Lewton-Rich Neighborhood Association Minutes

January 15^th, 2009

1. Welcome –– 7:05 p.m.
2. Pledge
3. Introductions –– 12 persons
4. Introduction of Special Guest: Chief of Lansing’s Fire Department, Tom Cochran
   1. Described some history of the Lansing Fire Department.
   2. Recommend the museum.
   3. One of the 1^st departments that had EMS.
   4. First in Area HAZMAT team w/ Regional Response
   5. One of only three in state Search and Rescue teams.
   6. Invites public to stop in and see the stations, especially the #1 station.
   7. LFD is available for other public activities.
5. Police – Sgt Frank Koenigsknecht and Officer Jason Bock.
   1. Crime Map – very clear.
   2. Recent local burglars were caught, as the neighbors used cell phones cameras to photograph suspicious persons and their cars’ license plates and then reported.   Great Idea!!
   3. Pay attention - call in suspicious activities to LPD as they happen.
   4. Frigid temperatures are causing problems, including traffic.

1.      It is colder then the freeze point of salting. It can cause it to melt and the refreeze, even slicker.

2.  The Emergency Vehicles are slipping.

6. Guest Speaker – Chip Kosloski w/ Mid Michigan Biking Council.

1. In the process of community engagement.
2. There will be some larger planning workshops to promote a non- motorized traffic.
3. Created by our Mayor in 2006.
4. Bike and foot trips 2000-2006 reported 2000+ accidents and related 13 deaths.
5. Comparing to other cities similar to Lansing and determine why we are behind.
6. From the map handed out.

1.  Lansing Proper does not have equal # of bike lanes on roads as does the surrounding area, indicating that Lansing is lacking an infrastructure.

7. From the hand bike lanes.

1.  Established bike lanes, are safer then sidewalks. As motorists don’t expect bikes that move in and out of sidewalks.

2.   Bike Lansing ensure full visibility.

3.  Goal of reducing accidents of 20%

4.  Double the numbers of trips to increase, as to indicate    increase in usage.                                               

a.       Three Handouts: Walk and Bike Lansing

1.    Health benefits

2.   Environment

3.    Financial                                     

4.    And many other benefits.

h.   Questions and Answers

  1. Lansing was listed in a magazine as a top 10 for river trail

a. Are they looking for work sites / more so looking for a policy and determine sources of costs. 1% of state DOT funds are required to spend on non-motorized. Lansing is looking to get those funds, to be implemented with other projects.

   2.    It is legal to ride a bicycle on sidewalks.

   3.    Group Discussion

   4.    Request to provide lanes along Waverly between            Grand River and St. Joseph Hwy.

   5.    Survey passed out to all in attendance

7. Minutes
   1. Approved
8. Treasurer Report
   1. $315.60 less $60 check to be used for Halloween Safe Houses
   2. Patty submitted two stipend grants for our neighborhood party, on August 4^th during National Night Out.
   3. Donations are welcome to this organization.
9. Adjourn –– 8:25pm

      Respectfully submitted,

Michael P. Flaga, Secretary and Web Master