Battle Creek City Commission

A few hours before the City Commission meeting Tuesday night, a resolution was added to the agenda which would allow the City Manager to seek a supplemental Program-Related Investment loan from the WK Kellogg Foundation for $600,000.

The potential change would limit the number of days fireworks are allowed, and would also increase the fine for a violation.

Recent inspections have shown that these bridges suffer from cracking on the railings and deck surfaces among other problems.

The YAB, made up of city residents between the ages of 14 and 20, meets on the fourth Sunday of each month. Its members also participate in various community meetings and events as well.

Last December, Michigan’s Open Meetings Act was amended to require public bodies to accommodate the absence of members of the body due to military duty, and this ordinance would bring Battle Creek into compliance.

Last week, the Battle Creek City Commission approved an ordinance which prohibits the use of a cell phone for texting, talking, or anything else while behind the wheel. Gov. Whitmer indicated support for something similar on the state level.

In Michigan, it's illegal to text and drive, but this ordinance also prohibits talking on the phone and "sending, receiving, and reading" any data on a cell phone while behind the wheel. Use of a hands-free device will still be allowed.

The City has been in discussions with the Michigan Department of Treasury about how to make up a shortfall of $2.3 million that resulted from a change in the state’s personal property tax exemption rules.

The Battle Creek City Commission will be considering Tuesday night a resolution which would authorize the city to fix up Woodhaven Dr, and then levy a special assessment on the nine vacant lots of the road to pay for the rehabilitation.

Due to a change in state law regarding personal property tax exemptions, the City of Battle Creek’s budget for their current fiscal year is short by about $2.4 million. At the workshop at the Department of Public Works taking place next Thursday, three options to fix the problem will be presented.