Battle Creek City Commission adopts zoning changes, approves recovery housing mortgage and transit tech contract; authorizes settlements

The Battle Creek City Commission on May 19 approved a package of land-use, housing and transportation actions and authorized closed‑session settlements in two pending workers’ compensation cases.

At the meeting the commission adopted resolution 382 (ordinance 12‑2026), a set of zoning text amendments to chapter 1281 intended to clarify when an approved conditional rezoning expires, exempt minor amendments that do not change approved zoning from the full conditional rezoning process, limit a site-plan review exemption to single‑ and two‑family dwellings (excluding larger residential developments that require developer‑installed streets or infrastructure), and remove a requirement for a second newspaper public notice for zoning map/text amendments. A motion to adopt the ordinance was moved and seconded and the measure was approved.

The body also approved resolution 383 (ordinance 13‑2026) to rezone three properties — 14 Yuba Street, 175 Main Street and 169 Main Street — from MFR (high‑density multi‑family) to T3 (neighborhood commercial) so a vacant single‑family structure can be converted to office space to support the Community Action Partnership. "They’re going to be able to bring in more business employees over to that area and increase visibility," Commissioner Patrick O'Donnell said in thanking the organization for pursuing the change.

The commission cleared a consent agenda and then approved resolution 386, authorizing the city manager to enter a 10‑year mortgage agreement with Recovery Services Unlimited Inc. (RSU) to create five recovery transitional housing units. Commissioner LaCosse asked why the per‑unit cost appeared high; the record shows $862,000 as the total figure discussed (about $172,400 per unit as quoted in the meeting). Helen Guzzo, who addressed the commission, said the project is a gut‑rehab of a vacant building, the amount reflects the lowest competitive bid received, and the financing is structured as no payment/no interest during the affordability period. Guzzo said grant funds and opioid settlement dollars were used to create the units and that RSU will own and operate the housing at the end of the affordability period. "That was the lowest bid that we received ... it’s a lot of money and it’s a no payment no interest," Guzzo said.

The commission also approved resolution 387 to accept a proposal from Trapeze Software Group Inc., doing business as TripSpark Technologies, for onboard and back‑office transit technology and automatic vehicle location (AVL) services. The staff presentation referenced a not‑to‑exceed figure of $1,250,000 and a total funding number presented as $1,259,167, described in the meeting as comprised of $1,000,000 and $7,333 in federal funds and $251,834 in matching state funds. Mallory Evis, executive director of the Transportation Authority of Calhoun County, told commissioners the purchase would replace onboard hardware and back‑office systems and enable scheduling, a passenger‑facing app and real‑time vehicle location. "This technology would replace all of the onboard technology for all of the vehicles, as well as the back office technology," Evis said.

The commission voted to approve resolution 388, permitting a closed session under MCL 15.268(e) to discuss two pending workers’ compensation matters: Scott Marshall v. City of Battle Creek (BC0‑23‑000059‑01) and Joseph Shanks v. City of Battle Creek (BC0‑23‑000017‑01). After recessing into a closed session, the commission returned and moved to approve settlements in those two matters "in the amounts recommended by the council for the city." The meeting record in the public segments does not state the settlement amounts.

During the public comment periods, residents raised several issues tied to the budget and city services. Mr. Nadowski urged structural reform of code compliance and said he would not support commissioners who do not prioritize code enforcement; Joe Harris asked for clarification about budget line items tied to the Verona Well Fields and past water contamination; Joe Erspamer suggested online budget surveys for broader public input, proposed siting large solar installations on brownfields instead of farmland, and floated special assessment districts for properties with repeated police calls; and Mr. Nedelsky accused the commission of noncompliance with Michigan’s Open Meetings Act and raised concerns about deteriorating public infrastructure. "I want to complain about noncompliance with the Michigan's Open Meeting Act," Nedelsky said during public comment.

The meeting also included a community recognition for children who assisted staff at Fell Park in recovering lost phones; Commissioner LaCosse and the commission noted the recipients as Rex Cameron and Sasha Clark.

The commission adjourned after approving the settlements and completing the agenda. Several votes were recorded as motions moved and supported and then approved; the meeting transcript records approvals but does not list detailed roll‑call tallies for all items.

What’s next: The FY 2026–2027 budget public hearing has concluded; the transcript does not show any final adoption vote on the budget at this meeting. The two litigation settlements were approved following a closed session; the public record in these segments does not include settlement amounts.