Neighborhood Planning Council 9 - Rural Southwest

Rural Southwest Neighborhood Planning Council Southside Bible Church – corner of S. Minges & Beckley Rd. Minutes of the October 8, 2013 Meeting Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Linda Morris. Members Present: Durward McCleary, Linda Morris, Shelby Winslow, George Wytko, Sally Wytko, Harry Zimmerman Citizens Present: Susan Cooley, Kaytee Faris, Sallie Massa, Robert Snyder City Officials: Mayor Susan Baldwin, Planning Supervisor Christine Hilton, and BCPD representative Officer Andrew Winer Approval of Minutes: Due to a lack of a quorum we were not able to approve the minutes for January through May of this year. (We need a minimum of 9 members on the council with 7 as a quorum.) Officer Winer announced that although a suspect has been arrested for a B & E on Perry Road, we should continue to exercise caution by reporting any suspicious behavior. A question regarding left turns on a yellow light was addressed. BCATS Newsletters, The Signal Summer, 2013 and The Signal 2014-2017 TIP were handed out to attendees. Chris Hilton stated that 72 code investigations have taken place since May. She also reported that a small addition will be made to Minges Creek Plaza. Other questions included inquiries about stagnant water on private property and hotel occupancy by the month. Questions regarding the curb work on Beckley Road were raised. Mayor Baldwin reported that this work which includes some replacement curbs, handicap ramps, and driveway intersection improvements is a result of federal funds which were available and would be forfeited if not used. Mayor Baldwin also informed us of Michigan Senate Bill 313 that is seeking to alter local communities’ regulation of rental property. Linda Morris offered to look this up and bring more information on this to the next meeting. Old Business: Durward McCleary made a motion to table action on the removal of non-attending NPC 9 members until November. Shelby Winslow seconded the motion and it was carried. New Business: Durward McCleary asked about establishing a Neighborhood Watch (eyes only with a phone tree) to inform residents of suspicious activity or persons in our NPC area. Linda Morris said she would contact Bill Phillips of NIBC (suggested by Kaytee Faris), Laura Otte of United Way and possibly Teresa Durham of the Nonprofit Alliance for information on establishing a Neighborhood Watch group. Linda Morris reported on her attendance at the Aug. 15, 2013 Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update for 2014- 2018. Linda and Harry advised that walking trails/bike paths would probably be of primary importance for NPC9. At-Large City Commission Candidate Kaytee Faris introduced herself and spoke about her reasons for running for City Commission. Sallie Massa requested membership in NPC 9. Her name will be submitted to the city. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. Next meeting: Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 6:30 pm at Southside Bible Church