Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

MEETING MINUTES URBANDALE NEIGHBORHOOD PLANNING COUNCIL – NPC 5 (Christ United Methodist Church, 65 Bedford Rd) Second Monday @ 7:00 p.m. MINUTES 1-13-25 Submitted by Heather Stratton 1. Call to Order & Welcome @ 7:05PM 2. Attendance [Member (M) Guest (G) City Rep (C)]: Kathy Antaya (Chair), Joanna Hacker (M), Nancy Hoard (M), Catherine LaValley (Vice Chair), David Moore (M), Cheryle Roberts (M), Curtis Roberts (M), Sara Schmanske (M), Heather Stratton (Secretary), Helen Guzzo (G), Darcy Schmitt (G), Eric Morris (C), Cecil Rose (C ) EXCUSED: Fred Bachman, Kristin Blood, Terry Lancaster, Sharlene VanLuven, Robert Whitfield 3. Approval of Previous Minutes: delayed until February so folks may read through 4. Chair Notes/Announcements/Correspondence: Kathy delivered remarks: letter from the city about lead water lines is not a warning, it is an FYI-please read-city program to assess infrastructure and need to know what interior pipes some homes have, Red Cross is offering smoke detectors—(will ask if they do CO2 as well), Pastor Janet is retiring and we thank her for her generosity to our community in hosting us and so many other things, Jocita Todd from CASA will be the Feb or March speaker as they are looking for community partners for their court appointed child advocates in Calhoun County. Discussion was had and decided on inviting CASA. 5. Additions or Deletions to the Agenda: None 6. Police Report: Officer Rose discussed the provided police report; retail fraud up due to the season, many position changes at BCPD with canine handlers and other promotions, BCPD is a full unit now with new cadets hired and 4 K9s, drones are proving useful in residential areas of known nuisance, a homeless encampment near Bynum Drive was vacated, answered questions and encouraged folks to call to report any problems. 7. Guest Speaker: Helen Guzzo and Darcy Schmidt from the City of Battle Creek presented on the (2025-2029) 5-year Housing and Community Development Consolidated Master Plan. In 2018 housing was added to the city’s master plan which is now required by state law as there is a housing crisis. Half of the residential housing in BC was built before 1960, too many of the homes are in disrepair, and there is limited quantity of quality housing on all levels—we are short 470 more single-family homes and 1,400 rental units. BCCF, WKKF, BCU are all working with the city as interested stakeholders of the Housing Action Plan. Some of the funds are allocated toward crisis housing needs. Currently the Master Plan includes rezoning, using a $1.2m block grant (same as 10 years ago) for many projects including 26 demos + 11 new builds (3 are HUD). Discussion: Cheryl R asked about the retirement homes off Helmer, opening discussion of the need for various types-Curtis R reminded the group of minor home repair support for roofs, stairs and more-Heather S asked about repurposing existing vacant schools and factories, Helen said there was one location in consideration at the old Ralston plant. 8. Committee Reports: (Comments limited to 3 min per topic) a. School: Cathay L completed her term on the School Board, discussed the reopening of Northwestern k-8 Visual and Performing Arts to be complete by March, A $134m master study was completed to assess long term accessibility, doors, windows, security, etc. at the schools-there are many needs for improvements. In the May election there will be a 0 mileage increase on the ballot to ensure safe and modern upgrades + C.W. Post Field will redo the visitor bleachers. b. Code Report: Eric M discussed the provided code report; business as usual. He also mentioned his work with Officer Cecil Rose-the two collaborated to keep an eye on recently cleaned up areas on North Hinman Ave and Shellenberger Ave. c. Food Pantry: None d. Library: None e. Nominating Committee: None 9. New Membership & Renewal: None 10. Beautiful Battle Creek Award/Nominations: Sarah Schmanske nominated 15 Linden Street-she nominated it due to the more recent updates to the landscaping and overall care. Cathy L supported. Passed via unanimous vote. 11. Old Business: None 12. New Business: None 13. Public Service Comments from Commissioners: None 14. Comments for the Good of the Order: a. Public Comments: None b. Members Comments: Discussion if anyone knew the new Commissioner as no one at the NPC5 has met them. The group agreed to reach out and invite her (Jessica LaCrosse) to the next meeting. Cheryle R called for prayers in California for the wildfires. 15. Next Meeting: Feb 10, 2025 @ 7pm 16. Adjournment: Kathy A moved to adjourn. Curtis R supported. Passed via unanimous vote @8:31pm 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_a nd_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) 9663348/TDD