SW Neighborhoods, Inc. Empowering Citizens since 1978

Guest Officer Elwood once again emphasized the importance of reporting incidents, even car prowls that had no break in.  The traffic control and speeding problems anticipated with the Multnomah sewer project were discussed.

Committee Reports

Community Liaison: Nancy Donner reported activity at the water tanks; plans for a 2½ story bldg. in the Multnomah Village business block; and urged everyone to read the local monthly papers.

Land Use: Gary Miniszewski presented the letter he had composed about open space zoning for the Smith sports fields, which led to lengthy discussion of the conditional use hearing ( Apr. 20 ) when PPS applies for Riverdale Dist. to use the property for their K-8 school while they construct a new  building. Jack, Gary, Ester, and Courtney plan to attend the hearing and voice our concerns which have been discussed at length during many ANA meetings. Gary will edit his letter to PPS about zoning, include sending a copy to BES, as well as PPR. SWNI Board: Dorothy Gage suggested that everyone read about the Board retreat, and future plans in the SWNI News.

Transportation: Marianne Fitzgerald commented that the written reports from all SWNI Board committees, emailed upon request, help to coordinate activities and projects. Barbur sidewalks process continues; Capitol Hwy. engineering is proceeding, it includes a major stormwater project; I-5 Iowa St. viaduct  replacement project  details available at SWNI office.

Roger Averbeck presented the map of proposed bikeways and urged everyone to attend the May 18 public meeting at Wilson H.S. He reported on the meetings and conversations with Multnomah sewer project staff and shared drawings of detours, sign placement, and other traffic control data. Marianne noted that the overlap of the I-5 and sewer projects will disrupt traffic for many SW drivers. Jack will request BES staff attend ANA meeting in June.

Marianne described a consolidation move at City Hall which would ease and speed the permitting process BUT decrease citizen input, and dilute the power of bureau staff to respond to concerns brought to them. Development Services and the responsible council member would have power over all bureau chiefs. This is an issue we need to watch closely.

Executive Committee Reports
Brian Russell thanked Board members for their work over the past year and called for getting more neighbors to volunteer. Discussion followed on ways to involve neighbors: a vice chair position to assume leadership next; finding an issue that gets people’s attention; offering more leadership training; an emergency is often a catalyst. Jim Thayer suggested moving the Board meetings around the community. Noted that many other organizations are having same issues—reaching out and getting diverse communities involved. Suggestion to reach out to residents in housing projects. Passed motion that Sylvia Bogert look into rotating meeting places (two nay votes).
Treasurer Tom Schaper gave reports for June and July. Noted BES now billed monthly. Executive Director is trying to build up cushion to protect against city payment delays. Discussion regarding whether restricted funds available for SWNI operational expenses pending receipt of city funds.

Executive Director Report: Sylvia Bogert advised SWNI will have AmeriCorps worker for 600 hours beginning after Labor Day. Person will focus on outreach. Consideration of video training thru Portland Community Media Smart Access program. Reported on Multnomah days, movies, Aging in Place Forum on September 14, 4T Trail Inauguration September 19 at 9 AM with Commissioner Fish and representatives from Metro and Portland Visitors Association. Don Baack will lead inaugural hike.

Standing Committee Reports
· Schools Committee – Will Fuller passed around information on high school redesign. In the interests of rumor control, he said there is no intent by Riverdale School District to extend Smith School lease beyond possible optional second year. School Visits again are a focus, with SWNI presence at back-to-school nights. Asked for Neighborhood Associations to help with this connection. Discussion of how to connect schools and neighborhoods generally, including having community organization usage factored in as physical plants are redesigned.
· Land Use Committee – John Gibbon reported on South Waterfront Code and Design Guideline Update Project. Jim Gardner explained that affordable housing which won’t be built with reduction in housing requirement for SW is not a concern. Forty percent target has become goal for all urban renewal districts overall rather than district by district goal. Noted very high cost of land in South Waterfront District. Landslide Forum for the 29th of September because original date in midst of high holy days. Will talk about drainage and landslide issues; Hope to will give people information on what to look for on home site that indicates a problem.
Crime Prevention/Public Safety Committee – Nancy Hand reported on successful and appreciated basketball camp occurring this week with great Police Bureau participation, including Commander Reese as coach all week. Partners include Portland Public Schools, Police Activity League, Oregon Partnership, SUN, SWNI Crime Prevention and Office of Neighborhood Involvement. Camp serves 50-60 children.
Parks & Community Centers Committee –In Kirky Doblie’s absence, Marcia Leslie carried the committee’s motion SWNI should take position that Southwest needs another public swimming pool as there are none south of I-5. Board passed motion (two nays).
Transportation Committee – Marianne Fitzgerald reported on City’s proposal to fund grant for an active transport corridor fanning out from Barbur under Congressional earmarks. Committee also working on regions transportation plan and City of Portland preview of what City thinks will be needed to meet transportation needs. September 22nd Committee meeting will continue discussion on SW high priorities. Good news is: nothing dropped so far. Urged neighborhoods to get reps on committee as September meeting will be decided what projects are on list. It will be vital to have neighborhood input at the meeting on September 22nd. Noted the outcome of lumping the South Waterfront special projects as being in Southwest, thus creating impression SW getting plenty of urban renewal money when that is not the case.

Operation Committee Reports
Communications Committee – Sylvia Bogert advised new volunteer, David Dunning is helping with SWNI website training and new design elements for the website. Payal Razdan is seeking more information regarding Drupal. Committee may seek budget for website maintenance.
Personnel Committee – Brian Russell gave report for Patty Lee who recommended approval of revised job descriptions for operations manager and program manager. Revised job descriptions approved with typographical error changes.