October Minutes

Westwood Neighborhood Association meeting of October 20, 2021 minutes 

(Meeting held via Zoom) 

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m. via President Ron Huster 

Officers in attendance: Angie Ponzini, Marti Nuyen, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson 

Neighbors in attendance via Zoom: Kim (?), George Korr, Ms. Korr, Cathy Ur, County Commissioner Jen Strebs, Denise Hartsough, Ann Wright-Parsons, Jeanne Hess, Jeremiah Todd 

Guests: Sgt. Matt Davis of Kal. Township P.D., Dexter Mitchell Manager of Kalamazoo Township 

Public Safety report: Ann asks about Nichols Rd repaving progress. She wonders what happened to the proposed bike path? Dexter says the road commission will re stripe and correct the pedestrian path. Westwood invested $75000 in the project and will make sure with the road commission that it gets completed correctly. 

Ms. George Kerr states the path is not as expected. I has no barrier between cars and pedestrians. There is no curb as we were led to expect.  

Jen Strebs to Dexter: Is there any recourse for placing pylons to create a visual barrier for the walkway? 

Denise feels this was not what was anticipated at all in this project.  

Ron says that traffic is consistently running over the speed limit in the city and on highways. 

Angie to Dexter: Is there any way trucks can be rerouted off from Nichols Rd? 

Dexter says precedent was set by Oshtemo. Trucks can traverse any class A road. Schools only are recognized 30 ft before and after the school building. Township doesn’t own any of our roads. The presence of a church, school or golf course doesn’t change the class A status.  

Ann Wright-Parsons asks what about a petition to attempt to lower the speed limit? 

Marti suggests inviting someone from the road commission to attend our meeting so they can hear our input. We need to affect change. 

Denise asks if we can work at the state level to get the rules changed. Possibly talk to Julie Rogers? Julie has some legislation pending at this time. 

Jen Strebs reports that the road commission did not consult the township before the study was done.  

Is litigation to reverse it an option? Do private citizens have an option for litigation? 

None of the road commissioners live in Kalamazoo Township. It is felt that we are not adequately represented.  

 Marti is willing to draft a petition and Ann is also willing to help spread information and seek signatures. Ann suggests a committee be formed to draft a petition. It is noted that over 100 residents commented on social media regarding the recent accident on Nichols Rd. Perhaps some might be wiling to participate on a committee. Ann asks for a timeline for action. Dexter recommends before the end of 2021. 

Dexter states the township attorney does not represent residents in legal action, but rather just serves the township as an entity. Dexter fears that increased speeds will lead to more accidents this winter, especially on steep inclines such as Nichols approaching Ravine.  

Township Planning Commission: Denise reporting on meeting of 10/02/21. Daycare was approved at Nichols and Canterbury after 2 additional parking spaces are added. A couple business parking lots were approved on Lake St. Home occupation issues will be discussed at future meetings. A neighbor posted a question regarding approval of which gravel pits. Denise reports all gravel pits have been approved in the recent past.  

Marti regarding Imagine Kalamazoo (IK) 2025: Marti met with Dan regarding the data collected at the Fray’s Park event. Volleyball courts do not look finished, nor is the pollinator area. A large branch on a partially dead tree came down and will need to be hauled away. Preston Traverna of Parks and Recreation sadly was fatally injured in an automobile accident on October 12.  Marti reminds us that IK 2025 includes both the city and the township. 

The township needs to update their master plan every 5 years. This includes all entities in the township. 

There is forming a communications committee which has a pending meeting soon. 9 people have indicated interest. They are hoping to spread information in an impartial and unbiased manner.  

Angie expressed thanks to Sgt Davis, Manager Mitchell and Commissioner Strebs for their participation.  

Meeting adjourned at 8:13 by consensus voice vote.  

Next meeting November 17 at 7 pm via Zoom.  

Meeting ID 893 0896 9055 Passcode 780165 

Respectfully submitted: Penny Thompson secretary 

pennythmpsn@charter.net 

 Westwood Neighborhood Association meeting (via Zoom) 

minutes of September 15, 2021 

Meeting called to order by President Ron Huster at 7:04 p.m. 

Board members in attendance: Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson 

Neighbors in attendance: George Korr, Coco Cook, Angela Thuringer, Warren Cook 

Minutes of August meeting approved without changes. 

Safety/ Crime report: Bob provided his report to Ron due to his absence 

There were 154 reported calls in the past month, up from 143 in the previous month. Specific details are unavailable due to computer problems. Ron has tried unsuccessfully to learn when the consolidated reporting from multiple jurisdictions will start. The system for communicating with township officials is not user friendly. 

Angie has spoken with Chief Ergang of the township. She reports he is very responsive to her requests. A community liaison position has been created and will be filled. Every street in the township portion of the neighborhood should now have 25 mph signs posted. $2.9 million in Covid relief monies have been received. Angie asked if some of the money could be used to purchase speed meters to advise drivers of the speed they are travelling on our streets. Nichols Rd is still not open to traffic, though many cars have been seen abusing the barricades. Car racing is occurring in the lots behind Gordon Foods, usually between 2-4 a.m. mainly on weekends. Residents report they are also speeding through the neighborhood. It is believed these are not local residents because it is occurring in several scattered cities. CoCo reports hearing racing on W. Main between 1-5 a.m. also. 

Our local schools need crossing guards and bus drivers. Public safety officers are acting as crossing guards. Also, public safety officers are receiving additional training in dealing with mental health issues.  

Law enforcement continues to request our assistance: “See something, say something”. 

Township Planning Commission: (Warren reporting with Denise’s notes) 

The annual review of all gravel mines has occurred, some were approved. 

At 2609 N. Burdick, a medical and recreational marijuana facility cite review was approved. 

Natural landscape issue: A homeowner was told to “mow it down” based on zoning article 5 regarding weed control. The site is steeply inclined and unsafe to attempt to mow in a conventional manner. The article currently says for native plants, no master plan is required. The township may start by establishing new guidelines. However, the master plan update is currently on hold. We are in the 8th year of a 5-year plan and awaiting completion of a contract with consultants. 

(At this point, our meeting was hacked by several rude and profane young men. We resumed after a few minutes.) 

Warren continued to comment that it is hoped the master plan will be completed by Nov.1, 2021. There is a Japanese Knot Weed infestation in the area. Anyone finding it is encouraged to report its whereabouts to KalamazooConservationOrg.org. 

Ron and Angie attended the “Meet me in the Park” event at Fray’s Park. Jeanne Hess was also in attendance. It appears new families moving into the neighborhood may be lacking information. Dan Baisden will do a report on the priorities of families which were expressed during the event. Lots of activities were enjoyed by those in attendance. Parks Department was also represented. 

Complaints heard included the issue of sidewalks and repairs. Orphan sidewalks and upheaval are priorities. (Orphan sidewalks are those that stop short of the next street corner or connection) 

Comments: 

There was concern expressed regarding the lack of parking for those wanting to use Fray’s park. It is too far for many residents of our neighborhood to walk there.  

Meeting space for future use: Ron has talked to some churches, but as of now, no plans are finalized. 

Neighbors on Turwill had a block party recently, hopefully will provide us some input. 

Angie regarding our hacking experience: other groups are also being hacked while on Zoom meetings, including KPS School Board.  

Improvements to Nichols: the new surface is a walkway, not a sidewalk. It is asphalt not concrete and narrower. Neighbors also expressed concern regarding some residents burning garbage.  

Meeting adjourned 8:35 p.m. by voice consensus.  

Next meeting October 20, 2021, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Log in: 879 6727 0673 Passcode: 236620 

Respectfully submitted: Penny Thompson, secretary                   pennythmpsn@charter.net  Westwood .

 Westwood Neighborhood Association Meeting (via Zoom) Minutes from 8/18/2021 

Meeting called to order at 7:01p.m. by Board President Ron Huster

Board Members in attendance: Bob Bolinger, Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson

Neighbors in attendance: George Korr, Denise Hartsough, Warren Cook, Jannie Williams, Robb L (?)

Minutes of July meeting approved without changes.

Safety / Crime Report: Bob and Angie

The city had 143 calls in the past month: 36 domestic, 16 non-family, plus a few telephone assaults. A couple calls included the threatened intent to murder someone. There 

There were 2 homicides. The following categories were all increased: weapons, larceny, and burglary. 

There was improvement in speeding complaints registered. Speeding continues to be problematic in the W. Main corridor, especially by K College. Speeding is reported to be increasing throughout the country.

Ron reports that the state government will invest $75 million in policing efforts, as overall crime is up 25-40%. 

Road improvements continue on Solon and Nichols. The project is not expected to be completed until October. 

The Township Community Engagement Survey regarding policing is ongoing. Several members have completed the survey but felt they didn’t have pertinent experiences to report. Members feel the police need to educate residents before giving citations such as for parking on curb lawns.

Denise Hartsough regarding township planning commission: Approval for gravel mining was continued. A site plan was approved for an electric shop on Lake Street adding sidewalks and parking. The township’s master plan is still undergoing more work. 

Warren Cook further reported: Regarding the master plan, the maps are all out of date and future land use maps need to be updated. The township needs many sidewalks repaired at considerable expense. 

Fray’s Park: Meet Us in the Park planned for 9/11 (Ron reporting in Marti’s absence) Lots of activities are planned, kites to fly, games, book bags to be given, food gift certificates to be awarded. Committee is seeking long range vision for the park.

There is an ongoing dispute with Friendship Village re undeveloped property being access to the park. Jeanne Hess is working with them to identify a better way to access the park in the future. 

One of the volleyball courts will become a garden/ Monarch Waystation. The other will remain a volleyball/ pickleball court. The official Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 kick off is in October. The township is supposed to receive $3 million in funds for the project. 

Warren feels we need better avenues for public comment to the township entities. Denise encourages talking to the commissioners directly. 

Ron feels Zoom has diluted options for communication and feels there is a culture of not being responsive. 

Angie asks about Covid monies being distributed to counties. She reports the state has put out a list and that the township is receiving quite a large sum. She wonders for what are they are using the funds?

The resurfacing plus chip sealing on neighborhood streets is drawing to a close. Supposedly this combination is longer lasting than other treatments. 

Angie wonders about homeowners who do not want sidewalks on their property. Do they have a choice? Warren believes they can opt out.

The apportionment committee for the county will meet Weds 9/25/2021.

Meeting adjourned by consensus at 8:40 p.m.

Next meeting Weds. 9/15/2021 at 7 p.m. via Zoom log in 865 5383 6611 password 352564

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

Westwood Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes of 7/21/2021

Meeting called to order by President Ron Huster at 7:03 p.m.

Minutes of 6/16/2021 approved as submitted

Attendance: Officers Marti Nuyen, Bob Bolinger, Angie Ponzini, Ron Huster, Penny Thompson

Representative Julie Rogers

Zoom host: Kalee Henderson

Neighbors in attendance: Cathy Ur, Jill Terilliger, Angela Thuringer, Warren Cook, Denise Hartsough, Brien Hoppe, Lori Dey, Coco Cook, Kelly (? Last name unknown) 

Julie reporting on her office and their activities: There is a town hall meeting scheduled for Tues 7/27 at The Douglas Community Center, 6:00-7:00 p.m. regarding MI new expungement activities. Senators Christine Morse and Sean McCann will attend also. There is another scheduled town hall meeting re Lead in the environment scheduled for 8/5/2021 at Douglas Community Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

State Budget: House Bill 4411 was approved on 7/13/21 providing the largest investment to date for Pre-K through 12 education. The bill allocates per pupil funding of $8700.00 and $240 M for counselors, nurses and social workers in the schools. 

The state’s general budget in still a work in progress, but is proposed to include $10 M for lead poisoning prevention. Also continuing funding for $2.00 per hour increase in wages for direct care workers.

Nichols Rd. speed limit: Cooper Township initiated the request for the speed study and increase. Kalamazoo Township was never approached for input. HB 4014 to address the issue is currently in committee. 

Public Safety: The new consolidated reporting system has not yet been activated, so Bob has only city statistics available. It was a busy month with 155 reported incidents. Of those, 41 were assaults (26 domestic) including 10 with weapons and 9 with guns. There were 25 vehicle break ins, 22 burglary and 25 larcenies. Vandalism is increasing. There were disturbing the peace citations (fireworks?) 

The City has a reporting mechanism on their web page for traffic issues. It can be found at 

KalPublicSafety.org/traffic.

Angie reports that will the help of Ring devices, the serial shooter has been arrested on N. Edwards St. The township police have increased their patrols. 

Citizen input: Jill Terwilliger reports she received 3 yrs ago a warning about long grass on her property. At that time she was advised to mow around the border and that seemed to resolve the issue.

Now an officer and someone from the township came and talked to her about the 8” grass mowing rule. They consider her steep yard to be a lawn where as she considers it to be a garden. She feels there is a need for updated parameters. In response, Denise Hartsough recommends Jill contact Dexter Mitchell to discuss the issues. Warren Cook concurs. 

Denise reporting on the planning commission: Discussions occurred regarding the definition of accessary building, the height of building in Planned Unit Developments, fencing for marijuana facilities, as well as wind and solar installations. The goal of the next meeting on 8/5 will be to standardize fencing requirements for marijuana facilities and finalize regulations regarding wind and solar which are currently under review with input from U of M.

Warren reports he continues to seek appropriate maps to add the the master plan. 

Imagine Kalamazoo 2025: Marti met with Patrick McVerry in Fray’s Park for the purpose of discussing the 9/11 event “Meet Us in the Park”. There was a discussion regarding goals for the park. Marti is meeting tomorrow with Dan Baiden regarding planning for the event. It is noted that the date is the 20thanniversary of 9/11 and there may be conflicting events in the community.

Road update: Work continues on both Solon and Nichols roads. There currently are no plans for a roundabout at Ravine and Nichols.

Meeting adjourned 8:22 p.m. by general consensus. 

Next meeting 8/18 7 p.m. via Zoom.

Meeting ID:811 7816 7681 Passcode: 319764

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