Mayor Mark Behnke used his July 15 report to list several community notices and upcoming events for Battle Creek residents.

Public Works open house: The Department of Public Works will host its annual open house on Wednesday, July 30, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 150 South Kendall Street. The free, family-friendly event will feature city vehicles, a scavenger hunt, giveaways such as compost and plants, music and demonstrations. A food truck will be on-site.

2025 National Community Survey: The city is conducting the National Community Survey through mid-August. In early July, 3,000 randomly selected households received postcards with a QR code and link to participate. A paper version is being mailed to some households. A community-wide version of the survey will open Monday, July 28; all survey responses are due Monday, Aug. 11. The city uses the survey (administered by Polco) to guide long-term planning, goal-setting and policy development.

Licensed door-to-door vendors: The city has issued new business licenses to a number of door-to-door vendors, including representatives from Vyvint, Smart Home Pros Incorporated and Rapid Roofing. Under the city charter, certain businesses must be licensed to operate in the city. Door-to-door vendors may operate only between 9 a.m. and sunset, must carry a city-issued vendor permit and display an official ID badge. Residents were advised to ask to see identification and to call the Battle Creek Police Department nonemergency number, (269) 781-0911, if they have concerns.

MetroNet pole inspections for fiber project: As part of a citywide fiber-optic project, contractor Vertical Dynamics will conduct surveys of utility poles, taking photographs and measurements to assess pole condition and capacity for additional lines. Survey teams may knock on doors to request access to backyards to inspect poles; neighbors were advised to ask for employment verification.

City alerts, jobs and meeting schedule: The mayor reminded residents how to sign up for city alerts and notifications at battlecreekmi.gov (I want to → apply or sign up → alerts and notifications). The city is hiring for several positions, including bus drivers, mechanics, electricians and police officers; job listings are on the city's website. The next regular City Commission meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5 and Tuesday, Aug. 19, both starting at 7 p.m. in Commission Chambers at City Hall, 10 North Division Street. Meetings are broadcast live on AccessVision channel 17 (Comcast) and channel 100 (AT&T U-verse) and streamed on the city's YouTube channel.

Why this matters: these notices cover community engagement opportunities, public-safety guidance about vendors and utility work, and city services that affect routine resident experience.

Contacts and more information: for questions about licensed vendors or home repair calls, residents were directed to (269) 966-3311. MetroNet and contractor verification questions should be directed to the company or the city's customer service channels listed on battlecreekmi.gov.