[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",6101725,"mediaKeyId","2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f","parentId",2807183,"title","Battle Creek commission approves consent agenda and several resolutions; closes to review city manager applicants","audioSeconds",938,"startMs",945550,"endMs",7290,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f&start=945&end=7","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f/thumbnail_945550.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6101725/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-commission-approves-consent-agenda-and-several-resolutions-closes-to-review-city-manager-applicants","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6101725-2431d1582c9e6c78363523fb2c056492/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437038&Signature=BBbkVqjDihXw5cJl03jlVsWDnbT88XTQL5imfZb8wzPiPu3GYv4Ib6ryO-jlepMGl6ImlZdrEaKFZvgWgq6dgP0-Y3PyrdGnaUGcS1q-KQnOaYc08xBv3A40ytzcgGQrLfxE6-9VQEfvgRyZqpvj6yhhKLvxcunu2534Ax1H~QWXx2C5QwxPZjEMYpsIlwnN3lbDNFFXhz25YyCago~IYZKwIKUQ6PKACtFFUA69oUkyRmynOBzqOR2mqo9WZTjWoT1umrjoiB3mS5-mmQVXyyBbG8tnrztPVqKCdRL19IfRyry~SJIHf4VYHfsrys4Sur4DgEI5gTTCN~ze~XZi6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Battle Creek","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Battle Creek City Commission on March 18 took several procedural and project actions. Key outcomes included approval of the consent agenda (which included a not-to-exceed $50,000 consultant engagement for housing-planning work), a change order for City Hall restroom renovations, authorization to seek rehabilitation funding for local infrastructure, authorization to accept a MDOT shared-streets grant for transit, permission to fly the Donate Life flag in April, and a closed-session authorization to review city manager applications. After the closed session the commission moved to invite candidates 4, 10, 11 and 15 to interview.

Votes and actions at a glance

- Consent agenda: Approved. The consent agenda included multiple items; meeting discussion and public comment referenced resolution 91 (not-to-exceed $50,000 consultant for housing planning) as part of the consent agenda. The commission moved, supported and approved the consent agenda.

- Resolution 90 (change order to contract 2020Five-fifty3B for City Hall bathroom renovations with Schweitzer Incorporated): Approved. Motion moved and supported; commission authorized a change order not to exceed $44,149.15 to address unexpected electrical and plumbing work uncovered during construction.

- Resolution 93 (intent to seek support for rehabilitation and preventive maintenance of 4 Battle Creek \"bridal\" as stated in materials): Approved. The resolution authorizes the city manager or designee to seek federal or state financial participation for the described projects; meeting text says passage is necessary to secure state financial assistance.

- Resolution 94 (authorize interim city manager to sign MDOT contract 25-508O for shared streets and spaces grant funding for Battle Creek Transit): Approved. Motion moved and supported; authorized signature and any necessary documentation to proceed with the grant-funded work.

- Resolution 95 (fly the Donate Life flag at City Hall from noon April 1 through April 30, 2025, under the revised flag policy): Approved. Motion moved and supported; sponsorship noted by Mayor Boehnke with support from several commissioners.

- Resolution 96 (set a closed session following commission comments on March 18 to review and consider contents of city manager applicants who requested confidentiality): Approved. The resolution established the closed session; staff told the public the closed session could last an hour to several hours and that additional public notice would be provided if required.

- Post-closed-session action: The commission moved and passed a motion directing the interim city manager to invite candidates 4, 10, 11 and 15 to interview with the commission. The motion was made by Commissioner Lance and received floor support; the commission then conducted a roll-call and the motion passed.

Meeting procedure notes: Several items were discussed in public comment before commission votes, including debate over use of grant funds for housing planning and public concerns about policing. Some public commenters asked for clearer agenda backup showing grant sources. Multiple items were moved and passed with the customary \"moved and supported\" phrasing; the transcript does not include full roll-call tallies for each resolution in the meeting text.

The commission adjourned after the closed-session action and directed staff to follow up as needed on the authorized contracts and grant applications.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Commission regular meeting - 3/18/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Battle Creek City Commission on March 18 approved the consent agenda and several resolutions, including a $44,149 change order for City Hall restroom renovations and a not-to-exceed $50,000 housing consultant engagement; the commission also scheduled and met in closed session to review city manager applicants and later directed staff to invite four candidates to interview.","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},6101731,"Resident urges independent review of police misconduct allegations; commission takes no formal action",257,2402875,2660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f&start=2402&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f/thumbnail_2402875.jpg","/articles/6101731/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Resident-urges-independent-review-of-police-misconduct-allegations-commission-takes-no-formal-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6101731-be6011a91d894b2126de173e81d9e302/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437038&Signature=CbicWsid7U3wULT~qGtM4I-Pu2YslA6UD28xpZC59bzMvp3AFf5tlwu-bBNjyPfka63cyxBliN~jcyxRTIRb0JvX0mtToyfnb6HPRlSYObb8TEJH8gtyVjg9yt8Wp~vpEvzVGkFH80rTZtLzEZH2LhpCa7lxomK~Cfn~lpuf82spps~7a3CgqzoSbC5VvugTBEznBQQN1rtGlp-IslA-tslskGvTfDBhRbKQ1oYw24xzaxk62grs4KwaRiWG71y4DjV3CJhsqLmwqxxVpe7WWn1CImWJkT5dCi-Vrirg2~CcKJv1vZeoCXh5rqrsYHvz1FqEzKflCBLg8kicCp7UCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A speaker at general public comment on March 18 urged the Battle Creek City Commission to order an independent investigation into alleged patterns of officer misconduct and the department’s handling of discipline and promotions.

Autumn Smith told commissioners she had reviewed personnel histories and named a list of former and current officers she said had committed unlawful or improper acts yet were allowed to resign, promoted or kept in good standing. Smith cited specific examples she said include falsified search warrants and excessive force. She said the pattern, whether under current or earlier administrations, \"is a betrayal of public trust\" and that the commission should demand an independent review rather than rely solely on internal accounts.

The commission did not take any formal action during the meeting in response to Smith’s remarks. Staff and commissioners thanked her for speaking; no vote, referral or direction to staff to initiate an independent investigation was recorded in the transcript.

The speaker asked the commission to ensure the law applies equally and to avoid allowing officers with alleged criminal conduct to keep credentials or move to other law-enforcement positions without records being examined. The commission did not respond with a directive during the meeting, and no follow-up task was assigned on the record.","A resident told the commission that numerous officers with alleged histories of misconduct were permitted to resign or be promoted without independent scrutiny; she urged the commission to order an outside investigation.",{"_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},6101736,"Commission keeps $50,000 consultant contract for housing plan; public mixed on hiring outside firm",642,521894,1164000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f&start=521&end=1164","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f/thumbnail_521894.jpg","/articles/6101736/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Commission-keeps-50000-consultant-contract-for-housing-plan-public-mixed-on-hiring-outside-firm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6101736-20bde2cf8db88d6158dd69a6e15a5ab9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437038&Signature=Eho9ACkBJAKz6gav4Cd~yIy2tbMF8g6YxsBsB2RKhwm7TGM2YIrawrHZLa-lidbGajp6U-DfBWPZgsQBaHEEkU3kD~thoqE0ziDhOGCDZf8tbGF0lLxHGIY2SRS8pGa3CY1izgM-z3F~Ck3v84HTFWKjY3wyi8Z3GuM30HrTOSm30CELAEcIEPsGSwv5NvOFNdUhBUn6czyDAe3TD-IRLpCnjpjJ0zCMZj1vyVuO0eRz2Uf17578eiJruLV~2Q7qc23L4qyti3xTNb223CvfUlcDYSkCUkOBE3hG0BNQQGhXT1FzeIFJ89rqXzRk6AIh0CL8kA8fzUfbzuMXtoCpyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission on March 18 approved a not-to-exceed $50,000 engagement to retain an outside consultant to assist with low-income and supportive housing planning connected to the city’s consolidated plan. The amount shown in meeting discussion was identified by commissioners and public commenters as a grant award rather than a general-fund expenditure.

Several members of the public addressed the commission during the agenda item. Rhys Adkins said he opposed spending $50,000 to bring in a law firm or consultant to study low-income housing when, in his view, existing structures should already be addressing the problem. Another resident, identified only as Kathy, urged support for the consultant, saying an outside firm would bring \"a fresh set of eyes\" and help the city identify appropriate locations and supportive services for permanent supportive housing. Kathy told commissioners the selected contractor was Aligned Planning and that she supported the city’s consolidated-plan work and a housing steering committee.

Commission discussion noted the funding source: commissioners indicated the $50,000 is a grant from MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development Authority) targeted for this purpose. A commissioner who spoke in favor called housing shortages a national crisis and said communities must pursue multiple approaches. Other public commenters asked for clearer backup materials online showing grant sources so residents can see the money is not drawn from the city’s general fund.

The item was on the consent agenda and the consent agenda, including resolution 91, was moved, supported and approved by the commission.

Meeting materials and public remarks described the consultant’s purpose as reviewing low-income housing needs, locating sites for workforce-appropriate or supportive housing, and helping the city respond to local resistance that can block projects. No additional conditions, bid amendments or contract details beyond a not-to-exceed $50,000 figure were discussed at the meeting.","The commission approved a not-to-exceed $50,000 contract to bring in a consultant to revisit low-income and supportive housing strategies as part of the consolidated plan; public commenters split over whether outside consultants are the best use of funds.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6101741,"Commission approves $44,149 change order after discovering major electrical conduits during City Hall restroom work",822,1071860,1894000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f&start=1071&end=1894","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2807183-454c19c548a481c0f4291af90a80c69f/thumbnail_1071860.jpg","/articles/6101741/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-44149-change-order-after-discovering-major-electrical-conduits-during-City-Hall-restroom-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6101741-1072645db45341f5fd73fb0a673ee3b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437038&Signature=gHmbdunWQG~GDu80Ron5F0huUsgeC4ItGEDw6CR4zSRY~GpjWgt0tZwSookpPrLq1LcZYOPZP2iPrJkwIcogOUYyYOzq4tlCvAFtT~lqtYkQRBollYpuup7j9VEfAMuS-zsuA4mi-Ye-mqiyXqR4Svujb1Z-r~64v~TJ4Cj-As-Odv0lG7bVBx8Ba1AUeWfYo96AsDFwYMRujIRZhem3lLOZLE~Z3YcQ~bqfMhi1zs4u-mXQ2dNaNkdI~Fq59E3Turu9CM5irQ3rVxX2rW~ipdYnT7PfB1kFl~~E0qeih2VkvI8APKvP4RyKOwuwgBYwAe5A-Z18B-8lWcW~K92fNg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission on March 18 approved a change order not to exceed $44,149.15 to contract 2020Five-fifty3B with Schweitzer Incorporated after contractors uncovered unexpected electrical and plumbing infrastructure while creating an ADA-compliant restroom on the first floor of City Hall.

Commissioners and staff said the additional work is needed because crews found multiple electrical conduits and utility lines inside a wall and under floors that were not shown on existing drawings. The city’s project manager, Katie Norton, said crews discovered \"six different electrical conduits running up from the basement all the way to the Fourth Floor of City Hall\" and that the conduits include power for air-handler units and the building’s phase 1 power.

The discovery required relocating major electrical feeds. Norton said the work will require shutting down the building’s power for two consecutive weekends, disconnecting the main feed, running new conduit and re-fishing the wiring. She also said crews found sewer and water lines in the area and that the building’s basement and floor construction—described as terracotta brick floors with embedded steel grids—requires careful demolition to avoid structural damage.

A commissioner asked whether the change order amount was large compared with the original contract; staff confirmed the original contract was about $121,000 and acknowledged that the roughly $44,000 change order is a sizable percentage. City staff said they evaluated whether to re-bid the work but determined that, given how far the project had progressed and the mobilization costs already incurred, it was more practical to authorize a change order to the existing contractor. The staff backup included a cover letter from Schweitzer outlining conduit relocation, demolition and replacement of a four-inch sanitary sewer line, installation of new pipe and fittings, and other related work.

Commissioners and staff said the primary reason for creating the new space is that existing restrooms could not be modified to meet ADA requirements without reducing fixture counts below occupancy-code minimums. City staff added that some marble wainscoting and terracotta bricks were already removed during early work, limiting the feasibility of restarting the contract with a different bidder.

The motion to approve resolution 90 was moved and supported on the floor and adopted by the commission. The resolution authorizes the change order for the bathroom renovation project with Schweitzer Incorporated in a not-to-exceed amount of $44,149.15.

The project manager told commissioners the electrical work will be performed under prevailing-wage rules and that Union Electric will conduct the specialized conduit and power relocation work. The commission approved the change order and the restroom project will proceed with the described weekend outages and conduit relocation schedule.","The Battle Creek City Commission approved a $44,149.15 change order to Schweitzer Incorporated after crews uncovered large, undocumented electrical conduits and other utilities while creating space for a new ADA-compliant first-floor restroom.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Battle Creek commission approves consent agenda and several resolutions; closes to review city manager applicants

Resident urges independent review of police misconduct allegations; commission takes no formal action

Commission keeps $50,000 consultant contract for housing plan; public mixed on hiring outside firm

Commission approves $44,149 change order after discovering major electrical conduits during City Hall restroom work