Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

MINUTES OF MEETING URBANDALE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL – NPC 5 (Christ United Methodist Church, 65 Bedford Rd) Monday, March 11, 2019 @ 7:00 p.m. ****FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES and AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS CONTACT ** ** KristinBloodWard1@gmail.com or Robert Whitfield @ 269-213-9774 MINUTES 1. Call to Order & Welcome @ 7:04 p.m. 2. Attendance [Member (M) Guest (G) City Rep (C)]: Pat Graw (M), Nancy Hoard (M), Wayne Hoard (M), Robert Whitfield (M), Terry Lancaster (M), Officer Jordan Barrons (C), Kathy Antaya (M), Hal Longman (M), Johnny Vick (M), Roger Ballard (M), Sara Schmanske (M), Curtis Roberts (M), Catherine LaValley (M), Freeman Thomas (M), Fred Bachman (M), Walt McIlroy (M), Rebecca Pierce (M), Patty Poole Gray (M), John Griffin (C), Ollie Griffin (G), Chris Lussier (C), Debbie Fryer (G), Sandy Boyd (G), Jim Eldridge (G), Norma Eldridge (G), Brock L. Howland (G) EXCUSED: Joshua Fausey, David Moore, Deb Owens, Kristin Blood 3. Chair Notes/Announcements/Correspondence: Chair Whitfield reminded the group that the Housing Board of Appeals meets the 2nd Wednesday at 1pm @ City Hall. He also mentioned the Planning Commission meets the 4th Wednesday every month. Sect. Blood sent a thank you note to last month’s speaker, Dinah Hoke. 4. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: Order of agenda was modified by Chair Whitfield. 5. Approval of Previous Minutes: Motion made and seconded to accept previous minutes as amended. Minutes amended to show Rebecca Pierce (Runion) was an “excused absence” last month. 6. Police Report: Officer Jordon Barrons handed out the BCPD crime stats and gave a verbal report. Some discussion ensued regarding the “wrong way” parking on our streets. Apparently, the most egregious violator has stopped this behavior. We discussed the property called Murphy’s Auto Sales, (unsightly auto yard on Michigan Ave., at Lacey St). This property has been a long-term challenge in Urbandale. The new BC cell- phone ordinance went into effect on February 15. It prohibits drivers from using their cell phones to scroll, type and talk while operating a motor vehicle, within the city limits. Non-compliant drivers currently receive a warning. Citations will be issued when the City completes the installation of appropriate signage. 7. Guest Speaker: Debbie Fryer was introduced by Roger Ballard. She gave a presentation on the development of the BC Dog Park. After much effort, the City has given permission for the Dog Park to be located at Bailey Park. A chain link fence will encircle the dog playground. A double gate will be used to safely enter and exit the dog yard. There will be separate, gated areas for “big” dogs and “small” dogs. Water will be piped to the site. Shade will be provided by existing trees. The committee is trying to raise $60,000 for the park infrastructure - $30,000 in donations are needed to match a $30,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. The group is working to finalize agreements for use of the dog park. To donate or help out, go to Facebook for the group, Friends of Calhoun Co. Dog Park. 8. Committee Reports: (Comments limited to 3 min per topic) a. School: Catherine LaValley provided a verbal report. Most BC schools need to make up two “snow” days – June 11 will be last day. Spring sport try-outs started today, including Bowling and Women’s tennis. Ms. LaValley also gave updates on the various sport terms. BC Central is currently developing Career Academies, to provide more focus on career paths. The BCPS is excited to announce the opening of Freemont International Academy. Aug 21, 2019. This free public school is currently taking applications. This first year, grades pre-K through 2nd will be open. Each year they will add one grade, up to grade 6. A reminder that March is Reading Month! Reading Buddies are still needed. Ms. LaValley also answered several questions. b. Code Report: Chris Lussier, Community Development Manager, provided the written report and answered questions. He also listened to a code violation complaint by one of the members. (Note: There is a complaint form for our NPC members to use. It is usually printed on the back of the meeting agenda.) On May 20, the city will begin work on updating the Non-Motorized Transportation Plan. c. Food Pantry: Roger Ballard reminded us that everyone is invited to add canned goods or other food to the pantry (the little cupboard-pantry in the parking lot), or brings items to the NPC meeting. Please do not drop items off at the church, as they do not manage the pantry – instead put items directly in the pantry itself. 9. New Membership & Renewal: No new members. 10. Beautiful Battle Creek Award/Nominations: Our nomination process is still on hold until the backlog of addresses is approved. 11. Old Business: Terry Lancaster noted that our NPC Adopt-a-Highway event will take place starting at 9 am on April 13. We are looking for volunteers. All participants must watch a 5 min. safety video. 12. New Business: The following members volunteered to obtain a guest speaker for these meetings: Terry Lancaster = April (Calhoun Co Animal Center); Kathy Antaya = May (Recycling & Zero Waste); Fred Bachman = June; Patty Poole Gray = July; Hal Longman = August. According to Chair Whitfield, the Urbandale Homecoming Parade Committee is forming now; contact Deb Owens if you want to help. This event is separate from the Urbandale Fall Festival. Brock Howland addressed the NPC members regarding a change in zoning for his business in Urbandale. (Across from McDonald’s; currently has a gun shop sign in front). He is asking the City to have this property rezoned to allow for medical marijuana business. He would like the NPC to support his request, although his building is less than 1000’ from a school. Chair Whitfield suggested Mr. Howland survey all the residents within 300’ of his property and report back to us. 13. Nominating Committee: No business. 14. Public Service Comments from Commissioners: Commissioner John Griffin said there was not much to report due the closed-door session at the last City Commission meeting. Brief discussion of new regulations in MI about conducting business over the internet. 15. Comments for the Good of the Order: (Comments limited to three (3) minutes per person) a. Public Comments: None b. Members Comments: Hal Longman announced a meeting at Kool Family Center March 28th at 630pm, about the proposed new gas tax. Kathy Antaya announced a 2-day seminar, Introduction to Racial Equity, on March 22 and 23. This event is put on by the Truth and Titus Collective. 16. Next Meeting: April 8, 2019 17. Adjournment: 8:28 PM City of Battle Creek Home Page: http://www.battlecreekmi.gov/site3.aspx Crime Map: www.ci.battle-creek.mi.us/crimesearch City Commission Agenda & Minutes: http://www.battlecreekmi.gov/City_Government/Mayor_and_Commission/Current_Agendas_and_Minutes.htm The City of Battle Creek will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered in the meeting upon reasonable notice to the City of Battle Creek. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Battle Creek by writing or calling the following: City Clerk (269) 966-3348/T DD