, Fred Bachman, David Moore, Sara Schmanske, Joshua Fausey, Kathy Antaya, Patricia Graw, Curtis Roberts, Walt McIlroy Guests Present: Bernadette Llewelyn, John Griffin, Ollie Griffin, Kristin Blood, Larry Satchfield City Staff Present: Police Chief Jim Blocker, Dennis McKinley (Code Compliance), Officer Chapman, 3. Announcements: Chairman Whitfield told us of an NPC training event on August 24th. 4. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: None to report 5. Approval of Previous Minutes: The previous month’s minutes have not yet been submitted. This will be postponed until next month. 6. Police Report: See Guest Speaker 7. Guest Speaker: Police Chief Jim Blocker Chairman Whitfield then allowed Police Chief Jim Blocker as a special guest speaker. Chief Blocker warned the community of leaving house windows open as it gives an opportunity for people to break and enter more easily. Chief Blocker admitted this even happened at his own residence. The Chief and community gave suggestions on how to avoid break-ins. He updated us that the building updates are on schedule and going well. Chief Blocker answered a question about the newly hired officers and those who have been recently promoted. Chief Blocker explained that they take the application process seriously and seek to truly know who the officer is as a person to make sure they are the right person for our community. There are currently 109 officers employed at the department. Chief Blocker says he looks for empathy, compassion and sensitivity for all people in our city’s population. 8. Committee Reports: School Report: Catherine Lavalley: The BCPS will be introducing the motto for the school year at their next school board meeting on Monday, August 21st. The motto is Believing in the Change. The former Urbandale Elementary building has been sold and will be in partnership with West Michigan University and Kellogg Community College. The deal will be finalized shortly and details will be shared at the next meeting or when they are available. Code Report: Dennis McKinley: The Code Report was distributed to all members. There was an update on a demolition at Hinman. They are also trying to improve the relations between police and community members and attended a training in the Detroit area on how to improve this. It was a very valuable experience. Beautification: 265 N. Bedford Rd. Excused Absences: Hal Longman is excused. 9. Old Business: The “Adopt-A-Highway” program was brought up again. A member went to Marshall for information and explained the specifications for the program. It was voted that we would continue on with this. Chairman Whitfield will take the lead on this. Volunteers for this: Kristin Blood, Deb Owens, Terry Lancaster, Josh Fausey, Fred Bauchman, Pat Graw, Catherine LaValley, Robert Whitfield, Alvis Allen. 10. New Business: The Urbandale Fall Fest was brought up. The event has unfortunately been canceled this year but there is hope that it will be brought back next year. Commissioner Owens said she would look at whether the grant is still available. There will be a plan starting in January to work on this. It was also suggested that we apply for a grant for yard signs to promote the NPC. It was also asked that we could give handouts to new neighbors with information about the NPC and Neighbors.com. Through other funds available, the roof of David Moore was replaced and the church is very thankful. 11. Nominating Committee: N/A 12. Public Service Comments from Commissioners: Commissioner Owens gave dates for upcoming events. A flyer was distributed. -Flash Flood Water Park: Final Day is mon Monday, September 4 -“The Chief’s Challenge” on September 2nd. -City Cleanup on September 18-22. -Calhoun County Hazardous Waste Pickup on September 30 -Crazy for the Kazoo River Cleanup will take place on October 7th Commissioner Owens also encouraged us all to vote in the upcoming elections and to study the candidates. Commissioner Owens reported the city has entered into a grant agreement with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in the amount of 1,479,450 over a three year period to assist in the City in expanding its capacity to provide economic and community development city wide. The City Commission will be holding a workshop on August 15 on medical Marijuana licensing. Alvis Allen, Nancy and Wayne Hoard have also been confirmed as new members. 13. Comments for the Good of the Order: Public Comments: It was approved to have a candidate form in October. Chairman Whitfield will make contact with the candidates for this forum to confirm their interest. The At-Large candidates will also be invited. Member Comments: Question was asked if there was a “Neighbor Appreciation Program.” It was answered that we do not and will discuss it more at the next meeting. It was also recognized that members of our NPC have received local awards. “The Scene” magazine is featuring a neighborhood each month and it was brought up that our NPC area could be featured in it. It was also announced that fresh vegetables are available at a farm stand at Leila Arboretum on Tuesday/Thursday 12-6. 14. Next Meeting: September 11, 2017 15. Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:46