Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes Monday 6/26/2023

Posted on by Serena Li

Submitted by Laura Fay – Final approved 7/17/2023

Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes DRAFT

Monday 6/26/2023 

7:00 – 8:30pm

Posted on 7/15/23

BOARD ATTENDEES:

  • Jimmy Wilson – Co-Chair
  • Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
  • Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
  • Etheric McFarlane – Vice Community Outreach
  • Cassie Muilenberg – Vice Community Outreach
  • Laura Fay – Recorder
  • Andrew Champion
  • Marie DeCamp
  • Serena Li
  • Alice Newman
  • Allan Rudwick
  • Bliss Suh

OTHER ATTENDEES:

  • Bobby Hamilton, Safe Blocks Coordinator
  • Officer Adrian Matica
  • Sgt Jorge Mendoza
  • DA Mike Schmidt
  • Lily, Cascadia Health
  • Mae, Cascadia Health

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Jimmy Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00pm

REVIEW MEETING AGREEMENTS: [Link] Jimmy reviewed the meeting agreements

APPROVE MINUTES FROM THE MAY 15 MEETING: Allen made a motion to approve the minutes from the May 15, 2023 meeting. Andrew seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

STEP AND ADVISORY COURT UPDATE: Laura Fay shared an update from Tessa Fowler at MRC. They still have five STEP participants, although the first is soon to graduate. 

DA Mike Schmidt came to report on two developments: First, his office has budgeted for and will assign an ADA to focus exclusively on Eliot and St. Johns. They will identify the attorney shortly and anticipate they will begin working in July. Secondly, he has asked the county to fund a multi-year evaluation of the STEP court’s effectiveness.  

Etheric McFarlane asked for DA Schmidt’s support in creating jobs for Eliot residents. In addition to working on the barriers to employment, DA Schmidt offered to make connections with the Portland Business Alliance and Better Business for Portland, as job creators. He also said his office could table at the upcoming job and resource fair.

Cassie Muilenberg shared that ENA board members have the opportunity to attend a STEP court session to understand their workings. The next meeting will be in September. 

ELIOT SAFETY PROJECT / PEMO UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton gave an update on recent activities. He and Mary Tompkins are working with many community partners on a holistic approach to help people in the Dawson Park area with access to resources including employment services, housing support, and counseling. He noted that the Office of Violence Prevention will have grant opportunities ranging from $2,500-$10,000 for community-based organizations and individuals working on gun violence prevention. 

Cassie shared the draft of a letter asking for PEMO to focus on a specific list of projects in Eliot. Jennifer called for a motion to approve the support letter. Bliss Suh seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

RESOURCE FAIR JULY 11: Jennifer reported that the July 11 job and resource fair will be similar to what we did last year, with most of the same key partners. The plan is to do the fair quarterly, with perhaps additional events in the summer months. 

Cassie asked for additional volunteers to help with litter, setup, teardown, and folks to welcome attendees and connect them with resources. 

REVISITING HYBRID MEETINGS: Attendees discussed interest in returning to hybrid meetings, mixing in-person and online attendance. Bliss Suh proposed a motion to continue meetings primarily in person, allowing presenters to join online if they cannot attend in person, with online participants muted until the public comment period. Pat seconded. The motion passed with one abstention and one no vote. 

NEIGHBORHOOD UPDATES

  • Eliot News: Allan noted that the newsletter is likely going on hiatus
  • Treasurer’s Report: Jennifer referred attendees to the treasurer’s report in the deck
  • LUTC Update: Allan presented a letter for ENA approval, asking the Trail Blazers to pay for residential parking permits in the southern part of Eliot, near the Moda Center. Jennifer proposed a motion to authorize the letter, which Allan seconded. The motion passes unanimously. 

Allan also shared that the LUTC has received the final report on the Fremont Bridge Reclamation Project.

ADJOURN: Jimmy adjourned the meeting at 8.47

Next meeting Monday, July 17, 2023