[bwna] BWNA minutes, 11/11/02

[bwna@bwna.org]

Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood Association board meeting
11 November 2002

In attendance: Margaret Davis, Helen Koba, Janet Baker, Melissa Ritter, Willie Nolan, Jim Karlock, David Whitaker, Bill Markwart, Heidi Blischke, Roger Meyer, Jeanne Federovitch, Mario Caoile, Ted Perkins, Patrick Sweeney

Absences: Dale Griggs

Melissa Ritter called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

The September board meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report as of 11/11/02
Balance as of 10/14/02: $4,835.26
Less checks 114.91
Plus deposits 390.
Balance $5,110.35

Melissa asked what the board thought of having a special election for president, the office recently vacated by Debra Kennedy. She does not mind being acting president, which the board approved. Ted Perkins was elected vice president. 

Melissa announced a commemoration of a bench in honor of Melissa Bittler at Meek School and said that she would attend. 

School news: Melissa gave an update on relations with principal Sherie Knutsen. She would still like to have the principal come to a meeting.

December meeting: Melissa has contacted Randy Leonard to come speak.

Jim Karlock mentioned that the neighborhood police officer should be allowed to speak as soon as she or he arrives. Melissa says she’s left reminders about our meetings.

Patrick Sweeney mentioned the Northwest Earth Institute and its programs. Heidi Blischke related her and her neighbors’ experience with the program. Patrick suggested that a representative be invited to speak at a general meeting.
 
Jim suggested that a transportation activist and John Charles of the Cascade Policy Institute be invited to speak.

Melissa suggested prioritizing the nominated speakers, including the Beaumont principal, Randy Leonard, and the others mentioned. Two speakers could work. 

There will be potluck refreshments with purchased juice.

Child care: Melissa and Heidi asked about whether to offer child care for the next general meeting. Bill Markwart talked about who would take responsibility for it. Ted and David Whitaker agreed that it’s a good idea and would increase meeting attendance. Roger Meyer requested that the person responsible be hired rather than just volunteer. That way, they are certified and compensated. We could think about instituting child care for the general meeting, five times a year. Melissa said we should at least have a trial run at the December meeting.

Crime prevention: Bill said car theft has become a real problem. Hide valuables and don’t store them in your car. Use anti-theft devices such as the Club, etc. There’s still a problem with drinking at Wilshire Park. Heidi mentioned a Web site that shows crime statistics within a few blocks of one’s residence. Janet Baker said the info should go in the newsletter.

Bill mentioned there is a chance to volunteer to help deliver baskets for the Sunshine Division on Dec. 21. Contact Bill if interested.

Land use: Next meeting is Nov. 19 at Alameda Brew Pub. Patrick talked about the city’s plan for a dog park at Wilshire Park. A fence would be provided in summer months. Patrick mentioned that he will gather more information about the program and bring the news back to us for approval or not.

The cemetery has put forth its master plan and last month had an open house to announce its plans, which incorporated a lot of positive revisions requested by neighborhood. Patrick wrote a letter requesting a sidewalk in the first phase instead of the proposed latter one. The 70-acre area is zoned open space, so one neighbor has argued that the cemetery should become a better neighbor and pressured to do more. A decision by the city is due in about two weeks. Heidi asked about access. Statewide it’s a significant cemetery for its special Japanese American burial area.

Patrick received an angry letter from a neighborhood resident objecting to his testimony at the meeting.

Patrick also talked about Kevin Cavenaugh’s talk at the last general meeting and his process for selecting a restaurant for the space.

Newsletter: Helen talked about the slate of articles for the upcoming issue and asked Bill to write up some of his crime tips for the holidays.

Spirit of Portland awards: Janet mentioned that Mary Jaron-Kelley, who was nominated by BWNA, won the award. She may be profiled in the newsletter.

Home tour: Melissa said the committee has evaporated, and the idea is up for grabs. At last count, six places were nominated for the tour, which may not be enough. She talked about what was involved in putting a tour together. Ted suggested tabling the idea until someone steps up to chair the committee.

Survey results: They will appear in the upcoming newsletter.

CNN: Melissa said BWNA hasn’t been sending a representative. She will try harder to make the Wednesday meetings and asked for a second representative to attend them. Heidi said she would go sometimes, and David will be a backup.

Beaumont Business Association: Willie asked who he should contact to engage as BWNA liaison. 

Money: Patrick mentioned a tree that was broken near Pizzicato and how we might pay to replace it. Ted will ask the Beaumont Plaza owner about the tree. 

Melissa solicited suggestions on spending our money. Elective school programs and academic reward programs, an endowed scholarship, a Fremont Street traffic device such as a crosswalk, and a bike rack came up as possibilities.

Nonprofit status: Roger reported on his findings. We’re probably doing OK for now but should look further into confirming or changing our status. Right now we are merely an “unaffiliated neighborhood association” under Central Northeast Neighbors.

Bike parking: Patrick suggested a “matching” program with area businesses. Margaret Davis will research where the racks might go and how much they cost. David will help out with a neighborhood survey.

Street banners: Mario Caoile asked about them.

Transportation summit: Patrick will ask Heather to report on a transportation seminar she attended recently.

Newsletter distribution: Jeanne Federovitch steps down; Lisa Chiba steps up.

Donations: Janet suggested giving the churches our annual contributions. $150 will go to each. Melissa encouraged people to come up with ideas for ways to spend BWNA funds. We should address the survey results at our next meeting.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:48 p.m.