Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc.
Board Minutes
August 22, 2007
Attendance: Kathy Bambeck, Glenn Bridger, Kirky Doblie, David Gens, Nancy Hand, Marcia Leslie, Jan Weston, Tom Schaper, Marianne Fitzgerald, Tye Steinbach, Ken Love, Jim Gardner, Will Fuller, Jim Thayer, John Gibbon, Jill Gaddis; Nancy Hand; Jan Weston, John Matcovich
Staff: Sylvia Bogert.
Press: Lee Perlman, Multnomah Village Post
Guests: Launa Rae Matthews, Janelle Werner, David McWherter, OHSU Nursing School
President Glenn Bridger called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The Board approved the agenda and the minutes of the July 19, 2007 meeting.
President Bridger asked that as those present introduce themselves they indicate a health concern in their neighborhoods. Concerns raised included pedestrian safety, dementia and Alzheimer’s, childhood obesity, traffic, street dust, and livability.
Presentation by OHSU Student Nurses
OHSU Student Nurses Janelle Werner and McWherter reported on their study of public health issues for seniors in our area. As mobility and transportation issues increase for seniors, people become more homebound and isolated. The speakers explored ways to make our elders more visible, including outreach, resources awareness, transportation options, and how to get people to take advantage of services like Neighborhood House and the community center. Tri-Met is trying to encourage locating more senior facilities on bus lines. Launa Rae Matthews noted a concern is that isolated folks need to be identified for help in emergencies.
Ms. Matthews then reported on the Markham School Neighborhood Community Assessment done by four students who could not attend the meeting. Although Southwest is relatively affluent, there are pockets of populations needing public health care services.
Kirky Doblie asked that data in report be made available to the Neighborhood Associations. It will be put on the website.
Executive Committee Reports
President Bridger: President Bridger reported on the open house the previous evening regarding the Garden Home-Fanno station project that had failed. He had pointed out communication problems and absence of records to determine responsibility and suggested more business-like records management system. President Bridger asked that Southwest Neighborhoods Committee Reports focus on action items. He asked that minutes be forwarded to the Board but not be included in the report itself.
Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer Tom Schaper presented several report formats showing various budget items. He has prepared a power point presentation on how the budget system works. He noted the need for metrics for evaluating the Small Grants and other expenditures. Responding to comment by Jim Thayer on SWHRL executive assistant salary, Executive Director Bogert said she would break out the applicable information.
Executive Director Report
Sylvia Bogert announced the application deadline for the community outreach position has been extended to August 31. Funds used for the position will also be listed separately to show how the funds have been used. She reported on success of the National Night Out parties, the summer concerts, the Multnomah outdoor movies, the Maplewood summer picnic, the SWHRL ice cream social and the Multnomah Days parade. She reported on follow up on the communications changes on the websites and announced Wes McMullen will organize the first communications committee meeting on September 10.
Standing Committee Reports
Trails Committee: Don Baack (excused). Jim Thayer reported concerns re Council Crest access and parking with reconstruction of tower. Don Baack is trying to get a trail from St. Martin’s Lane up to Fairmount. Stephens Creek Trail dedication on September 8th at 11 am.
Land Use Committee – John Gibbon explained the RECAP process. Land Use Committee recommends no forum on Measure 49 as such an event would actually be a debate.
Committee is not recommending support appeal on South Waterfront building decision. He indicated committee considering moving to quarterly meetings because of poor attendance.
Jim Thayer reported Terwilliger Plaza reneging promise of sidewalks on SW Broadway Drive in return for neighborhood support of new building. The Board referred this issue to the Transportation Committee for action.
Crime Prevention/Public Safety Committee Nancy Hand reported the Committee is planning the police officer recognition reception October 15. She also reported on Michael Boyer’s work with Hillsdale Terrace and Slavin Court and the work of the volunteer officers at the basketball camp.
Transportation Committee – Marianne Fitzgerald presented draft letter to Sam Adams. Board approved the letter with some editing. She reported the System Development Charge rates will be reviewed on September 5. We are resubmitting Southwest Neighborhoods May 23 letter as there had been no response. Commissioner Adams will hold an open house on September 17 at the Multnomah Center. There is another stakeholder meeting on September 24. She reported on the status of the Halo LID approach to funding needed pedestrian improvements. Four neighborhoods have asked to have pilot projects.
School Committee – Will Fuller reported the committee is expanding the number of schools served and discussed the PPS system for new hires.
Parks & Community Centers Committee – Kirky Doblie reported on Fulton Park community center. Terri Davis is now SW Zone Services Manager for Parks Bureau. She reported on activities and work parties in parks and advised of dedication of Holly Farm Park on September 15. Ken Love reported success of South Portland NA concerts in Willamette park: they plan on doing 5 next year.
Unfinished Business
Maplewood Land Conservation Easement Project: President Bridger presented Leonard Gard’s report recommending against Southwest Neighborhoods accepting grant of easement. President Bridger reported the Executive Committee had concluded Southwest Neighborhoods could not economically take on responsibility of paying for required insurance and maintenance of the easement. Bridger asked approval of Executive Committee recommendation. At the request of Jill Gaddis, along with John Matcovich, representing Maplewood NA, the Board tabled the matter to allow exploration of further funding sources and alternate proposal for managing the easement.
Personnel Committee Appointments: The Board confirmed appointments of John Gould, Jayne Cronlund, Nancy Hand, and Glenn Bridger to the Personnel Committee.
New Business
Nancy Hand: System Development Charge list is going in front of City council 9/5
Ken Love: Sellwood Bridge update: visit the website and give input.
Meeting adjourned 8:35 pm.