City Commission - Regular Meeting

Good evening and welcome to the city of Battle Creek, Michigan, and the Battle Creek City Commission meeting for January 6, 2026. It is 7:02. I'm sorry we're a little late tonight. Um, but we're going to have a moment of silence for our invocation. I think we're going to have the pledge of allegiance and we're going to ask Commissioner Jim Lance to please lead us in the pledge of allegiance. If you're able to to stand at this time, please do so for a moment of silence and our pledge by Commissioner Jim Lance. Commissioner Jim Lansian to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you, Commissioner Jim Lance. Next item on our agenda is a roll call. Madam clerk, when you're ready. Commissioner Katarski Smith here. Commissioner Lacrosse here. Commissioner Lance here. Commissioner Morris here. Mayor Banky here. Commissioner Reynolds present. Commissioner O'Donnell here. Commissioner Simmons here. And Vice Mayor Sophia here. Thank you.

Next item on our agenda. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Next item on our agenda is the proclamations and awards. We have two for tonight. The first one will be the proclamation for national day of racial healing. We have Elizabeth Garcia and thar co-executive directors of the Battle Creek Coalition for truth, racial healing, and transformation to accept. Like to call both of you come forward at this time. Our second one will be a proclamation for the firefighter cancer awareness month. And I'm being told that battalion chief Andre Dow is here along with Chuck Asher. Did Chuck make it? Yes, Chuck is here. Good. Yes. And we [laughter]

we have two other firefighters. So, um we'll first do our first proclamation. Thank you.

She she can get right in there and take a photo. Well, welcome and thank you very much. And this is a very long proclamation, but I want to hear [laughter] That's okay. Um, I want to hear more about what's taking place during the week. So, if all three of you could help us out, I'd really appreciate it.

I'll start. So, on January 20th, we will be having a free event at the Double Tree from 5 to 8:00 p.m. It we will include dinner, entertainment, and lots of conversation. It is our national day of racial healing. It is a national event that started at the Kellogg Foundation and we are one of the cities that also participates with it. Our goal this year is under the theme of the rhythm of our humanity. And it's really about remembering that shared heartbeat that this community that us as individuals have that we're really wanting to connect and really see each other in our humanity and really work towards what this community really wants of creating spaces of belonging, thriving, and we're we're all free. I appreciate it very much. Um I think Battle Creek has really led the community on the state on this issue and just so you know I have now both books that um were written by Ljun Montgomery Taban and the child's book is easier to read but um more importantly the larger book is what um I'm reading currently. So, I'm challenging everyone if you've got some free time, go to the library, get the book written by the CEO at the Kellogg Foundation, and I think that you'll have a different perspective on what it means here in our community when it comes to racial healing. Um, also, will there be any um opportunities for people to volunteer out in the community with the hearts? I'm always impressed with that.

So, this year we are going to be posting them. Okay. call to action to the next level.

Great. Great. Well, on behalf of the people of the city, we would like to present you this res. Congratulations. [applause] [applause] Thank you.

Okay. The fire department, please come up. [clears throat]

Hi, Chuck. I'm going to call upon you because I'm impressed with some of the um emails and communications that we've received during the past year. Um I think it's great that the city's going to be able to accommodate some of those desires. Um I think it brings awareness to the community um of some of the things that you've experienced personally. So, if you wouldn't mind taking just a couple minutes to share that information with us and how you guys have legislated to improve the workplace and each one of our fire departments.

So, talking to Battalion Chief Dozer here, Kim and Chuck Kim Jerger and Chuck Jarger, retired firefighters as well. uh we're amazed at some of the advances around the station, but uh we can't thank the city enough uh for the actions you've taken in the last year or so to do sta improvements in the station, but as you know, it's not done yet. You've got to figure out how to do number five station. Uh cancer is becoming an epidemic. Um, for those of us who were in fire service, excuse me.

So, it's it's about awareness, it's about high level testing, it's about mentorship and uh, thank you everything. Thank you for everything you do.

Thank you, Chuck. We appreciate your commitment to improving the lives especially around our fire stations for the firefighters and for our community. And um I've always described this opportunity really to improve our fire stations as something very historic in Battle Creek. Um $22 million is a lot of money to invest in our fire stations. And I just think it's remarkable that we've come together as a commission to represent the community to do what's right and do the best for the people of Battle Creek. So, we thank Amanda also cuz she got involved and she's she feels that she's got some answers um that we need uh to take care of that last fire station. So, we're we're happy.

Would you like to say a couple words?

Uh I would just like to reiterate uh Chuck's uh thank you to the commission and to all of you for the support. Uh the fire station project is a huge step in trying to make our uh working environment a little bit safer for our firefighters. uh we're generally at an increased risk depending on the cancer of anywhere between 30 and 300% higher likelihood of getting some of these cancers. Um I just talked to Chuck a few minutes ago. Myself, I'm 44 years old and I've already had uh uh melanoma twice uh which is one of the cancers that we're at a greater a much greater uh likelihood to to uh sustain during the course of our career. And um I was lucky enough to get to work with some of these folks when they were kind of on the way out and I was on the way in. So I got to learn a lot from from some of the firefighters that had a much different experience coming through the system and and fighting fires and the way we do things. Um I'm very proud of some of the changes we've been able to make and much of that has come from this commission and this body with the support that we've received from them. So, thank you again and uh we'll continue to try and make the Battle Creek Fire Department a safer place for our firefighters to work and to uh to spend time. So, thank you again.

Thank you very much, Battalion Chief Dozer. Right. Appreciate it. Well, at this time, we're going to have a picture taken. So, if um we could all hold on to that. [applause] [applause]

Thank you. Next item on our agenda is chair noting any added or deleted resolutions. There were none. Thank you. Next item on our agenda is petitions, communications, and reports. There were [clears throat] none.

Thank you very much. Next item on our agenda is public comment regarding any remaining agenda items. If you'd like to make public comment regarding any remaining agenda item, please raise your hand and we will acknowledge you to come forward to the podium. You'll have four minutes to make your comments. Please state your name and address before beginning your comment and indicate which agenda item you are speaking to. Are there any public comments at this time? Joe,

Joe Harris, Battle Creek. Um, I honestly wasn't going to say anything tonight, but um, I feel like I have to be said cuz I have to remain constant. Uh, it is in relation to resolution 290. And you've all heard me say it before. Um, this this this uh, sanctity of life thing, I honestly do support it, but it brings me back to the fact in regard to the flag policy, which I've said last year and in previous years, um, I honestly think that's a policy we need to get rid of. Uh basically as it sits right now the policy we have does two things. Produces viewpoint discrimination and that when a flag is flown in regard to an ideological, political or social viewpoint, not everyone in the city is going to agree on that statement. Same goes if a flag is flown for a specific organization and that not everyone may stand or agree with that particular organization. And because of the viewpoint discrimination, that flag policy in turn causes disunityity in the community and it will build up walls and barriers instead of tear them down like we want them to. Um that's always been my standpoint. Um a lot of things that come up here in regard to flags being flown, I actually agree with them. I actually agree with this one, but constant I have to say that that policy that we have uh it needs to go. Um, and I just want to thank you for listening. I appreciate it.

Uh, thank you for your comments. Are there any other public comments at this time?

John Kenneth. John Kenneth, 234 South Avenue. I'm going to be speaking in regards to resolution 291, a resolution seeking the authorization of payment to um not to exceed amount of $246,000 for emergency installation of two industrial boilers at full blast. I was not able to look in the computer to see the economics of the incompetence of the operation of full blast. It's done under the department of the recreation department of Battle Creek. It doesn't tell us if it's run effectively or efficiently, but many years ago in front of the city commission, there was a 25 million or $25,000 uh amount of money to be paid for a miniature golf course. Two people stood up here at that time. Both had golf courses in the private sector in Battle Creek. They complained that it was unfair advantage for Full Blast to have a golf course because they didn't feel it was right that they should be able to compete against a non-performing operation. One of them eventually went out of business, which is over by Meyers on West Columbia, a miniature golf course, and you took your $45,000 golf course that you approved and you gave it away down the road. Before you even vote for this, and I would tell you not to vote for this, you should find out the finances as commissioners to not act and vote in an

ignorant manner, which most likely you are, of the finances of full blast. If full blast is not operating independently and paying for itself along with its impro along with its improvements and repairs, there is no point in the citizens of Battle Creek having to pay for that incompetence of them not putting money aside. So that this resolution should not even be brought brought in front of you. It should have been taken care of because they had the forethought to put money aside for boilers and repairs. But then again, why should they think about that? Why should they put money aside when they can have the citizens of Battle Creek foot the bill for their own incompetence? you are going to pass this. But it shows how little you actually know about what is actually going on and the fact that you didn't want to do due diligence to find out the finances or lack of finances of the operation of full blast. Again, I would say no to this, but boy, you don't mind have a problem paying having the taxpayer pay for this, now do you? Of course, if it was your money coming out of your pocket, you might feel differently. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Any other public comment at this time? See none, I'd like to move for the introduction of ordinance 01-2026. Support.

It been moved and supported to introduce ordinance 012026. Thank you for being ahead of me. Commissioner Simmons, might I suggest the clerk read the ordinance for the information for the public? This ordinance petition PRZ25-00006 from the city of Battle Creek to reszone five properties located along six mile road to the south of Beckley Road from their current zoning classification of B2 Regional Commercial District to MFR highdensity multifamily District due to the existing character and uses of the property and those in the immediate vicinity pursuant to section 1281. 1.01 of the zoning code. This petition had a public hearing before the Battle Creek Planning Commission on December 17, 2025. The planning commission has forwarded the application to the city commission with an 8 to zero vote of approval. I'd

like to move for the introduction of ordinance 01-2026. Second. Been moved and supported to introduce 012026. Are there any comments by the commission? Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell. Thank you, mayor. Yes, I'm on the planning commission and um I believe that this is a great plan to uh get the zoning proper in that area down there so it's all uh uniquely conforms with the area. Thank you.

Thank you, commissioner. Any other commission comments? See none. Would you please vote on the introduction of the ordinance one 20226? Mine's going to be us. Thank you. [clears throat]

The introduction of ordinance 012026 has been approved. Next item on our agenda is introduction of ordinance 02 20226. Madam clerk, when you're ready. This is a proposed ordinance number 02-2026 amending chapter 276 of the Battle Creek Code of Ordinances Downtown District Authority to incorporate amendments to the Lake View District Downtown Development Authority and Tax Increment Financing Plan. Like to move for the introduction of ordinance 02-2026. Second.

It's been moved and supported to introduce O2 20226. Are there any comments by the commission? Commissioner Pat uh Chris Simmons, sorry.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, first of all, we've had quite a bit of discussion on this and we've all seen the plan. Uh, and I think I've shared with you previously. I was uh from uh the start of the the plan here. It's been almost a couple years ago now, I think, uh that uh I was on the committee to help uh shepherd that plan through with a consultant. And uh some good things came out of that. there was a considerable amount of public engagement uh and the plan was presented to us. Uh but I felt there was a little bit of a disconnect from when the plan was presented to let's implement it. Uh we didn't really have that time to consider the the plan and the the the LDDA plan and the TIFF uh capture plan. And so I do appreciate staff uh tapping the brakes on this to allow us some more time to dig into this uh to allow commission time to look at the priorities and see if this is something that we after we've engaged with our constituents uh wanted to rep prioritize or change anything. I appreciate that opportunity. We also were able to add uh and we approved this at the in a meeting in December uh a uh city commissioner to the LDDA board which that was not part of their by bylaws previously and uh I know the city manager will be part of that board as well. So, we'll have a conduit uh to that board, to the city to have that communication back and forth to help us as this plan moves forward and is actually implemented over the next several years uh for us to have that that vital input. Uh that being said, uh we were given an opportunity as commissioners to look at those priorities and suggest uh rep prioritizing a few things. I had uh many conversations with my fellow commissioners and with staff and there are a couple of things that I um would like to make a proposal right now on the priority change and then we can discuss that further uh uh uh once that's on the

table. But I propose uh to move um and move to uh uh amend LDADA and TIFF plan attached ordinance 022026 changing the priorities on page eight for uh number one events from medium to low and two roadway infrastructure development from medium to high. Support.

All right. We have a amendment uh to the LDDA tiff plan and support. Uh let's first discuss this and then vote on the amendment. Um are there any other comments Chris? So, just to be further elaborate a little bit on on the proposed amendments, uh, after the plan was introduced and and the considerable amount of communication I had with fellow commissioners and with the our our constituents and the public, uh, that it seemed to be the top priority uh, for uh, the folks that I engaged with uh, that we use public funds for public infrastructure first and foremost. And everyone that drives the Beckley Road corridor uh will agree it has some major issues. It really hasn't well when was the mall built? In 1984. It hasn't the infrastructure really hasn't been updated uh since then. So many many decades. And it is uh I'm not sure of the statistics, but I I would wager that it's the largest commercial uh district in the city of Battle Creek and has the most traffic. And it can be uh anybody that ventured out there over the holiday season. It's horrendous. Uh so I I think there's some great opportunity with capturing some of these these funds to dedicate to public infrastructure. And then uh one of the concerns that I also had was like if we're capturing this from city general operating or from other city revenue and from other taxing districts, let's use that for the purposes. For example, uh TAC. If we're capturing a portion of the TAC, let's use that for uh improving public transportation amenities in in the district or if we're capturing from city general operating, maybe we can flow through. These are just some ideas I'm spitballing that I hope the LDA uh looks at and we can use some of those funds like we do in the DDA for snow plowing and for some other public infrastructure, public service uh kind

of things. And then on the other one on the events, there's nothing inherently wrong with uh events. Uh I think I I guess I would argue that there's enough traffic out there already on the Beckley Road. Do we need to encourage more more traffic with pop-up events? I'm looking what Horox is doing at the mall already with the live music and events almost every weekend. Uh and so kind of stepping back and letting letting uh the that take its own course. There's a lot of development at the mall. Not saying eliminate that, but uh if the mall ever approaches the LDDA about doing pop-up events or something, then certainly we can have that discussion, but it was less of a priority than like public infrastructure for me. So, that's the reason I I arrived at this and it wasn't just me. I talked to several other commissioners. So, appreciate the support and please consider the the amendments. Thank you.

Is there any other further discussion on the motion to amend?

Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell. I just like to say the same thing. The the uh traffic down there, the the priority is very high. I've been to other cities where they've done remodels of type of roadways like that and have made it much more safer and much more easier to travel. Uh allowing us more time to get home back to our families and get to work on time, that type of thing. Uh and the other thing is is uh recently we've had a lot of uh rain caused a lot of uh damage down there that just needs to be re-engineered that whole entire section of road. So I support this. Thank you. Thank you. Any other further discussions? Seeing none, would you please vote on the amendment? The amendment has been approved. Next, we'll vote on the proposed ordinance change 02-2026. Is there any further discussion at this time? I I hate to monopolize the discussion on this, but I I do I do thank thank you for the consideration of the uh changing the priorities on that. And then now going forward, I think there's kind of a lot of misconception. There's been some stuff on social media uh about the price tag uh that we tap the brakes. We got an opportunity to dig into this a little bit more. when I see $50 million for turning Sears into a park, I bristled at first. And so, but then as we dug in, that's not all. I mean, that that that is an environmental disaster in that in that location from the from the start back in the 80s. And the idea is to work with Michigan Eagle Department uh to maybe fund that primarily with with grants from the from the state. And to a certain extent, yes, obviously if we turn that into a park, we'll have some investment there. And then again, uh the LDDA, if they're capturing these funds,

the concern for me was okay, if we're capturing funds that would go to the general funds that support parks, then the LDA then should support that infrastructure. I hope I hope as we as a commission providing this oversight for the LDDA going forward and approving the annual budgets that we look at those kind of things, the LDDA is helping to carry its own weight for additional infrastructure. So, um I'm going to support this. Uh I think that uh some some uh great potential to leverage some other funds that wouldn't normally be available to us to improve some uh much overdue needed infrastructure improvements to the LDDA. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Any other comments? Commissioner Smith,

I just want to thank Chris for bringing some of this to um my attention and uh probably some other people's attention because uh it was a little confusing trying to kind of navigate through all the information, but I agree and just echo what you say and uh hopefully the oversight will be helpful and we'll be able to kind of mitigate everything and see some of the get put to good use out there.

Thank you very much. Okay, are we ready to vote? All right, let's go ahead and vote on O2-2026 for the introduction. The introduction has been approved. Thank you very much to everyone uh from Ted Daring to the consultant. Um we look forward to working um in our capacity as Chris said uh to assist in the development of that um long um ago created area of our city. So thank you. Commission comment regarding meeting business

like to move to approve the consent agenda.

Support move and supported to approve the consent agenda. Is there any item a quick commissioner would like to remove or discuss further? Seeing none, would you please vote on the consent agenda? Uh the consent agenda has been approved. Next item on our agenda is resolution 290. If approved, this resolution in accordance with the revised flag policy hereby authorizes staff to fly the sanctity of life flag at city hall from January 27, 2026 through February 7th, 2026. This request comes to the commission by way of Mayor Banky with support of commissioners O'Donnell and Qatarski Smith. I'd like to move to approve resolution 290.

Support. It's been moved and supported to approve resolution 290. Are there any comments or questions or concerns raised by the commission at this time? Uh, Commissioner Morris. Thank you. Um, I will say for me with this one, um, I went I had to do a little bit of, uh, digging. Um, and due to the nature of this organization being religious, I will not be supporting this um, as our policy does not allow for us to do that. Thank you, Commissioner. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell.

Um, I am supportive of this flag. I I'm supportive of all life. Just that's what's a great thing to have. I am not supportive of the flag policy, but I am supportive of this. Um, why not tell everyone Battle Creek that we support life in all levels? Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. Any other comm vice mayor? And then Commissioner Carl Reynolds. Um, as as has been my personal policy, I have been opposed to flying any flag other than the city of Battle Creek, the state of Michigan, and the US flag. So, I will be opposing this resolution.

Thank you, Vice Mayor. Commissioner Patrick Odown, excuse me, Commissioner Carla Reynolds. Sorry. Okay, Jessica Lacass. Thank you. I just wanted to um kind of echo what um Commissioner Morris had said. I you know, from my understanding, the policy so far says that we should not be approving anything that has to do with any religious connotation. You know, I personally believe um in the sanctity of life, but I don't think it's something that we can approve based on that. So, I'm going to be voting no for that reason. Thank you very much, Commissioner Smith. Um so, for me, I initially had that which I still stand by.

I still stand by um that I think we should also only be flying um the government flags on our buildings after learning of our um ordinance stating that we should be flying the flags that are put forth and um I understand like the religion point of it but from what I was reading because it's there's not religion like on the flag itself it's okay. So I will be voting yes for it because it's our ordinance. [cough] However, I think that going forward I just like to see that maybe we could just bring it back to the government owns to kind of prevent this divide. I feel like these kinds of things must Thank you very much, Commissioner Smith.

Okay, seeing no other further questions, we'll go ahead and vote at this time. Uh, this resolution does not pass. So 290 was defeated. Next item on our agenda is resolution 291. Madame clerk, when you're ready.

This resolution authorizes payment for emergency boiler replacement work completed at full blast. To address this urgent situation, two emergency boilers were ordered through My Deal, the state of Michigan's extended purchasing program. My Deal contracts are let through a competitive sealed bid process, which meets the city's bidding requirement. The city is legally obligated to pay for completed work. However, we present resolutions for emergency work that exceeds $50,000 to complete the administrative process. like to move for the approval of resolution 291. Support.

We've been supported to approve resolution 291. Are there any comments or questions by the commission? Seeing none, would you please vote on resolution 291? Resolution 291 has been approved. Next item on our agenda is resolution 292.

This resolution, if approved, would authorize the city manager to execute a contract with JK of Michigan LLC in a not to exceed amount of $193,72 for the Jackson Street parking ramp pump project. The solicitation was issued November 24, 2025 for the abovementioned project. This project consists of replacing and upgrading pump systems at the Jackson Street parking ramp. This includes adding new pumps, piping, valves, electrical components, and controls along with required demolition, temporary bypass pumping, and all incidental work needed to maintain operations and meet project specifications.

Like to move to approve resolution number 292. Support. Been moved and supported to approve resolution 292. Are there any comments, clarifications, or questions of the commission? Commissioner Patrick Odell. I'm just glad that they're taking over this uh project. It's been a quite a problem down there on that Jackson Street parking, and I applaud them finally for getting a solution to the uh ongoing problem. Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. All right. Would you please vote on resolution 292? Resolution 292 has been approved. Next item on our agenda is resolution 293. Madam clerk,

if approved, this resolution would authorize the city manager to re-employ Deputy Chief Bagwell for a temporary amount of time. The BCPD is actively recruiting for a deputy police chief and needs an individual with experience in this important position to maintain continuity and to assist with onboarding and training of the new deputy police chief. Because Doug Doug Bagwell has significant knowledge of ongoing projects, etc., and only recently retired, the city manager believes that the interest of the city would be best served by making an exception to the general prohibition of remploying city retirees. It is estimated that the need for temporary reemployment is only required until the new deputy police chief is onboarded with a target date of April 6, 2026.

Like to move to approve resolution number 293. Second. Been moved and supported to approve resolution 293. Are there any comments or questions or clarifications needed by the commission? Seeing none, would you please vote on resolution 293? Resolution 293 has been approved. Next item on our agenda is resolution 294. Madame clerk, when you're ready.

If approved, this this resolution would authorize the city manager to sign an amended agreement with Mission Square to establish a new divisional group for employees of the TAC. As requested by the TAC, the city will establish a separate division under the 457 plan with Mission Square for non-represented TAC employees that are hired on or after January 1, 2026. The established benefit will be a 5% defined contribution and up to a 5% match on employee contributions. All payroll costs are a direct pass through to the TAC for reimbursement to the city under the current administrative services agreement. like to move to approve resolution 294.

Support. So moved and supported to approve resolution 294. Are there any comments by the commission? Seeing none, would you please vote on resolution 294? Resolution 294 has been approved. Next item on our agenda is resol, excuse me, is general public comment. If you'd like to make general public comment regarding matters over which the city commission has control, please raise your hand and wait for us to acknowledge you to come forward to the podium. You'll have three minutes to make your comment. Please state your name and address prior to beginning your comment. Yes,

Charles Jarger, 280 Pleasant View Drive. Uh thank you again for the resolution honoring uh firefighters and cancer awareness of wasn't planning on doing this, but one of the big things that affects not only the fire department, but just the general quality of uh our neighborhoods has been parking and his parking. Uh parking is controlled by two entities in the city, the city police department when the car is on the street. And when it's in the front yard, it's the uh code enforcement, which works Monday through Friday, 8 to 5. So if you park your car in your front yard after that or you just want to get away with it, uh you park your car in the front yard and that has a negative impact on the neighborhoods. Uh that has become an increasingly popular thing to do and it's a very difficult thing to enforce with the current ordinances. Uh so I wish that the city commission could look at a a way to make that more enforceable and less likely to have those cars parked in the front yard. The other thing I'd like to uh mention about uh parking is there are a lot of our neighborhood streets that are narrow. They were made and designed for horses, horsedrawn uh wagons, uh narrow cars, and narrow fire engines. And there are are many streets uh that are just not wide enough uh especially in the wintertime when snow is encroaching on the curbs and narrows the street farther to have parking on both sides of the street and expect to get a modern fire apparatus up that street without causing damage. Uh I'm sure even the snowplow operators would uh echo that uh observation. So, I would ask that you do something about uh making parking regulations consider or uh consistent with the width of the street and the width of the

vehicles that have to pass up and down them so they can all do it safely and in the case of emergency apparatus uh they can do it expeditiously when they need to be able to do it. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments, Chuck. Are there any other public comments at this time? Yes, ma'am. Greetings, Mayor Vinky, Vice Mayor Sophia, commissioners. It's a pleasure to be back. Um, I was here just I think it was in November uh talking to you about statewide water affordability. I left some information with you. I've hope you had a chance to review it. Um, I'm here again to talk about uh the difficulty that a lot of households are having. As you know, the holidays were particularly stressful for a lot of families who were experiencing flu, but just all of the stressors of the holidays and bills, right? And so, we know that the state legislature is really looking at cutting back on a lot of budget items that were previously approved. And among those are even funds that go to social service organizations to be able to help uh residents when they're having trouble with any of those household expenses, utilities, housing, water, um food, medical care, whatever it is, right? The state of Michigan's DHS um programs, including the state emergency relief program, those have gotten more stringent and uh more difficult for families to apply for unless they can uh get it all together at one time um for an application. Um there are um many community service act agencies in particular that are experiencing a lot of significant cuts. In fact, many of them are now having to lay off employees and cut programs. So it's having a lot of impact at the county and the local level. So there are many uh worries obviously that um the state and a lot of these nonprofit organizations are having because they know that the funds in the federal government are likely to come back much less or reduced or eliminate altogether from um what may be provided to the state. So we're asking again for your

support of the statewide water affordability legislation currently Senate bills 248 through 255. It would create the state's first water affordability program similar to what's available for electricity through MEEP. We have nothing comparable for water and as you know water is a very local problem. So while this is something that residents experience at at the household level, it's very much a problem for your water departments when you can't collect from residents who can't pay. This would again would solve the problem both for the local government and for the household to have a program that would help every resident across the state. And so we are asking again for you to consider passing a resolution in support of this. Battle Creek is is an important key city in the state and we are talking to residents and councils and commissioners in different cities. We're traveling the state talking this up, but yours is one of the key cities that we're very much coming back to have these conversations with. So um I'd like to also follow up and see if we can maybe schedule some appointments with some of you if you would like to talk more about it, including Miss um city manager. And this is something that again it's being talked about as data centers are coming up and people are worried about what that impact could be locally on water and cost and and so we're hoping that you will um look into this deeper and help consider um support for it. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much for your comments. Do we have any other public comments? Uh Joe, I'm going to go with the lady behind you and then you'll be right after that and then we'll go right over there. So the lady Nope. right here. Thank you.

Thank you, mayor. I just have a quick update. Uh my name is Rachel Warner and I'm here on behalf of Representative Steve Frisbee. I have a quick update for you about some legislation that we were able to get signed into law. uh Representative Frisbee worked on and that was the roads plan and his bill to ensure that if you want to appeal the Lancing tax tribunal, you can do so online. And then also some key pieces of legislation that we're working on with the Senate right now are the stop the bleed uh legislation which will be for uh good Samaritans and also Representative Frisbee's legislation to ban local governments from banning natural gas infrastructure. And moving into the next year, we'll be back in session next week. And one of the top um issues that the Republican caucus is focusing on is going to be property tax reform. So, we don't know what exactly that's going to look like or end up in the end, but we just wanted to make sure that you and the local government saw this on the horizon before we start working on it. And as always, you can reach out to his office if you have any questions or comments. Thank you.

Thank you, Rachel. Thank you for your comments. All right. Now we'll go to Joe and then Joe. Joe, we're gonna go with you. All right. Thank you. [clears throat]

Sorry about that. Thank you. Um, golly, I wasn't planning doing any of this today. So, uh, we're going to talk about, uh, Senate Bill 248, Senate Bill 256, which is in regard to the water. And I'm hope that all of you will take the time to read those Senate bills very very very very closely because essentially what that is it's a redistribution or it's a redistribution of costs and uh government interventions for universal access. Now what does that mean? Essentially this is an incomebased water system. you. It's basically redistribution of uh the cost for those who basically have um um they say higher income. They're going to pay essentially more than a lower income individual. It's not going to be [music] based upon usage. Um something that I have read directly from uh Senate Bill 256. Um, it's going to prescribe a mandatory $125 mandatory fee on each retail water meter payable by every customer receiving water or sewage service from a provider. Um, so there's going to be essentially a buck 25 raise in regard to to water if these bills pass. Now, if this bill does pass, it's going to make Michigan the very first state to have an incomebased water uh billing system. It will not be based upon necessarily usage as as as we are used to. Um so, just I'm hoping that you guys will read those bills, read them close. I I um I'm not against helping individuals out, but at the same token, um I can I can see some things in this that that just aren't good in in

regard to that whole bill. Um [music] real quick on the flag policy thing, uh you all's vote kind of proved my point today. Uh that the flag policy does nothing more than cause disunityity in the community. I honestly feel that we need to fly the United States flag, state, the state flag and the city flag. And if you look at the history of the United States flag, that flag alone unites all of us as Americans. There's there's a whole thing behind that flag in particular. And what unites all of us as American on that on the United States flag in particular is the 50 stars, 50 states. And each one of those stars represents all of us that live in those states. So let's let that be our uniter instead of having a policy that divides us all the time. We that's needs to go. So thank you. I appreciate your time.

Thank you for your comments. Yes, ma'am.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor, and thank you all for hearing me out again. My name is Roston Walker. I don't know if I'm supposed to state my [music] address, but it's 10864 Balfford Road, Detroit, Michigan 48224. I'm here once again, and I'm here to ask you to endorse or support us with a statewide water affordability. I speak with people regularly on their water bills and residents that who cannot afford their water bills. A few of them are here today in the back. I hope they will speak for them themselves. Sometimes people are afraid to speak up or voice their concerns in public. And as you know, many uh residents continue to struggle with household expenses. For many families, the the holidays were a difficult time woring about the bills. Please consider supporting a resolution for water affordability. Thank you so much.

Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Appreciate it. Any other public comments at this time? Yes, ma'am.

Hi, my name is Charlene Van Lupin. I just recently moved to Presidential Drive in Battle Creek. Thank you, Mr. Jagger, for bringing up the parking because I'm new to being a homeowner and I don't know what parking regulations are. I have a house just across from me and I've heard stories about the house already, but I don't know what they're if they're true or not. But they have anywhere from 4 to 7 cars coming and going midnight to 4 6 o'lock in the morning. And then all cars will be parked on the lawn in all directions. And I don't know what the city regulations are for that. But hopefully I'll find out at our NPC meeting when I talk to the officers in code compliance. But something has to be done for us to know what we can and cannot do, cannot say. Um, but the re reason I'm here is because um I went through the police academy in Puria, Arizona and here. And PIIA has a very active alumni association going. They're supporting their police officers. In fact, they're giving so much money away over there, it's not even funny. Um, but I would like to see that here, too. Um, I was just reminded that we're having a meeting for those that have been through the academy this Thursday at 6 o'clock at the police station. I know it's late notice, but I'm here to invite anybody that's been through the academy to come to the meeting because I would like to see it get going and get active, but without support from the community and people that have been through the academy, it won't go any further. So, thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Any other public comments at this time? Any further public comments? Yes, John. John Kenneth, 234 South Avenue. A couple of things. First of all, the flag issue. I don't think there should be anything flown up there, but I made my own flag, which you've seen in the past. It was one of the most accurate flags you'll ever seen. It showed nine people carrying carrying guns and firearms. It pointed at the citizens of Battle Creek, just like the old seal of Battle Creek, only more accurate. I don't think you'd like that. It puts the city commission and the government in a bad light. It says around it, "We've never met a tax increase we didn't like." I think that should flow. If you're going to fly flags up there, I think that has a good possibility. Next, you kind of insulted my intelligence, Mr. Binky, today. You had a presentation with the fire department. You said you had concerns about what was happening and finally things are getting done. Mr. Binky and I have a relationship that goes back, information that goes back about 25 years. Back then, they were trying to close fire station number three in post edition. At that time, it was very simple for the city commission, and you were on the commission, mayor, to simply put a little money aside from the taxpayers to have the fire stations slowly replaced. You mentioned 22 million for the fire stations. I was here when you passed and it was $25 million. And that's not the cost of the fire station. That's the principle because it's a loan. That's probably going to cost anywhere between

20 and 40 more million dollars, whatever it ends up be with the interest rate. If you had put a capital improvement and plan plan done 25 years ago, the citizens of Battle Creek would have gotten good bang for their money. They would have gotten a new fire station like you would have gotten today. And it wouldn't have been a loan. They would have gotten more bang for their bucks. They could have had more two or maybe more fire stations replaced under the same amount of money, but you've decided to basically mortgage their lives. You've taken out loans in the past, like at the um Department of Public Works. In the process, later on, after years of making payments on this loan, you refinance that loan at a lower interest rate, keeping the money for the government of Battle Creek while adding four more additional years of payments to the citizens of Battle Creek. So, when you start telling me how concerned you are about the fire department, I don't buy it. You're talking to the wrong guy because I know exactly who you are and who this commission is. I wish you wouldn't BS us. Maybe the other people don't know it, but I do. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Any other public comment at this time? Yes, ma'am.

My name is

Would you come up to the microphone? Yes, I'm re here regarding this um you to support this water bill this going on. Now I retired from the water department, city of Battle Creek. We used to do things as a courtesy. I understand everything's going up, but they miss your garbage. You still got to pay for it. You don't do recycling. You still got to pay for I understand everything's going up, but can you address the need for helping us? Is this water bill such that you were

ma'am if you could if you could Okay. Oh, I'm a little bit confused and I like some clarification. That's what I and I need some help. Okay, Mayor Pinky. All right. if you could fill out a card in the back of the room, I'll make sure that someone will contact you and we'll talk to you about the clarifications that you need. Thank you. And you're going to talk about uh getting some help on reducing these water bills and I will I will have the city administration talk to you about that. Thank you. Thank you. We'll get you some. Are there further comments at this time? Seeing none, any commission comments? Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell.

Thank you, Mayor. Um, first of all, the um the flag the flag policy, it it does need to go. I've said it before. It divides us. It doesn't doesn't help at all. I I hope us fellow commissioners can come together and revisit this thing. Um it's not that it doesn't matter if I won or lost this vote. That's not the point. The point was is I've never liked it. And um again, it proved again tonight what what we're looking at. Um, second, um, again, I I praise our firefighters and everything they go through in their lives. They took a lot of effort to step forward and protect our community and I'm glad that we can honor them now by helping them with their cancer awareness month and also start working on these fire stations, getting going and making them as safe as possible for the the the just is unbelievable the time that you give away from your families to protect us. And I always say the same thing. I'm glad you're there for us. I just don't hope to ever see you. So, um, and I hope everybody gets better. This flu is horrible out there. Check on your neighbors. Check on the loved ones. Get them. I've had it. It took me two weeks to get through it. I understand the suffering out there. Find someone. Care for them, please. And the last thing is is I'm just so happy that uh this country is going to be celebrating 250 years of independence coming up in six months. So get out there and show your pride for this country. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Commissioner. [applause] Any other uh commission comment? Commissioner Lass, I just also wanted to say thank you for the firefighters. Um this is [music] personal to me. My son has been um a cadet at at Climax Fire Department since he was 16 and I know that you guys u put your lives on the line every day in more ways than one. So thank you. Thank you very much, Commissioner. Any other commission comments? Seeing none, we're going to adjourn the meeting. Thank you for attending and um if we have that card for the last public uh comment, we'll get it to the administration. Thank you. [clears throat]