Battle Creek public meetings in 2025

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The Neighborhood Planning Council 11 meeting scheduled for the last Wednesday of the month has been cancelled. No items are on the agenda for discussion.

Sustainable BC Committee

The committee will meet to discuss the city's sustainability plan and 2025 achievements. The session includes a presentation from the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council and a review of environmental grants.

• Presentation by Doug McLaughlin and Bela Ballez of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council
• Approval of 2026 meeting dates
• Review of 2025 City sustainability achievements
• Updates on the Sustainability Plan following GHS Inventory
• Discussion of 2026 Clean Water Calendar distributions

The Sustainable BC Committee approved the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. No other actions, approvals, or denials were recorded during this session. The meeting adjourned at 2:29 pm.

• Approved October 27, 2025 meeting minutes

Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

The provided agenda indicates there is no meeting. The document contains only procedural boilerplate for the Northeast Planning Council #4.

Planning Commission

The Battle Creek Planning Commission held a public hearing on two rezoning petitions and reviewed the Capital Improvement Program for FY 2027‑2032. Commissioners voted to recommend disapproval of rezoning request #PRZ25‑0006 for the Riverside Golf Club and Banquet Center at 245 E Columbia Ave. The commission also considered a petition to rezone five parcels along 6 Mile Rd from B‑2 Regional Commercial to MFR High‑Density Multiple‑Family districts. The Capital Improvement Program was presented for discussion but no formal action was recorded.

• Rezoning petition #PRZ25‑0006 for five parcels on 6 Mile Rd (12671, 12601, 12535, 12401 6 Mile Rd and 5500 Dahlia Dr) from B‑2 Regional Commercial to MFR High‑Density Multiple‑Family
• Rezoning petition #PRZ25‑0006 for Riverside Golf Club and Banquet Center at 245 E Columbia Ave proposing I‑1 Light Industrial, B‑2 Regional Commercial, B‑1 Corridor Commercial, B‑2 Regional Commercial, and T‑3 Neighborhood Commercial districts; commission voted to recommend disapproval
• Review of the Capital Improvement Program for Fiscal Years 2027‑2032 (FY26‑FY31) presented for discussion
• Public comments on the rezoning proposals and housing needs
• Commissioner motions and roll vote approving the disapproval recommendation

The commission voted to approve rezoning request #PRZ25-0006, changing six parcels along M‑66 to an MFR high‑density multiple‑family residential district. It also approved a recommendation to send the 2027‑2032 Capital Improvement Plan to the City Commission for review. Finally, the commission adopted the 2026 meeting dates and deadline schedule.

• Approved rezoning of six parcels to MFR district (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved recommendation to City Commission for the 2027‑2032 Capital Improvement Plan (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved 2026 meeting dates and deadline schedule (all in favor, none opposed)

Civil Service

The Battle Creek Civil Service Commission will consider authorizing the Human Resource Director to begin the promotional testing process for a Fire Training Officer. The meeting also includes routine items such as call to order, oath of office, petitions, reports, unfinished and new business, public comments, and scheduling the next meeting.

• Authorize Human Resource Director to start promotional testing for Fire Training Officer

The Civil Service Commission approved authorizing the HR Director to begin the Fire Training Officer promotional process after the current officer returned to suppression duties. The motion, made by Commissioner McCoy and supported by Commissioner Claggett, passed with all members in favor and none opposed.

• Authorized HR Director to initiate Fire Training Officer promotional process (unanimous)

Economic Development Corporation

The Economic Development Corporation will meet to elect its president, vice president, and secretary. The board will also receive participant updates regarding economic development.

• Election of Tom Beuchler as President
• Election of Anmar Achu as Vice President
• Election of Ted Dearing as Secretary

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The provided agenda for the Central Neighborhood Planning Council (NPC 3) states there is no meeting. The document contains only procedural boilerplate.

Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners

The Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners will approve the 2026 budget and schedule quarterly meetings for March, June, September, and December. The agenda includes reviewing projects like the Kalamazoo River Restoration and discussing MS4 permit requirements.

• Approval of 2026 budget
• Approval of 2026 meeting dates
• Kalamazoo River Restoration Project
• Review of MS4 Permit Requirements
• Tree planting on Jackson Street

Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

The Neighborhood Planning Council #10 meeting scheduled for December 9, 2025, at Lakeview Senior Living has been cancelled. The agenda lists no items for decision.

• Cancelled meeting
• Key Stone Lake apartments presentation (proposed)
• Police report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award
• Lakeview School District report

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The agenda for the December 8, 2025, meeting of the Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council 5 states there is no meeting.

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The agenda for the December 8, 2025, meeting of the North Central Neighborhood Planning Council #2 states there is no meeting.

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The Council will hear reports from the Police Department, Planning Department/Neighborhood Services, the Beautiful Battle Creek Award committee, and Battle Creek Public Schools. It will consider membership renewals and new members, discuss any old or new business, and accept comments from members and the public. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Police Department report
• Planning Department/Neighborhood Services City Staff report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award presentation
• Membership renewals and new members
• Battle Creek Public Schools report

The Neighborhood Planning Council voted to approve the minutes from the November 6, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Cindy Fritz, seconded by Ryan Hoaglin-Jackson, and carried. No other substantive actions were decided at this meeting. The council announced upcoming guest speakers for future meetings.

• Approved November 6, 2025 minutes (motion carried)

Goguac Lake Board

The Goguac Lake Board will approve the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes and review the quarterly financial reports. It will discuss the Progressive AE 2025 monitoring and vegetation‑treatment activities, including plant surveys and water‑quality monitoring. The board will also address goose management and confirm the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Approval of September 11, 2025 minutes
• Quarterly financial reports
• Progressive AE 2025 monitoring/vegetation treatment activities – plant surveys, water‑quality monitoring
• Goose management
• 2026 meeting dates: March 12, June 11, September 10, December 10

The board approved the September 11, 2025 meeting minutes and the December 4, 2025 financial report unanimously. It voted to make Goose Management not a Goguac Lake Board priority for the current assessment period. The board also approved the 2026 meeting dates unanimously.

• Approved September 11, 2025 minutes (all yes)
• Approved December 4, 2025 financials (all yes)
• Decided Goose Management will not be a GLB priority for this assessment period (no vote recorded)
• Approved 2026 meeting dates (all yes)

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The meeting agenda consists of procedural boilerplate. The council will receive reports from the Police Department, Planning Department, and Battle Creek Public Schools.

• Police Department report
• Planning Department/Neighborhood Services City Staff Report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award
• Battle Creek Public Schools report

Civil Service

The Civil Service Commission will certify the 2025 Fire Captain eligibility list and approve two candidates, Brendon Caid and Ryan Johnson, for fire captain positions. It will also authorize the Human Resource Department to facilitate the 202 6 Lieutenant promotional process and approve the 2026 commission schedule. Additionally, the commission will vote to remove Candidate #11, Jarvion Franklin, from the 2025 Firefighter Eligibility List, with a public hearing on his removal.

• Certification of the 2025 Fire Captain Eligibility List
• Certification of two candidates – Brendon Caid and Ryan Johnson – for fire captain
• Authorize the Human Resource Department to facilitate the 202 6 Lieutenant Promotional process
• Approval of the 2026 Civil Service Commission schedule
• Removal of Candidate #11, Jarvion Franklin, from the 2025 Firefighter Eligibility List (public hearing)

The commission unanimously approved the September 22, 2025 meeting minutes. It denied Mr. Franklin’s appeal to be reinstated on the 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List. It also denied his request for a second physical exam by a medical doctor. The motion passed with all commissioners voting yes and none opposed.

• Approved September 22, 2025 Civil Service Commission minutes (unanimous)
• Denied reinstatement of Mr. Franklin on 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List (unanimous)
• Denied request for a second physical exam by a medical doctor for Mr. Franklin (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

The Northeast Planning Council will convene to review reports from the Police Department, Code Compliance, and the Battle Creek Area Transportation Study. The meeting includes updates from various city commissions and committees, such as Beautiful Battle Creek and the Zoning Board of Appeals.

• Police Department Report
• Code Compliance Report and Community Development
• Battle Creek Area Transportation Study (BCATS)
• Zoning Board of Appeals Report
• Planning Commission Report

Technical Review Committee

The committee will review updates regarding a rate study, pump stations, and the Hickory Hills project. Members will also discuss the O-2 Edgebrook Capital Improvement and establish the 2026 meeting schedule.

• Rate Study Update
• Hickory Hills Update
• Pump Station Update
• O-2 Edgebrook Capital Improvement
• Approval of 8/12/2025 minutes

The committee approved its agenda and the minutes from the 8/12/2025 meeting without opposition. It also approved Stantec as the vendor for the 2025 rate study, again with no opposition. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Agenda approved (0 opposed)
• Minutes from 8/12/2025 approved (0 opposed)
• Stantec approved as rate‑study vendor (0 opposed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The Central Neighborhood Planning Council will convene to receive staff reports, including a Police Department update and code reports. Committee updates will cover the commissioner, local school districts, membership changes, the Beautiful Battle Creek Award, business activities, and the Place Making Committee. No specific resolutions or contracts are listed on the agenda.

• Police Department staff report
• Code reports
• Commissioner report
• Battle Creek Public Schools and Lakeview School Districts report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award nominations

The Neighborhood Planning Council did not have a quorum, so no agenda items were approved, denied, or tabled. Staff reports covered holiday shopping safety, yard‑waste pickup, and an upcoming housing meeting. No new business was adopted and the next meeting was scheduled for January 8, 2026.

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The Urbandale Neighborhood Planning Council will hold its regular meeting at Christ United Methodist Church. Council members will hear a police report, a guest speaker, and committee updates on school, code, food pantry, library, and nominations. The council will also consider nominations for the Beautiful Battle Creek Award. No specific policy decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Police Report
• Guest Speaker
• Committee Reports (School, Code, Food Pantry, Library, Nominating)
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award/Nominations
• Public Service Comments from Commissioners

The minutes contain only numeric codes and placeholders without any clear actions, votes, approvals, or denials. No concrete decisions were documented.

Historic District Commission

The Battle Creek Historic District Commission will consider three items: a petition for a Certificate of Appropriateness to add a 12‑by‑16‑foot sunroom to the rear of the house at 40 Ann Ave; a petition for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove a tee from the rear of the building at 66 W Michigan Ave to protect its foundation; and a Quarterly Administrative Approval Report.

• H19-25 – Certificate of Appropriateness for a 12’ × 16’ sunroom at 40 Ann Ave (Parcel #3560-00-037-0)
• H20-25 – Certificate of Appropriateness to remove a tee at 66 W Michigan Ave (Parcel #0258-00-045-0)
• Quarterly Administrative Approval Report

The Historic District Commission unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a sunroom addition at 40 Ann Ave (H19-25). It also unanimously approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 66 E Michigan Ave (H20-25). The October 13, 2025 meeting minutes were approved without opposition.

• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 40 Ann Ave (H19-25) – unanimous
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 66 E Michigan Ave (H20-25) – unanimous
• Approved October 13, 2025 meeting minutes – unanimous

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a regular neighborhood planning meeting. No specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances are listed for action.

The North Central Neighborhood Planning Council #2 adopted the meeting agenda by common consent with a unanimous vote. The council also approved the prior meeting minutes by common consent, again unanimously. No other substantive actions or votes were recorded.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved prior meeting minutes (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The council will meet to receive reports from the Police Department, Planning Department, and Battle Creek Public Schools. The agenda consists of procedural items and general reports.

• Police Department report
• Planning Department/Neighborhood Services City Staff Report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award
• Battle Creek Public Schools report

The council approved the October 2, 2025 meeting minutes. Members accepted the nominated officer slate of Chair James Moreno, Vice‑Chair Yvonne Powell, and Secretary Cindy Fritz. The council also approved the proposed addresses at 37 E Kingman, 54 Inn Road, and 31 Stiles.

• Approved October 2, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Accepted officer slate: Chair James Moreno, Vice‑Chair Yvonne Powell, Secretary Cindy Fritz (motion carried)
• Approved proposed addresses: 37 E Kingman, 54 Inn Road, 31 Stiles (motion approved)

Dickman Road BID

The Dickman Road Business Improvement District Board will vote on approving the May 1, 2025 meeting minutes and the FY 2025 preliminary year‑end and FY 2026 interim financials. Old business includes updates on the Motorola Command/Central Aware Safety Hub and the Field of Flight pilot and dealer invoices. New business items are a $8,400 reimbursement request for the 2025 Field of Flight dealership sponsorship, a proposal for KBW Consort banners, and a law‑enforcement update.

• Approve minutes from the May 1, 2025 meeting (action required)
• Approve FY 2025 preliminary year‑end and FY 2026 interim financials through Oct 31, 2025 (action required)
• Reimburse Field of Flight dealership sponsorship: $600 pilot invoice + $200 per fleet vehicle for 6 dealerships (total $8,400)
• Consider KBW Consort banner proposal (refer to banner sales sheet/quote)
• Receive law‑enforcement update, including Motorola Command/Central Aware Safety Hub status

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The meeting consists of procedural boilerplate and standing reports. No specific decisions or new business items are listed on the agenda.

• Police Department report
• Planning Department/Neighborhood Services City Staff Report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award
• Battle Creek Public Schools report

The council approved the agenda additions and deletions and ratified the previous meeting minutes. Membership terms for three members were approved. A motion to combine the November and December meetings into a single session on December 10 at 7 p.m. was adopted. The Beautiful Battle Creek Award nomination was approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda additions/deletions (motion passed)
• Approved previous meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved Beautiful Battle Creek Award nomination (motion passed)
• Approved membership renewals for Andrew Duke, Fran O’Neil, Larry O’Neil (motion passed)
• Combined November and December meetings; set next meeting for Dec 10 2025 at 7 p.m. (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Lakeview Downtown Development Authority

The Lakeview Downtown Development Authority will review interim financials for Fiscal Year 2026 and discuss amendments to its by-laws. The board will also receive updates on the Development and TIF Plan and various commercial projects.

• Swearing in of Clerk Amanda Zimmerlin
• Proposed amendment to the By Laws
• Review of Fiscal Year 2026 interim financials
• Project updates for the Mall, Jack in the Box, and LDDA Development and TIF Plan

The Lakeview Downtown Development Authority approved the July 22, 2025 meeting minutes. The board unanimously adopted the revised TIFA Schedule and the proposed amendment to the authority’s bylaws. The meeting was then adjourned without public comments.

• Approved July 22, 2025 minutes (unanimously)
• Approved Revised TIFA Schedule as presented (unanimously)
• Approved amended bylaws adding a City Commission representative (unanimously)
• Adjourned meeting at 5:11 pm (unanimously)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority Board will approve the minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting and review the FY 2026 interim financials. An action item will determine the debt status for the 80 W. Michigan property. The board will also receive updates on several development projects, including Gull Lake Distilling Company and multiple parking lot and structure plans.

• Approve minutes from July 28, 2025 (action required)
• Review FY 2026 interim financials (action required)
• Determine debt for 80 W. Michigan (action required)
• Project update: Gull Lake Distilling Company
• Project updates: Jackson Street parking lot, Hamblin Ave. parking structure, Van Buren parking lot, Kellogg Co acquisition

The Downtown Development Authority Board approved the July 28, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. The board also unanimously approved the FY 2026 interim financials, noting they are subject to change pending audit. No other motions were adopted; the board discussed debt issues and project updates before adjourning.

• Approved July 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 interim financials (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 4:42 pm (motion without formal vote)

Sustainable BC Committee

The Sustainable BC Committee will approve the meeting minutes and receive reports on recent environmental programs, including scrap tire recycling and tree‑planting efforts. Members will discuss updates to the city’s Sustainability Plan and new goals. The agenda also announces upcoming events such as a Styrofoam collection on November 1 and a county scrap‑tire collection on October 27.

• Approval of minutes (presenter: Darcy Schmitt, Planning)
• Environmental program updates: 2025 Sustainability Goals, 13.46 tons of scrap tires recycled, tree planting with volunteers and partners
• Upcoming City of Battle Creek Styrofoam event: November 1, 9‑11 am at DPW
• Upcoming County scrap‑tire collection: October 27, 12 pm‑5 pm in Tekonsha
• Sustainability Plan update pending after GHS inventory discussion on October 21

The committee voted to approve the minutes from the October 25 meeting, with the motion moved by Keona Ackley and seconded by Kristopher Martin. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting included a presentation by Darcy Schmitt on land‑use planning, brownfield redevelopment, and green‑space goals. No other actions were taken before adjournment.

• Approved October 25 meeting minutes (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

The Northeast Planning Council #4 will hear reports from the Police Department, Code Compliance and Community Development, the Battle Creek Area Transportation Study, and the Calhoun County Land Bank. It will also receive updates from the City Commission and several external commissions, including the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission. The meeting includes old business, new business, and a period for public comments.

The council postponed approval of the meeting minutes until all members receive them. Members received updates on crime statistics, housing initiatives, and upcoming community events. No formal votes or approvals were recorded during the session.

Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

The Neighborhood Planning Council will meet to review police reports, committee updates, and special presentations on local housing developments.

• Approval of prior meeting minutes
• Police Report
• Committee Reports (Membership, Beautiful Battle Creek Award, Lakeview School District, Woodland Park)
• Special Presentation: Keystone Lake apartments building plans
• Comments for the Good of the Order

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a neighborhood planning council meeting. No specific legislative actions, contracts, or proposals are listed.

The provided minutes consist of coded entries without readable text. No specific actions, approvals, denials, or votes are identifiable. Therefore, no substantive decisions can be reported from this meeting.

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a regular neighborhood planning meeting. No specific legislative actions, contracts, or projects are listed for decision.

The council adopted the meeting agenda and approved the prior minutes by unanimous consent. Nominations for the Beautiful Battle Creek awards were voted in unanimously. A motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes (common consent)
• Beautiful Battle Creek award nominations approved (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a regular meeting. No specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances are listed for action.

The council could not approve the meeting minutes because a quorum was not present. The introduction of a rezoning for the Riverside Golf Course area was voted down. Residents will discuss preferred housing types at a meeting on October 14. A Project Connect Health Fair & Veterans Affairs Stand‑down is scheduled for October 17.

• Minutes not approved (no quorum)
• Rezoning Riverside Golf Course area introduction voted down

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The Neighborhood Planning Council will follow its standard agenda, including a call to order, attendance, and approval of previous minutes. Staff and committee reports will be presented from the Police Department, Planning Department, Beautiful Battle Creek Award, membership updates, commissioners, and Battle Creek Public Schools. The council will consider any old and new business items and will open the floor for member and public comments.

The council approved the September 4, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved the Beautiful Battle Creek designation for Trinity Lutheran Church at 2055 E Columbia Ave. The council also created a nominating committee to select candidates for chair, vice‑chair and secretary positions at the November meeting.

• Approved September 4, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
• Approved Beautiful Battle Creek designation for Trinity Lutheran Church at 2055 E Columbia Ave (motion approved)
• Formed nominating committee (Cindy Fritz, Pat Schellenberger, Yvonne Powell) for officer elections (motion passed)

Election Commission

The Battle Creek City Election Commission will meet to review the consolidation of precincts 7 and 18. The body will also review and approve precinct legal descriptions and the renumbering of precincts.

• Consolidation of Precincts 7 & 18
• Review and approval of precinct legal descriptions
• Renumbering of precincts

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The Neighborhood Planning Council 11 for Lakeview East will meet to review committee reports, including updates from the Police and Planning Departments, and consider the Beautiful Battle Creek Award. The meeting will also include public comments and a discussion of old and new business.

• Police Department report
• Planning Department/Neighborhood Services staff report
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award
• Membership renewals and new members
• Public comments

The council approved the agenda additions and deletions, and ratified the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting. It also approved the October Beautiful Battle Creek Award house location at 310 E. Hamilton Ln and nominated Ace Hardware at 30 E Columbia Ave Suite A as the October business. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda additions/deletions (motion passed)
• Approved August 27, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved October award house location: 310 E. Hamilton Ln (motion passed)
• Approved October award business nomination: Ace Hardware, 30 E Columbia Ave Suite A (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission met on September 24, 2025 and approved rezoning request #PRZ25-0005 for five parcels on Main St and Bartlett St, changing their zoning from T‑3 Neighborhood Commercial to T‑4 Downtown Commercial District. The commission also approved text amendment #A2-25 to Chapter 1263 (Signs) to allow larger signs in the Motor Mile area. The agenda included a review of the Capital Improvement Program for FY26‑FY31, though no new projects were adopted. Public comments were recorded opposing the Riverside Golf Course conditional rezoning.

• Rezoning #PRZ25-0005 for parcels 120 Main St (8040-00-107-0), 37 Bartlett St (8040-00-085-0), 33 Bartlett St (8040-00-086-0), 29 Bartlett St (8040-00-087-0), 112 Main St (8040-00-104-0) to T‑4 Downtown Commercial District
• Text amendment #A2-25 to Chapter 1263 (Signs) permitting larger signs in the Motor Mile (W Dickman Rd. area)
• Review of Capital Improvement Program FY26‑FY31 for potential new projects
• Public comments opposing the Riverside Golf Course conditional rezoning
• Approval of July 23, 2025 meeting minutes

The commission voted to recommend disapproval of rezoning request #PRZ25-0006 for 245 E Columbia Ave, with all members in favor and none opposed. The motion was made by Commissioner Godfrey, seconded by Commissioner Ward Gray, and approved unanimously. Earlier, the commission approved the August 27, 2025 meeting minutes and corrected the parcel number in the rezoning motion. The board also reviewed the FY26‑FY31 Capital Improvement Program but took no further action.

• Approved August 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Corrected parcel number in rezoning motion (approved)
• Recommended disapproval of rezoning request #PRZ25-0006 (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

The council will meet to receive reports from city departments and commissions. The agenda consists of procedural items and standing reports.

• Police Department Report
• Code Compliance and Community Development Report
• Battle Creek Area Transportation Study (BCATS) report
• Calhoun County Land Bank report
• Reports from Zoning, Planning, and Housing Boards of Appeal

The council reported that no one received the June city report and reviewed compliance issues. Members discussed a Riverside Community Center rezoning request, possible public‑transport schedule changes, and ways to grow council membership. Upcoming community events and a fundraiser were also announced. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The Central Neighborhood Planning Council will convene at Trinity Methodist Church to receive staff reports, including the Police Department and Code reports. The council will also hear committee updates such as the Commissioner Report, school district reports, the Beautiful Battle Creek Award, and the Place Making Committee. Public and guest comments will be taken, and the meeting will follow standard procedural steps.

• Police Department staff report
• Code reports
• Commissioner Report
• Battle Creek Public Schools and Lakeview School District reports
• Beautiful Battle Creek Award discussion

The council could not approve the previous meeting minutes because there was no quorum. Police and code staff presented reports on a homeless encampment, a recent shooting, and neighborhood maintenance issues. Commissioners discussed the upcoming city manager start date and the proposed Riverside Golf Course rezoning, but no actions or votes were taken.

Goguac Lake Board

The Goguac Lake Board will consider the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes and a quarterly financial report. It will discuss the Progressive AE 2025 monitoring and vegetation treatment program, including plant surveys and water quality monitoring. The agenda also includes a discussion on goose management, public comment, and board member comments.

• Approval of June 5, 2025 minutes
• Quarterly Financial Report
• Progressive AE 2025 monitoring/vegetation treatment activities – Plant surveys, WQ monitoring
• Goose Management
• Public Comment

The board unanimously approved the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes. It also unanimously approved the September 11, 2025 financial report. No other actions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved September 11, 2025 financials (unanimous)

Airport Advisory Board

The Battle Creek Airport Advisory Board will approve the meeting agenda and the minutes from the March 11 and June 12, 2025 regular meetings. The board will hear an update from airport staff. The meeting will also include a period for public comment before adjourning.

• Approve agenda
• Approve minutes from March 11, 2025 meeting
• Approve minutes from June 12, 2025 meeting
• Airport staff update
• Public comment

Zoning Board of Appeals

The September 9, 2025, meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals was cancelled because no petitions were submitted for review.

Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

The Neighborhood Planning Council will conduct its regular agenda items, including reports and announcements. The council will hear a special presentation from a representative of Key Stone Lake apartments about the apartments' building plans. No specific decisions are listed in the agenda.

• Special Presentation: Representative from Key Stone Lake apartments regarding their building plans

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a neighborhood planning council meeting. No specific decisions, proposals, or projects are listed for this session.

The Neighborhood Planning Council unanimously approved the minutes from the August 11, 2025 meeting. The council also unanimously approved the Beautiful Battle Creek nomination for the residence at 47 Mauer Drive. No other policy actions or votes were recorded at this meeting.

• Approved August 11, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Beautiful BC nomination for 47 Mauer Drive (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the August 11, 2025 meeting, with all members voting in favor. The commission also approved the Certificate of Appropriateness petition (H16-25) for Grace Health to demolish the main building at 160 N Washington Ave, with a vote of four in favor and one opposed.

• Approved August 11, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved H16-25 demolition petition for 160 N Washington Ave (4-1)

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The North Central Neighborhood Planning Council #2 adopted its agenda unanimously. The council also approved the meeting minutes by common consent. No other substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded during this meeting.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes (common consent)

Civil Service

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 25, 2025 meeting. Commissioners accepted Commissioner Flores's resignation notice. The commission voted to let Mr. Jarvion Franklin retake his psychological evaluation within 25 days, to meet with HR and the City Attorney to select a provider, and to temporarily remove him from the eligibility list pending the result.

• Approved August 25, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved motion allowing Mr. Franklin to retake psychological evaluation within 25 days, to meet with HR and City Attorney to select a provider, and to temporarily remove him from the eligibility list (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The council approved the June 5, 2025 meeting minutes. It approved an amendment to Section 1262.02 of the Landscaping and Screening code to include single‑ and two‑family residences. It also approved a Hero Award for the Post Foundation mowing crew.

• Approved June 5, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved amendment to Section 1262.02 landscaping (motion by Cindy Fritz, seconded by Pam Geleff, carried)
• Approved Hero Award for Post Foundation mowing crew (motion by Cindy Fritz, seconded by Pat Schelenberger, passed)

Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners

The Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 12, 2025 meeting. No other formal actions were taken; the remainder of the session consisted of project updates, grant status reports, and discussion of upcoming events. The next meeting is scheduled for December 11, 2025.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved June 12, 2025 minutes

City Commission Travel Expense Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the July 1, 2025 Travel Expense Committee meeting with all members voting yes. The committee also approved travel expenses of $3,007.65 for Commissioner Paige Katsarsky‑Smith to attend the National League of Cities 2025 City Summit, with all members voting yes.

• Approved July 1, 2025 Travel Expense Committee minutes (all yes, none opposed)
• Approved travel expense $3,007.65 for Commissioner Katsarsky‑Smith (all yes, none opposed)

City Manager Performance Evaluation Committee

The City Manager Performance Evaluation Committee will meet to discuss the employment contract for Amanda E. Zimmerlin. Ms. Zimmerlin was conditionally appointed as City Manager by the City Commission on August 12, 2025.

• Proposed base salary of $190,000.00 per year for Amanda E. Zimmerlin
• Proposed 5% salary increase after six months of employment
• Proposed $500.00 per month car allowance
• Proposed 10% base salary contribution to 457 savings retirement plan
• Proposed employment start date of October 6, 2025

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The council approved the agenda additions and deletions, and ratified the June 25 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the September Beautiful Battle Creek Award house at 537 Riverside Dr and selected the Miller Foundation at 310 Wahwahtaysee Way as the award business. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved agenda additions/deletions (motion passed)
• Approved June 25 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved September award house at 537 Riverside Dr (motion passed)
• Approved Miller Foundation at 310 Wahwahtaysee Way as September award business (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will hold public hearings on a request to rezone a downtown area to a commercial district and proposed amendments to the city's sign code. The body will also discuss flexibility for sign sizes in the Motor Mile area.

• Rezoning Request #PRZ25-0005: Area bounded by Jay St, Main St, Bartlett St, and Willis St from T-3 Neighborhood Commercial to T-4 Downtown Commercial
• Text Amendment #A2-25: Changes to Chapter 1263 (Signs) regarding sign size flexibility in the Motor Mile (W Dickman Rd to McCamly St S)
• Text Amendment #A2-25: Formatting updates to the sign regulations chart for readability

The commission approved the rezoning request #PRZ25-0005, changing five parcels from T‑3 Neighborhood Commercial to T‑4 Downtown Commercial District, with the conditions outlined in the staff report. The commission also approved text amendment #A2-25 to Chapter 1263 (Signs) correcting scribner errors. The July 23, 2025 meeting minutes were approved.

• Approved rezoning of parcels at 120 Main St., 37 Bartlett St., 33 Bartlett St., 29 Bartlett St., and 112 Main St. to T‑4 Downtown Commercial District (all in favor)
• Approved text amendment #A2-25 to Chapter 1263 (Signs) with correction of scribner errors (all in favor)
• Approved July 23, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Civil Service

The Civil Service Commission will meet to discuss the removal of candidates from the 2025 Entry-Level Firefighter Eligibility List. The meeting includes an appeal hearing for a candidate removed from that list.

• Removal of candidates from 2025 Entry-Level Firefighter Eligibility List
• Appeal hearing for a candidate removed from the 2025 Entry-Level Firefighter Eligibility List

The Civil Service Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting. The commission closed the appeal concerning candidate #11’s removal from the 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List. No other business was taken. The next meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2025.

• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Closed appeal of candidate #11 removal (no vote recorded)

Sustainable BC Committee

The Sustainable BC Committee approved the July 28 meeting minutes, with the motion moved by Dee and supported by Keona; the motion passed. The committee discussed a proposal to plant fruit trees in neighborhood parks but took no action on it. They noted upcoming city events and approved adding J. LaCosse to the committee email list. No other business was addressed.

• Approved July 28 meeting minutes (motion moved by Dee, supported by Keona; passed)
• Added J. LaCosse to committee email list

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The agenda consists of procedural boilerplate for a regular meeting. It includes standing items for city staff reports, committee updates, and public comment.

The Neighborhood Planning Council met on August 14, 2025, but no quorum was present, so the minutes were not approved and no official decisions were recorded. Members discussed a possible reinstatement of parts of Chapter 1262 on landscaping and screening, and a city commissioner reported the selection of a new city manager and upcoming fire‑station projects, but none were acted upon. The council adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved variance request Z02-25 for a new freestanding sign at 791 W Dickman Road, following staff recommendation. The motion passed with all commissioners in favor and no opposition. The board also approved the July 8, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous roll vote.

• Approved sign variance Z02-25 for 791 W Dickman Road (all in favor)
• Approved July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)

Technical Review Committee

The Technical Review Committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the May 13, 2025 meeting with no opposition. The committee will move forward with Stantec to conduct the 2025 rate study. Kurt Tribbett announced his retirement and Tad McCrumb will replace him on the committee.

• Approved agenda (unanimous, 0 opposed)
• Approved minutes from 5/13/25 meeting (unanimous, 0 opposed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The council approved a beginner’s practice disc golf course to be installed at Fell Park. The motion was made by Kristin B., seconded by Cheryl R., and passed with unanimous approval. The council also approved the minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved previous minutes from July 14, 2025 (unanimous)
• Approved beginner’s practice disc golf course at Fell Park (unanimous)
• Nominated Paws and Claws (1370 West Michigan Ave) for Beautiful BC award (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved the July 14, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous roll vote. The commission also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (H15-25) for a 6‑foot white vinyl fence at 211 NE Capital Ave, also by unanimous roll vote. No public comments were recorded.

• Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for fence at 211 NE Capital Ave (all in favor, none opposed)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority Board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from January 27, 2025. It also unanimously approved the FY 2025 preliminary year‑end budget statement. The Board authorized the Chair to execute a pass‑through agreement with Jackson Bean Management, LLC for 99 West Michigan Avenue. Finally, the Board unanimously approved the corrected VOCES lease renewal.

• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2025 preliminary year‑end budget statement (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to execute pass‑through agreement for 99 West Michigan Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved corrected VOCES lease renewal (unanimous)

Sustainable BC Committee

The committee approved the June 2025 Sustainable BC Committee minutes. The motion was made by Patty Hoch-Melluish and seconded by Bob Gilbert. No other decisions or actions were taken.

• Approved June 2025 minutes (motion by Patty Hoch-Melluish, seconded by Bob Gilbert)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the June 25, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It approved rezoning of 26 Harvard Street to T‑3 Neighborhood Commercial District, contingent on written owner approval. The proposed text amendment to Section 1262.02 of the zoning code was postponed until the October meeting with staff to engage neighborhood planning councils. Finally, the commission approved the Planned Unit Residential Development at 14188 Helmer Road, allowing 14 new two‑unit buildings (28 units) with staff‑recommended conditions.

• Approved June 25, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning RPRZ25-0004 for 26 Harvard St to T‑3 with conditions (unanimous)
• Postponed text amendment #R1-25 to Section 1262.02 until October meeting, staff to consult neighborhood councils (unanimous)
• Approved Planned Unit Residential Development petition #S08-23 at 14188 Helmer Rd, 14 two‑unit buildings (28 units) with conditions (unanimous)

Lakeview Downtown Development Authority

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the April 22, 2025 meeting. It also unanimously approved a resolution to move the Lakeview Downtown Development Authority (LDDA) Development and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Plan to the City Commission for formal approval in early October. No other motions were voted on.

• Approved April 22, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Advanced LDDA Development and TIF Plan to City Commission by adopting resolution (unanimous)

Board of Appeals

The Board approved the June 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It extended the repair deadline for 604 Capital Ave NE to October 14, 2025. It also extended the repair deadline for 122 Burnham St. W to September 16, 2025 after a 2‑1 vote, while a separate request to extend that deadline to October 14, 2025 was not supported.

• Approved June 18, 2025 Board of Appeals minutes
• Extended repair deadline for 604 Capital Ave NE to 10/14/2025 (motion affirmed)
• Extended repair deadline for 122 Burnham St. W to 09/16/2025 (motion passed, 2‑1)
• Motion to extend 122 Burnham St. W deadline to 10/14/2025 failed (no support)

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The Neighborhood Planning Council unanimously approved the minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. The council also approved the nomination of 76 Broadway Blvd for the Beautiful BC award. No other motions were decided.

• Approved previous meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Beautiful BC nomination for 76 Broadway Blvd (unanimous)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission approved the petition to remove the ADA ramp at 200 NE Capital Ave, requiring the support rail to be rebuilt to match the existing cedar‑shake barrier. The motion passed with all commissioners in favor and none opposed. The commission denied a petition for a vinyl fence at 94 Walter Ave, with all commissioners opposing the motion. No public comments were recorded.

• Approved removal of ADA ramp at 200 NE Capital Ave, subject to rebuilding support rail (all in favor, none opposed)
• Denied vinyl fence petition at 94 Walter Ave (none in favor, all opposed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The North Central Neighborhood Planning Council did not have a quorum, so no motions were voted on. The council reviewed reports from the Police Department, Neighborhood Services, and Grace Health. Members discussed Grace Health's plan to demolish 175 North Washington and consider a green space, but no decision was made. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 11, 2025.

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals reviewed a sign variance request for 791 W Dickman Rd. and a front‑yard setback variance for 912 SW Capital Ave. Staff recommended denying the sign variance, citing no practical difficulty. The minutes do not show a board vote or final action on either request.

City Commission Travel Expense Committee

The committee approved the minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting unanimously. It also approved travel expense reimbursements of $1,296.80 for Commissioner Paige Katsarsky‑Smith and $1,418.19 for Commissioner Jessica LaCosse, with all members voting yes and none opposing.

• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved travel expense $1,296.80 for Commissioner Katsarsky‑Smith (unanimous)
• Approved travel expense $1,418.19 for Commissioner LaCosse (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The council approved agenda changes and the minutes from the May 28 meeting. It nominated 2320 Capital Ave SW as the August Beautiful Battle Creek Award house and selected Marathon Gas Station/C‑Store and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church for July and August award nominations. New members Constance Porter and Judy Warren were voted in, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda additions/deletions (motion passed)
• Approved May 28, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Nominated 2320 Capital Ave SW as August Beautiful Battle Creek Award house (motion passed)
• Nominated Marathon Gas Station/C‑Store at 240 E Columbia Ave for July and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church at 157 Chapel Hill Dr. for August award (motion passed)
• Voted in Constance Porter and Judy Warren as new council members (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the May 28, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote. After staff recommendation, the commission voted to approve Rezoning Request #RPRZ25-0002, which conditionally rezones five parcels for mixed industrial, residential and preservation uses. All commissioners present voted in favor; Chairperson Hughes and Commissioner White recused themselves from the rezoning vote.

• Approved May 28, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved conditional rezoning of five parcels (Rezoning Request #RPRZ25-0002) (all in favor, Hughes and White recused)

Civil Service

The Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the April 30, 2025 meeting unanimously. It certified candidates #11 through #38 on the 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List, with all commissioners in favor. The commission also affirmed the removal of candidate #5 from that list, again with no opposition.

• Approved April 30, 2025 minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Certified candidates #11‑38 on 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List (all in favor, none opposed)
• Affirmed removal of candidate #5 from 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List (all in favor, none opposed)

Sustainable BC Committee

The Sustainable BC Committee approved the previous meeting’s minutes after a motion by B. Ploeg and a second by K. Ackley. Members accepted Roger Bosse of the Lions Club as a new committee member. The group voted unanimously to hold in‑person meetings a couple of times per year and scheduled a City Commission representative meeting for Oct 21 at 5 pm.

• Approved meeting minutes (motion by B. Ploeg, second by K. Ackley)
• Added new member Roger Bosse (Lions Club)
• Agreed to hold in‑person meetings a couple of times a year (unanimous)
• Scheduled City Commission representative meeting for Oct 21 at 5 pm
• Decided to update the Sustainability Plan to reflect new member
• Agreed to seek additional speakers for future meetings
• Rescheduled DPW Open House to July 30, 2025
• Set photo‑contest deadline to July 31, 2025

Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals approved the March 19, 2025 minutes. It affirmed that six properties are dangerous buildings, as recommended by the Building Inspector. Owners were absent for five of the properties; the owner of 243 Parish St. was present and is selling the property.

• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes
• Affirmed dangerous building status for 23 Boardman Ave.
• Affirmed dangerous building status for 243 Parish St.
• Affirmed dangerous building status for 29 Bowen
• Affirmed dangerous building status for 31 Inn Rd.
• Affirmed dangerous building status for 166 Grenville
• Affirmed dangerous building status for 108 Caine

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The Central Neighborhood Planning Council met on June 12, 2025, but no quorum was present, so no official actions were taken. Officers presented a police drone proposal and Uproot Market & Eatery gave a community cooperative overview. The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m. with the next meeting scheduled for August 14, 2024.

Battle Creek Area Clean Water Partners

The meeting approved the agenda and the December 19, 2024 minutes. The group approved enlarging Emmett lift station 37 and removing lift station 38. Two grants were awarded: the Forests to MiFaucet grant with KRWC and the MDNR Urban Forestry Grant. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Approved meeting agenda
• Approved December 19, 2024 minutes
• Approved enlargement of Emmett lift station 37
• Approved removal of Emmett lift station 38
• Awarded Forests to MiFaucet grant with KRWC
• Awarded MDNR Urban Forestry Grant

Airport Advisory Board

The Airport Advisory Board approved the meeting agenda as presented, with all members voting yes. The board also approved the minutes from the December 12, 2024 meeting, again with unanimous support. No other actions or decisions were taken during the session.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Dec 12 2024 meeting (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

The Neighborhood Planning Council approved the City Commission new membership resolution for NPC 10, dated June 17 2025. No vote tally was recorded. Officer elections and other items remain pending. No other substantive actions were taken.

• Approved City Commission new membership resolution for NPC 10 (effective 6/17/2025)

Historic District Commission

The commission approved the minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. It also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property at 50 W Jackson St, allowing two new wall signs. Both motions passed with all members in favor and no opposition.

• Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 50 W Jackson St (all in favor, none opposed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The North Central Neighborhood Planning Council met on June 9, 2025 but did not have a quorum, so no votes or formal approvals were possible. The agenda was adopted and the meeting was adjourned after a motion by Settles, seconded by Ron. Discussions covered river restoration, a police drone program, and upcoming community events, but no decisions were made.

• Motion to adjourn adopted (Settles motion, Ron seconded)

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The council approved the May 1, 2025 Neighborhood Planning Council minutes. No other motions were taken.

• Approved May 1, 2025 minutes (motion carried)

Goguac Lake Board

The Goguac Lake Board approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes and the June 5, 2025 financial report, each by unanimous vote. No other actions were decided; the board discussed vegetation treatment results and a postponed state goose‑control program, but took no votes on those items.

• Approved March 13, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June 5, 2025 financial report (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The council approved the minutes from the April 30, 2025 meeting. It approved the June Beautiful Battle Creek award properties at 119 Chapel Hill Drive and the Battle Creek Country Club. The council elected Brad Miller as chair, Brenda Bengtsson as vice chair, Amanda Miller as secretary, and Bernard Gladney as backup secretary. It set the meeting schedule to meet in June, take July off, and decide in June about an August meeting.

• Added nominations and summer meetings to agenda (motion passed)
• Approved April 30, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved June award properties: 119 Chapel Hill Drive house and Battle Creek Country Club (motion passed)
• Elected Brad Miller chair, Brenda Bengtsson vice chair, Amanda Miller secretary, Bernard Gladney backup secretary (motion passed)
• Set meeting schedule: meet in June, July off, decide in June on August meeting (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 23, 2025 meeting. It then approved item #R01-25, the rezoning request for the parcel on W Columbia Ave, and sent it to the June 17 City Commission meeting. Both motions passed with all commissioners in favor and no opposition.

• Approved April 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning request #R01-25 to move to June 17 City Commission meeting (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

The council approved Rebecca Parker for membership on the Northeast Planning Council. A motion to have the city commission expedite the cleanup of the McKinley St. house was introduced and passed. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved Rebecca Parker for council membership
• Passed motion to have city commission expedite McKinley St. house cleanup

Board of Appeals

The Board of Appeals appointed Cody Newman as Chairman and Brandon Upston as Co‑Chairman. It approved revised bylaws that change the annual meeting date to the second Wednesday of April. A proposal to alter term lengths was discussed but not approved and will be referred to the Commission.

• Appointed Cody Newman as Chairman (approved)
• Appointed Brandon Upston as Co‑Chairman (approved)
• Approved bylaws with annual meeting moved to second Wednesday of April (approved)
• Term‑length modification proposal sent to Commission (not approved)

Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

The Neighborhood Planning Council did not meet and recorded no attendance. Consequently, no items were approved, denied, or tabled. The next meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2025 at 6 PM at The Lakeview Assisted Living Community, 14661 Helmer Rd S, Battle Creek, MI.

Technical Review Committee

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the November 2024 and February 2025 meetings. It also approved a request for proposals to select a rate consultant for new utility rates that will take effect in July 2026. No other decisions were recorded.

• Approved agenda (0 opposed)
• Approved minutes from 11/12/24 and 2/11/25 (0 opposed)
• Approved RFP for rate consultant for new utility rates effective July 2026 (0 opposed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The council approved removing several agenda items after a motion by Fred Bachman. A unanimous vote approved the Beautiful BC nomination for 62 Althea Ave. The city confirmed it will make Share Center the designated emergency shelter. The council also announced a Senior Expo for May 22.

• Motion to strike school/food pantry/library items from agenda approved (motion by Fred Bachman, seconded by David M.)
• Beautiful BC nomination for 62 Althea Ave approved unanimously (motion by Sara S., seconded by Nancy)
• City agreed to make Share Center the designated emergency shelter (no vote count reported)
• Senior Expo scheduled for May 22, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. (announcement, not a vote)

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the April 14, 2025 meeting. It also approved a Certificate of Appropriateness (H 11-25) for 16 Ann Ave., requiring the homeowner to finish the underside of the new porch and paint the trim and posts. The discussion on commemorative street designations was noted as an information‑gathering item with no vote.

• Approved April 14, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 16 Ann Ave. (H 11-25) with condition to finish underside and paint trim (all in favor, none opposed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The North Central Neighborhood Planning Council #2 met on May 12, 2025, but a quorum was not present. As a result, the agenda adoption and the approval/amendment of the previous meeting minutes were both tabled. No votes were recorded. The remainder of the meeting consisted of discussion and public comments.

• Agenda adoption tabled (no vote)
• Approval/amendment of minutes tabled (no vote)

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

The council could not approve the April 10, 2025 minutes because no quorum was present. No other items were approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting consisted of staff reports, a commissioner update, and guest presentations, but no formal decisions were taken.

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The council voted to approve the minutes from the April 3, 2025 Neighborhood Planning Council meeting. The motion was made by Cindy Fritz, seconded by Andre Hoaglin-Jackson, and carried. No other substantive actions or approvals were recorded at this meeting.

• Approved April 3, 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

Members approved the March 26, 2025 meeting minutes. The council added a nomination‑committee item to the agenda and approved forming a nominating committee composed of Coleen, Bernard and Jan to select a new chair. They also approved removing Al Sklenicka, Sharan Sklenicka, and Chris Becik for lack of attendance while keeping them on the mailing list, and approved the property at 656 Morningside Drive for the Beautiful Battle Creek Award. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved March 26, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Added nomination‑committee item to agenda (motion passed)
• Approved formation of nominating committee with members Coleen, Bernard, Jan (motion passed)
• Approved removal of Al Sklenicka, Sharan Sklenicka, Chris Becik for attendance (motion passed)
• Approved property at 656 Morningside Drive for Beautiful Battle Creek Award (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Civil Service

The Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the April 30 meeting by unanimous vote. HR reported that two candidates were removed from the 2025 Entry Level Firefighters Eligibility List after failing a psychological exam. The commission then certified candidates #11‑38 on the eligibility list, also by unanimous vote. No other business was taken.

• Approved April 30 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Certified candidates #11‑38 on 2025 Entry Level Firefighter Eligibility List (all in favor, none opposed)

Downtown Development Authority

The Downtown Development Authority Board approved the FY 2026 budget as presented, with no dissent. It also authorized a lease with Gull Lake Distilling for the 80 West Michigan property and adopted the Van Buren Lot Passthrough Resolution for mixed‑use housing. The meeting minutes, including a correction from a prior meeting, were approved unanimously.

• Approved FY 2026 Budget as submitted (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair to execute 80 West Michigan Lease with Gull Lake Distilling (unanimous)
• Approved Van Buren Lot Passthrough Resolution for 190 mixed‑use housing units (unanimous)
• Approved meeting minutes with Nelson Karre’s correction (unanimous)

Sustainable BC Committee

The committee could not approve the prior meeting minutes because a quorum was not present, so the approval was deferred. No other formal actions, approvals, or denials were recorded during the meeting. The committee discussed upcoming events and sustainability initiatives but did not make any decisions on them.

• Approval of minutes deferred (no quorum)

Planning Commission

The commission approved the February 26, 2025 meeting minutes by unanimous voice vote. They also approved the Lakeview District Corridor Plan, a component of the Master Plan, with all members voting in favor. No public comments were recorded on the plan. The meeting adjourned at 4:29 p.m.

• Approved February 26, 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor, none opposed)
• Approved Lakeview District Corridor Plan (all in favor, none opposed)

Lakeview Downtown Development Authority

The Lakeview Downtown Development Authority board unanimously approved the meeting minutes from January 28, 2025. The board also unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2026 budget as presented. The meeting was then adjourned by unanimous motion.

• Approved Jan 28, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved FY 2026 budget as presented (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Appeals

The board approved the March 19, 2025 minutes. It affirmed 53 Lark St as a dangerous building. It also affirmed 32 Inn Rd as a dangerous building.

• Approved March 19, 2025 minutes (approved)
• Affirmed 53 Lark St as dangerous building (affirmed)
• Affirmed 32 Inn Rd as dangerous building (affirmed)

Neighborhood Planning Council 4 - Northeast

The council did not approve the March meeting minutes because a quorum was not present. No other actions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the session.

Election Commission

The Election Commission approved the minutes from the October 8, 2024 meeting. It appointed six AV Counting Board inspectors, up to 45 precinct inspectors and six Receiving Board members for the May 5, 2025 special election. The commission voted to rebalance Precincts 6 & 8 and 15 & 19, and to consolidate and renumber several precincts, adopting new legal descriptions. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved October 8, 2024 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Appointed 6 AV Counting Board inspectors for May 5, 2025 election (unanimous)
• Appointed up to 45 precinct inspectors and 6 Receiving Board members for May 5, 2025 election (unanimous)
• Approved rebalancing of Precincts 6 & 8 and 15 & 19 (unanimous)
• Approved consolidation and renumbering of precincts, including renaming Precinct 19 to 9 and Precinct 18 to 10 (unanimous)
• Approved new legal descriptions for consolidated precincts (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 5 - Urbandale

The council approved the March 10, 2025 meeting minutes unanimously. It voted to abridge the agenda, removing library, food pantry, nominating and membership items. The Beautiful Battle Creek award nomination for 128 Althea Avenue was approved unanimously. The city manager search was cancelled after two interview offers were rescinded.

• Approved March 10, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved agenda amendment to remove library/food pantry/nominating/membership items (unanimous)
• Approved Beautiful BC nomination for 128 Althea Ave (unanimous)
• City manager search cancelled after interview offers rescinded

Historic District Commission

The commission unanimously approved certificates of appropriateness for six properties in the historic district, covering exterior repairs, window replacements, signage, fencing, and a lean‑to addition. All motions were passed with no opposition. No public comments were received.

• Approved H05-25 for cedar‑shake replacement at 263 N Washington Ave (unanimous)
• Approved H06-25 with conditions for window, door, awning work at 123 W Manchester St (unanimous)
• Approved H07-25 for sign cabinet and blade signs at 119 W Michigan Ave (unanimous)
• Approved H08-25 for fence repair and new gate at 9 Wilkes St (unanimous)
• Approved H09-25 with archaeological preservation condition for lean‑to addition at 171 W Manchester St (unanimous)
• Approved H10-25 for window restorations at 63 N Wood St (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 2 - North Central

The North Central Neighborhood Planning Council #2 meeting on April 14, 2025 did not have a quorum, so no votes or formal actions were taken. The agenda was adopted by verbal agreement, minutes were corrected, and various correspondence and reports were presented, but no substantive decisions were approved, denied, or tabled.

Neighborhood Planning Council 3 - Central

A motion by Cynde Foster, seconded by Gloria Mansfield, to approve the minutes of the October 8 2024, November 14 2024, January 9 2025 and February 13 2025 meetings was carried. The council then noted that the minutes could not be formally approved because a quorum was not present. No other actions or resolutions were taken at the April 10 2025 meeting.

• Motion to approve minutes of 10/8/24, 11/14/24, 1/9/25, 2/13/25 carried
• Minutes not formally approved due to lack of quorum
• Adjourned at 8:40 pm (motion by Cynde Foster, seconded by Gloria Mansfield)

Neighborhood Planning Council 10 - Lakeview west

The scheduled Neighborhood Planning Council meeting did not occur and no attendees were present. Consequently, no agenda items were addressed and no actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The next meeting is set for May 13, 2025 at 6 PM at The Lakeview Assisted Living Community, 14661 Helmer Rd S, Battle Creek, MI.

Neighborhood Planning Council 1 - Post-Franklin

The Neighborhood Planning Council voted to approve the minutes from the March 6, 2025 meeting. The motion was made by Yvonne Powell, seconded by Andre Hoaglin-Jackson, and carried. No other substantive decisions or votes were recorded at this meeting.

• Approved March 6, 2025 minutes (motion carried)

Civil Service

The commission unanimously approved three items: certification of the 2025 Battalion Chief Eligibility List, certification of Bush McCarthy as Battalion Chief, and authorization for the HR Director to start the Fire Captain promotional process. All motions were passed with all members in favor and none opposed.

• Certified 2025 Battalion Chief Eligibility List (unanimous)
• Certified Bush McCarthy as Battalion Chief (unanimous)
• Authorized HR Director to initiate Fire Captain promotional process (unanimous)

Neighborhood Planning Council 11 - Lakeview east

The council approved the minutes from the February 26, 2025 meeting after a motion by Jan Frantz and a second by Fran O’Neil. The Beautiful Battle Creek Award Committee approved the house at 1000 Capital Ave as the award property after a motion by Coleen Jewel and a second by Dawn Hawks. The meeting was then adjourned following a motion by Fran O’Neil and a second by Ginsie Ingraham.

• Approved February 26, 2025 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Approved 1000 Capital Ave property for Beautiful Battle Creek Award (motion passed)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Board of Appeals

The board approved the February 19, 2025 meeting minutes. The board affirmed 65 Merritt St. as a Dangerous Building. The board affirmed 166 Winter St. as a Dangerous Building. No other actions were taken.

• Approved February 19, 2025 minutes
• Affirmed 65 Merritt St. as Dangerous Building
• Affirmed 166 Winter St. as Dangerous Building