Wednesday, February 15, 2023 7:00-8:30 PM on Zoom:
Attendees: Melanie Billings-Yun, Patty Murphy, Morgan Lee, Kim Silverman, Mike Lynch, John Neumann, Joyce del Rosario, Sarah Taylor, Craig Koon, Divinity Oliver, Mark Dane, RobWilcox
Call to order
Motion to approval of agenda – Nancy, 2nd by John – Approved
Motion to approve December board minutes – Craig, 2nd by John – Approved
Introduction of current Board and candidates
Morgan Lee & Patty Murphy – Welcome!
Height adjustment application for 3216 SW Fairmont Ave—Mark Dane
Presentation by Mark outlining the requested setback and height adjustments. No objections from the Board. The home will be in line with other neighboring properties and block less than 50% of the property line abutting the street. Motion to write a letter of approval – Kim, second by Nancy – Approved. Craig will draft letter.
Landscaping project—Joyce, Sarah, Divinity Oliver
Update from Divinity, PSU lead gardener and consultant to this project – Goal is to create a Heritage Path up the SW Hills, starting with the 6 cement planters on the I-405 overpass. They have been meeting with ODOT and received positive feedback. Need to put together a list to give to landscape architect so that permits can be obtained. Divinity is working to identify PSU groups and organization to help maintain the path. There is a gardening task force that could help out. She is looking at putting together a meeting to draw people in and coordinate. Going beyond the planters would require more plants and work, but need to confirm with the landscape architect. Questions from the board about long term maintenance, watering, funding. Materials will most likely be donated. Storm Water Stars will donate two planters. Then we’ll tackle the remaining four. Melanie will follow up with NWNW about qualifying for an I-405 project grant.
Treasurer’s report and changes to banking procedures — Kim Silverman
No changes to account balances. NWNW has sent us a check to consolidate accounts. We need to come up with an auditing system to protect the treasure and members of the Board. Currently two people are required to sign any checks. Other people on the account (John and Nancy) should be looking at the statements. Discussion about using some of the earmarked funds (Elms, Old Orchard) for the 405 project. Save our Elms grant has been written to be more broadly focused on landscaping, so should be available.
Community Get-together – Sarah Taylor
Sarah is putting together a NWNW grant application for a springtime SWHRL community gathering. Portland Heights Park would be a good location. SWHRL blesses this!
Oregon Community Solar Program – Melanie
Sean Micken of Oregon Shines has asked if SWHRL will endorse the Oregon Community Solar Program. While the Board was generally supportive, it was decided the we wait for more evidence of program implementation before endorsing.
Social Equity Workshop—Melanie
NWNW is offering various DEI trainings. Board decided to request the workshop on bridging relationships with community organizations for our March meeting. Melanie will follow up.
2023-24 Looking forward – Melanie
Do to complexity of the process and running out of meeting time, we agreed to share initial thoughts on our 2023-24 action by email and discuss at March meeting and present to members at April meeting. The April meeting will be in person. John will follow up with application to use Ainsworth School.
Meeting concluded 8:35 pm