Meeting Minutes

Click on the links below to read the meeting minutes.

MPNA minutes 11-Dec-2008

1. MARSHALL PARK CONDEMNED FOOTBRIDGE:
Susan Meamber, Portland Parks Project Manager for the bridge project, gave us an update on the condemned footbridge in Marshall Park.  A new study including geo technical information came up with two other alternative sites for the bridge, both of them close to the current bridge.   The one closest to the bridge had many advantages (easiest, cheapest, smallest footprint) and the neighbors at the meeting thought this would be a good choice.   Susan will post information on the Portland Parks site so that other neighbors and park users can comment on the new proposed location.   Construction is still planned for Spring 2009, with completion before June 30.    Susan also mentioned that the budget for this bridge has already been approved and is not currently at risk.
2. CRIME REPORT: 
Officer Caspar, our neighborhood liaison police officer, gave us an update on burglaries in the area.   These are daytime briglaries when when people are at work.   One was near 18th and Broadleaf, right here in our neigborhood.   Please be safe -  make sure all doors and windows are securely locked at all times.   And leave lights on when you are away from your home.
3. OPEN POSITIONS: 
Marshall Park Neighborhood Association needs to fill several volunteer positions.   Interest and enthusiasm is all that's needed.  It's very easy.  We need three representatives to attend the monthly meetings of the SWNI committees for Schools, Trails, and Transportation.   Be the voice of Marshall Park at the committee meetings, and then give us a short report on the committee's activies at our MPNA meeting.   If you're interested in any of these please contact the MPNA Chair.

MPNA meeting minutes 13-Nov-2008

1. MARSHALL PARK IMPROVEMENTS PLAN:
Emily Roth from Portland Parks gave us the highlights of the proposed plan...
- This is the first draft; it is a 20 year plan; no specific funding yet (except for the bridge).
- Hikers heading for Tryon Creek will be routed to 11th instead of the lower stream trail.
- A loop trail will be established on the south side of Maplecrest.
- Many trails will be improved; single boards crossing streams will be replaced.
- The access point at the bottom of Maplecrest may be closed.

- Signage and mini-kiosks will be placed at access points.

- Playground equipment will be replaced and moved to higher ground.
- They want to preserve the popular stream trail (North section).
- Steps will be built on the steep trail up to 18th.
- The picnic benches will remain.
- Handicapped parking and access to the cascades trail is being considered.
- Bathroom facilities will be introduced (port-a-potty).
- Maybe a viewing platform near the stream.
2. MARSHALL PARK CONDEMNED FOOTBRIDGE:
Emily gave us an update on the condemned footbridge in Marshall Park.  The decision has been made to build a wood structure, in the middle position just slightly upstream of the current bridge.  There will be a minor slope to the bridge, and it will have an access ramp.   The bridge is funded and the cost estimate is within the budget.  Construction will begin this winter, with completion expected in Spring 2009.
3. CRIME REPORT: 
Officer Caspar, our neighborhood liaison police officer, told us about an increase in burglaries in the area.   They have typically occurred during the daytime when people are at work.   Doors and windows have been broken to gain entry.   Small items (cash, jewellery, checkbooks) seem to be the main target.   Neighbors are reminded to make sure all doors and windows are securely locked at all times.   TIP:  Officer Caspar suggested putting lengths of PVC piping in the window groove to prevent windows being slid open from the outside.

MPNA meeting minutes 9-Oct-2008

Marshall Park Neighborhood Association meeting 9-Oct-2008.
1. Police Officer Caspar, our neighborhood liaison officer came to our meeting.   He gave a review of recent crimes in the area, and offered some crime and safety tips.   There is a new "stinger" speed sign on Taylors Ferry that has proved effective at slowing cars.  Neighbors asked a few questions, and really enjoyed the opportunty to interract with our liaison officer.
2. Stefanie Adams, Crime Prevention Coordinator, gave a presentation on her role, and described the benefits of neighborhood involvement in crime prevention.   Stefanie handed out a list of important phone numbers, which included the Police non-emergency number 503-823-3333.  She spoke about Neighborhood Watches, how they can be formed, and what they can do to make a neighborhood safer.   Neighborhood Watches are typically a block but can be larger or smaller.   Stefanie would be happy to help anyone interested in forming a Nbhd Watch.  Contact her at Stefanie.Adams@ci.portland.or.us
3. Marshall Park Neighborhood Association filled many of its posts for the 2008-2009 year.   There are still opportunities for anyone interested in volunteering some time, such as Schools Rep, Trails Rep, and Transportation.  Anyone interested in being more active with MPNA, please contact Mike at marshallparkna@yahoo.com
4. MPNA has been very fortunate to have received a small grant from SWNI the past two years.  It has helped us with several outreach activities, and our National Night Out event.    We reviewed the status of this years grant.   And discussed ideas and needs for future grant applications. 

MPNA Meeting Minutes 11-Sep-2008

MPNA Meeting 11-Sep-2008:

  • Portland Parks’ Emily Roth will attend the next MPNA meeting on 9th Oct. to present the selected bridge design & location, and also the first draft of the park plan.
  • MPNA will brainstorm some ideas for Kiosk design, so we can discuss this with the Parks Dept as part of the Park Plan.
  • Treasurer report:   We need to collect details of MPNA expenses, donated items, and volunteer hours, for NNO.   Neighbors should send any applicable information to marshallparkna@yahoo.com 
  • Land Use: – A neighbor cut down some trees and was found guilty of an environmental conservation zone violation.  The neighbor will be required to replant trees.     
  •  Crime: – Neighbors are reminded to call 503-823-SAFE if they want to report obscured views and obscured signs, that make driving more hazardous.   Also if you park your car all day near a bus stop, please make sure everything is stowed away out of sight in the trunk. 
  • National Night Out: – The NNO picnic was a rousing success.    Over 70 people attended and had a great time.   A few suggestions to remember next year - start cooking earlier; maybe need a second grill; keep ice cream colder; collect more prizes for raffle. 
  • MPNA volunteers: – Names are being collected for 2008-2009 positions?    If anyone is interested in becoming more involved, please contact the current chair, Mike Charles at marshallparkna@yahoo.com 

MPNA meeting minutes 10-Jul-2008

MPNA Meeting 10-JUL-08 ... PP&R Park and Bridge plans.

This month, the MPNA meeting was held in the open air at Marshall Park.   The entire meeting was handed over to Portland Parks & Rec.  Several PP&R representatives came along to discuss their plans for Marshall Park and replacement of the condemned footbridge.   The event was well attended by around 50 people, including park and trail users from other neighborhoods.
  • PARK PLANNING --- PP&R described the Park Planning process and the schedule.   Habitat, playground, trails, park access, picnic tables, kiosks, signage, and other topics will be considered in the final plan.   They invited feedback on the plans.  Neighbors in attendance were most vocal on the topics of playground and trails.   
  • BRIDGE MATERIALS --- PP&R brought along large charts illustrating the bridge options.  There are several construction alternatives (timber, railcar, concrete, steel).   These are described in detail on the PP&R website. 
  • BRIDGE LOCATION --- PP&R led neighbors on a walk along the creek to show them the three possible  bridge locations.  
  • COMMENTS --- More information is available on the PP&R website.    You can also send in comments and your preference for bridge materials and location.  It's important to do this if you want your voice to be heard.  Comments on the bridge will be accepted until 18-July.   Comments on the Park Plans will be accepted until 28-Aug.
  • WEBSITE --- The PP&R website is www.PortlandParks.org ... click on Projects ... click on Natural Area Projects ... scroll down to Marshall Park ... click on Comment Form
  • WALKS --- PP&R is also leading two walks through the park to discuss the planning process. The public is encouraged to come along to hear the plans and offer feedback.  On Tuesday July 22 there will be a morning walk from 9-11 am.   On Monday Aug 4 there will be an evening walk at 6:30 pm.

MPNA meeting minutes 10-Apr-2008

MPNA MEETING NOTES  10-Apr-2008 

1. SW Police Precinct Campaign:  Wes McConnell, from the Crestwood NA, requested that the MPNA support the SWNI Crime Prevention and Safety Committee, and other SW neighborhoods in asking for a police precinct/mini-precinct or some type of police station be sited in the southwest.   --  Currently we are served by the downtown precinct.  There is also a small office in the Multnomah Arts Center.--  A precinct of any size would require parking, showers, dressing areas, and offices.--  Cost projection for renting such a facility is from $250,000 to $750,000.--  Staff cost would not increase, since officers currently assigned to SW would simply be switching their precinct location.--  Latest redistricting plan will increase the area which SW assigned officers cover, making response times longer. --  Neighbors debated how we could justify asking for such a facility when our crime levels are so low.  --  Motion to write a letter to ask for a new precinct was defeated, 4-3.  However, MPNA will draft a letter to the Police Commanders expressing concern with the size of the new SW district, noting that some think the solution is a new precinct, and asking that call response times be tracked for the next year.   At a mimimum, we would like to keep a community office open, such as the one currently at the Multnomah Center.  

2. Crime & Public Safety--  The usefulness of the Chief's Forum is being challenged.  Citizen participants would like to use the forum to present community policing ideas to the police.--  We need to get in contact with the new police neighborhood liason, to see if he can attend our meetings. 
3. Parks - Maricara Natural Area--   (which borders the SW corner of our neighborhood) got trail planning underway with a public meeting on April 8th.  The Parks and Recreation Bureau asked for local input.  However, since part of the land was purchased with natural area funding, the city's focus is on habitat preservation.  They would like to reduce the number of trails cutting through the park to lessen the disturbance of nesting birds, etc..   In particular they would like to eliminate the central East-West path.  --  The public requested: a variety of dry trails for humans and dogs, including some access to the wetland; benches to facilitate communing with nature and neighbors; an East-West corridor for Jackson students, bikers, and the rest of us (to avoid having to use SW Huber St.).  --  To add your input go to:  www.PortlandParks.org  Click on the Project tab ... Natural Area Projects ... Maricara Natural Area.  --  Parks & Rec will not encourage bike usage of trails in a natural area, but they will talk to PDOT about putting a trail through the undeveloped right of way at the North side of the park.  They will post their trail proposal at the above web site on April 25th.--  The next Maricara Trail Planning meeting, on May 13th, will include a tour of the proposed trail layout. 
4. Parks - Marshall Park --  Marshall Park trail planning will begin in 6 weeks, the first part of June, but the exact date of the first public meeting has not been set.  We've been waiting for this for years!--  The Parks & Rec Bureau has put the Marshall Part footbridge replacement out to four engineering firms for bids.  Our parks representative has been asked to join the current bid review and the future design review process.--  May 8th is the next City budget forum.  MPNA needs to find out if the footbridge replacement still hinges on this next budget, and if so someone needs to be there (and miss our next monthly MPNA mtg.) to make sure that bridge funding is maintained.   
5. History - Our historian contacted a grandson of the Marshall's, who donated the park, and learned about the original dam, swimming pool, and cottage.  --  An Oregonian reporter was contacted, to see if a story on the park would generate more momentum for repairing the bridge.  Looks like they are more interested in doing a story after the bridge is done.  --  Suggestion was made to put history and pictures (if we can get them) on the future kiosk. 
6. Southwest Neighborhood, Inc. (SWNI) News--  Multnomah Village's Centennial will be celebrated in August 2008.  See http://www.multnomahhistorical.com/ for information, volunteer opportunities.--  A SWNI sponsored Candidates Fair will be held Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at the Multnomah Center, 7688 SW Capitol Hwy.  
7. Action Plan - we need to create an action plan for our SWNI grant before May 19th (?).  --  First cut would include:  National Night Out, Kiosk & bench building, Friends of Marshall Park workparty support - especially directional signs 
8. Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) - The Marshall Park NET trained folks are invited to attend the Markham NET group's meetings.   Markham's are at 7 PM, the 2nd Monday of each month (i.e. April 14th), at the Capitol Hill United Methodist Church‎ (2401 SW Taylors Ferry Rd - opposite SW Lancaster). Meetings are in the basement where the daycare is located.  If enough Marshall Park people show up then we might consider organizing our own meetings. 

MPNA meeting minutes 13-Mar-2008

MPNA MEETING NOTES - MARCH 13, 2008

Crime and Public Safety:Funding:  Jan reported that the funding for the neighborhood associations is currently based on previous year’s performance and funded as a contract.  This will be changing to a grant process.  To ensure funding is received, documentation of volunteer hours will be required, i.e. rosters from meetings, individuals involved in work parties, and documentation of how the money was spent. 
Crime:  The Chief’s forum is being reorganized and the next one has been cancelled with no further ones scheduled.  Jan thinks the forum process may have collapsed. 
Liaison Officer:  The officer assigned to the Marshall Park Association has been reassigned.  If the new officer does not begin showing up at meetings, Mike Charles will contact Michael Boyer.  “Mini Precinct”:  A suggestion was made to the Commander for a “mini precinct” in the neighborhood.  He thought it would be a good idea, but he would need several neighborhoods making such a request before it could be taken under consideration.  This “mini precinct” would be staffed around the clock.  The Crestwood association wants to get involved and Mike will contact McMullan regarding attending a meeting.  
 NERT:  The Neighborhood Emergency Response Team officers, who are assigned to work longterm projects in the area are being temporarily being reassigned on a daily basis to assist in the Pearl (Old Town), due to the need for additional officers to deal with the problems arising from the abolition of the drug free zones. 
IVY PULLING:  Neil is struggling to get people to sign in for ivy pulling.  If individuals pull ivy apart from the organized effort, he would still like to have that information. During this discussion, it was acknowledged that a separate meeting needs to be held for Friends of Marshall Park to discuss ivy pulls and kiosks.  Mike will discuss with Margo. 
HISTORY:  Although Mike Duffield had no formal report on history, he did have a tip on getting moles to leave your yard for your neighbors-make strong mint tea and pour it into the mole holes. He did report that stones had been found in Tryon Creek that had been used by the Indians to hole fishing nets. 
LAND USE:  There were no land use items to report, but Karen did report on some opportunities for public involvement.·         Citizen input on how cellular and wireless attachments could be placed in residential, park, and other areas in the City’s streets.·         Advisory members wanted for a committee on Urban land reserves.Karen will set up a page on the website for Volunteer Opportunities. 
NET:  The Neighborhood Emergency Team will be meeting March 17th.  NET is involved in testing neighborhood teams, raising money for the year, and training. 
PARKS:  Margot had informed Mike that the system development charges being paid by developers passed unanimously last week. Mike provided updates on what had transpired since the last meeting in addressing the condemned bridge in Marshall Park.  A subcommittee formed from the last Marshall Park Meeting met and decided to send a letter to the mayor and commissioners prior to the community budget forum.  Karen attended the meeting and reported that the bridge was included in the major maintenance category of the budget request, which is priority number 6.  We do not know the priorities of the items included in the major maintenance category. Karen also provided a drawing and information on the proposed material that was provided by David Dunahugh, an architect in the neighborhood.  Mike will provide this plan to Susan Leander, the project manager assigned to the Marshall Park bridge. Margot also reported that the Marshall Park planning position had been filled and that Margot was taking new park staff on a tour. On another note, there is a meeting scheduled for 04/08 to discuss the trails in Maricara.  Meeting is scheduled for 6:00 pm at the Antioch Christian Fellowship.
 Action items:
  • Mike C will invite ONI to a meeting for more information on funding.
  • Mike C to contact Micheal Boyer, if the new police officer assigned does not begin showing up at meetings.
  • Mike C will contact McMullan requesting him to attending a meeting regarding the “mini precinct”
  • Mike C will check with Margot on getting a meeting scheduled for Friends of Marshall Park.
  • Karen will set up a page on the website for Volunteer Opportunities.
  • Mike C will provide bridge plan to Susan Leander.

 

MPNA meeting minutes 8-Nov-2007

Here is a synopsis of what was discussed at your neighborhood association meeting on Nov. 8, 2007. If items below seem interesting to you or you want to get involved come to the next meeting!  The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday December 13th 6-8 at Capitol Hill School Library. 

OFFICER ELECTIONS:  At the neighborhood meeting in October, elections were held for the board members. Please note that there are two positions that have not been filled, the SWNI rep and Friends of Marshall Park.  Both of these positions are extremely important and are a great way to get involved with shaping policy for SW Portland.                  Election results:       Co-chairs: Jen Seamans Blatner and Mike Charles.      Webmaster: Mike Charles.      Trails: Mike Duffield.     Historian: Mike Duffield.          Parks:  Margot Barnett       Land Use: Karen Bersack.      Secretary: Aimee Polzin.      Schools: Aimee Polzin.      NET: Bruce Watt.     Treasurer/SWNI grant: Bruce Watt.     Transportation: Alex Bogartz.       Crime and Public Safety: Jan Weston;        SWNI Rep: OPEN.       Friends of Marshall Park: OPEN  
What’s happening with development in our neighborhoods?    A developer is proposing a 3 home development at 1452 SW Taylors Ferry Rd. Concerns were raised about which mature trees would be cut down and the plans for the water run-off.  A hearing is scheduled for this property and a member of the group will be attending to confirm that these issues have been addressed in the planning of the development.  If you are interested in having a say in the future of Portland, Tom Potter is seeking volunteers to lend their opinions. The meeting is on Tuesday Nov. 13th from 9:30-11:30 at 1221 SW 4th Ave Room 340 in the City Hall Chambers.    
What’s happening in Marshall Park and other SW parks?    By now many of us have come across the condemned bridge in Marshall Park. Last year money was allotted in the parks budget to replace the bridge, however during cuts that line item was removed. Again the report from the parks committee is that money will not be allotted to fix the bridge. One option might be to have a few agencies work together to give funds for the project. At the next parks budget meeting a member of the group will find out if we will have funding through Portland Parks and Rec. If you are interested in attending that meeting it is scheduled for November 13th, 7 pm at 1510 SE 9th Ave., in the Chelsea Ballroom. The question was raised about the usability of the stone bridge that crosses the creek by the playground area. At this point the long-term plan is to maintain the bridge for historic preservation, but not use it for foot traffic.  Instead, build another bridge next to it for foot traffic.  In other park business, the city of Portland is trying to determine if an increase should occur in the System Development Charges (SDCs).  These are one-time fees assessed on new development to cover a portion of the cost of providing specific types of public infrastructure required as a result of this development. Currently the SDCs cover about 20-26% of the total cost of developing parks and acquiring park property in Portland. This is one of the lowest in the metro area. The proposal is to increase that to 66%, as well as other changes to the current structure. For more information, take part in the community meeting on November 16th, noon- 2:00pm at 1120 SW 5th Ave in the Portland Building room C. The parks committee also wanted to alert neighbors to two other public meetings that we are welcome to attend. On December 6th there will be a parks committee meeting to talk about the SDCs.  On December 12th, there will be a city council hearing where the choice will be made. If you are interested in attending any of these meetings the times and places will be on the website when they are announced.
Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET):  The NET committee took part in the Topoff  II event last month. Our local members of NET tested the phone tree as well as organized at the staging areas. Currently Marshall Park down not have a NET team, our NET members all under the umbrella of neighboring teams. The question was raised if we wanted to construct our own NET team. This would require more members of our neighborhood to become NET certified. Another suggestion was made to formally define boundaries for which neighboring NET team would serve.  The NET committee will look at all these options and report back at the next next MPNA meeting. Again, if you are interested in becoming a member of the NET, please contact the MPNA at MarshallParkNA@yahoo.com and we will get your name to the appropriate people. Multnomah County is inviting health professionals to become a part of the Multnomah County Health Reserve Corps (HRC). The HRC will be a voluntary unit made up of a wide range of licensed and certified healthcare professionals who will be called upon to assist in the response of a large-scale emergency. If you are interested in getting involved an application can be downloaded at http://www.mchealth.org/hrc or contact Zumana Rios at 503-988-3663 x26115.
WEB NEWS Our webmaster went to the SWNI web group that discusses new improvements to the SWNI website.  Improvements will continue to be made on the user friendliness of the site. If you have any pictures that you want posted on the site email them to the MarshallParkNA@yahoo.com.
GRANT:  Another grant was submitted to SWNI to help sponsor outreach, park improvements, and the National Night out party in the summer. The requested amount for the 2008 grant is $1,550.  If you are interested in seeing a copy of the grant proposal then contact the co-chairs at MarshallParkNA@yahoo.com One line item included in the grant is for planning money to have a kiosk set up in Marshall Park to keep neighbors informed of community events, etc. If you are interested in being apart of the discussions come to the next meeting and get involved!
NATURE WALK:  The first MPNA sponsored Nature Walk will take place Sat. November 10th. These are planned to happen once every season, so every 3 months.  Keep watching your email for notices on future nature walks. Notices for future nature walks will be posted on the MPNA website.                       
DRIVE SLOWLY SIGNS:  Looking for a way to slow down cars in the neighborhood? SWNI is selling SLOW DOWN signs for $15.00. Contact SWNI if you would like to purchase a sign.
NEXT MEETING IS THURSDAY DECEMBER 13TH 6-8 PM AT CAPITOL HILL SCHOOL LIBRARY. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

MPNA meeting minutes 8-Mar-2007

1. Community Policing - Officer Deanna Wesson spoke about community policing initiatives. She asked about issues that concern people in the neighborhood. She will return to future meetings so neighbors will get to know our primary contact in the police force.

2. Park Plan - In the next few months, Portland Parks will be creating a plan for Marshall Park. There will be a couple of meetings for public input.

3. Development Issues - Recently some neighbors saw brown sediment in the creek, discharged from a building site. They notified Bureau of Development Services, who issued a violation ticket to the builder. BDS will monitor the site weekly. Well done neighbors!

4. Web Site - The MPNA web site has been redesigned. It is still under the SWNI site. But now it is in a "page" format so we have more control over what is posted on our site, and where the postings appear.

5. Survey - MPNA is preparing a survey to find out what's important to people in the neighborhood. The first draft of the survey was reviewed during this meeting. The final survey will be available on the web, and also by mail.

6. Neighborhood Emergency Team - Three neighbors passed the final exercise and became full-fledged NET volunteers.

7. Letter to the Mayor - MPNA will send a letter to Mayor Potter, in support of the Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Motion by Karen, Second by Margot, carried unanimously.

MPNA meeting minutes 8-Feb-2007

1. FOMP - We discussed park projects. The drinking fountain has not worked for 10 years. It would be too expensive to repair. It will be removed. Plans are under way to repair the picnic table and bench.

2. GRANT - Jen presented a timeline for the grant projects. A draft of the survey will be prepared before next meeting. We will also organize neighborhood coffee gatherings, and nature walks in the park.

3. WEB - It was decided to continue on the SWNI site. It is simple, and would be easy to take over if we lost our webmaster. Many other neighborhoods are doing the same. Also we can share much of the SWNI information, such as NET.

4. NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY TEAMS - There was a meeting of Fire Station 10 NET team on 7-Feb-2007. Local school leaders presented their emergency plans. In Marshall Park, we don't have an obvious staging area. We may have to migrate to the closest staging area in other neighborhoods.

MPNA meeting minutes 11-Jan-2007

1. FOMP - We looked over the draft of the new Stewardship Agreement for Marshall Park. This will define how Friends of Marshall Park, and Portland Parks & Rec., will work together for the good of the park. Later this month, Louise and Mart from PPR will meet with FOMP to review and finalize the agreement. The two groups will also exchange ideas and try to develop a joint work plan.

2. GRANT - The city has awarded MPNA a grant of $2,000 to be used this year. It will mainly be spent on Outreach, Neighborhood Survey, Postcard, Nature Tours, and a new web site. The grant details will be posted on the MPNA web site. MPNA neighbors will also provide many "in kind" hours to implement the activities outlined in the grant. The focus will be on the survey and website in the first part of the year, and then turn to the postcard project and nature tours beginning in the spring.
3. LAND USE - We briefly looked at several new divisions and adjustments in the neighborhood.

4. NEIGHBORHOOD EMERGENCY PLANNING - Six MPNA neighbors took the NET training in December. We learned the importance of being prepared, and hope we can work with other neighbors so that MPNA will be ready in the event of a major disaster. Two MPNA neighbors attended the monthly meeting of the Fire Station 10 NET Team. Much of Arnold Creek and Marshall Park fall in this fire district. Much more to come on this in the future.

5. NEEDED - Volunteers to assist with the outreach activities (postcard and survey) from our grant. Ideas, photos, articles for the web site are encouraged. We also need MPNA representatives for Schools, Trails, and Transportation - meetings are optional for these posts, we just need representation. Anyone interested in helping, please write to marshallparkna@yahoo.com

MPNA meeting minutes 13-Dec-2006

Our meeting was canceled due to the mighty wind storm. We lost a few trees but thankfully we didn't lose any neighbors! Looking forward to seeing everyone next month.

MPNA meeting minutes 9-Nov-2006

1. Friends of Marshall Park: had a very informative walk through the park on November 4th with Portland Parks & Rec (PP&R) staff Mart Hughes & Louise Shorr. We talked about the need for flexible, integrated strategies depending on native plant growth phase, soil moisture and extent of invasive plant infestation. The next steps for the group are to determine goals & strategy to include in the Stewardship Agreement, to be completed by early 2007. At the November MPNA meeting, the members in attendance voted to approve a letter to PP&R on behalf of the Friends of Marshall Park regarding a Master Plan for Marshall Park. Tryon Creek State Park is slated to begin one in July 2007, and it is critical that Marshall Park and other adjacent properties are concurrently planned.

2. Next work party for invasive plant removal: Saturday, December 2nd, 9am; meet at the Marshall Park picnic tables. Great for any student needing community service hours!

3. Grant proposal: Marshall Park will also submit a proposal for the Small Grants Program administered by SWNI. The proposed outreach includes a new website, survey, door knocking, potlucks and monthly Nature Walks in Marshall Park. If you would like to see a copy of the proposal, please email MarshallParkNA@yahoo.com or call 503-246-2434. If approved, there will be many opportunities for volunteers to help throughout 2007 (the grant time period), so please keep MPNA in mind!

4. Capitol Hill Elementary: MPNA voted to endorse a grant proposal by the Capitol Hill PTA to present educational workshops regarding stormwater retrofit options. Involvement of NAs and the community is desired.

5. Bylaws: Articles V-XI (postponed from September when we ran out of time) were amended. Thank you to everyone who commented on them.

6. Volunteers: We still need people to volunteer for the following committees: Land Use, Schools, Public Safety/Problem Solving, Transportation, & SW Trails. Purpose is to connect with other NAs working on similar issues. If you can attend occasional meetings, great, but even staying on top of issues via email would be helpful.

7. Email list: To receive meeting reminders and other announcements (1-2 per month), send a message to MarshallParkNA@yahoo.com.

MPNA meeting minutes 12-Oct-2006

1. REVISIONS TO THE MPNA BYLAWS - We did not have a quorum (7) at this meeting. Revisions to the bylaws will continue at the next meeting.

2. IVY PULL - Three volunteers showed up at Marshall Park on Oct 7 and pulled a humongous load of ivy.

3. FRIENDS OF MARSHALL PARK - A meeting is needed to develop the stewardship agreement between Portland Parks and Friends of Marshall Park. FOMP is being set up as a sub-group of MPNA. A concern was raised that FOMP should not be limited to MPNA residents only. This is a valid concern, that merits further discussion. Next FOMP meeting Nov 4, 9:00 AM at the park picnic tables.

4. BIKE PATH - A bike path is being planned along Taylors Ferry, from Terwilliger to Spring Garden. It is in the early stages of planning. Grant money is available.

5. LITTER - A Neighborhood Response Office might be invited to a future MPNA meeting, for discussion of litter in the park, near the play area.