Mayor Walters proclaimed the month of March 2016 as March for Meals Month.

Public comment took place.

A Resolution authorizing a contract for customer service training for City employees with Capodagli Jackson Consulting and Training, in a not to exceed amount of $62,000.00, plus pre-authorized lodging expenses to be paid directly by the City.

A Resolution adding $9,210 for a revised total not-to-exceed amount of $64,800, plus pre-authorized travel expenses, to correct for a computation error in Resolution #52 dated 1/19/16 for implicit bias study and training for the Police Department.

Jeanine Deal, 3508 Capital Ave. SW,  commented on public comment time.

Don Bradstreet, 224 Beckwith Drive, commented on the ordinance amendment.

John Kenefick, 234 South Ave., referenced past meeting minutes. 

Comm. Gray discussed the recommendations of the City Commission Ethics Policy and Meeting Rules Committee, stating the changes would ensure the smooth operation of the Commission meetings, noting the meetings purpose was to conduct City business.

Jill Steele, City Attorney, discussed the Open Meetings Act (OMA), noting meeting minutes were only required to include the date, time and location of the meeting, the members in attendance and those absent, any action taken and the votes taken in support or against, the purpose or purposes for which a closed session is held, and the time of adjournment.  Ms. Steele further stated the OMA does not require the record of public comments made a the meeting, only that time be allowed.  Ms. Steele stated the video/audio recording of each meeting was preserved for one year.  Ms. Steele further stated the Commission meetings are a limited public forum, stating there is no absolute right to free speech, stating the City is allowed to have rules regarding public comment, noting Battle Creek provides more public comment time than most municipalities, noting only one public comment time period is required in the OMA.

Comm. Helmboldt clarified public comment would still be allowed prior to the resolutions, the introduction or adoption of ordinances, prior to public hearings and during general public comment before the end of the meeting.

A Resolution to adopt an ordinance to conditionally rezone parcel 4900 W. Dickman Road, pursuant to M.C.L. 125.3405, to allow retail sales of industrial supplies, shoes, safety gear and/or clothing as outlined in the submitted application.

Public comment took place.  

A Resolution correcting a scrivener error on Resolution 150 of 2014 which approved an Exemption from Taxation Certificate on behalf of Post Foods, LLC, for new personal property located at 275 Cliff Street.

A Resolution authorizing the City of Battle Creek to jointly apply with the Cereal City Development Corporation for a Class C Liquor License at Binder Park Golf Course.

Ted Dearing, Assistant City Manager, stated additional approval from Newton Township would be required for this request to the State.  Mr. Dearing stated the intent of this resolution was to increase event options at the Binder Park Golf Course.

A Resolution authorizing a contract for a Fire Apparatus from Kodiak Emergency Vehicles, in a not-to-exceed amount of $493,380.00.

Comm. Owens stated she would support the resolution, but that she wanted to recommend the Fire Department consider purchasing two used vehicles that could be retrofitted to provide necessary safety measures, recommending the City look to the Federal surplus program for future vehicles. 

Public Comment took place.