[bwna] BWNA minutes, 2/03

[bwna@bwna.org]

Beaumont Wilshire Neighborhood Association
10 February 2003

In attendance: Margaret Davis, Helen Koba, Melissa Ritter, Patrick Sweeney, Bill Markwart, Mario Caoile, Heidi Blischke, Jim Karlock, Ted Perkins, Willie Nolan, CNN public safety representative Katherine Anderson, Northwest Earth Institute representative Maggie Maggio

Absences: Roger Meyer (excused), Dale Griggs, Janet Baker, David Whitaker

Melissa Ritter called the meeting to order at 7:32 p.m.

Minutes of the December general meeting were distributed and approved.

Treasurer’s report: (2/10/03)
Balance 11/13/03: $4,398.35
Less checks $1.
Plus deposits $420.
Balance $4,817.35

Northwest Earth Institute: Maggie Maggio described the Neighborhood Sense of Place program; its goal is to bring discussion courses to small groups of neighbors. The discussion format started in law firms and has grown to 48 states. 
Goal is threefold: build community, strengthen the neighborhoods, and develop a caring sense of place. Neighborhood Sense of Place program uses a formatted discussion course, including short readings. The format for the meetings is also in the materials. Volunteers from NEI can come in to get things started. One course available is Choices for Sustainable Living, a more hands-on discussion course. It’s a free program but the materials cost $15 apiece. 
She also had on hand materials having to do with NEI as well as the courses. A “field guide” is available for summer activities. Eight to 12 people is a good size for a group, and it’s ideal if participants don’t have to drive to the meetings. By the time participants are finished with the course, they may find they have deeper connections among themselves.
She was asked what “sustainable” meant, and there was discussion about its definition and value. Others discussed the state of our local natural resources and a similar venture called Eco Teams.
Maggie stressed that the discussions, not the readings, are the most important part of the courses.

Public safety: CNN public safety representative Katherine Anderson came in to discuss effects of budget cuts, including reduced jail and police services. She cautioned against leaving valuables in vehicles as car prowls are on an increase.
Crime’s down in our neighborhood, by the way.  The best thing to do is get to know your neighbors, she said, because people who know each other look out for each other. She made it clear she was arguing on behalf of county and state services, but no cuts to city police are scheduled yet.

Funds: Melissa presented the board’s suggestion for spending $1,000 on community projects: They include: slow-down signs for streets and/or lawns; bike racks; and helping out the school, for instance buying folders for the Beaumont Middle School band to protect its music. Another proposal was providing resources to Beaumont Middle School for other of its extracurricular activities.
There was discussion about making the signs ourselves and other methods for slowing traffic on neighborhood streets and/or at particularly busy intersections. There was discussion about crosswalks, their effectiveness, and access.
The membership voted to give $800 to the school, half of which goes to the band, and $200 toward bike racks along Fremont.

Next meeting: We’re having a Taste of Beaumont-Wilshire and have invited local restaurants. Elections are also on the agenda.

Schools: Nearby Meek Elementary may close. Melissa announced an open house on the issue happening Feb. 27.

Trees: There’s a tree planting happening this winter. It’s March 15, gathering at Bethany Lutheran parking lot at 9 a.m. Contact is Eileen at 503-528-8172.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:55 p.m.