Westwood Neighborhood Association

September Zoom Meeting

September Zoom Meeting Link

Ronald Huster is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Westwood Zoom Meeting

Time: Sep 16, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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Meeting ID: 914 387 5082

Passcode: 4KAyMU

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September Meeting Agenda

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: September 16, 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 August meeting.

B. Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and any other information.

C. Neighborhood Traffic Status.

1. Reports of traffic calming efforts in Westwood

IV. Committee Reports:

A. Kalamazoo Township Planning Commission Notes. (if available)

B. Street Safety: What can we do to make our streets safer?

C. Neighborhood Business Updates.

1. Five Lakes and Chick fil-A

V. Public Comments – Chance for neighbors to bring up issues not discussed.

Next meeting date, October 21, 2020, 7:00 pm. It will be a Zoom Meeting.

August 2020 Meeting Minutes

August Zoom Meeting Minutes:

Westwood Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes of 8/19/2020

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

Board in attendance: Ken Wood, Rod Leversee, Bob Bolinger, Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster and Penny Thompson.

Members in attendance: Steve Leuty, Kim’s I phone, Theresa’s I phone, George Korr, Allison Korr, Denise Hartsough, Brian Hoppe, CoCo Cook, Art’s I Pad, Warren Cook and unknown person at phone # 269 760 2792.

Old Business: Chick fil A progress, building has started. There are still concerns expressed regarding the potential impact on traffic at the already busy intersection of W. Main and Drake.

Continuing traffic and safety concerns in the neighborhood: Neighbors at North and Berkley are experiencing drag racing up North St. Hill. Chief Ergang and Dexter Mitchell are working on a possible solution.

A letter from neighbors on Nelson Ave has been received expressing concern regarding WMU opening the gate to the back entrance to the Valley to facilitate students arriving on campus. Hopefully this will be temporary during move in weeks.

Neighbors on Rock Valley Drive are concerned regarding illegal parking on their street. Township has sent a letter to neighbors regarding parking improperly. The letter cited the potential for $500.00 tickets being issued. Allison Korr reports it has taken an excessive amount of time to get any resolution, despite having met three times for over an hour each expressing concerns to township officials. Question expressed about the possibility of a sign on the fence?

Steve Leuty reports he recently met with Dexter Mitchell. He learned the position of Code Enforcement was created and recently filled by Rob McCain who will be working 30 hrs. / week in the job. The position was open for several months before Rob was hired.

Ron suggests we schedule meetings with elected officials to discuss our continuing safety concerns.

Rod Leversee asks regarding progress on razing the burned out farmhouse on Grand Prairie. Penny reports she has seen flags in the yard, appearing to be marking utility lines in preparation for the tear down. Neighbors have heard that 2 or 3 houses will be built on the lot.

Regarding the US 131 penetrator resurfacing: Work has started and will continue for several months.

Regarding the proposed Mulder recycling center: Time frame for recruitment for members of the review board has been extended. 17 members for the Solid Waste Management Committee are being sought. Also, Kal. Valley River Trail has to act. Several of these issues will take a long time to resolve.

Angie has placed a “Watch Your Speed” sign on her street and has seen some improvement. There also was a patrol car sited on the street for a while, which may also have helped.

Ron reports our organization has received a donation of a Bushnell radar speed detector, but it has not yet been put into use. Ron also feels changing the location of the signs may also help, as people stop seeing them after a while.

Ron suggests putting out a flier and then having meetings in neighborhoods regarding traffic issues. Also putting out more signs in an attempt to try to curb speeding on our streets.

Follow up on garage sales held in August: Shoppers were courteous and generally compliant with mask wearing and distancing. Bob wonders about posting consistent hours, as he had early shoppers.

New Business: It is reported that 38% of voters used absentee voting in our most recent election. This is a considerable increase over prior years.

Denise Hartsough reports regarding township business: The Latvian Church rebuild plan was approved for restoration after the fire last spring.

Locating a lumber yard at the old M & M Motor Mall on Sprinkle has been approved.

The approval of 3 gravel yards in the area has been continued.

A request for a greenhouse storage building on Foster St was denied due to the plan being found deficient.

Lounsberry Excavating Inc. business is adding a location on Ravine Rd.

Ron and Denise report that neighbors are parking campers in their neighborhoods for long durations. It appears persons are purchasing campers without thinking about the storage issues.

Ron has received the “Black Lives Matter” multi-colored signs and is selling them. He will donate any excess revenues above cost to the WNA. He estimates it may be +/- $50. He has 4 or 5 left, cost is $11.50.

Also, WNA t-shirts are available, about 6 or 8 of them. Check with Ron for sizes, colors, and prices.

5 Lakes Coffee Shop will be opening soon in the old KFC building on W. Main. Not much known about this business so far.

Steve Leuty reported that Kal Township is working on a firework ordinance. The 1st reading has occurred. It will match what the state already has in place. A public hearing is pending 8/24.

There will be an additional bulk trash pick up on Monday 8/24 for township residents. This is to make up for earlier missed pick up in April due to Covid-19.

Residents continue to experience problems with Republic Services recycling collection. The previously planned meeting with them was scratched due to Covid.

Ron moved adjournment of the meeting at 8:30 pm. Rod seconded and the meeting was adjourned.

Next Zoom meeting will be Weds 9/16 at 7pm. The Zoom sign in will be posted on the neighborhood web page.

Respectfully Submitted, Penny Thompson, Secretary pennythmpsn@charter.net

Zoom Meeting

August 19, 2020 Zoom Meting

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: August 19, 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. Approval of July minutes

B. Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and any other information. (Attach pages)

C. Neighborhood Traffic Status.

1. Reports of traffic calming efforts in Westwood

D. Election Reports.

1. Numbers, numbers, numbers.

2. Contact with new Trustees.

IV. Committee Reports:

A. Kalamazoo Township Planning Commission Notes. (if available)

B. Street Safety: What can we do to make our streets safer?

C. Neighborhood Business Updates.

1. Five Lakes and Chick fil-A.

D. Westwood Neighborhood Garage Sale.

V. Public Comments –

Next meeting date, September 16, 2020, 7:00 pm. It will be a Zoom Meeting.

August 19, 2020 Zoom Meting

Topic: Westwood Neighborhood Association Zoom Meeting

Time: Aug 19, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9143875082?pwd=MytPbFlnWXFoU3Z3T3UrenVmbnhZUT09

Meeting ID: 914 387 5082

Passcode: 4KAyMU

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+16465588656,,9143875082#,,,,,,0#,,480728# US (New York)

Dial by your location

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

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+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 914 387 5082

Passcode: 480728

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kVcpAmScm

July Agenda

July 15, 2020 WNA Meeting Agenda (Zoom)

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: July 15, 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. Approval of May 20 & June 17 minutes

B. Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and any other information. (Attach pages)

C. Neighborhood Status.

1. Comments about the good things happening in Westwood

D. By-Laws Changes.

1. Motion to adopt change to allow electronic meetings.

2. Motion to adopt change to advise Board Members to refrain from endorsing political candidates, as Board Members of the Westwood Neighborhood Association.

IV. Committee Reports:

A. Kalamazoo Township Planning Commission Notes. (if Denise is available)

B. Street Safety: What can we do to make our streets safer?

C. Neighborhood Business Updates.

D. Westwood Neighborhood Garage Sale.

1. August 14-15, 2020 is the date for the Westwood Neighborhood Garage Sale.

V. Public Comments –

Next meeting date, August 19, 2020, 7:00 pm. It will be a Zoom Meeting.

By-Law Proposals

Proposal I

Proposal I: Article VIII: Meetings. Section 1: Membership Meetings subheading a. - Add the phrase “Electronic meetings, like Zoom meetings may be used in conjunction with, or in place of face-to-face meetings.”

(Be added as shown below)

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS

Section 1: Membership Meetings

General Membership Meetings: The Board will call General Membership Meetings at least six times each calendar year. The meetings will be held on a day and time in a place within Westwood Neighborhood boundaries set by the Board. Electronic meetings, like Zoom meetings may be used in conjunction with, or in place of face-to-face meetings. Notice of membership meetings will be given to the public in Kalamazoo Township newsletters, if possible, and must be given at least seven days in advance of the meeting by email to members who have subscribed to Westwood Neighborhood Association notifications.

Motion read and approved ______________ by consent of attendees at General Membership Meeting via Zoom.

Proposal II

ARTICLE V: BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Add section 7: As listed.

Section 7: Political endorsements: No Board Member may give a Westwood Neighborhood Association or personal political endorsement mentioning the Westwood Neighborhood Association, without full board approval.

Motion read and approved ______________ by consent of attendees at General Membership Meeting via Zoom.

Neighborhood association zoom meeting

June 17 Zoom Meeting Highlights

Some highlights from Westwood Neighborhood Association June 17, 2020 Zoom Meeting:

We briefly discussed the “crime report” and the crime mapping report will be posted on the web page.

Ken talked about Republic Services and told of the contacts for Westwood that are posted on the Face Book page and will be on the web page.

Warren Cook (on Township Planning Commission and a Township Trustee) spoke about the Mulder C&D Recycling project. The land was already zoned for the heaviest industrial usage so it would not be legally possible to reject the request, but the Commission did put many restrictions on the approval, so that if they don’t get approval from the County Solid Waste Authority, the DNR and the KRVT (Trail), the approval is rescinded. We are contacting the County to make sure we get on the list to be notified when things are happening on this project.

This opened the door to traffic discussions for Nichols Road, Grand Prairie, Ravine, Squires, Drake and others as the additional traffic created by the new bus garage on Ravine Road already is a neighborhood concern to pedestrian and vehicle traffic.

A suggestion was made to post a notice to gather people who can periodically monitor the Nichols/Ravine intersection for close calls and safety violations that could endanger vehicles and pedestrians. Also the group could also examine reported issues with traffic.

We also talked about the Neighborhood Garage sales and a suggestion was made to have WNA flyers at each sale to promote the association. Another suggestion was made to get signs made to promote the association listing the Face Book or web page, to let people know there is an associatio

June 17 Zoom Meeting Agenda

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: June 17, 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. Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and any other information. (Attach pages)

B. Neighborhood Status.

1. Comments about the good things happening in Westwood

IV. Committee Reports:

A. Republic Services information

B. Kalamazoo Planning Commission Notes. (if Denise is available)

C. Nichols Road traffic & Nichols/Ravine intersection what can we do to make our streets safer?

D. Westwood Neighborhood Garage Sale:

1. August 14-15, 2020 is the date for the Westwood Neighborhood Garage Sale.

V. Public Comments –

Next meeting date, July 15, 2020, if possible, at Westwood Fire Station, 1310 Nichols Road at 7:00 pm. If not, Zoom Meeting possible?

May 20 Zoom Meeting Minutes (unapproved)

Westwood Neighborhood Association: Meeting minutes from 5/20/2020 via Zoom

Called to Order 7:05 by Ron Huster, president

Officers in attendance: Ron Huster, Ken Wood, Bob Bolinger, Rod Leversee, Angie Ponzini.

Attendance: 17 as best able to verify via Zoom

Guest: Julie Rogers, Kalamazoo County Board Chairperson

Safety: Bob reporting: Only 70 cases are documented from 4/22-5/19. This is a significant decrease from prior months. The biggest offense reported is assault, with over 23 cases documented. There is also increased vandalism and breaking and entering (5) reported. Auto related crimes are down, with 3 reported.

New Business: Rod reports Graphic Packaging is growing on Pitcher Street. White Pigeon Paper Mill is closing, and relocating to Kalamazoo, as part of Graphic Packaging.

Neighborhood Safety: Angie reporting. Angie thanks Katherine Mills for her work on our Face Book page, such as the scavenger hunt which helped keep neighbors occupied while in isolation at home.

Lost and Found pets: Remember to post lost or found pets on the webpage to help get them reunited with owners.

Pictures of perpetrators of crimes: It can be helpful to post photos from home security systems.

There are several pages, including Westwood Neighborhood of Kalamazoo, as well as Westwood Goods and Services for items for sale. Especially useful since our neighborhood garage sale has been postponed.

Ron regarding neighborhood status: Ron requests that Ken communicate with Republic Services regarding the confusion about scheduled pickups, missed services and other issues neighbors have experienced. It is also noted that the cost of service from Republic has increased about $5.00 each billing interval, yet often, the service has not improved. The cost of yard waste removal has also increased.

Denise Hartsough reports regarding the planning commission: The County’s committee has been dormant, but will be reinvigorated. It is comprised of 14 members.

There are openings for new members on the County Commission, 4 at-large members and 10 members with specific expertise, as per state statute. This allows for a multi-layer approval process, involving Township, County, and EAGLE (DEQ). It may take 6-9 months to get approval or a decision on requests.

Further information:

There is currently an annual approval process in the works for local gravel mines at the following locations: 1) 1950 Ravine Rd, 2) 2707 Ravine Rd, and 3) 1100 Nazareth Rd. There are issues as follows: 1) location and needed restoration. 2) noise and insurance and 3) neighborhood complaints.

Medical Marijuana is now beginning to be sold at several locations in the area, including: 1986 Sprinkle Rd, 521 E. Mosel Ave, Foster and Lake St, and 2609 N. Burdick St., where it is also grown and processed.

Concrete Crushing: Aggregate Resources on Kings’ Highway is seeking a permit. It is on the old Georgia Pacific site.

Mulders is seeking a permit to build and run a building materials recycling site at the corner of Ravine and Nichols. Julie reports the trucks would enter and exit from Ravine. There could possibly be flashing lights to warn trail users of traffic crossing the trail. August 15th. Denise believes that date has also been chosen for the rescheduled Do-Dah parade. Ron will get the necessary garage sale permits and notify the city of our plan.

Is there the possibility of a “hybrid” meeting in the future? This would combine a live meeting with a Zoom meeting. It is currently unknown if we could use the Fire Station’s internet, or possibly use a hot spot. More information will come as available.

First Thursday in June (4th) is the next township meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:14 pm by consensus.

Respectfully submitted: Penny Thompson, Secretary pennythmpsn@charter.net

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Westwood Pigment Dyed Tee

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2 X-Large

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Westwood Softstyle Tee

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2 X-Large

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If you'd like to purchase one of the shirts we have , e-mail wnakzoo@aol.com or call 269-303-3485.

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T-Shirts can now be ordered at: https://www.purekalamazoo.com/westwood

Westwood Pigment Dyed Tee

We have available:

1 Medium

2 X-Large

$13.00 Each

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Township Manager's Review

Township Manager's Review

September Zoom Meeting

September Zoom Meeting Link

September Meeting Agenda

August 2020 Meeting Minutes

August Zoom Meeting Minutes:

Most Important Election

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Zoom Meeting

August 19, 2020 Zoom Meting

August 19, 2020 Zoom Meting

July Agenda

July 15, 2020 WNA Meeting Agenda (Zoom)

By-Law Proposals

Proposal I

Proposal II

Neighborhood association zoom meeting

June 17 Zoom Meeting Highlights

June 17 Zoom Meeting Agenda

May 20 Zoom Meeting Minutes (unapproved)

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