|
|
July 2005 meeting minutes
Mt. Tabor Neighborhood Association
Regular meeting minutes
July 20, 2005
Board members present: Cascade Anderson Geller, Mark Bartlett, Sharlane Blaise, Eric Bosler, Clifford Carlsen, Nadine Fiedler, Bill Guthrie, Lois Heying, Dave Hillman, Don Jacobson, Cathy Kuehnl, John Laursen, Paul Leistner, Justin Leonard, Gayle Marechal, Nancy Norby, Remi Ogouma, Diane Redd, John Wish, and Bing Wong
Others present: Steve Hoyt (SEUL Rep.), Bud Manley, Mary and Hal Mowrey, and John Turner
Diane Redd led introductions. The June minutes were approved after two corrections were noted: Sharlane Blaise’s name was incorrectly spelled. An incorrect name was listed to whom Don Jacobson wrote a letter on behalf of the Environment committee. The correction should read, “He has written a letter to Don McTaggart, Parks Bureau maintenance supervisor for East District...” These corrections will be made in the final copy of the June minutes by the secretary. Bing Wong, treasurer, presented a Net Worth Report through 7/19/05, (see attached copy). He noted committed expenditures to the Drive Up Deli and MTN Gateway Projects, and to Mt. Tabor Middle School. Diane reported that few informational letters or flyers were sent to MTNA this month.
Neighbor Issues and Concerns
Neighborhood influence on development of infill lots
Cascade Anderson-Geller generated a discussion of how the neighborhood can be proactive with appropriate design, given concerns about a double lot sold to a developer on 56th Ave. between Hawthorne and Lincoln. Cascade agreed to draft a letter proposing ways for developers to consider neighbors’ views before the project design is set. This will be posted to the Board and discussed further.
Restrictive Covenant on home title
Responding to a neighbor, who was interested in removing a discriminatory statement attached to the home owner’s title, Justin Leonard has explored the removal process and will provide the information in the Mt. Tabor Newsletter. He noted that such statements are no longer valid, but may not have been deleted from the owner’s title.
Yamhill and 58th Development Request
Mark Bartlett asked for a letter of support for his request of an exemption of road width in developing his property in order to refrain from cutting mature trees on the property. Eric Bosler moved that the MTNA send a letter of support for Bartlett’s project to the city bureaus (BES, ODE, and Planning), which regulate development. The motion was seconded by John Laursen and approved unanimously; Cascade suggested that a statement be written that “the neighborhood values big trees and commends the developer’s willingness to save them.”
Development on double lot on 70th between Stark and Morrison
Following up on Stephen Doubleday’s presentation at the June meeting, a Land Use Attorney in the neighborhood asked Diane if she would send a letter to the developer, asking him to sign a commitment to the revised plan that he presented. He responded by telephone and said he would not sign it, possibly due to the legalistic nature of the letter. Mark Bartlett, a developer, noted that MTNA will be notified when the application is complete, but suggested that a small group (3) review such a letter before sending. This led to a discussion about a letter review policy and whether the Board would want to relinquish its responsibility, resulting in an ad hoc group action: Eric and Cascade volunteered to propose a letter review policy.
Committee Reports
Expenditure Committee
The committee, Kathie Kuehnl, Bunny Marechal, and Bing Wong, met and drafted a Policy for funding MTNA activities. It addressed recognition of service, expenses of standing and special committees, fundraising, training costs for Board approved projects, and sponsoring community projects. (See Draft, 7/20/05) After questions/discussion, Cliff Carlsen made a motion to approve the draft policy as written by the committee. It was seconded by Don Jacobson and approved unanimously. Diane reported that it would be attached to the bylaws when they are amended in the spring of 2006.
Environment Committee
Don Jacobson had requested Board comments on letter of concern to the Parks Bureau regarding open process for citizen involvement, reduced pesticide use in the parks, and use of native plants for wildlife habitat. Discussion occurred on how to improve clarity about the points made. It was decided that Board members must respond within 72 hours and Don will revise the letter to be sent to the mayor and city commissioners.
Consideration of insurance for Board Members
Mark Bartlett and Justin Leonard presented information regarding risk of litigation for board members, costs, and ONI’s defense fund. It was noted that state and federal statutes protect volunteer boards acting in the public interest. Diane asked for a vote whether an insurance policy cost should be explored further. Four people voted affirmatively, but others voted not to pursue the issue at this time. Bing will inform Joyce at SUEL of the decision.
Friends of Mt. Tabor Park
Dave Hillman announced that there will be a Community Care Day at Glencoe School, Sat., Aug. 27th, and the Friends’ Annual Potluck at the Mt. Tabor Park picnic shelter on Tues. Aug. 16th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm—open to all Mt. Tabor area residents with Mayor Tom Potter as honored guest. He also noted that the 2nd grade Brownies at Glencoe spread mulch at the park on their service day.
Land Use Update from Dave Hilts
Diane reported for Dave that he sent a letter to the city regarding concerns about the flag lot at 56th and Alder. He worked with the neighbors to formulate the objection from MTNA; they have also voiced their objection in a letter.
OLA Update
The OLA agreement has been signed with the Park Bureau. Nancy Norby reported about improvements made and scheduled for the site, and the organization of an OLA Stewardship Group. John Laursen displayed signs that the sign committee has approved and identified places where they will be placed. A straw poll of the attendees unanimously approved the signs.
Deli Site Update
Paul Leistner reported that the draft proposal is at the US Attorney’s office and he has had communication about financing the project. SEUL may have had a break through with insurance for the site.
Housekeeping Issues
--Diane thanked MaryAnn and John Wish for the new informational flyer.
--Diane announced that Board members can check in each meeting on a prepared sheet; this change is for the convenience of the secretary recording attendees.
--She informed us that Andy Weeda has replaced Andy Flowers as our contact with Western Seminary (phone: 503-517-1878).
--Gayle Marechal and Don Jacobson volunteered to arrive early and arrange chairs for the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.
Submitted by Lois M. Heying
|
|
