Welcome

Westwood Neighborhood Association Minutes of 10/21/2020 via Zoom

Meeting called to order at 7pm by President Ron Huster 

Officers in attendance: Rod Leversee, Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson

Neighbors in attendance: George Korr, Kim ?, John Ponzini, Kelly Cory, Denise Hartsough, Jeanne Hess, Brian Hoppe, Ray Helms, Cathay Ur, Kelly and Ben >, Warren and Coco Cook

Meeting host is Kalee Henderson, K Central student recruited by Katherine Mills

Corrections to minutes of September: New township trustees will join the board in November after the election, not on Nov. 1. 

Crime Report: {presented by Ron in Bob Bolinger’s absence} Ron reminds that the report only captures occurrences in the city, not in the township. There were 74 cases reported in the month. Of those, 25 were assaults including 14 domestic violence and 11 other, 8 vandalism, 5 vehicle entry or theft, and 5 fraud.

Chief Ergang did a 35 page in-depth report for August and September. Ron will review the next report and provide us with details. 

Angie spoke to Lt. Jackson for a long time today. He again stressed “See something, say something” as the best way to help them deter crime in the neighborhood. Feels this request needs to be more widely publicized and that it is not enough to just call in a report but also to file a complaint. 

He reminds us of the unique structure of our neighborhood as comprised of partially city, and partially township. He reports that officers have to request permission to act if they are out of their jurisdiction.

Angie also learned that Sgt. Juday has been reassigned and is no longer active in our area.

The issue of speeding traffic on Skyline has improved, Angie believes the signs and visible police presence have helped.

Planning Commission report by Denise Hartsough: At the Oct. 1 meeting, special use approval was granted for the business at 2105 N. Burdick for recreational marijuana. On Pitcher St., sidewalks will be added. Still under discussion: can home owners build accessory buildings on their property (since many are now working from home and need space)

Warren Cook reports the continuing work on the master plan has been slowed due to Covid 19, but is continuing. He reports the commission needs maps for land use to help identify limitations which are usually physical such as flood plains, high pressure gas lines, etc. Those need to be put on the maps and then the commission can work around them as identified risks. These would be shared with developers and then to residents of the neighborhoods. They have a base map and then will add overlays to set the stage for further planning and development.

Jeanne Hess states her husband Jim has volunteered to send out info and can add additional info such as Warren’s if it is provided.

Jeanne Hess reporting regarding Imagine Kalamazoo 2025: A meeting occurred. Neighborhoods are to submit ideas or requests to the planning commission. The commission will survey neighbors to learn their wants and needs. Find more info at: ImagineKalamazoo.com

Westwood is 9th in line behind other neighborhoods. Marti Nuyen will chair our portion of the planning. A mailing will go out in mid November. 

Street safety: Nichols Rd speed limit issue is not yet resolved. It began 2 years ago with Cooper Township initiating action. A study was done of traffic patterns on 3/11/20. Based on that study the speed limit was raised to match the traffic flow. However, the state failed to get township agreement. Steve Leuty has been working aggressively to get this changed. If 45 MPH is approved, the school zone will be posted at 30 MPH instead of the current 25 MPH limit, since it can only be 15 MPH lower than the posted speed. 

Neighborhood business updates: 5 Lakes Coffee shop is moving slowly ahead. It is reported to be a small chain of 4-5 locations, and will be in the old KFC building on W. Main.

Chick fil A is progressing at a good speed. The derelict BP station will still be razed, date unknown. 2 new storefronts will be built in the proximal strip mall, 2 older will likely be razed. 

Halloween info is on our webpage along with safety suggestions. The city has provided guidelines, but individuals must make their own decisions. Just for info: Halloween is on Saturday this year and there will be a full moon (and a pandemic) Stay safe neighbors!

Other comments:

Ray Helms reports he has made a 6 ft. long candy chute in order to safely deliver candy to trick or treaters. Neighbors are welcome to see it at Highgate and Devonshire. 

Penny delivered a $50.00 check to Westwood Fire. It was designated to their discretionary fund for use as they see fit. Other

Our application for 501c3 will occur after 1/1/21. A donor/ supporter will sponsor our $250.00 fee.

Warren Cook reports the township budget planning process is occurring. 

Several members expressed concerns regarding unsafe driving in the neighborhood.

Candidate info and tracking of ballots can be found at Vote 411.org.

Rod expressed his thanks to Denise, Jeanne and Warren for their continuing work on behalf of our neighborhood. 

The burned out house on Grand Prairie has been razed. No new construction has yet started. 

Angie expressed concern regarding the lack of communication between neighbors who are not on social media, and wonders what other strategies can be implemented.

Last year we had a holiday open house in December, which will not occur under the current circumstances. There will be no meeting in December. See you in January.

Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm. 

Next meeting via Zoom on 11/18/20. 7pm.

Meeting ID: 914 387 5082, password 4KAyMU

Respectfully submitted, Penny Thompson, Secretary/ Treasurer 

Please submit corrections or comments to: penny thmpsn@charter.net

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
MEETING AGENDA          DATE: October 21, 2020
Place: Meeting place closed due to Corona Virus 19
I. Zoom Meeting held with information to be posted on web page.
II. Roll call of Board Members and count of attendees.
III. Agenda:
A.  Discussion of September meeting.
            B.  Status of Public Safety.
1. Crime Report and any other information.
IV. Committee Reports:
A. Kalamazoo Township Planning Commission Notes. (if available)
B. Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Westwood.
C. Street Safety: Nichols Road Update.
D. Neighborhood Business Updates.
1. Five Lakes and Chick fil-A.
E.   Halloween.
V. Public Comments – Chance for neighbors to bring up issues not discussed.
Next meeting date, November 18, 2020, 7:00 pm. It will be a Zoom Meeting.
Ronald Huster is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Westwood Neighborhood Association Zoom Meeting
Time: Oct 21, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 914 387 5082
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Westwood Neighborhood Association meeting minutes from 9/16/2020 

Meeting called to order on Zoom by President Ron Huster at 7:02 pm 

Officers in attendance: Bob Bolinger, Rod Leversee, Angie Ponzini, Marti Nuyen, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson 

Neighbors in attendance: Warren Cook, Steve Leuty, Katy Lagoni, Katherine Mills, Katherine Walden, Sean Fletcher, James Klute, CoCo Cook, Cathy Ur, Janine ?, Kimmy ?, I phone KT, 4KayMU. Neighbors attending on their phones are asked to please identify themselves for our records at future meetings. 

Bob Bolinger reported about safety in the neighborhood. 80 crimes reported in the past month. Assault is the biggest category with 16 family disputes. Larceny, motor vehicle theft and break-ins followed in the 2 mile radius of the fire station tracked. 

Ron Huster reported about speeding on North St. There is some discussion about possibly increasing the speed limit to either 35 or 40 miles per hour, as North St is considered a corridor through the neighborhood. Kal Co Road Commission says there is no other option to offer. 

Chicane experiment on the Northside (Patterson and Harrison Streets) has been abandoned as it proved unsuccessful in slowing traffic. Speed bumps are now under consideration. 

Traffic on Nichols/ N. 14th St. Is travelling faster than the posted speed limits per a recent survey conducted by Kal Co Road Commission and the Michigan State Police. Based on this survey, there may be a recommendation to increase the speed limits. Members expressed concern about how this action would help ensure safety or keep drivers obeying the speed limits. CoCo Cook expressed being unable to see the wisdom of this action, given the schools, churches, public buildings and pedestrians on Nichols Rd. Katherine Mills wonders if revenue from tickets issued doesn’t cover the cost of enforcement. 

Steve Leuty feels the road commission didn’t factor for the neighborhood density as you enter Westwood. He feels 45 MPH is too fast for the surroundings. He wonders if people feel police are not enforcing the speed limit due to Covid-19 concerns over exposure. Stever feels we should get more data and appeal. We should email regarding our concerns to the township board and cc our messages to Don Martin. It was observed that the situation could worsen after Chick fil A opens in the near future, as the traffic and congestion will increase in the neighborhood. 

Ron feels we are compromising our right to safety with all these driving issues. 

Katy Walden asked about township staffing levels. No one in attendance is able to speak to this question. Recommended we ask Chief Ergang. We know the coverage is 24 hrs a day, and that Parchment officers assist. Officers also having to do a lot else, such as code enforcement and noxious weed violations. Ron reported that 6 new officers have recently been added. 

CoCo wants to use the “Watch Your Speed” sign on her street (Westwood St.) 

Property owner James Klute is attending our meeting remotely from FL. He is the owner of the property on Grand Prairie which incurred the shooting and fire. He reports the house will soon be razed and new housing built on the site. 

Marti Nuyen wonders if this is a neighborhood association issue. Bob Bolinger feels it effects our property values and that residents have been concerned about the status of the property and delays in resolution. 

Warren Cook regarding the planning commission. Warren reported the Business 131 corridor to N. Westnedge is now accessible. Graphic Packaging is enlarging, building new structures in a $600 million expansion. There are concerns regarding individuals installing solar panels, the placement and size of the panels. The question exists if they should be limited in yards. It is expected there will be an ordinance created soon. 

Warren reports the Master Plan for the township is being updated, but Covid-19 has complicated the process as it makes getting input more difficult. 

Ron Huster reported he has 3 volunteers who will work on the township’s Master Plan. Marti Nuyen has volunteered previously to work on the city’s portion but has not heard anything for several months. 

Katherine Mills shared with Warren that she has connections at KPS if that would benefit his work. 

Steve Leuty reported that neighbors are still expressing frustration with Republic Services. Dexter Mitchell is pressing them for better clearer bills. It appears there was poor preparation for the July bulk pick up, there seemed to be inadequate staffing and very slow completion. It was suggested we post an update on FB that we are actively working on this problem, and that concerns are being heard. Ron reports he has presented data in the past with no resolution. Steve welcomes input regarding Republic Service issues via email. 

Ron reported that Five Lakes Coffee Shop is still in the works at the old KFC building. Proposed opening date is unknown at this time. 

Cathy Ur asks what the plan for Halloween will be. Katherine Mills offers the idea of a reverse Trick or Treat, where adults drive by and distribute candy to children. 

Warren Cook expressed wondering is our by-laws need revising, as 3 minutes may be an inadequate length of time to make a report. He asks if there are any better options and feels it is difficult to be compliant with the time limits. 

Katherine Mills suggests a list of township board members be created to assist with making contact 

with the appropriate persons. Also suggested we include email addresses for those who don’t use social media as much. 

Ron reported 3 new trustees will be added to the township board as of 11/1/2020. He has spoken to 2 of them and requested they join us at a future meeting. 

Warren shared that the township has a new IT person, Ben, who may be able to simplify the website contacts. 

Next meeting: October 21, 2020 via Zoom. The meeting info will be sent in an email and posted on the neighborhood page on FB. Meeting adjourned by consensus at 8:30pm. 

Please submit additions or corrections to: pennythmpsn@charter.net 

Respectfully submitted, Penny Thompson, Secretary