Battle Creek commission approves conditional rezoning, writes off $20,000 promissory note and schedules closed session on city manager candidates

The City of Battle Creek City Commission on July 15 approved a conditional rezoning ordinance, authorized the write-off of a promissory note tied to six vacant properties, and voted to schedule a closed session to review confidential city manager applications.

Ordinance O62025: conditional rezoning approved Madam Clerk described an ordinance that would conditionally rezone five parcels south of West Columbia Avenue and between South Helmer Road to the east and Stonejug Road to the west. The clerk said the applicant intends "to establish a mix of employment generating light industrial development, single and multifamily residential housing, and open space intended as a natural buffer." The ordinance statement noted no specific development is currently planned and that the rezoning is intended to position the site to attract investment in alignment with the City of Battle Creek master plan.

A motion to adopt Ordinance O62025 was made and supported; the commission voted to adopt the ordinance. The clerk announced, "Ordinance 6 20 25 has been approved." The commission did not provide a development contract or detailed site plan at the meeting.

Resolution 190: $20,000 promissory note to Neighborhoods Incorporated Resolution 190, if approved, authorized the interim city manager to write off a promissory note dated March 9, 2000, with Neighborhoods Incorporated in the amount of $20,000 for six vacant properties on Maple Court. Supporters said the nonprofit has maintained and paid taxes on the parcels and that forgiving the debt would allow the organization to continue pursuit of acquisition, rehabilitation and redevelopment options. Interim City Manager Ted Deering described the note’s history and the city’s conversations with Neighborhoods Incorporated about potential redevelopment, including past interest in demolition and sale to neighboring owners.

A motion to approve Resolution 190 was made and supported; the clerk announced the resolution "has been approved." One commissioner stated they would vote no on the write-off; the transcript recorded the objection but did not record a roll-call tally in the public record excerpt provided.

Resolution 191: closed session on city manager applications Resolution 191, which the commission moved and supported, sets a closed session immediately following commission comments at the regular July 15 meeting to "review and consider the contents of applications for the position of Battle Creek city manager for the applicants who have requested confidentiality." Commissioners voted to approve Resolution 191.

Consent agenda and other motions The commission moved and supported approval of the consent agenda; the clerk announced the consent agenda had been approved. During commission comments, members praised community events and noted ongoing issues such as a neighborhood odor complaint and property-rehabilitation discussions.

Later in the evening, after a recess, Commissioner Lance moved to "move forward with the city manager hiring process with the cadence as discussed." That motion passed.

What the votes mean - The conditional rezoning (Ordinance O62025) changes zoning designations for five parcels to allow a mix of light industrial, single- and multi-family housing and open space; no specific developer or site plan was announced at the meeting. - Forgiving the $20,000 promissory note (Resolution 190) transfers a historical city receivable tied to six Maple Court parcels; supporters framed it as enabling Neighborhoods Incorporated to continue redevelopment, while at least one commissioner opposed the write-off. - The approved Resolution 191 authorizes the commission to meet in closed session to review city manager applications from candidates who requested confidentiality.

No litigation or statutory citations were adopted as part of these votes; commissioners said they are continuing searches and planning work outside this meeting.