Minutes 6/10/2009 7:00:00 AM

Minutes: Battle Creek City Commission

	Meeting Type:	Workshop
	Meeting Date:	Wed June 10, 2009 07:00 AM
	Location:	Commission Chambers City Hall
	Chair:	Mark Behnke - Mayor
	Prepared By:	Deidre A Laser - City Clerk

Attendance Committee Members:	Attendance Staff:
Susan Baldwin City Commissioner John Godfrey City Commissioner Ryan Hersha City Commissioner Mark Behnke Mayor Sherry Sofia City Commissioner Diane Thompson City Commissioner Andrew Yankama City Commissioner	Bedsole, Susan - Director of Licensing & Compliance Kohs, Ken - Environmental Services Director Laser, Deidre - City Clerk Ritsema, James - Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Tsuchiyama, Ken - City Manager
Absent:
Chris Simmons City Commissioner Tony Walker Vice Mayor

PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

DUNCAN AVIATION

Mayor Behnke announced that Duncan Aviation is considering expansion with the potential creation of 100 new jobs in Battle Creek. However, he noted that the plan is contingent upon the passage of State House Bills 4929 and 4930 which would expand the sales and use tax exemption for out-of-state aircraft that are in Michigan temporarily for sale and customization.

Comm. Sofia added the Bill is in state committee today and will be considered on the floor tomorrow.

WASTE MANAGEMENT RECYCLING/REWARDS

Ken Kohs reported that a collection program of used batteries and CFL bulbs began in Battle Creek a few months ago. The program has slowed down; however, Ken Kohs indicated that program information has been placed on City water bills and shared at festivals. Furthermore, the Rewards Program is a pilot program in Battle Creek, the only site in the country where citizens can accumulate points for recycling within a route. The program encourages neighbors to recycle, and points can be redeemed for dining certificates and coupons.

Mayor Behnke asked Mr. Kohs to distribute information regarding the rewards program.

Comm. Godfrey stated in some of the most economic depressed neighborhoods, you don't see as much recycling or computer use and suggested to get as much information out to citizens as possible.

SECURITY FOR CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS

Comm. Yankama was concerned about not having enough security at City Commission meetings. He spoke of the shooting in Kirkwood, MO and an incident in California that alerts us to plan for adequate security particularly in stressful economic times.

Ken Tsuchiyama remarked that this issue has come up in the past and the City has looked into having a police officer attend meetings. He was reluctant to pull patrols off of the street to attend the City Commission meeting or to incur overtime. If the Commission is interested, an officer could be provided.

Comm. Godfrey asked the City Manager to review the procedures during City Commission meetings and refresh staff on their job duties. He commented that he enjoys mingling with the public and has never felt threatened. He would like to see the back stairs accessible only for commissioners and staff.

Comm. Thompson concurred with Comm. Godfrey and felt our procedural system could be improved.

Comm. Godfrey added that he would not want the public to feel unwelcomed or unwanted at a meeting.

ANALYSIS OF RECENT SHOOTINGS

Ken Tsuchiyama reported there have been eleven (11) shootings in the community recently. Of the shootings, only one was gang related and there does not appear to be a pattern. The Police Department has monitored activities and Mr. Tsuchiyama asked for a summary from the Police Department which he will provide to the Commission.

Comm. Godfrey asked that the type of weapons used in the incidents be included in the report.

NOXIOUS WEED POLICY

Susan Bedsole, Director of Code and Licensing, stated the City is into the weed season. Weed Inspector Sherry Cunningham has closed out 80 weed cases and there is over 100 pending cases. Anyone with a weed problem can call the City Clerk's office at 966-3348 with a complaint of grass nine inches or more. The City is required to give the owner notice. The owner is allowed ten days from the date of the letter to take corrective measures. If not mowed, DPW comes out a few days later to mow the lawn and the property owner is billed.

Comm. Godfrey asked if the Weed Inspector initiates complaints.

Ms. Bedsole stated that Ms. Cunningham takes a proactive approach when she notices noxious weed problems.

Comm. Baldwin asked what happens if someone mows the front lawn and not the back yard.

Ms. Bedsole replied that it is a complaint.

Comm.Godfrey asked what happens when a home is for sale and the owner has left Battle Creek.

Ms. Bedsole responded that a letter is sent not only to the property owner, but the realtor.

STATE OF MICHIGAN REVENUE SHARING

James Ritsema contacted Kate Segal's office yesterday and there is no news regarding state shared revenue. Mr. Ritsema indicated that a year end budget adjustment resolution will come before the City Commission to reduce the current year budget by $180,000 and FY 09/10 for a $220,000 adjustment. On the Act 51 side, adjustments will be made. The City will be monitoring the situation throughout the summer.

CITY COMMISSION ELECTION SCHEDULE

City Clerk Dee Laser announced that City Commission packets will be available in the City Clerk's office beginning June 22nd with a filing deadline of August 11th at 4:00 P.M.

GOGUAC LAKE BOARD

Mayor Behnke reported that the Goguac Lake Board hired a local firm to remove weeds from Goguac Lake. If commissioners know of citizens who have weed accumulations, they should contact Ken Kohs at Department of Public Works.

Ken Kohs noted the success of the program last year and stated the areas of accumulation occur in the northeast area of the site. Chapman's Nursery will be distributing a flyer asking for access to certain areas for weed control.

Comm. Godfrey asked for a report on the sale of nonphosphorous fertilizer.

Ken Kohs indicated that there has been a good support from Battle Creek retailers and Chris Kosmowski has been monitoring the situation. It will be difficult to monitor individual residences, but citizens have been cooperating.

Comm. Hersha asked what is the city, county, and lake board responsible for.

The lake is regulated through the state of Michigan through the DNR and DEQ according to Ken Kohs, for example, trees that have fallen in the lake. The houseboat on the island would be a state civil issue.

Ken Tsuchiyama stated the Battle Creek City Commission created the Goguac Lake Board several years ago. The lake board has certain representation like the drain commissioner, county commissioner, city commissioner with limited authority. The Board assists with weed control and possibly assess property owners for weed control.

Ken Kohs added that the Calhoun County Drain Commissioner is responsible for maintaining the Goguac Lake level.

Mayor Behnke noted the DNR boat access booth which was implemented has changed the number of boats on the lake.

Comm. Yankama felt the City should get funds from the state if we are providing resources.

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Regarding the downtown revitalization project, Ken Tsuchiyama stated he has a meeting with Mr. Hennick tomorrow and tentative dates are in the works for a meeting with the Historic District Commission for the City Attorney and City Manager. The food inspection training is still slated to begin in July. One of the ways we can be helpful as a community is to be hospitable outside of the classroom by informing participants of eateries, parking, etc.

Comm. Thompson would like to see one person be in charge of hospitality for participants so that they feel welcomed, and there are activities they can be directed to.

Ken Tsuchiyama stated we don't have the resources to dedicate an individual, but he was hopeful that the CDB would take a leadership role. The first group has approximately 10 participants and would be quite manageable.

Comm. Hersha agreed with Comm. Thompson.

Comm. Godfrey stated he had been approached by a citizen to say that the City has not followed through with the Willard Beach improvement plan and would like to see the new Commission in November take charge.

Ken Tsuchiyama stated there has been a few meetings and he will provide a report to the Commission regarding Willard Beach.

ADJOURNMENT

Mayor Behnke adjourned the work session at 8:02 A.M.