WNA Meeting Information

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: May 19, 2021 7:00 pm

Place: Meeting place closed due to Corona Virus 19 

I. Zoom Meeting held with minutes to be posted on web page.

II. Roll call of Board Members and count of attendees.

III. Discussion and approval of April 20, 2021 minutes.

IV. Additions or deletions to agenda.

V. Agenda:

A.  Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and other public safety information. (County-wide crime  reporting)

2. Township plans for near future.

VI. Committee Reports:

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

B. Waste Not C&D Recycling update.

C. Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Westwood.  Frays Park. Township Master Plan.

D. Communications about water main breaks –Katherine Mills

E. Nichols Road and Solon Street construction – Update

F. Yard Sale Report.

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

Next meeting: WNA Meeting June 16, 2021. 7:00 pm.  It will be a Zoom Meeting.

Minutes in Minutes – a quick summary of the April 21, 2021 meeting:

Crime report indicated that the number of crimes have dropped, but still lots of assault cases. Speeding on neighborhood streets continues to be a problem.

Suggestions are to attend zoom meetings for Township and voice need for “your speed is” trailers to record speed and time of day.

Sidewalk & Non-Motorized revealed nothing planned for Westwood (City) in next five years. Township has plans but money is in short supply. Need suggestions. Township listed spot repairs as #1 priority followed by sidewalks that don’t connect to streets and sidewalks that aren’t connected.

Township Planning report restated the sidewalk needs and public input on the Township’s Master Plan.

IK2025 (Westwood City) is planning a Frays Park gathering for Saturday September 11, 2021. More will follow, but need to collect ideas for Frays Park vision for the future and current needs. Currently, the Parks Dept is working on the two volley ball courts and planting 18-20 new trees to replace ones that have been lost. 

A board member has added a survey to the neighborhood Face Book page concerning how people would like to be notified of a water main break in their area, in addition to the city hanging a card on the doors of the households/businesses effected.

The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County is holding an informational Zoom meeting Wednesday, April 28 at noon to share information on the upcoming road work on Solon Street and Nichols Road. The public is invited and the info is on the RCKC web page under “Projects”.

The WNA will be there and will post details, after.

Reminder to sign up for the neighborhood yard sales. Over 100 signed up already. Link is on Face Book page and web page.

Open discussion on a way to communicate what’s happening in Westwood for those who don’t like Face Book or computers. Data collection needed to identify who these people are so we can create a mail-list or delivery by hand to these neighbors.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 so there was lots of discussion. 

Ron Huster

Westwood Neighborhood Association

Westwood Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes via Zoom on April 21, 2021

Meeting called to order by Ron Huster, president at 7:00 p.m.

Board members in attendance: Bob Bolinger, Marti Nuyen, Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson

Neighbors in attendance: Ray Helms, Steve Leuty, Ann Wright-Parsons, Sean Fletcher, Kalee Henderson (Zoom host), Jeanne Hess, Katherine Mills, CoCo Cook, Warren Cook, Joyce McNally, Megan (unknown last name), Kathy Ur.

Safety committee: Angie wonders if we could get a speed monitoring device on loan to help control speeding in the neighborhood. Members feel speeding is especially a problem on Grand Prairie and Croyden especially. Jeanne Hess will check with the city on the availability of a loaner machine. Bob feels there are also issues west of Frays Park on Croyden. Ron believes the township board needs to hear our concerns at the Monday board meetings. 

Jeanne reports there will be opportunity for citizen input at an upcoming “Meeting of the Whole”, not the next meeting, but the one after that. Citizens can call in their concerns and issues, and KDPS will be there. In the meantime, Jeanne will report our concerns. There is a possibility speed bumps could be added in 2022 budget.

Angie wonders is police departments can partner with each other to enhance coverage. There exist high tech trailers which capture the time, license plate number, speed moving which allows law enforcement to talk to the offender. They cannot issue a ticket unless they witness the offence.

Non-motorized and sidewalks: The group met last week with Dexter Mitchell, Anthony Ladd and George Waring re non motorized issues. Steve reports the township is actually ahead of the city in coverage and improvements. There are plans coming up to reseal several roads. Due to changes in businesses, traffic is heavier on Sage and Stonebrook, yet there are no sidewalks on those streets. Nor on Picadilly. And on Canterbury and Croyden, the sidewalks end before reaching Frays Park. Also true on Seminole and Cherokee streets. Sidewalk issues can be included in the Imagine Kalamazoo, (IK) 2025 plan.

Kalamazoo Township Planning Board notes: Warren Cook and Steve Leuty reporting

Steve reports that almost all items discussed were related to Northwood.

Warren reports there was an April 14 meeting to work on the master plan. They will add maps in order to help explain priorities. The group also studied the non-motorized plan. Priorities identified include the following issues: Spot repairs to sidewalks, orphan corners (where the sidewalk just stops before reaching a destination), and missing pieces of sidewalks. Now the challenge is finding the funds to make the repairs. The existing areas needing spot repairs are the first priority. Also priorities are issues of barriers such as cars parked over sidewalks, uncleared snow, and overgrown vegetation which present safety hazards.

Ron will send info to Warren about a possible funding source of which he is aware. 

Angie asked if sidewalks must be made of concrete. By regulation, asphalt is used for trails and can be up to 8 ft wide. New sidewalks are required to be 5 ft wide and must have drainage. 

Marti Nuyen reporting regarding Frays Park: City Parks and Recreation is willing to purchase new nets and pole padding for volleyball courts. They are planning to work on 2 new sand courts. Two park department employees live in Westwood, which may be to our advantage.

The city will also be planting 16 new trees in the park on Arbor Day (4/22). 

A new group “Friends of Frays Park” is starting and has 2 new volunteers. There will not be a “Meet Us at the Park” event on May 1st, due to the increase in Covid locally. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, Sept 11, 2021.

There is currently no activator in the city for Westwood. Jeanne Hess reports they have been hired but haven’t yet started. 

Katherine Mills regarding water main break communication: Katherine is the Westwood representative. She is seeing suggestions regarding the best way to communicate with residents when a break occurs. Some neighbors have internet access but don’t check it on a regular basis. Warren asked about information re lead line replacement. The aging infrastructure may be too small to meet current demand, and needs to be upgraded to break resistant materials to prevent future problems. 

Ron stated that the Kal. County Road Commission will meet next Weds at noon via Zoom. Neighbors may want to attend to discuss recent road changes.

Katherine states that Republic Services is emptying dumpsters at Hillside School at 6:30 a.m. and awakening families. Despite previous complaints, there has been no progress on the issue. Members report service with Republic continues to be widely problematic, yet they have no other choice of providers. 

Ann wonders about a newspaper which covers local news. issues and events. Could be weekly and free? Also on the internet. Suggests setting up a simple Google form for input. Would need someone to take on the project. Wonders if the township provides any information which could be published. Steve volunteered to check on this question and report his findings.

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Penny Thompson secretary/ treasurer pennythmpsn@charter.net

Next zoom meeting May 19, 2021 Next meeting login: 828 2285 1781 password: 620212

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: April 21, 2021 7:00 pm

Place: Meeting place closed due to Corona Virus 19 

I. Zoom Meeting held with minutes to be posted on web page.

II. Roll call of Board Members and count of attendees.

III. Discussion and approval of March 17, 2021 minutes.

IV. Additions or deletions to agenda.

V. Agenda:

A.  Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and any other information. (County-wide crime reporting)

VI. Committee Reports:

A. Sidewalk & Non-Motorized report. (Add)

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

C. Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Westwood. Township Master Plan – working on this now. Survey upcoming.

D. Communications about water main breaks –Katherine Mills. (Add)

E. Nichols Road and Solon Street construction – Zoom Meeting. (Add)

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

Next meeting: WNA Meeting May 19, 2021. 7:00 pm.  It will be a Zoom Meeting.

WESTWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

MEETING AGENDA DATE: March 17, 2021 7:00 pm

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. Discussion and approval of February 17, 2021 minutes.

IV. Agenda:

A.  Status of Public Safety.

1. Crime Report and any other information. (County-wide crime reporting)

V. Committee Reports:

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

B. Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 Westwood. Township Master Plan. Survey upcoming.

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

Next meeting: WNA Meeting April 21, 2021. 7:00 pm.  It will be a Zoom Meeting.

Westwood Neighborhood Association Minutes of Feb. 17. 2021via Zoom meeting

Meeting called to order by President Ron Huster at 7:00 pm

Attendance: Board members present include Bob Bolinger, Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster and Penny Thompson

Neighbors in attendance: Bob Schellenberg, Kim (no last name shown), Ray Helms, Cathy Ur, Steve Leuty, Jim Ferner, K. McPhail, Milton Fitzwater, Sherine Miller, George (no last name shown), Kevin Lavender Jr. 

Guests in attendance: Jen Strebs, Kalamazoo County Commissioner, Kalee Henderson (volunteer host), Chief Bryan Ergang of Kal. Township Police Dept.

Crime and Safety report by Bob Bolinger and Angie Ponzini: Bob reports in the prior 4 weeks that there have been 81 reported occurrences within a 2 mile radius of the Westwood Fire Station. They included the following: Assaults including 2 domestic and 1 general. There is noted to be an increase in the use of weapons. Car break ins were down as was retail fraud. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday are the most frequently reported days of occurrence.

Chief Ergang reports that the township may not be included in the crime mapping report Bob monitors. Township is working on a program which will be implemented in the near future (April?) Some troubling numbers recently include assaults, domestic violence, guns and crashes.

Nichols Road speed limit proposal: A house bill has been introduced which is aimed at turning the issue back to locals for the decision of increasing the speed limit. 

The township is applying for grant money to get more “YOUR SPEED IS” trailers. Unfortunately, maintenance costs have increased, as has the cost of software for these applications. 

Chief Ergang responded that the devices do not capture license plates. 

Angie Ponzini asked Chief Ergang what should a neighbor do if someone comes to your door seeking help? Chief responded it is always advisable to call for professional help in that situation.

Non-motorized neighborhood usage by Steve Leuty: Steve provided an informative powerpoint presentation regarding non-motorized traffic in Westwood.

Access to public transportation: There are three operating bus routes in the neighborhood. 

Why care? It connects us and builds our community

Has the potential to enhance health and save money

In Westwood, there are 68 miles of sidewalk, 5 miles of the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, and 4 miles of bicycle trails. Most of the sidewalks are in the road Right of Ways, and homeowners are responsible for those stretches. 

Township sidewalk replacement program has the potential to reimburse homeowners up to $500.00 under certain circumstances. Consult the township website for more information about the program.

Most of the existing sidewalks were constructed between 1940 to 1960, and generally flow toward main roads or schools. For a few years, no sidewalks were required. The township board reinstated the requirement around 2000. 20-30 years ago Nichols, Gull, Kendall and W. Main sidewalks were installed. 

A community survey was done in 2013 revealing the following priorities of residents:

1. Road maintenance: 77 %

2. Law enforcement: 72% 

3. Fire response: 63%

4. EMS: 58%

5. Economic Development: 41%

6. Sidewalks: 39%

7. Bike and walking paths 

Non motorized transportation committee’s strategy:

Safe routes to schools, complete the existing infrastructure, improve access to KRVT, install sidewalks on primary roads.

Recent projects: 2014 N. Drake to K Central and beyond. 2016 North side of Grand Prairie. Uncovered Olmstead Rd sidewalk, which KPEP helped clear. 

A transportation bond in 2/2015 allowed for replacing curbs and gutters with ADA compliant ramps. 2015-2018 saw $10 million allocated to finance improvements, including 44 “orphaned” sidewalks (stretches which just stop before reaching their intended destination). This has resulted in enhanced safe access to schools and over 100 spot repairs, which usually average 1-7 slabs being replaced. 2.8 miles of signage for bicycle paths, mostly to tie to other roads.

Eastwood and Lakewood had major improvements, Northwood and Westwood improvements are continuing. 

The Covid pandemic has stopped work in 2020 and so far in 2021, and also has greatly increased labor and material costs. The plan for the remainder of 2021 is to be determined, but tentatively includes the Edison neighborhood, Haskell street spot repairs, and W. Main on KALSEC property. Seminole sidewalks are currently scratched.

For 2022, orphaned corners will be a priority. Increased shoulder width on Nichols and improved access to KRVT, including curbs and gutters. On Lake Street, a final portion near the Expo Center will be completed. 

Other improvement opportunities: Reduce barriers. Neighbors helping neighbors. Promote health benefits. The planning commission is to review and update the plan, promote sidewalk replacement progress, and seek additional funding. Steve feels they must remain nimble to maximize benefits and funding sources. 

The planning commission is currently addressing sidewalks, solar panels, home offices, fencing for security, marijuana growing and gravel mines in our township.

Jim Ferner asked how much was spent and out of what funds? Since the township is not Act 51 eligible, Jim is concerned we are missing funding opportunities.

Jen Strebs commented that trees do not always need to be removed. In some areas, ramps or curved sidewalks can accommodate old growth trees. 

Other neighborhood news: City employee Katie Reilly has married and will be moving away. Katie has been our neighborhood contact. Replacement unknown at this time.

Doorknob hang tags will be coming soon: They have Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 on one side and neighborhood information on the other side. If township residents respond to the survey, information will be forwarded to Westwood. 

Angie Ponzini asked if the township has a staff grant writer. Steve Leuty responded there is no formal position, but some grant writing is occurring. Perhaps solicitation for a person in our newsletter may get some response?

Jen Strebs: Jim Rutherford of Kal Co Health Dept presented information to the county board regarding Covid vaccines. As of yesterday, (2/16/2021) 49805 vaccines have been administered. This represents 15% of our county’s population. Of the over 65 year old residents in the county, 37% have been vaccinated. The goal is 70% which is over 29000 doses. Kal County is leading much of the state in vaccines administered, with 35.6% of 65-74 year olds and 42.5% of those over 75 years old having received vaccines.

The link for Kal County is www.kalcounty.com/covid19.phpfor more information. Also, can call 373 5200 for more info. Currently anyone over 65 is eligible for vaccination.

Members expressed appreciation to Steve Leuty for his informative presentation. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m. by general consensus. 

Next meeting Weds, 3/17/2021 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. 

Log in on Zoom: 9143875082, password is 4KAyMU

Respectfully submitted: Penny Thompson, Secretary/ Treasurer

pennythmpsn@charter.net