Emergency manager, Food Bank topics

Councilman Sheldon Neeley (Ward 6) talked about changes at Flint City Hall since Mike Brown took over as the city's emergency financial manager and Tracy Fowler-Johnson, development manager for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, talked about the Food Bank at the Mott Park Neighborhood Association meeting Dec. 5.

Neeley told the group that as of Dec. 1 the city council and the mayor were no longer receiving paychecks — although he was still performing his council duties under the new emergency manager. He said, based on his previous experience working with Brown, he found him to be a man who has an open door policy and will listen to residents and council people.

"Brown will be here for two years or until the state deems the emergency no longer exists," Neeley said.

He said that Brown could not arbitrarily raise property taxes, but the hike in water bills would most probably remain.

Neeley said there is help for senior citizens with water liens against their property. He cited a poverty exception application that will exempt citizens within certain income guidelines from foreclosure. The deadline for filing the application is Dec. 13.

"Brown will probably make the decision about the new water authority — if we will buy into the pipeline or not," Neeley said.

Neeley urged members to call Flint City Hall with their suggestions or complaints.

"He has a broad range of authority. I urge you to read Michigan's emergency financial manager law (Public Act 4 of 2011). Don't let your voice be silent," Neeley warned.

Asked about the status of Genesee Towers, Neeley said that if the building is sold the taxpayers should ask for a refund.

"You paid for it last year on your tax bill," Neeley added.

Fowler-Johnson outlined services provided by the food bank, 2312 Lapeer Rd.

"This is a distribution site, not open to the public, where our partner agencies pick up food they distribute to the needy," she said.

The 50,000 square foot warehouse has massive cooler and freezer space that keeps food fresh for distribution.

According to Fowler-Johnson, the nonprofit was rated four-star by Charity Navigator, the highest rating given to charitable organizations. Established in 1982 the nonprofit is driven by a 19-person board of directors that oversees the distribution of over 19 million pounds of food to 400 agencies in 22 Michigan counties serving over 50,000 individuals.

Two of their most popular programs are the Senior Box Program and the Backpack Program for school children.

The Senior Box Program provides needy elders with a consistent group of pantry items, like canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, juice and boxed meals, ensuring a consistent and nutritious supplement to their normal food resources. Boxes weigh between 40 to 45 pounds and are distributed monthly. Contact Bruce Horton at (810) 396-0208 for more information on this program or to sponsor a food box for a needy senior.

The Backpack Program's goal is to provide children at risk of hunger with easy access to nutritious nonperishable foods during the weekends when school breakfasts and lunches are not available. Items in the backpacks are single serving, nutritious and microwavable. The cost for filling a backpack for one child weekly for a month is $10. Call the food bank at (810) 239-4441 for more information or to donate.

Members voted unanimously to re-elect Chris Monk as president of the organization and Sandra McKellar as treasurer. The positions of vice president and secretary are appointments.

The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 6. Check the association's web site, www.mottpark.blogspot.com, for meeting location.