Approved Minutes North Tabor Neighborhood Association 7 PM February 17, 2009 Providence Cancer Center Conference Room D – Meeting Adjourned around 8:35 PM Notes Submitted by DyLynn Robertson, Secretary C.N.A.
INTRODUCTIONS & WELCOME – Jake welcomes and asks for self-introductions of attendees.
Board Members Present: April Burris, Jacob Wollner, Sam Fuqua, DyLynn Robertson, John Rusoff, Rey Ko, Joe Recker, Robert Jordan, Sean Besso (Absent: Shirley Nacoste, Adrian Russell-Falla) Committee Members & Neighbors: Tom Wilburn, Lori Kennedy, Candice Jordan, and Judy Kennedy
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN:
Approved January 2009 Meeting Minutes
Approved request of Communications Committee: $300 to mail (partial) March/April issue (In favor- 8, Opposed – Rusoff). Budget; National Night Out, and Telephone Number options work groups formed.
MEETING GROUND RULES – reviewed by Jacob and time keeping assignment taken by Tom W.
NEIGHBORHOOD POLICE – Officer Leslie Pintarich (Montavilla neighborhood) shared about increase in car prowls in SE PDX; recommends don’t leave valuable such as GPS or identification inside. Toyota trucks continue to be target of thieves after catalytic converters – even though cash value of metal is down. Citywide bicycle thefts continue; recommends writing down serial # on bikes (all property really, especially laptops, etc.) and using u-locks versus cable locks on bikes. Sam mentions reporting increase in graffiti with no response from “Graffiti Hotline” and Officer Pintarich recommends calling Officer Pickett at SE Precinct for follow-up. Rey asks the Officer how much City Commission Leonard’s push to enforce building/fire marshal codes will have impact on businesses in our neighborhood and officers who serve us…Officer Pintarich says not much impact. Judy asks about closing of SE Precinct; it is confirmed that the officers who serve for our area will be based at Central Precinct will smaller area of NTN served by East Precinct. Concern expressed regarding bridge closures impacting level of service. Officer Pintarich is confident that service will come from all areas when necessary. Robert reports hearing Chief Sizer speak about the effect being more on offices not officers on the street. Some specialty teams will continue to be based at SE Precinct.
BOARD REPORTS
Treasurer – John reports balance as of February 17, 2009 $486.39 checking; $2375.06 money market with deposit from ad revenue to be made of $307.00. Might have outstanding invoice for website domain purchase. DyLynn suggest work group form for creating budgets to help guide our decision-making. Jake motions, Robert seconds, approved with all in favor. John, Candice and DyLynn volunteer.
Secretary – DyLynn motions to accept last meeting minutes. Board approves with 8 in favor and Sam abstaining. DyLynn reviews committee structure to clear up a misunderstanding about “committees” and “work-groups” and reviews proposal guidelines based on NTNA bylaws. Candice asks for everyone to recruit new Board or committee or project volunteers. Jake asks for newsletter announcements that ask for specific participation. Rey wants all NTNA Board members to be active in working on projects. Jake says this sentiment is shared by all. Rey and Jake discuss the challenge of “enforcing this.” Robert wonders what mechanism other than a changing of our bylaws could “force” participation. Candice points out that everyone around the table is participating. General sentiment is that board members do tend to do too much and we need more participation on many levels.
Southeast Uplift – April reports the news from SEUL’s Board meeting on 2/02/09 and reminds that these open meetings occur on the first Monday of each month. New interim director, Paula Manly, is now on board. Six urban planning students from PSU want to work with SEUL and NA’s to look at climate change and ways to increase energy efficiency in neighborhoods – survey ahead. A “Community Dialog for Neighborhood Leaders” led by Judith Mowry, will be held 2/26/09. Bicycle Transit focus on the upcoming Pdx Master Plan wants to shift bike routes from main streets with increase in bike boulevards or the innovative “cycle tracks” which raise the bikes off the street between the cars & pedestrians. The “Neighborhood Tour 2009” is scheduled for 6/09/09…take a trip through SEUL neighborhoods and potluck at Tabor Commons…April has more info on these events: april@centerpdx.org or visit www.southeastuplift.org
COMMUNITY CONNECTION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE WORK GROUP REPORTS
Community Connect – April reports this work group met on 2/09/09 to talk about “transparency” and accessibility of meetings, emphasizing we want all residents to know how our process works. Group aims to make recommendations based on the Community Connect values as we look forward to recruiting new board and committee members. DyLynn shares one idea Rey put forth…that of NTNA Board hosting walk-n-talk in each of the areas of our neighborhood like the MAX Station Review event. Will continue to work on this. John reminds that Shogren House was much better option for social events. Wonder if other facilities within Providence or the outdoor areas at the Montessori school are options. Rey suggests that activities based outdoors show/expose neighbors to what is going on and recognizes there is not enough exposure at Providence Plaza. Discussion turns to valuable and fun experiences that neighbors share during National Night Out. Judy reminded that in years past a musical group toured the ‘hood’s dozen or so NNO parties. Robert motions for a work group form to coordinate NNO 2009. Jake seconds & Board approves all in favor. April and Rey volunteer to get started.
IRCO – Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons, Coordinator of the IRCO Community Development Program wrote to NTNA chairs in late January, introducing Abdirahman Ali, a graduate of Portland State and of the “Engage 08" program. This begins an effort toward connecting members of communities who are not well informed about the activities and services available to residents of neighborhoods, as well as explore ways to create more cross-cultural relationships. Jake responded to Rev. Santos-Lyons note.
Center Commons Survey/Council – no report
Childcare Proposal – DyLynn brings up proposal that was made last summer for review and recommendations. John points out school age caregivers are hard to find on school nights and suggests we try to limit care/activities to general membership meetings to reduce disruptions. Candice does want to help more people get involved; others wonder about liability for on-site care…Robert feels probably not an issue when parents are on-site as well. Jake would like to see reimbursement for parent who pays for childcare in order to participate. Judy thinks this could also help people attend other committee meetings or events as well. Last year was first time to receive such funds. DyLynn will follow-up with SEUL to see if funds will continue.
Board Member Recruitment – Michael Blair resigned his board position this month. We now have a total of 11 board members with 4 spaces open (NTNA Bylaws say 15 max). Jake wants to reach people with the message that their participation is welcome. Rey wonders where are all the folks who supported the name change last year. April wants to add discussion of “Meet & Greet” events to next month’s agenda. Also need to have article in May newsletter!
Volunteer Coordinator – This is a new addition to the outreach efforts and without knowing the nuts & bolts of it yet, Lori Kennedy has volunteered to be the point person for neighborhoods interested in participating in NTNA meetings and activities! Yeah! DyLynn will share full NTNA neighbor contact list.
Telephone/Mailing Address – Candice introduced the idea of a dedicated phone number/voicemail system for NTNA. A service she now uses costs around $60 annually. Discussion was supportive of this idea. Robert proposed a work group form to explore the options, including checking with SEUL about the availability of a “mailbox” within their phone system — all in favor. Candice and DyLynn sign up.
NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT COMMITTEE WORK GROUP REPORTS
Rosemont Bluff – April reports good turnout for last work-party. Mulch was spread around the native plantings atop the bluff. General consensus is in favor of an Earth Day event in April but not sure of details Robert has offered a DIY rain barrel for raffle…April suggests a seeking out a “green street” model from City. Candice suggests potluck after work party on April 25th. Contact April or Lori to volunteer. Need to announce something in newsletter.
Land Use – Sean states nothing has come through from City recently. Some questions from neighbors about the Copper Rooster expanding its patio for smoking. No adjustments were requested on this so really no opportunity to comment. Jake asks all committees and work groups to submit updates he receives to the newsletter. Rey asks about enforcement of zoning codes. Jake suggests that a “how to get permits, etc.” type of article be written up for newsletter and listed on website. Info likely available from BDS…Rey will seek info on enforcement and we’ll aim to get something in the newsletter.
Spring Clean-Up – Sean asks for all NTNA Board members to cover a shift for the day. Be ready to sign up for shift! Reports that Free Geek, Far West Fiber, Master Recyclers and Rebuilding Center will all likely participate this year. May 16 is likely date and Sean will confirm with Fred Meyer ASAP so we can get into newsletter. We need signs throughout the neighborhood and Sean will look into getting them printed. Jake wonders if we can get a sponsor for the door hangers or the signs. Rey reminds that a yard sale associated with Clean-Up would be FUN! Candice and others agree…will consider further.
Friends of Trees – Many more trees this year (over 90!) with the financial support that came from Providence. Around 1/3 of these trees are in the “Center Pocket” and Robert is hoping for a good turnout of volunteers from that area in particular. Only two weeks left to pay for ordered trees. Planting is March 21…with deliver of mulch to sites ahead of time. Contact Robert to volunteer. Joe will follow-up with Providence newsletter to alert PPMC employees of opportunity to get involved.
NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY COMMITTEE WORK GROUP REPORTS
Sullivan’s Gulch – Robert reports the project received matching funds including funds for Pdx Parks planners to go ahead with site planning.
SEP Update –.project is complete…will seek “update” or summary of progress with the green street project for next month.
MAX Study – Next public meeting is Saturday, 2/28 at Providence. Armstrong, et al, will provide update and seek feedback.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE WORK GROUP REPORTS
Newsletter – Candice submitted report to NTNA Board summarizing finances including print costs, ad revenues and mailing fees/postage. Discussion included preference to continue with bi-monthly publication and to include deadlines, etc. in an updated “NTNA Year-In-The-Life” calendar. The greatest concern with continuing to mail the newsletter, is of course financial. Candice proposes authorization of up to $300 for partial mailing of Mar/Apr issue. Approved (in favor 8, opposed Rusoff).
Website – DyLynn has made contact with a web developer, Andrew Brookins, who has Drupal experience and feels he could finish up our site. DyLynn will contact Adrian and request estimate from Mr. Brookins…for next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
NTNA LOGO – DyLynn asks Tom W. if he would work on some logo options…he agreed and will bring to next meeting.
KBOO/SEUL Collaboration – although interesting and important, this ended up having to do with the SEUL Board not NTNA Board…que sera, sera.
NEXT MONTH – MEETING IS ON MARCH 17…SAME PLACE AND TIME.
Board members, please Contact Joe and Jake at chair@centerpdx.org when you cannot attend the meeting.