[{"_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",6182326,"mediaKeyId","5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637","parentId",5107014,"title","Commission adopts project plan to replace lead service lines; funding sought from Michigan drinking‑water loan program","audioSeconds",145,"startMs",4655000,"endMs",4800000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637&start=4655&end=4800","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637/thumbnail_4655000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6182326/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Commission-adopts-project-plan-to-replace-lead-service-lines-funding-sought-from-Michigan-drinkingwater-loan-program","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182326-2fa838dcea9e6fc89dadfaf7e5054907/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213584&Signature=gtPslgkZuynJCURuRbeYMK~UgbFScoWpXsAU32JXUcZlH89Rf-jjTCzuRZ5~hgOuU7Nqv9UwFZYBuCrs~Km3zY4tGZO0CLSjpjzSO~cLe0VAXSVMa037phpWCZeGoy12dM-B8PFz4skLQMudBSanvbIzsjcwPpfcQTiAhGjfP1OufZBBarsFeVoRQ90Kkewwf1uiLJsgfmdkg67Z1sDdB3pOzGoMUFZoJFNnD-hi58gfmaTM9DXq78E5EGVDDsweUyQ4ioA8UxiB3g8Oh3jfcRhtV-IqZcXfp4osf8X3xY5T~J8cboElE6-GZ-lf-1itrm35tzb90RwwrEZLug7vtA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Battle Creek, MI","date","2025-05-21T00:00:00Z","article","The Battle Creek City Commission adopted Resolution 130 approving a final project plan for replacement of lead service lines and designating an authorized city project representative. The plan was prepared by Jones & Henry Engineers Limited and the city plans to apply for funding from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.

The resolution authorizes submission of the project plan and authorizes staff to pursue available funding. Commissioner Simmons thanked staff for follow-up after the public hearing and said commissioners have two primary options for funding the local share: include the costs on customer water bills or take a low‑interest loan that could include principal forgiveness, reducing the bill impact for residents if grant or forgiveness funds are awarded.

“I think the two options were to include that all in our citizens' water bill or take out a low interest loan, with the hope that a significant portion of that could be waived or received a grant for and then have a much smaller subsidy from our citizens' water bills,” Commissioner Simmons said. The city manager and staff said the application is an initiation step and the city will not know its final award or terms until the state review is complete.

Why it matters: Replacing lead service lines addresses public‑health concerns about lead exposure in drinking water and will likely involve multi‑year work and funding decisions that affect water rates or debt financing.

Next steps: Staff will submit the application to EGLE and continue to evaluate financing options; commissioners asked staff to communicate options and to return with details about likely impacts if a loan with principal forgiveness is or is not awarded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Battle Creek City Commission regular meeting - 5/20/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Battle Creek City Commission adopted Resolution 130 to approve a project plan for lead service line replacement and to pursue funding through the Michigan EGLE Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.","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},6182336,"Commission declines to affirm FOIA denial over Signal app; public evidence and calls for further review follow",3139,558000,3697000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637&start=558&end=3697","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637/thumbnail_558000.jpg","/articles/6182336/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Commission-declines-to-affirm-FOIA-denial-over-Signal-app-public-evidence-and-calls-for-further-review-follow","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182336-edd22c2ef7e93ebd96901e472f2a6be0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213584&Signature=jk481XwrsWYxEKytUUY6lHebu5Wt3P2taUgHalZ4hFXcca-5wJJmXBtZ6Jyp6SnChfcyDaaIKitC3OPXYUDWAIKpekubdw4S4-KiRR2Q-CJ7JQj7RZaK70HxZrxKvV7tbf3PqY4tFWcxhpC8vfuOiqBuwdpOomjPRmDu06azX2VIdgrNbbb79WFCNzd4qftSWBNCWvaf~6S5IVFueOlYZIczidssDBPfYbmyJTRF1KiI7JfEmD794wuGrIn3DT1ZMWBwHtbAGSeMPLEYljJ7o0ifNqpxdNEwA30wtKvP2Js51kOXjE1U3os65igKJWHBr-S6yGSzaEM~j~KNlCEJqg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission considered Resolution 132, which would have affirmed the denial of FOIA request number 25-1183. The FOIA request sought a list of names of Battle Creek police detectives who used the Signal messaging app during investigations. The motion to affirm the denial failed.

Autumn Smith, who identified herself as the requester, told the commission she had submitted FOIA 25-1183 and alleged the city denied the request by asserting no such records existed. She said she possessed “direct evidence” — printed Signal chat messages — naming members of the detective bureau and showing instructions to delete the chats, and she asked the commission to investigate and to direct the city manager and FOIA coordinator to re-evaluate the denial.

“They lied twice about the existence of public records,” Smith said in public comment, adding that the Signal chats she provided included participant names and explicit messages instructing deletion of a chat labeled “d b chat delete.” She read aloud a list of names she said appeared in those chats: “Chris Rabbit, Josh Chapman, Ben Clark, Stephanie Estree, Trevor Gravet, Mike Harrison, Trevor Hoard, Brandon Huggett, Jamie LaPratt, Aaron Smith, Tyler Sutherland, Tom Weierbaum.”

City officials told the commission the original FOIA request asked specifically for a maintained list of detectives who use the Signal app. The city attorney explained that no such list is maintained by the police department, and that a FOIA would obligate the city to disclose existing records but does not require the city to create a new compilation. The city attorney said the requester may file a more specifically worded request and that the commission could, if it chose, extend its consideration under the statutory FOIA extension process.

Commissioner Lacoste said the packet submitted by Autumn Smith gave him reservations and said he would vote against affirming the denial. Several commissioners said they needed more time and more information; Commissioner Morris requested disaggregated reporting and evidence. The clerk read the resolution and a motion to affirm the denial was moved and supported; after discussion the clerk announced, “The motion failed.”

Other residents and attendees urged investigation. An attendee who identified himself as Alex explained Signal’s technical behavior to the commission, saying it is end-to-end encrypted and can be set to auto-delete messages, which he said can make public‑record preservation difficult. “Public servants using this app to discuss public business, is essentially intentionally obfuscating what they are talking about from the public,” Alex said.

Why it matters: The exchange raises two distinct civic issues: whether a particular kind of record (a maintained list of users) exists and must be produced under FOIA, and whether the use of ephemeral, encrypted messaging by public employees warrants policy review to ensure compliance with record‑retention obligations.

Next steps: Commissioners discussed possible follow-up, including requesting more investigation, asking for a written legal opinion from the city attorney, and the possibility of extending the statutory response deadline to permit additional review. The FOIA requester said she would provide her packet to the city attorney and sought a public explanation for the denials.","The Battle Creek City Commission voted not to affirm a prior denial of FOIA request 25-1183 seeking names of detectives who used the Signal messaging app; the motion to uphold the denial failed after public testimony and discussion.",{"_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},6182341,"Battle Creek commission approves flying Pride flag at City Hall in July",125,2666000,2791000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637&start=2666&end=2791","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637/thumbnail_2666000.jpg","/articles/6182341/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Battle-Creek-commission-approves-flying-Pride-flag-at-City-Hall-in-July","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182341-f41244ab54a0b34ff9395c6190386e5f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213584&Signature=daIIlPkMqQhRz9I3GIYWeu6~Dioj4dotqYKzZ22E2UBISMv4sZL9sOJiOu7kWigqrhGpbCRyxQxgE2c4zq9gGsm68lhBop03gYn8kvACo8ezDG8IB4M09mXFCv2jkj-yD7-MwGMhQz6oydr12IhBcfEi5V1heLnTWnJIvPSyU4tSehSIxbJ5FRpKNe4T2PS4djFwY5PF23SJiWayQsSAh9N5dCsd-NtEZOlTNjKLtkqzwcfCnwfELi883arM9FoRDj4uoHdG41vbfu5nmfofKjUzNv5vFLNXzxXAG6ideKIVlGgOOjD8Z59w5C5uctOeI2~mBNnyz0g-qiY-3TN58Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission voted to fly the Pride flag at City Hall from July 1 through July 30, 2025 after a motion by Commissioner Morris and support from Commissioner Lance and Mayor Boehnke.

The decision followed more than an hour of public comment Tuesday night as residents, faith leaders and local nonprofit representatives made arguments for and against the symbolic action. Supporters said flying the flag signals inclusion and safety for LGBTQ+ residents; opponents said municipal flagpoles should remain neutral.

“This isn’t just about raising a flag. It’s base level. It’s about raising voices for equality, visibility, and belonging,” said Dina Spencer, president of Battle Creek Pride, who told commissioners she has run Battle Creek Pride since 2011 and said the flag provides “visibility” and “peace” for community members who rely on city services. “Flying that flag gives us that visibility, gives us that peace knowing that we're safe in your care and in your government.”

Several long-time Battle Creek residents and nonprofit leaders also spoke in favor. Robert Elkhart, executive director of the SHARE Center, said the flag “promotes a symbol of inclusion, not division,” and that passing the resolution would send a positive message to young people about safety and community support. “It is a commitment to serving and supporting all members of our community,” he said.

Opponents framed their objections around the role of government. Ryan Leonard said he supported treating all residents with respect but argued municipal government should remain neutral on social movements: “When the city takes a side, it is no longer neutral,” he told the commission. Joe Harris urged commissioners to vote against flying any third‑party flags and to limit City Hall flags to the U.S., state and city flags.

Commission debate was brief. Vice Mayor Sofia said she has consistently voted against the flag ordinance and stated she would vote no on the resolution. Commissioner Simmons urged continued civic engagement by those who spoke whether or not the flag was flown. Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell said he was open to conversation and concerned about division.

The resolution references the city’s revised flag policy and authorizes staff to fly the Pride flag at City Hall for the dates specified. After the vote the clerk announced, “Resolution 129 has been approved.”

Why it matters: Commissioners said the vote is symbolic but supporters said symbolism matters for visibility and safety, especially for LGBTQ+ youth and residents who rely on city services. Opponents said the city should avoid perceived endorsement of particular social movements and instead remain neutral.

What happened next: Supporters in the audience applauded quietly and several speakers offered to meet with dissenting commissioners for further conversation. Commissioner Simmons encouraged attendees to stay engaged with city processes beyond the flag vote.","The Battle Creek City Commission voted to fly the Pride flag at City Hall from July 1–30, 2025 after a lengthy public comment period that included both supporters and opponents. The resolution, sponsored by Commissioner Morris with support from Commissioner Lance and Mayor Boehnke, passed despite several commissioners voicing opposition.",{"_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},6182331,"Commission approves two‑year ambulance contract; members ask for disaggregated high‑priority response data",398,3972000,4370000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637&start=3972&end=4370","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107014-bb4e851051b7cec1a440abf96c9fb637/thumbnail_3972000.jpg","/articles/6182331/Battle-Creek-City/Calhoun-County/Michigan/Commission-approves-twoyear-ambulance-contract-members-ask-for-disaggregated-highpriority-response-data","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6182331-1d330831ec5005c5113b26c2ae092f7c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771213584&Signature=RasnAdPPKmhs3s4q~3j8wt6l61cnd2W13Xt2COoT8e3-cuAIhx2bx-V-k4Z~yXduoWzfxtKO6fnry2hFoSoQuQG9cJasbcFGA1Mg9UaymeIRJYYbXmhdaGZpeYfHzb8PQeUwBY9MbRbK5FKJBwvsf-~oG-pSmaBUEsm8eT6N1BhOzW7-DEwYJFAyx7JI~RwDK2U~Ftq3fwpB0UeZiI0hmjBKbiN8oJpzxcNxMMuLRsJjrRS4cFfwhSozellYvA420P0z5qMC96SPtGXOmi9UNbbuX2P~jsaApE-m-F469uOmUyAMABFzWt8~msYDbWxkzF9NTo0oXTgIAw7x2vdgYQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Battle Creek City Commission approved Resolution 87 to authorize a contract with Life Care Ambulance to provide advanced life support ambulance services to the city.

Commissioners and the public discussed changes to response‑time standards and operational factors affecting ambulance availability, including hospital specialty limitations and call-mix. Several commissioners emphasized that headline response-time numbers do not tell the full story and asked for more granular reporting for life‑threatening calls.

“On the surface, they think it's just we're lowering our standards,” Commissioner Simmons said of public reaction to the contract, referring to a change discussed at the workshop that would adjust response-time expectations from eight to ten minutes for some measures. “There are so many other factors involved in this that we're not considering.”

Commissioner Morris asked staff to ensure that Priority 1 (life‑threatening) responses can be disaggregated and reported separately over the two‑year contract. A city representative replied, “Certainly, commissioner. We can work with Life Care to figure out a way to do that.” Commission discussion referenced workshop material showing a high customer‑satisfaction score (97 percent) and noted that most calls are non‑life‑threatening and can consume resources.

Ron Slagle, who presented in a workshop earlier, noted a national consultant recommended relaxing the response‑time standard. Commissioners and staff said options discussed included preserving resources to ensure timely response to true emergencies and monitoring performance over the contract term.

Why it matters: The contract governs city ambulance services and response standards that affect emergency medical care citywide. Commissioners sought to balance realistic operational expectations with the goal of timely response to life‑threatening events.

Next steps: Staff and the vendor will provide disaggregated Priority 1 response data during the contract period and report back to the commission, per the discussion.","The commission approved a contract with Life Care Ambulance to provide advanced life support ambulance services after a workshop and discussion about response-time standards. Commissioners asked staff and the vendor to provide disaggregated data on Priority 1 (life‑threatening) calls during the contract period.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission adopts project plan to replace lead service lines; funding sought from Michigan drinking‑water loan program

Commission declines to affirm FOIA denial over Signal app; public evidence and calls for further review follow

Battle Creek commission approves flying Pride flag at City Hall in July

Commission approves two‑year ambulance contract; members ask for disaggregated high‑priority response data