[bwna] BWNA board mtg minutes 9/02

[bwna@bwna.org]

Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood Association board meeting
9 September 2002

In attendance: Debra Kennedy, Margaret Davis, Helen Koba, Janet Baker, Mario Caoile, Melissa Ritter, Willie Nolan, Jim Karlock, Gloria and Jean from United Methodist, Jim Karlock, David Whitaker, Bill Markwart, Heidi Blischke, Dale Griggs, Roger Meyer, Bryce Kennedy from Grant High School 

Absences: Ted Perkins, Patrick Sweeney (excused), Jeanne Federovitch, Willie Nolan, Jose Escobar

Debra Kennedy called the meeting to order at 7:37 p.m. She announced that this would be her last meeting as president. Because of job requirements and taking care of her mother and house, she needs to resign from the board.
Melissa Ritter talked about the options, either filling out the rest of her term or holding another election.

October meeting: Janet Baker suggested asking local architect Kevin Cavenaugh to be our featured speaker. There was a recent newspaper story talking about other properties he may develop on Fremont. Janet will contact him. The meeting will also include a discussion of the survey results. Melissa mentioned the inviting the two candidates for City Council if there is a November runoff.

Newsletter: Heidi Blischke talked about City Council’s consideration of land use changes. She will submit a short article. Gloria presented information about events at Wilshire United Methodist Church.

Land Use: Heidi reported more on the City Council meeting. She said that a design overlay may not necessarily have a lot of clout. She said that the BWNA view of giving a design overlay more teeth would be a change we seek in the land use regulations. Neighborhood representatives at the meeting complained of not being heard by City Council. Public comment is solicited, but it’s not considered. Sometimes neighborhoods find out too late about pending developments, when it’s too late to negotiate.

Home tour: Melissa says a committee meeting is happening next week.

Transportation: Melissa reported that we are on the list for the radar-photo van on Fremont. It issues tickets instead of just displaying the speed of vehicles.

Survey: Debra will have the results ready for the October meeting.

Crime prevention/safety: Bill Markwart talked about activities in Wilshire Park, especially the east side of the park, which attracts kids and cars. More police patrols have been requested. He said that the idea for a school safety committee has fizzled, especially now that the Bittler murder is solved. Debra asked about the police citizen review board. Bill talked about “career protesters” and Bush’s recent visit. Debra mentioned seeing an increase in neighborhood graffiti.

School project: The Back to School Fiesta was last month, and donations were collected. Debra reported that at least 500 kids attended. The event promoted social services resources as well as distribute school supplies.

Picnic: Helen said there would be a summary in the newsletter.

Fremont Fest: People who worked the BWNA table reported on the day.

Bulky Waste: Melissa will call Willie Nolan and check on the project.

CNN: Debra said a meeting was coming up on Sept. 11. She said the CNN offices are moving soon. 

Beaumont Business Association: Jose Escobar was our representative and will need to be replaced. Melissa will contact the association and see whether it couldn’t send a representative to our neighborhood meetings.

Trees: Dale Griggs asked about the Friends of Trees planting being organized by a neighborhood resident.

Minutes from the July board meeting were approved.

Meetings: Heidi asked whether there was a way to get regular monthly meeting reminders. Mario Caoile mentioned that she could contact Rob Vaughn.

Treasurer’s Report: Balance, as of 9/9/02, is $4,310.91. Roger Meyer will make a request for money from CNN for newsletter publication, which is due about now. There was discussion on how we might spend the money. 

Bike parking: Margaret Davis still has to research the issue.

Announcements: Bill announced two bazaars, Sept. 28 and Nov. 2. Another is Nov. 9. Janet talked about nominating the woman who helped us do the school landscaping for a Spirit of Portland award. She reported on a hedge that died from lack of water. The plants were taken out last week and will be replanted this winter. The BWNA voted to nominate the landscape designer. 

Meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m.