Minutes 3/11/2009 7:00:00 AM

PUBLIC COMMENT (LIMITED TO THREE MINUTES PER INDIVIDUAL)

There was none.

MICHIGAN PRISONER RE-ENTRY INITIATIVE/Mike DeBoer (10 minutes + Q & A)

Mike DeBoer provided information regarding the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative, a tri-county program, and discussed how to balance the re-entry of prisoners and the safety of the neighborhoods. He also noted there would be additional money coming from the state since the program is accepting more prisoners than originally planned. Mr. DeBoer stated most returning prisoners are living with family members; only 9 of more than 300 are living in commercial establishments.

Comm. Godfrey asked how the Corrections Department expected released felons to remain clean when they are returning to the same environment.

Mr. DeBoer responded that the anticipation is that by returning to their families, they receive family support in addition to substance abuse counseling and job training.

Comm. Simmons asked how the rate of recidivism under the program compared to the prior program.

Mr. DeBoer responded that statistics show there has been a decrease in the number returning to prison.

BUDGET UPDATE - CURRENT FY AND FY09-10 DEVELOPMENT/Ken Tsuchiyama & Jim Ritsema (10 minutes)

City Manager Tsuchiyama stated the City could achieve the $750,000 reduction without laying off anyone and would fully update the Commission when all savings have been identified. He and Jim Ritsema have been meeting with all department heads to determine where savings could be found or vacancies eliminated.

Comm. Godfrey asked if the $750,000 reduction was in the current budget and if there would be actual service reductions.

Mr. Tsuchiyama replied many departments have held vacancies open until there was a better understanding of the budget and most of the $750,000 would come from this. At this time, there shouldn't be a reduction of services this fiscal year, but we should anticipate service reductions in future years.

Comm. Simmons asked if the City has already realized some savings.

Mr. Tsuchiyama stated even though revenues are down, so are expenses. Departments have done a good job controlling expenses.

Mayor Behnke asked if there has been a change in income tax.

Jim Ritsema responded stating originally the reduction was on the corporate side, but decreased withholdings will also affect income tax revenue.

STIMULUS FUNDING UPDATE, INCLUDING HUD/CDBG FUNDING/Ken Tsuchiyama (5 minutes)

Mr. Tsuchiyama stated the City is still in a holding position waiting for the stimulus money to be released. Battle Creek will also be receiving approximately $400,000 from the Department of Justice. Additionally, Transit has received $1.2M and will probably use the money for already scheduled projects.

Comm. Godfrey questioned the sewer gas in the Lakeview area stating it was impinging on the quality of life for those residents. He asked that the project be considered for stimulus funds if there is extra money.

DOWNTOWN TRANSFORMATION UPDATE, INCLUDING MATH & SCIENCE CENTER RELOCATION/Ken Tsuchiyama (10 minutes)

Mr. Tsuchiyama reminded the Commission that the Kellogg Tower project has been delayed and all associated projects. The City is still proceeding with the traffic study to provide information to Kellogg Company so they can use the information to decide whether to go ahead with the project.

Mayor Behnke asked if we were conducting the study internally.

Mr. Tsuchiyama indicated the City hired an outside consultant who is working in conjunction with the City.

Mr. Tsuchiyama stated Battle Creek Public Schools will be making a presentation to the City Commission explaining the Math and Science Center project process.

Comm. Simmons asked if the City will be moving ahead with the downtown park.

Mr. Tsuchiyama responded the City is moving forward with festival/event space because it makes sense to provide that type of space, especially near the river.

Comm. Thompson stated it was important to continue moving forward because it isn't just about one building. The project was about Battle Creek being the food safety hub and creating a curriculum that could train college students in the health food science. She wouldn't want to see the larger community project fail simply because one building may not be built.

Mr. Tsuchiyama noted an editorial appeared in an Atlanta newspaper stressing the need for an improved food inspection system and referencing the Battle Creek project.

Mayor Behnke asked for a summary of the food protection project.

Mr. Tsuchiyama noted there would be a food inspectors' training program established and many layers of food protection research. Moving the Math and Science Center will help further this project.

Mayor Behnke asked if the peanut butter scare helped the situation.

Mr. Tsuchiyama said it definitely brought the issue to light, especially in Washington DC.

Comm. Simmons questioned why the Kellogg Tower was delayed when interest rates are currently so low.

Mr. Ritsema stated the stressed economy has made Kelloggs more hesitant to move forward.

COLUMBIA AVENUE BID UPDATE/Ken Tsuchiyama (5 minutes)

Mr. Tsuchiyama provided an update on the Columbia Avenue Business Improvement District and stated they are trying to reach out to all of the businesses along the corridor and engage them with ideas to help improve the look of the corridor. The Columbia Avenue BID has developed a logo and is looking at the infrastructure now for potential projects.

Comm. Thompson added some of the business owners are concerned money is being spent without much to show for it. She felt burying of utility lines would make a good impact.

Mr. Tsuchiyama stated that was under consideration, but it is extremely expensive to accomplish.

Comm. Simmons indicated some businesses would benefit from marketing, but others will not. He also noted sidewalks should be consistent all the way down the street.

Mr. Tsuchiyama stated the marketing piece is simply easy to accomplish quickly; however, most of their goals revolve around infrastructure.

Comm. Yankama noted creating the atmosphere to change the area has been a big step forward and commended the work of the citizens who are trying to create change there.

KALAMAZOO/BATTLE CREEK METROPOLITAN AREA SUSTAINABILITY COVENANT REQUEST/Mayor Behnke (5 minutes)

Mayor Behnke referenced the sustainability covenant he received from Kalamazoo.

Comm. Baldwin provided articles regarding social justice so that we know what the meaning of the words are we are using.

BATTLE CREEK TRANSIT PLANNING STUDY UPDATE & NEXT STEPS/Greg Zanotti (5 minutes)

Mr. Zanotti provided a summary of the steps taken after the public hearing stating the comments will be included in the final study. He noted they have been driving the routes trying to find alternatives and obtain ridership data at Rolling Hills again. One alternative is to offer the tele-transit at a reduced price. He stated they need to balance the needs of riders against the findings of the study showing where majority of ridership exists.

Comm. Simmons thanked Transit for listening to the concerns of citizens at Rolling Hills, although he understands there needs to be some reallocation of resources. He asked if there would be other alternatives for the Urbandale area.

Mr. Zanotti stated their studies are showing it's very difficult to get a bus out to the Rolling Hills area and back downtown in 30 minutes.

MAJOR ENTRYWAYS TO BATTLE CREEK AND THEIR APPEARANCE/Ken Tsuchiyama (5 minutes)

Mr. Tsuchiyama said with the tightening of resources, the Commission's goals are even more important because we need to prioritize the resources we have. It's important to look at our gateways, but if we are going to place a higher priority on them, then something else is going to have to give.

Comm. Yankama stated the overall perception of the City is important and we should establish a team to look at it.

SPRING CLEANUP REMINDER/Mayor Behnke (2 minutes)

This item was not addressed.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Behnke adjourned the meeting at 8:07 A.M.

	Meeting Type:	Workshop
	Meeting Date:	Wed March 11, 2009 07:00 AM
	Location:	Conference Room 302A - City Hall
	Chair:	Mark Behnke - Mayor
	Prepared By:	Susan E Bedsole - Director of Licensing & Compliance

Attendance Committee Members:	Attendance Staff:
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner John Godfrey City Commissioner Chris Simmons City Commissioner Mark Behnke Mayor Diane Thompson City Commissioner Andrew Yankama City Commissioner	Bedsole, Susan - Director of Licensing & Compliance Ritsema, James - Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Tsuchiyama, Ken - City Manager Wicklund, Eileen - City Attorney Zanotti, Greg - Transportation Director
Absent:
Ryan Hersha City Commissioner Sherry Sofia City Commissioner Tony Walker Vice Mayor