[bwna] BWNA minutes, Jan. 2003

[bwna@bwna.org]

Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood Association board meeting
13 January 2003

In attendance: Margaret Davis, Helen Koba, Janet Baker, Melissa Ritter, Willie Nolan, Jim Karlock, David Whitaker, Bill Markwart, Mario Caoile, Ted Perkins, Patrick Sweeney, Janet Baker, Gloria from Wilshire United Methodist

Absences: Dale Griggs, Roger Meyer (excused)

Melissa Ritter called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.

The November board meeting minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report as of 11/13/03
Balance as of 12/9/02: $4,236.35
Less checks 38.
Plus deposits 200.
Balance $4,398.35

Finances: Melissa talked about potential uses for our money: a scholarship for a senior from our neighborhood and signs that say “Slow down” posted in the neighborhood. Similar ones are on 51st and 47th avenues. There was discussion about locating the signs, permit requirements, etc. 

Bike racks: Margaret Davis and David Whitaker reported on their efforts to survey bike parking and solicit business partnerships in paying for and installing bike racks. There are two kinds available: virtually free staple racks from the city and pricey artful ones from Creative Metalworks.

Jim Karlock noted that our finances may not be as solid as we think and that we should reconsider giving so much money away right now. There was discussion about how much we should be donating to projects in the neighborhood and whether we should carry such a high balance.

Bill Markwart brought up the fact that future expenses may be a consideration, such as providing an engraver to neighborhood residents. Jim Karlock talked about a table dedicated to equipment lending. Maybe the hardware store could help manage it?

Willie Nolan talked about past massive donations that have been suggested and encouraged financial prudence with our surplus. 

The board voted to award $1,000 to neighborhood projects.

Bill Markwart suggested that we make the decisions about how to spend the money at the general meeting. Ted Perkins related his experience with the Roseway Neighborhood Association and how the board was able to take care of business. 

The board voted to present the donation issue to the general membership at the next meeting. We will have some suggestions: slow down signs, bike racks, and an as-yet-undefined project for Beaumont Middle School. Neighbors can also bring up their own suggestions for projects.

Child care: Willie asked how well it worked at our last general meeting. Two kids showed up. There was discussion about paying for the caregivers or soliciting volunteers. We will continue hiring the caregivers for the time being and continue advertising the service in the newsletter.

Next meeting: The police will be invited again. There was discussion about potential speakers. Patrick Sweeney said he would get in touch with a “neighborhood team building” representative. It’s part of Northwest Earth Institute and encourages neighbors to get together, discuss issues, and get to know each other.

Everyone brainstormed for speaker ideas, from home improvement to water conservation. Bill talked about doing something for the middle school. Bill said Bethany Lutheran might join in the effort.

Bulky waste: Willie said it will happen in spring.

Crime prevention: Bill said auto theft is still an issue. Hondas and Toyotas are particular targets. He cautioned against leaving valuables in cars.

Land use: Patrick Sweeney said the committee meets the fourth Monday of every month at varying locations. There are plans afoot to meet with Roseway neighborhood representatives about their visioning process and what we can learn from it. There’s a proposal to have a neighborhood walk once the weather gets better.

Patrick reported on the CNN land use meeting. A lot-splitting issue is becoming a hot topic. There’s talk of developing a task force to work with the city to try to change a date in the city code that affects development on certain-size lots. Complaints have been that too much housing goes on too little land and that it is cheaply built. Parkrose in particular is hard-hit. A section of our neighborhood is also at risk.

Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m.