[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6302063,"mediaKeyId","2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35","parentId",2482642,"title","Votes at a glance: Battle Creek City Commission actions, Feb. 18, 2025","audioSeconds",1152,"startMs",2091000,"endMs",3243000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35&start=2091&end=3243","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35/thumbnail_2091000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6302063/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Votes-at-a-glance-Battle-Creek-City-Commission-actions-Feb-18-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302063-094982c9232228ec4469c6e2df41966c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138456&Signature=fDkP9gSJBcB2mX24i-4B4fXZyB2XL2vpSAFx4MyfgMl2HxZlYN6-0IeZMmOUezhTS~uHQHLfwr6jSaoRjRU21zoX5XVsOkeEGQvclme6tRl7CZ1TmwCs0c0tQ3jjATIiXKnvTb655e3xV88d3YD8K~y7nrYgFOy4lpqk8QFaVCDebLZWX4cP7a8Aa1SW53acvQsDX19-GSTZ28Ii8ERjR-4aBSMbr9hzYtxzwE40D5K7vQ7iCvwV7CQHiwVTgdWrSdI-R2vXYfFIwtknP4MIaQXIVdX7znCKl-SgDjAVZWyDk-FRrLhHxMHfTPA~iFSUpWbQTZXI8HvlpYIcX620fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Battle Creek","date","2025-02-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Battle Creek City Commission took the following recorded actions at its Feb. 18, 2025 meeting. Where individual vote tallies were not read into the provided transcript excerpt, the meeting minutes record the item as approved on a motion that was moved and supported.

- Introduction of ordinance O1-2025 (Blue Light Redevelopment Project) — Motion to introduce the ordinance passed. The introduction extends construction and occupancy deadlines for a redevelopment project at the former Kmart site and allows up to 96 residential units, with at least 48 reserved for the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. (Introduced and approved on Feb. 18, 2025.)

- Consent agenda — Approved on a single vote; items included routine approvals noted on the meeting agenda. (Approved.)

- Resolution 76 — Approve code-book updates and inclusion of enacted ordinances/resolutions in the codified ordinance; repeal conflicting provisions. (Approved.)

- Resolution 77 — Authorize the city manager to execute and file federal assistance applications with the Federal Transit Administration and to sign necessary certifications and agreements (updates the city's paperwork to remain eligible for federal transit funding). (Approved.)

- Resolution 78 — Authorize contract for four low-floor transit buses from Transportation Equipment Sales Corporation, not to exceed $1,124,348. (Approved.)

- Resolution 79 — Authorize purchase of a new fire apparatus from First Due Equipment Sales and Repair Inc., not to exceed $663,619, with change orders up to 10% aggregate for city-initiated preapproved changes. (Approved.)

- Resolution 80 — Authorize the interim city manager to execute a water services contract with the city of Marshall (or substantially similar terms approved by city attorney). (Approved.)

- Resolution 81 — Authorize the interim city manager to execute a water services contract with the charter township of Emmett (or substantially similar terms approved by city attorney). (Approved.)

Where not specified by the transcript excerpt, the mover and seconder for motions are recorded as \"not specified\" in the minutes provided; the commission indicated each item was \"moved and supported\" before voting. The transcript does not include roll-call vote tallies for these items in the excerpt provided.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission regular meeting - 2/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its Feb. 18 meeting the commission approved an ordinance introduction and seven items on the consent and regular agendas, including code codification, transit procurement, fire apparatus purchase, and water-service agreements with Marshall and Emmett.","taxTitle","Battle Creek City, Calhoun County, Michigan","taxId",3332,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302069,"Commission approves purchase of four low-floor buses; officials outline plan to transfer assets to transit authority",298,2453000,2751000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35&start=2453&end=2751","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35/thumbnail_2453000.jpg","/articles/6302069/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-purchase-of-four-low-floor-buses-officials-outline-plan-to-transfer-assets-to-transit-authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302069-b7e8b0ab7b462592cd9af30dcc00e895/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138456&Signature=j8VeyHkFlY4LrWIuFA5vPUY5DR3ooVEuJwBd~3ytyQbmcq2Q-G3kXhoV0p9KERC2RWjjbQUEmsqbb0Q-vjWl~ntoyvlFqFxxEeNTf~B5eyd5No47ByEBQG13oY4tJ7y3OYo7WGdn1Wk68CxMS5h3m8nrCHlQXrlRFsapC6LDfC1btvpruEnaZ-wFxVzRnCEVSY0L5jQM2dsqk-aXCYYZL4vYNoqC-s6r96Ma-K0iGCVU~RRn80ItVab504~VxKFBvqW9qxWuhLnafld4jd3hgRaYq2RqqHcTb9noKaVANreNh2fudVJP7RoW4hg~eSKL0KUi6lksHovxNyQQTfrJUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission voted Feb. 18 to authorize a contract not to exceed $1,124,348 for four low-floor transit buses and discussed how vehicles and other grant-funded assets will move to the newly formed transit authority.

Resolution 78 authorizes the city manager to contract with Transportation Equipment Sales Corporation for four low-floor buses at a not-to-exceed price of $1,124,348. The resolution passed on a recorded motion; the meeting transcript records the approval but does not include a roll-call tally.

Commissioner Chris Simmons questioned whether the purchase and other transit-related obligations remain the city's responsibility while the transit authority (TAC) completes its paperwork and becomes the designated recipient of federal funds. \"This purchase... is 100% grant money, is my understanding,\" Commissioner Simmons said, and asked whether the city remains the fiduciary while the authority organizes.

Interim City Manager Ted and a TAC representative, Mallory, said the city is the current grantee and that a process exists to transfer assets once the authority is fully established. Mallory said most assets were acquired with federal grants and retain a federal interest for their useful life; for assets still within their useful life, the authority would receive them without charge once transfer steps are complete. \"I think the important thing to remember about, probably 90% of our assets is that they were 100% grant funded,\" Mallory said.

Staff said the target for transferring assets to TAC is Oct. 1, 2025, though interim operating agreements and logistical details (designated recipient status, insurance, employee operations) still need resolution. \"Assets are the easy thing to transfer, but the TAC needs to get some stuff in order first,\" Mallory said, noting designated recipient status and liability insurance as prerequisites.

Commissioners also sought a clearer timeline and asked staff to share meeting minutes and reports from TAC so the commission and public can track the transition. Commissioner Simmons and others requested that staff provide updates as logistics are finalized.

","The commission approved a $1.124 million contract for four low-floor transit buses and discussed transferring grant-funded assets to the new transit authority, with staff saying most assets are grant-funded and transfers are likely by Oct. 1.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302074,"Battle Creek hears ARPA project wrap-ups from STAR Commonwealth and Neighborhoods Inc.",674,470000,1144000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35&start=470&end=1144","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35/thumbnail_470000.jpg","/articles/6302074/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-hears-ARPA-project-wrap-ups-from-STAR-Commonwealth-and-Neighborhoods-Inc","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302074-e62ff4e352b4c7a4008049c963b6d6e7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138456&Signature=im~Rcv6Gwsc0sN3HX5CWvKeBbUnF0wD12sc1iQjTEJgniBtuVfCdyOQeBgV5ydYJgVXeyViGL~8of5kbZCb3AfJP98sYwSjvr7rERedRkVUg3mQTuix9AzLlvJM8jo4cB4Ty2hTc1C-Qa3BY~s~SJD0qE25eYnApkfqH4gJN-efVEOmAwJhPuZOIGjTZ4n-6UJhJPsRmfUX7dlww~QlqJfJWErhhECR9v-RDUDfEZil3HN-mYUwKR1wPn-0hRJrC3obomBVjVXRmiceo7wJjlf5XES4lSoBP1jaWN6I7ZYaBqIdIeT5Uoknv5TrnTSeeRDiU8Uqc3wTvAZrgA0mQXg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Commission received final reports Feb. 18 from two recipients of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding: STAR Commonwealth and Neighborhoods Inc. Both organizations told commissioners the funds supported capital and program upgrades intended to expand services to local families.

STAR Commonwealth said the City of Battle Creek provided $170,000 in ARPA funds to help launch a middle-school ‘‘rec’’ program that operates out of the Battle Creek Family YMCA and serves multiple Calhoun County school districts. Greg Strand, vice president of advancement at STAR Commonwealth, said the bulk of the award was invested in capital improvements at the YMCA — HVAC upgrades, classroom and therapeutic-space improvements, furniture and equipment — to make space for program activities.

Katie Carpenter, director of youth empowerment programs for STAR Commonwealth, said the rec launched in 2022 in partnership with Battle Creek Public Schools and expanded to serve seven Calhoun County school districts. \"The rec is a program that is free to children and families,\" Carpenter said. She described the program as an eight- to 10-week, five-days-a-week model that provides academic support, social-emotional activities, pool and gym access, and behavioral-health connections via STAR Commonwealth and Summit Pointe.

Neighborhoods Inc. (NIBC) presented an ARPA completion report describing housing-stability work it delivered in Battle Creek. Lisa Ripper, finance director at Neighborhoods Inc., said ARPA funding allowed the nonprofit to bring finance functions in-house by hiring a finance director and improved its ability to manage grants. Ripper told commissioners that during the ARPA period NIBC \"serviced almost 1,700 clients\" through tenant-based rental assistance, homelessness prevention, housing navigation, rapid rehousing and related services. Ripper also said Neighborhoods Inc. manages roughly 40 affordable rental units and provides home-rehab services and homebuyer education.

Commissioners thanked both organizations. Interim City Manager Ted noted that remaining ARPA reports would be received electronically and thanked staff who handled reporting and obligations; he reported that the city met the ARPA obligation deadline and had fully obligated ARPA funds by the end of 2024.

Public comments at the meeting raised operational issues with homeless-prevention funding and eligibility. One commenter said she had received six months of rent assistance from Neighborhoods Inc. and was told she would have to wait 18 months before seeking more assistance. That commenter asked commissioners to investigate program limits and how ARPA or other funds are administered.

The commission did not take additional action on the presentations; both reports were received and will be part of the city's documentation of ARPA-funded projects.

","STAR Commonwealth and Neighborhoods Inc. presented final reports on ARPA-funded programs: a $170,000 STAR-supported middle-school resilience program at the YMCA and Neighborhoods Inc.'s expanded housing services and in-house finance capacity that served about 1,700 clients during the ARPA period.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":46,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6302079,"Battle Creek approves water-service contracts with Marshall and Emmett amid public concern over transparency and infrastructure",1842,1401000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35&start=1401&end=3243","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2482642-3397ab487b1c14032cd595ad7f076c35/thumbnail_1401000.jpg","/articles/6302079/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-approves-water-service-contracts-with-Marshall-and-Emmett-amid-public-concern-over-transparency-and-infrastructure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6302079-afdb390123ec224d051316e7813c6b44/orig.mp4?Expires=1771138456&Signature=IOJF1gj3gMgWdfk4UrzHmt9HVbFFe6tkMycILk4pfeZ6MQxDtLFdswpYeRLoSM9J3aKbLxBJ75i7HU9LdmIZ2HMfA-DKPta12l86a40dQI8evwxPrAtLUloQzxLp1Hk0bXrDYvecv5WfwM8tcJDKRCKYwS1CfxsNOX~BCiBUsfaN0a-GvLllidnSPefqcCYENUDapICU3Y3vZP3yBYuFi8YRa8pSKEyulCZKcm9ffmqIMbA9URNLl0XcIFkSDanGBR62oQANni77z~ol0yuqKlKAz1Ujb9x1U2sDheBwqXt1xywPRr9DZdR5~hxB7lzBYO~n3FjVTZdAo3H4Luf16A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission on Feb. 18 approved two water-service contracts — one with the city of Marshall and one with the charter township of Emmett — after public comment that raised concerns about prior secrecy and the condition of shared infrastructure.

The contracts were authorized by resolutions 80 and 81. Resolution 80 authorizes the interim city manager to execute a water services contract with the city of Marshall; resolution 81 authorizes a contract with the charter township of Emmett. Both measures passed following discussion and were recorded as approved by the commission.

Why it matters: The agreements expand or formalize wholesale water arrangements with neighboring jurisdictions and were discussed in the context of recent regional development and repairs to lift stations and transmission lines. Members of the public and township representatives said they were surprised by prior actions on associated infrastructure and sought greater transparency about maintenance and potential costs to local ratepayers.

Public commenters pressed for clarity and said Emmett Township was not fully informed about work on transmission lines and lift stations. \"I understand that there's $13,000,000 worth of piping was put in right under the noses of the Emmett Board,\" said Joe Harris, a Battle Creek resident, during the public-comment period. Harris urged transparency and investigation into how the work was authorized and funded.

Ryan Leonard, an Emmett Township trustee who spoke at the meeting, said the township learned about the transmission line only when officials were asked to accept ownership. \"We didn't really know anything about it until they came and asked us to take ownership over it and agree to maintain,\" Leonard said, adding that more research is needed on the lift station's condition.

Another public commenter, Autumn Smith, criticized nondisclosure agreements she said had been used in prior negotiations and flagged a proposed memorandum of understanding that would allow up to 5,000,000 gallons per day of wholesale water. \"This is asking them to sign a memorandum of understanding for 5,000,000 gallons of water per day,\" Smith said, and she urged caution over long-term effects on aquifers and bills.

Commission discussion focused on capacity and how wholesale customers pay for upgrades. Commissioner Simpson asked whether the city’s residents were subsidizing infrastructure expansions that serve outside users and how costs will be apportioned.

Interim City Manager Ted responded that the city uses rate studies to factor capital investments into rates and that, in the present case, state support and the wholesale agreement should place costs on the user in Marshall. \"We do rate studies... and that is reflected in the rates,\" Ted said. He also said the system is not near its capacity limits at present.

Before the votes, officials also referenced shared projects — including a lift-station repair and a transmission line — and noted the need for further investigation and communication with township officials to resolve questions raised during public comment.

The commission approved both resolutions. The motions were made and supported on the record; the transcript does not record roll-call tallies in the meeting minutes provided.

Next steps: Staff and commissioners said follow-up work will include more detailed information for future commission deliberations, including capacity and rate-history data requested by commissioners.

","The City Commission approved water-service contracts with the city of Marshall and Emmett Township on Feb. 18, 2025, prompting public comments about transparency, nondisclosure agreements, and lift-station maintenance. City staff said system capacity and rate studies will guide future decisions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Battle Creek City Commission actions, Feb. 18, 2025

Commission approves purchase of four low-floor buses; officials outline plan to transfer assets to transit authority

Battle Creek hears ARPA project wrap-ups from STAR Commonwealth and Neighborhoods Inc.

Battle Creek approves water-service contracts with Marshall and Emmett amid public concern over transparency and infrastructure