The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Daniel Yates and Cylena Cummings of the Youth Advisory Board.  

The Proclamation was accepted by Mr. Patrick Hirzel, on behalf of Battle Creek Kindness Inc. 

John Compton stated he disagreed with the notation in the minutes that Comm. Behnke was 9 minutes late for the prior Commission meeting, stating he thought he was 10.5 minutes late.  

Deana Spencer, 34 Radley St, thanked the Commission for their consideration to recognize BC Pride as a local non-profit organization. 

David Moore, 102 Taylor Ave, inquired as to Resolution 254 regarding a grant from the US Department of Justice, stating he felt it should be on the regular agenda. 

Comm. Helmboldt disclosed that he was a member of the board of directors of BC Pride. 

David Moore congratulated the new City Manager, wishing her the best, stating he felt the other City employees should be taken into consideration when raises are considered. 

David Sarachick, 201 Winter Street, expressed his hope Ms. Fleury will make changes in Battle Creek, discussing an incident at a property near his home.  Mr. Sarachick stated changes need to be made to improve the neighborhoods, asking the Commission to implement checks and balances. 

Gary Dodd, 212 Canterbury Park, stated he reviewed prior City Manager contracts, and what they receive for their retirement income, totaling $468,000 for the last few City Managers.  Mr. Dodd noted the City Manager is a tax payer funded position that serves at the whim of the City Commission.  Mr. Dodd asked the Commission to consider their own performance while setting the criteria for the City Manager's performance. 

John Compton, 191 Summer Street, discussed what agenda items were missed when Commission Behnke arrived late for the prior Commission meeting, asking the Ethics Committee to review and address this issue, asking if he would be paid for the entire meeting.

David Moore expressed his concern with crime late in the evenings, stating he felt the late hours for bars encourage crime. 

David Sarachick presented a picture of a problem property in his neighborhood, asking the City to inform the property owner of the problems the tenants have caused, stating the tenants are also involved in drug activity.  Mr. Sarachick requested Comm. Sherzer address the neighborhood issues with the Code Compliance Department.  Mr. Sarachick also discussed issues with other municipalities.

Comm. Helmboldt expressed his delight that the voting system worked the entire evening. 

Comm. Gray announced a Town Hall meeting at Washington Heights Methodist Church, Monday, September 29, 2014 at 6:00 pm to discuss the urban farm located in the Washington Heights neighborhood.  Comm. Gray stated Rev. Murphy and Rev. Bouldrey would be at the meeting to hear residents' concerns and answer questions. 

Comm. Baldwin stated she was not able to be the voting delegate for the MML Convention, asking other Commissioners to volunteer in her place.

Comm. Sherzer thanked Susan Bedsole for her service as Interim City Manager, noting she came in at a difficult time, stating she did an admirable job, expressing his appreciation for her professionalism during the process, stating he looked forward to working with her in the future. 

Mayor Walters expressed his appreciation for the support provided by Ms. Steele and Mr. Engels for their assistance while developing and negotiating the contract with Ms. Fleury.   Mayor Walters also discussed other municipalities' rules for public comment, stating they are much more strict, requiring anyone wishing to speak during public comment to reserve a time and specify the topic, only being allowed to discuss the topic they have indicated.  Mayor Walters informed everyone that the Ethics and Meeting Rules Committee studied and considered this, stating they made a determination to include open public comment, without requiring a reservation, stating this would be the best opportunity for residents.  Mayor Walters expressed his concern recent public comment has been very disrespectful,  often as personal attacks on both the Commission and City staff, stating the disruptive behavior is addressed in the Meeting Rules, stating they can prohibit disruptive behavior, asking respect be returned to everyone.