Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

URBANDALE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL – MEETING MINS. JULY 09, 2018 Call to Order: 7:02 pm Attendance: Chairman Robert Whitfield, Vice-Chair Freeman Thomas, Acting Secretary Rebecca Pierce, Roger Ballard, David Moore, Terry Lancaster, Beverly Case. Sara Schmanske, Deborah Owens, Fred Bachman, Johnny Vick, Curtis Roberts, Catherine LaValley, Patricia Graw, Joshua Fausey, Guests Bernadette Llewellyn, Mrs. Griffin. City Staff: Officer Nate Hopkins, Officer E. Lanphar, Commissioner John Griffin, Code Compliance Eric M. Morris Excused: Walt McIlroy and Kristin Blood Announcements: Condolences to the Family of Mason Mayo for his passing. Additions/Deletions to the Agenda: none Approval of Previous minutes: Motion was made by David Moore, passed with voice vote of membership. Police Report: Read the police report and took questions or concerns from Membership Guest Speaker: Brenda Hunt from the Battle Creek Community Foundation Public Contributions are made to the foundation. Money is invested to raise more revenue. That money is then used for events and such. International Festival will be at Bailey Park by the anybodies playground. It is Saturday Aug 18, 2018. There will be Entertainment, games, prizes, and samples of food from our local restaurants. This event is free. The annual BCCF meeting will be at the New Miller Gym, Wednesday Aug. 15, 2018 The grand opening for the New Miller Gym at Kellogg Community College, is Saturday Aug 7, 2018. The Annex (Old Sheldon Park) is now student housing. There are 138 apartment units in the old Community Hospital. Heritage Tower will have a few floors finished and ready for rent in April. Work on the Heritage tower will continue. Swimming lessons program will start soon at the Battle Creek YMCA Committee Reports: School: Catherine LaValley told the membership that today July 9, 2018 was the first day of pre-K experience. It will run through Aug 11, 2018. It has been a success in the past, making it easier for kids going into Kindergarten in the fall. Miranda in the park will be behind Northwestern Junior High School July 26, 2018. Free lunch at 11:30 for kids 18 and under. Miranda event starts at Noon, rain or shine. Code: Eric Morris handed out the code report, biggest problem being dealt with right now is junk and junk cars. Plastic bags for disposal of mattresses, can be picked up for free at Room 117 of city hall or at the Department of Public Works (DPW) URBANDALE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL – MEETING MINS. JULY 09, 2018 Beautification: 179 Lacey Ave. Old Business: Further discussion of a dog park in Fell Park. Roger Ballard had a survey he handed out to the membership. At the last meeting, Member Curtis Roberts had notified the officers present of a person loitering behind his business. This meeting Mr. Roberts was told that the police are looking for the person of interest. Blue Ribbon Committee was comprised of 18 people. They discussed the pros and cons of the public electing Mayor and Vice-Mayor, as opposed to the commission voting them in. Four people were against the public voting, and 14 were for it. This will be discussed at the July 17, 2018 City Commission Meeting. Terry Lancaster announced that the Adopt-a-highway cleanup for our group will be Saturday August 21st, 2018 at 9 am. The group should meet at the Shell Gas Station on the corner of Michigan and M-37. New Business: None Public Service Comments from the Commissioner: Commissioner John Griffin was interested in what the membership's opinions/concerns were, on the election of Mayor and Vice-Mayor. A member spoke up and said that the public needs to be educated on this topic. Public Comments: B.C. Pride event downtown by the Sojourner Truth Statue on Saturday July 14, 2018 Member Comment: It was suggested that at the Aug meeting, instead of having a guest speaker, that the membership work on some questions for our commissioner Griffin to take to the city commission on the Mayor and Vice Mayor Voting Topic. September Elections are coming. Please submit interest to Fred Bachman Next Meeting is: Monday August 13, 2018. 7pm Adjournment: 8:12 p.m.