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February 2005 meeting minutes
Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association
Regular meeting minutes
February 16, 2005
Board members present: Sharlaine Blaise, Eric Bosler, Nadine Fiedler, Laura Gordon, Bill Guthrie, Dave Hilts, Don Jacobson, John Laursen, Paul Leistner, Bunny Marechal, Gayle Marechal, Jennifer Pultz, Diane Redd, John Turner, and Bing Wong.
Others included: Barbara Grimala, Justin Leonard, Hal Mowrey, Mary Mowrey, Cliff Carlsen, Cascade Anderson Geller, Dan Wilson, Bruce Treat, Sandra Lucas, Joanne Arnst, Jim Gladson and Henry Stevens of DES, John Donovan of the water bureau, and Steve Hoyt from SEUL.
Diane Redd led introductions, and Bing Wong presented the treasurer’s report. The January minutes were approved, and Diane summarized information sent to MTNA, including news of a March 28 public safety forum, the SEUL annual retreat on March 26, and a water bureau info session on March 30.
Presentations
Bureau of Environmental Services
Jim Gladson and Henry Stevens discussed the watershed management program and particularly the city’s sustainable stormwater initiatives. The aim is reducing the amount of stormwater that goes into pipes and channeling it into natural areas that will absorb the water, including green roofs, swales, planted curb extensions, and trees. Problems they are addressing include sewer capacities and basement flooding. Eventually MTNA may be able to help with volunteer labor for maintaining these areas.
Issues and Concerns
HBBA event
Tara Choate of the Hawthorne Blvd. Business Association said that they are planning an event on April 23 to celebrate their new banners, and she asked for input on possible related activities, including clean-ups and graffiti removal (agilityteam@juno.com, 503-232-5037).
Bylaws revision
The amended MTNA bylaws will be voted on in April; the changes all refer to a new vice president position. A motion to pass the amendments on for a formal vote passed unanimously.
Park noise policy
John Laursen and Eric Bosler presented a draft of guidelines for people who want amplified music in the park after the hours permitted by the parks bureau. A motion that the guidelines be adopted, with the latest permissible ending time being 8:30 p.m. instead of the stated 9 p.m., passed unanimously.
Committee Reports
Environment
Don Jacobson said that the group bought two books instead of four for a total of $43. Info on the backyard wildlife certification program will be added to the website. Sharlaine Blaise passed around a petition to protest funding cuts to community gardens. Committee member Glenda Stewart will be in charge of naturescaping.
Website
Bill Guthrie reported that unique visitors to the site have been steadily increasing, up to 230 per month in January. The most popular pages are the news section, events, links, MTNA info, and history. He’d link to increase links to our site to rank higher in search engines.
Land use
Jennifer Pultz and Dave Hilts are planning a Land Use 101 workshop on March 10 at Western Seminary to explain land use laws and how to work with city bureaucracy. Dave talked about a big loophole he sees that encourages big houses being built, which in turn devalue the neighborhood.
Clean-up
Gayle Marechal has set the clean-up for Saturday, May 14, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Friends of Mt. Tabor Park
A free program will take place on March 17 at 7 p.m. in the Western Seminary chapel with two speakers. The park has a new tractor that lives in a shipping box.
Drive-Thru Wake-Up Deli
With the sentencing of the former owner, the property can now be sold. Site acquisition is now critical, especially funds to pay for the property for use as a community center. Numerous grants are in process but more money is needed; Paul L. asked MTNA for a $1,000 pledge toward all the funds that need to be raised for this community ownership project. This was so moved. Further discussion touched on the need for MTNA to raise money more aggressively and SEUL’s guardianship of the property while clean-up is taking place. The motion passed unanimously.
Off leash area and mayor’s meeting on water quality regulations
Paul L. said that the facilitated meeting last week went well and there is a good chance for positive action between neighbors, stakeholders, and the park. He also said that Tom Potter called a meeting to discuss waiving water quality regulations, and that all the recommendations from the Friends of the Reservoirs were adopted.
—Submitted by Nadine Fiedler |
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