City Commission - Regular Meeting

There she is.

Good evening and welcome to the City of Battle Creek, Michigan and the Battle Creek City Commission meeting for July 7th, 2026. It is 7.01 p.m. We want to thank you for being here. We have a busy night and we welcome everyone. We're going to stand for a moment of silence for our invocation. We're going to have the Pledge of Allegiance and I'm going to ask Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell to please lead us in the pledge. If you're able to stand for a moment of silence, please do so. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell.

I pledge allegiance 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 Patrick O'Donnell. Next time on our agenda is roll call. Madam clerk, when you're ready.

Mr. Katarski Smith here. Commissioner Lacoste. Yeah. Mr. Lance has sent us message that he'll be here in a little bit. Um, commissioner Morris here. Here. Banky here. Commissioner Reynolds present commissioner O'Donnell here. Commissioner Simmons. Vice mayor Sophia here. Thank you.

Okay, thank you very much for the roll call. We have two proclamations and awards. First one will be for the LGBTQIA+. I'm sorry about that. And I believe Dina Spencer is here and she may have some of her officers of the organization or anyone else that would like to come up front. We'll do that first. Secondly, we're going to have the National Day of Summer Learning. Joy Parson, Cowan County quality and youth leadership coach to accept. Joy, you'll be second. Are you here? He's not here. Okay. Very good. Thanks. Okay, I would like to read the proclamation. And that's probably someone calling from Dina, telling her she's running behind. The city of Battle Creek is a welcoming community that recognizes the importance of equality and freedom, and is committed to expanding the visibility, dignity, and equity for all people in our city. And whereas our nation was founded upon and is guided by the set of principles that includes every person has been created equal, that each has rights to their own life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that each shall be accorded the full recognition and protection under the law. And whereas, our society continues to take steps to prevent hate crimes, discrimination in housing, employment and services, and the denial of American liberties and basic human rights. And the city of Battle Creek is committed to upholding these protections by enforcing the 2013 non-discrimination ordinance making it the law of the city. And whereas Battle Creek has a vibrant LGBTQIA plus community comprised of thousands of individuals and families and supporters who are a big part of the fabric of our community. and who contribute throughout the year to its economy and quality of life as elected and appointed officials, public and private entrepreneurs, business owners, educators, clergy and church administrators, parents, students, homeowners, charitable contributors, volunteers and more. And whereas the progress has been made, there remains significant opposition with respect to the equitable treatment of the LGBTQIA plus people in our community and is therefore important for cities like Battle Creek and counties like Calhoun to demonstrate support for the such residents. And whereas June has become the symbolic month around the world for LGBTQIA plus people and allies to come together in various celebrations of acceptance, equality, and pride. And as they have since the 1969 Stonewall uprising, which served as the catalyst for the modern day LGBTQIA plus civil rights movement. And whereas President Joseph R. Biden, Jr., by virtue of the authority vested in him by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, proclaimed June 2023 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Pride Month in the United States and has called upon its people to recognize the achievements of the LGBTQIA plus community to celebrate the great diversity of the American people and to wave their pride flags high. And whereas Rainbow Flag, also known as the Pride Flag, has been used since 1978 as the symbol of LGBTQIA plus social and civil rights movements. And the flying of the Rainbow Flag at City Hall during the month of July symbolizes the nationwide celebration of diversity, inclusion, and support for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning residents. And whereas Battle Creek is adopted, July is a symbolic month in which LGBTQIA plus people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and their supporters and allies come together in celebration. and we celebrate the pride during the month of July. Therefore, on behalf of the citizens of the city of Battle Creek, we do hereby proclaim the month of July 2026 as LGBTQIA plus Pride Month in the city of Battle Creek, and we invite all of our neighbors to reflect upon the ways in which we live and work together as a commitment to mutual respect and understanding for all people and further recognize Pride Month throughout the month of July. On behalf of everyone, we want to say thank you very much, and we look forward to a good time in July.

Thank you, Mayor. I just want to remind everyone of starting next weekend, Friday, we have the parade, and Saturday, the Lila Arboretum, the festival in the Arboretum, and then a memorial or... candlelight vigil on Sunday. So come out and enjoy the time. Last year we had 2,500 people, so it's not like 20 people support us. We definitely thank the 2,500 that come out.

Thank you. Thank you, Commissioner. We appreciate your cooperation and your leadership. We would like to have a picture taken now when our city manager is doing that.

Thank you. Thank you.

Joy Parson, did you make it here? All right, then I'll read this at the event this coming week, I believe. Thank you. Next item on our agenda is chair noting any added or deleted resolutions.

There were none.

Thank you. Next item is petitions, communications, and reports.

There were none.

Thank you. Next item 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 will 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? Are there any public comments? Yes, sir. You're going to pass? All right. I'm sorry.

At the end of the meeting.

Okay. Thank you very much. Any other public comment at this time? Hearing none, we'll move on. Next item on our agenda is introduction of ordinance. Madam Clerk, when you're ready, 14-2026, a proposed ordinance of 14-2026.

This ordinance, if introduced, would amend chapters 1240, 1241, and 1250 of the zoning code to establish a new T6 Lakeview Business District for properties in the Lakeview District, currently zoned B2, consistent with the Lakeview District subplans recommendations for a mixed-use walkable district. The proposed changes would allow a broader range of land uses, including additional housing types, commercial, recreational, restaurant, and hospitality opportunities while helping activate underutilized areas such as mall and big box parking lots, reduce non-conforming uses, and support reinvestment along the Beckley Road commercial corridor. The amendments are intended to advance the sub-plan's goals of placemaking, green infrastructure, and reduced automobile dependence while generating additional property tax revenue and supporting housing and economic development in Battle Creek. A public hearing for the Planning Commission was scheduled for June 24, 2026, with a notice published in the June 4, 2026 edition of the Battle Creek Shopper.

I move for the introduction of Ordinance 14-2026. Second.

It's been moved and supported to introduce 14-2026. Are there any comments by the Commission? Seeing none, would you please vote on the introduction? The introduction has been approved. Next item on our agenda is proposed Ordinance 15-2026. Madam Clerk?

This ordinance, if introduced, would rezone 84 parcels along the Beckley Road corridor from B2 Regional Commercial District to the newly established T6 Lakeview Business District. The proposed rezoning is intended to implement the Lakeview District's suburban, Plan or sub plan by allowing additional land uses including a wider variety of housing types and encouraging redevelopment of underutilized areas Establishing the t6 district would help accommodate existing commercial uses and buildings reduce non-conforming uses provide additional commercial and residential options for vacant properties and parking areas and support economic reinvestment in the corridor and Staff anticipate the rezoning would not create new dimensional or use-related nonconformities and would allow more housing types by right, supporting new development, additional property tax revenue, and housing opportunities for those working and living in Battle Creek.

I move for the introduction of Ordinance 15-2026. Second.

I move and support it to introduce 15-2026. Are there any commissions? Commissioners with questions. So, you know, would you please vote in the introduction? Introduction has been approved. Next item on the agenda is commission comment regarding meeting business.

Move for the approval of the consent agenda. Second.

Moved and supported to approve the consent agenda. Is there any item the commissioner would like to discuss? Seeing none, would you please vote on the consent agenda? The consent agenda has been approved. Next item on our agenda 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. We're going to go right over here. You're first in line.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. You're welcome.

Thank you very much for that. Also, I came here. My name is Dakar Guy. I live at 177 Ann Avenue. And I'm here because I was at work and a guy, one of my coworkers showed me a video of a little 14 year old guy being harassed by the police. And like, I don't, I'm not saying that police are racist. I'm just saying the tactic that they used to, as far as in terms of, uh, you know, pursuing the guy and constantly telling him to come here. I think, you know, that's, that was wrong. And like we started off this meeting with saying in Liberty, if we have our liberties, taken away from us because from the police, then we have no limits. So I'd just like to make that note to you, Mr Mayor, to see if that you can or this commission, if you can do something about that as far as the way that the tactics are used because we're not living in Nazi Germany. We don't have gold stars and it should be everybody's right to say you don't want to talk to the police, you just don't want to talk to them. I mean, that's everybody's right. So, you know, just because he's in a violent neighborhood might be a kid that's kind of messed up or a troublesome kid. And I would like to propose that when police officers have firing trouble kids, that they set up a mentoring program for these children. Instead of making them afraid of the police, bring these trouble kids in and let them know how to, you know, properly conduct themselves and respect for the police. You know what I mean? Instead of being afraid of the police, I mean, the first contact with the police can be really troublesome. And you want that first contact with an officer to be a meaningful one. So you got troubled kids out there. I was a troubled kid. Grew up. And just kind of mentored a guy. Because they need mentors out there. They need help. And these troubled kids, they need help. Then I just found out the guy was charged with resisting obstruction. That's kind of hard. But what if he called the parents and said, look, come down to the police department. See how we do things and just kind of, you know, this is how we do things and let him ride with the police. I mean, I grew up with Officer Friendly, you know, so just kind of bring back that kind of technique to, you know, these youth because they need it. So I thank you for appreciating you letting me talk. You know, I just think that we could do something better with the techniques that they're using for the youth. So I appreciate you and I thank you for that.

Thank you, Mr. Guy, and I appreciate your positive comments.

Thank you.

Thank you very much. Is there anyone else who would like? Yes, Mary Fields, 89 Lathrop.

Thank you. I just wanted to tell the commission and the mayor and the city manager, we have new water lines on Lathrop, and they are wonderful. The difference is nice. I mean, I've had a lot of different homes in different areas. city waters. It's almost all cities, very few well. And the water pressure was substandard, especially at 29 Lathrop. 89 Lathrop was better, but the new water, I could water my whole lawn just standing at the corner of my driveway. The whole lawn. It's so nice. Yeah, he's smiling. He knows what it's like when you can't even get the whole lawn and you got the buckets. I also really wanted to say thank you for where you chose to put fire station number three on Dickman. I hope I read the sign right when I drove by, but it looks like you listened to all our concerns about what side of the railroad track the station was on. I'm not saying people on one side are different than the other. It's just a matter of waiting for the dang train for 10 minutes. You don't want the fire truck doing that work. anything else and i'm very very happy to see a modern fire station not that i don't like cliff station the one on cliff but it's not designed for a nine-story building it just isn't those stations aren't able to support a modern city and i'm really hoping that you guys

I know you're running for office or maybe running to retire. I don't know, whatever.

Um, but let's make a plan for what to do with the cliffs. The fire station, that city owned property. I'm thinking, yeah, and it has a useful life. It's a beautiful building. I drove my mom by that fire station and the new one. She barely saw the sign and she thought the old station was just a beautiful building. She couldn't believe What a beautiful fire station we had she's like even if it doesn't work as a fire station It's just a really nice-looking building. They've obviously got to find another use for it. We wouldn't want it to sit vacant and We really but you know it's beautiful. It is we got a we got a we've so many pretty buildings anyways I hope you guys are having a great summer.

I know I should have brought my thank you Mary autumn Smith, please

Good evening. Autumn Smith, 66 Massachusetts. I want to address the Washington Heights Juvenile Stop. Recently, the Battle Creek Police Department whistleblower spoke publicly at my Tea Party meeting. During that meeting, he stated that Chief Shannon Bagley has been providing inaccurate information to both the Commission and the public and has been openly lying. uh... regarding this incident according to the whistleblower multiple department policies were violated as well as established case law governing police conduct he also informed those in attendance that he recently learned chief bagley has been attempting to discredit him by portraying this information that i bring before the commission as somehow criminal or improper i have also been made aware that some members of this commission are already aware of those allegations and know about this The whistleblower further publicly confirmed that there is an active FBI investigation involving both the Battle Creek Police Department and the city. Because of those statements, I believe it is important that Chief Bagley and everyone in this commission become very familiar with 18 USC 1512 and the federal witness tampering statute. That law prohibits intimidating, threatening, harassing, or attempting to corruptly influence witnesses or interfere with the communication of information to federal law enforcement. Anyone who is involved in an FBI investigation, myself included, or who is communicating information to federal investigators should be able to do so free from retaliation or intimidation. Finally, I would like to formally announce my candidacy for Battle Creek City Commissioner at Large. I want to sincerely thank the many citizens who have already signed my nominating petitions and offered their encouragement and support. I believe this commission would benefit from having a commissioner who is committed to transparency, accountability, and equal application of the law. Someone who will ask the difficult questions, stand up against retaliation and the weaponization of government, and work to restore public trust in our institutions. The citizens of Battle Creek deserve a government that is accountable to the people, not one that protects itself. If elected, my loyalty will be to the residents, not to the commissioner to the left of me, not to the commissioner to the right of me, not to the police chief, and not to the city manager. I will work every day to ensure openness, integrity, and accountability in local government. Thank you.

Yes, ma'am.

Good evening. My name is Christina Smith. I live at 75 Keith Avenue. I'm sorry, Keith Drive. I am a member of the League of Women Voters, and I speak tonight in that capacity. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan organization in existence for over 106 years. We support voting rights for all citizens in free and fair elections. The League of Women Voters is asking the Commission to adopt a local resolution opposing the barriers to voting which would be created by the Michigan version of the SAVE Act and could appear on the November 6th ballot. The SAVE Act would make it difficult or impossible for many citizens of Battle Creek to exercise their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. Citizens that could be impacted by the Save Act include senior citizens, the disabled, people of color, those without licenses or photo ID, those without transportation, women whose surnames have changed, younger citizens, those who live in rural communities, those of low income, those of lesser education. While many of us are unfamiliar with these conditions, many of us are not. We are responsible for including all people in our community, in our thinking, and in our actions, and there is much wisdom in this. The SAVE Act would also negatively impact state, county, municipal, and township clerks and officials by burdening them with even more paperwork AND SURVEILLANCE THAN THEY ARE ALREADY RESPONSIBLE FOR, ALL WITHOUT ADDITIONAL FUNDING. I HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT ALL MEMBERS OF THIS COMMISSION HAVE RECEIVED THE INFORMATION PACKETS I DELIVERED TO THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE. THE PACKET INCLUDED THREE First, a letter addressed to the commission, which briefly explains the issue and asks that you pass a resolution supporting the voting rights of all of your citizens. It is signed by over three dozen nonpartisan organizations. Two, a template of the resolution, similar to ones passed in cities throughout the United States, throughout Michigan, and by our neighbors, such as the Kalamazoo County and City of Lansing. among many others and three an in-depth report on demographics and the impact the save act would impart on michigan voters such as the new requirement that documents be presented in person to government officials this would place travel and financial burdens on both citizens and elected officials some required paperwork could cost I request that you pass this resolution.

Okay, thank you. I did not get a copy, so if you could forward one to me, I'd appreciate it very much.

Okay, I have extra copies with me. Is there anyone else who'd like a copy?

We're going to have to sit down.

I think Vicki's got copies for all of us.

Sir, Vicki, that is what I sent to you, and you called me about it.

Okay.

And you said you needed other commissioners.

All right, so it came through his e-mail there, right? Okay, thanks. Joe.

Joe Harris, Battle Creek, 243 Eldred. I'm going to try and be as brief as possible because I have a lot to say. First, in regard to the reported FBI investigation involving the city of Battle Creek, if an investigation isn't taking place, the appropriate response is simple. You all welcome that investigation. Be fully transparent. Cooperate completely. And if nothing improper occurred, transparency is only going to strengthen public confidence. Pretty simple. Second, I have in my hand right here a proposed budget resolution. Bottom line is that items that legally require a vote of this commission should not be placed into a proposed budget before that vote occurs. I'm specifically talking about the water readiness fee that happened a couple weeks ago. Should have never been in the budget before you guys voted on it. doing so undermines the purpose of the vote and limits your ability to fully represent the residents who elected you. Third, I'd like to talk about these flyers that are being put into the water bills, utility bills. Who's paying for them? If organizations being advertised are covering the cost, that's one thing, but if Battle Creek taxpayers are paying for those inserts, I believe that's an unnecessary expense that deserves a review. Fourth, I'd like to thank Commissioner Morris for bringing the Washington Heights video to my attention at the last meeting. I reviewed both the video, the reports. I honestly believe this incident demonstrates that we need a community oversight board with the proper authority to effectively review serious cases like this. I know many citizens and myself have more questions than answers at this point. IN REGARD TO THIS SPECIFIC INCIDENT. FINALLY, I'D LIKE TO BRING ATTENTION TO THE PARK ON ELDRIDGE STREET WHERE I LIVE. SOME OF YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TWO BIG BLUE WATER TOWERS THAT ARE ON ELDRIDGE STREET. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYONE'S EVER DROVE THERE. But if you go by there, you see two really small basketball courts, and you see these tennis courts that have been in severe disrepair for a long time. Over the last number of years, we've had an increase in kids in that area. There's a lot of kids that utilize the basketball courts. Personally, me, I would like to see those tennis courts turned into some Full size basketball court courts, much like they have at Claude Evans Park. I think that would be a good idea. I would just suggest that you guys drive by there and you can see what I'm talking about. But I want to thank you all for your time. I appreciate this. I will put that copy of the revolution I have in this for you guys. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Are there any other public comments at this time? Yes.

Chris Adkins, 84 South 23rd Street. I'd like to just put it out there to all the city commissioners and anybody who's listening in here. Family Altar Church on 6 1⁄2 Mile Road every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from 6.30 to 9 o'clock is giving free coffee out. As they drive through, sometimes we're out the road, sometimes we're just down at the edge of the church. It's a fun time. We give out coffee. Sometimes there's cinnamon rolls there. But I encourage anybody to come on out, get a free cup of coffee. Thank you.

Thank you, Reese. Any other? Yes, Kathy. And then we'll go to right here.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Kathy Antea, Park Ridge, Battle Creek. Just want to make certain that everybody's aware that the Share Center is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. We're really excited about it. That's a long time that we've been, unfortunately, in business. It would be lovely to be out of business, but I'm afraid that's not going to be the case for a while. But we are having a 35th birthday party open house on Thursday, August 6th. If someone would check their calendar, I'm sure that's right. Thursday, August 6th, from 4.30 to 7.30. I'm certain there's going to be birthday cake or something similar, as well as tours of the facility, and we're going to be talking and showing off the wonderful things that we're doing there. In fact, I'd love to give you all each a personal tour of the community garden that we have there, which is a substantial and vibrant community garden. So I just want to make sure everyone knows we'll be sending out individual invitations to each of the commissioners, but we also want all of the public to know that they are welcome as well. And again, that's August 6th, which is a Thursday between 4.30 and 7.30. And by the way, if by chance you are interested in bringing some goodies to the Share Center, not for the party, but generally for our customers, we are in need of lip balm right now, hand and body lotion, and shaving cream in small travel sizes. So all of these items we'd love to have in small travel sizes. If you really feel generous, Icy Pops, those frozen treats we all used to love as kids, are really perfect on a hot day and we've been giving out those substantially and we'd love to have someone that would like to donate those items as well. I also would like to personally thank very specific city commissioners for their consistent ATTENTION TO THE PUBLIC SPEAKERS. COMMISSIONER LACOSSE, COMMISSIONER MORRIS, THE MAYOR, COMMISSIONER REYNOLDS, COMMISSIONER O'CONNELL, AND COMMISSIONER SOFIA, I SEE TAKING LOTS OF NOTES. I WANT TO THANK YOU INDIVIDUALLY, BECAUSE FROM THE AUDIENCE, THIS IS WHAT WE SEE. YOU FOLKS ARE PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT THE PUBLIC HAS TO SAY. AND I KNOW THESE CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS CAN RUN ON KIND OF LONG SOMETIMES. but it's really nice to know that when citizens or residents are up here that you actually are listening. Thank you very much.

Thank you, Kathy. Ma'am?

Good evening. My name is Nadine Adkins, 84 South 23rd Street. I'd like to open up by saying who remembers the Simpsons movie where the – Lisa Simpson approaches the city and she complains about the lake in the city of Springfield. I'd like to do that now about the city of Battle Creek where we partner with Eagle Lake. My husband and I went swimming on June 30th. The day after, found it on Facebook, but another person, not by city, or the city of Kalamazoo, stating that there was E. coli in the lake. The day after. Really? It's disappointing. Somebody could have gotten really, really, really sick. Or dead. Thankfully I did not get sick and I hope to God no one else did. But we kind of need to do something about that. We need more notice. There was tons of people out there that day. Tons. And a lot more that were coming in when we were leaving at around I'd say 515. It is disappointing. So is there a way to get? I don't know a week in advance, maybe 24 hours before. But the day after. And my husband found out two days after a nosy eggs. Shocking. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Are there any other public comments at this time, Steve?

Steve Koch, Washington Avenue North. A couple different comments. Gooddale was redone here a while back. Asphalt. Nice job. Before they did that, they replaced a lot of water lines, and they replaced a lot of valves and stuff. And around 60 Goodale, there's a gentleman whose sidewalk has still not been repaired, and that's been over a year. The sidewalk is probably about seven foot long. No barriers there. The barriers are gone. They've got a little bit of spray paint on each side. So anybody that's handicapped or not paying attention is going to end up getting... on the concrete there. So that's one issue. Another issue is a neighbor across the street from that gentleman. This weekend we had that wonderful storm and a big maple tree that is on city property broke, rotted, and fell on his house. Smashed half of the beams in his home and smashed two of his cars in his driveway. So you might want to be aware of that. I'm sure he'd appreciate the city maybe doing something about that situation. Another issue, we're spending money, the city of Battle Creek through the police department or otherwise authorized money for flock. I don't know if anybody knows here what flock is. Flock is a surveillance system that is along the roads that monitors every vehicle, every license plate, every scratch on your vehicle, including if they have pictures of your face going down the road. So anytime you go by a flock, you are being monitored, being watched, and being monitored. You can't go anywhere without being seen by it, okay? It falls under Fourth Amendment, your legal right to search, okay? So that's another issue that citizens of Battle Creek are paying for this flock system to be in place. They say it's for safety. Well, you know, I don't know about you, but I know I'm 64 years old. I know there have been police officers around forever. We never had flock. We never had surveillance systems. And we seem to do a pretty good job of taking care of making sure people were taken care of before all this surveillance was brought in. That's another issue. Oh, another issue. I just had to order up a brand new rim for my car because my rim is bent, and the steel rim where it's welded in the center is actually leaking air from all the wonderful potholes this last year. So it's been a wonderful year for me. So I have 37 seconds. Have a wonderful day.

Thank you, Steve. Any other public comments at this time? I see a hand. Yes, John Kenefick.

John, Kennebec 204 South Avenue. I'm not going to talk about the City Commission raising all our costs, but three days ago was the 4th of July, and I got this off the internet. The Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, the price they paid, the people that signed the United States Declaration of Independence. They signed with the pledge of their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. Carter Braxton was a Virginian, a wealthy planter and laborer. He saw his ships swept away by the seas and by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts. He died in rags. Thomas McClern was hounded by the British and that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the United States Congress without pay and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him and poverty was his reward. At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson Jr. noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over Nelson's home for his headquarters. The owner quietly urged General George Washington to open fire, which he did. The home was destroyed. Nelson died bankrupt. Many of these people, and all of these people, ended up having serious problems, but they signed one of the greatest documents other than the United States Constitution and the Magna Carta. If they were here today and looked at our society, they'd probably wonder what it was for, because they'd start seeing these same instances of what's happening within our society that we're trying to break away from the British. You might want to keep that in mind. Thank you.

Thank you for your comments. Are there any other public comments at this time? Seeing none, are there any commission comments? Patrick?

Yes, thank you, Mayor. I know that we're in a lot of people with differing viewpoints here, there, everywhere. And I was talking to a couple of citizens this week, and they're like, is there something that we can do that we can all by the city get behind. And I thought about that, and I'm like, I'd like to start something like that where we can all get behind. And the first gentleman I'd like to present tonight is this man right here. His name is Lamar Mingle. He served for the fire department of Battle Creek for 30 years and retired yesterday. So I hope that the citizens of Battle Creek can just come together and thank this gentleman for spending 30 years of his life protecting his city. There's a picture of him. that was presented yesterday when he seen his first fatality and it was, it was put there by the chief to remind them some days are bad and he, he pointed it out to me and he says, you know, that was a rough day for me, but I knew I had to step up and protect the citizens of our city. So that's, that's just one thing I would just like to put out there to the city. Let's find stuff that we can come together on instead of have this division that this keeps growing and growing. especially with the 250 years that we've had in this country. Kathy, I'd like to thank you for your comments earlier. We try our best to listen to everybody, even outside of these meetings. We do get constant phone calls and stuff of other things, so thank you. And I'm sorry about the Eagle Lake incident. The city really has nothing to do with that. It's actually in Kalamazoo County. So hopefully you can find somebody that can help you with that. But we do try our best to keep Go Guac Lake information out there as soon as possible. So thank you for the time, Mayor.

Thank you, Commissioner. Any other commission? Commissioner Lacoste.

I just wanted to say that the drone performance, if anyone saw it this weekend at Field to Flight, was absolutely amazing. The people that went into putting that on, it was something that we had a lot of people from out of the area that came to visit and saw that, and it was an amazing performance. As far as this FBI investigation, I'm not sure if there is one or isn't, But if we do have one that's investigating anything pertaining to the city, I would encourage everyone to remain transparent and welcome any investigation that we may have. And then lastly, last meeting we had the issue with the water rates. And I had voted in favor of that resolution despite vocalizing some comments against it earlier in the meeting. I did this after listening to my fellow commissioners their comments and their mannerisms. And I knew that my vote for that particular resolution was not going to affect it and decided to vote with, you know, the mindset of cohesiveness. That being said, I immediately regretted it. So that being going forward, I will absolutely stick to my convictions. It's something that I've learned from. And whether it affects the vote or not, I should have stuck with my convictions. And I apologize for that. So thank you.

Thank you, Commissioner. Any other commission comments? Thank you very much for attending.