Eliot Neighborhood Association

General Meeting Minutes

Oct 20, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center

Attendees

Board

Laura Fay – Co-Chair
Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Anders Hart
Kathryn LePore
Alice Newman
Allan Rudwick
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson

Guests

Seth Anderson – resident
Max Nash – resident
Jonathan Tasini – resident
Alyssa Whitesides – resident
Dora DeCoursey – resident
Bill Spangle – resident
Lynne Randall – Arc en Ciel Montessori parent
Jim Proctor – Lewis & Clark College
Jona Davis – NECN
Andrew Harnish – resident

Reflections on Talmage Ellis

Pat lamented Mr. Ellis’ senseless death.

The group observed a moment of silence.

Approve September 2025 Minutes

Draft approved unanimously, verbatim.

Motion: Allan | Seconded: Bliss

Neighborhood Safety

Laura feels that Safe Blocks is not doing enough, and that the city is handing us off to the county, believing PEMO’s work has run its course. ENA will be meeting with county commissioner Shannon Singleton in early November.

Ann said “there was a fight in the street on NE Sacramento Street right before I came to the meeting. Also, the elders on the block have handled the human trafficking issues I asked for help at the last meeting.”

Lynne talked about inconsistent results improving safety in and around Dawson Park for her and other Arc-en-Ciel families. Laura and Jennifer shared differing experiences of the park rangers making the park welcoming.

The group discussed ideas for providing consistent, increased services for Dawson Park users.
Jimmy urged for more coordination and collaboration with people who do provide those services.

Allan suggested that parking around Dawson Park be reverted to its pre-2015 state, a full prohibition on the curb around its immediate perimeter. Pat added the idea of one-way streets. The board approved writing a letter to the city asking for these changes.

Motion: Allan | Seconded: Pat | Abstention: Jimmy

Board Elections

The new slate was approved unanimously:

• Andrew Champion
• Laura Fay
• Anders Hart
• Ann Kasper
• Kathryn LePore
• Serena Li
• Pat Montgomery
• Alice Newman
• Cassie Muilenburg
• Allan Rudwick
• Bliss Suh
• Alyssa Whitesides
• Jennifer Wilcox
• Jimmy Wilson

Motion: Jennifer | Seconded: Bliss

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update

Jimmy remains unable to comment on changes to group leadership. He also shared a document with the city’s accounting for its Byrne grant funds: personnel expenses amount to more than $128,000 of approximately $230,000 already spent.

Treasurer’s Report

Jennifer reports that the transition to OnPoint is complete, and indicated satisfaction with the new banking arrangements.

Land Use & Transportation

The Land Use and Transportation Committee is reopening conversation about traffic diversion on NE 7th as part of the larger Lloyd-to-Woodlawn neighborhood greenway project extending from the Blumenauer Bridge over I84.

Max reported that her petition to support this project had gained over 300 signatures, then shared her observations and research about traffic on NE 7th Avenue.

Ann took an opposing view, asserting that “the issues of diverters on NE 7th Avenue was examined by a huge city process through PBOT, meetings and public input a couple years ago and it was decided by the majority of people who actually live there that NE 7th should not have diverters. We already have 15 speed bumps installed. NE 8th Ave was chosen as the bike street. .”

Adjournment

Adjourned at 8:15 pm.

Jul 21, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center

Attendees

Board

Laura Fay – Co-Chair
Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Cassie Muilenburg – Community Outreach
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Kathryn LePore
Alice Newman
Allan Rudwick
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson

Guests

Alex Garcia – MCDA
Sgt. Dan Romanowski – PPB
Cpt. Chris Burley – PPB
Max Nash – Resident, Families for Safe Streets
Maimuna Uzzell
Kirsten Sessions
Alyssa Whitesides – Resident

Approve Minutes from June 16 meeting

Added Jimmy Wilson (fils) as guest

Motion: Laura | Seconded: Alice | For: unanimous

Neighborhood Safety

Alex says that the Donald Sharma (Stop N Go) case is moving along with the first of possibly 2-3 settlement conferences upcoming. County budget cuts have eliminated the neighborhood DA position originally used to prosecute this case.

Alex and Chris had an extensive discussion about high standards for both burden of proof in drug cases and release on security (bail).

Multiple approaches are being taken toward safety around the park, apartments, and clinic on N Morris. PPB is trying to disrupt activity before the clinic opens. Many are trying to connect with apartment management. Resident protection remains a delicate balance.

ENA Activities

Dawson Park Summer Party

This Party On Portland event is on 8/2/25 from 11am-5pm with ice cream sandwiches, basketball, dominoes, and more. Laura called for volunteers. Special guests are lined up, but more promotion, sponsors, and prizes are needed.

Byrne Grant next steps

Serena collected the poll results, and the top two items were programming, e.g. concerts and movies and support for existing organizations interrupting violence, both in Dawson Park. Laura will bring the priorities list to Safe Blocks.

After discussing the best way to present these ideas, consensus coalesced around several action items: share the list of requests with Safe Blocks, inquire other Byrne Grant neighborhood associations about how much input they have had in spending decisions, invite Molly Esteve to the next board meeting/summer event, and draft a letter to District 2 councilors asking to fund Dawson Park concerts in summer 2026.

Joan Ivan Memorial

Serena extensively researched memorial options: a park bench is extremely cost-prohibitive, but a planting with Friends of Trees is feasible, although specifics like cost, location, etc. will take time.

Motion to allocate allocate up to $300 for memorial: Allan | seconded: Laura | Approve: unanimous

Instagram

Board members were happy with Brittany Davidson’s work. Laura will invite her to the next (September) meeting.

Soul District Business Association

Cassie met with Fawn Aberson of the Soul District Business Association. Fawn says that the former Nike Factory Store is leased, the SBDA is looking for support for its annual Dream Run event, and that she will ask the Russell & Williams project to potentially add a representative to the board.

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update

Jimmy: coalition held its leadership election.

Treasurer’s Report

Jennifer: switch to banking with OnPoint Credit Union remains in progress.

LUTC Update

Allan: next month’s meeting will be a walk down NE 7th. The Rose Quarter event parking district will have meters active on event days.

Community Outreach

Cassie: topics have been covered by previous items.

Public Comment

Max shared concerns about conflict between vulnerable road users and vehicles on NE 7th and poor visibility at Russell. She would like to see more active or passive enforcement to daylight this intersection, preventing drivers from parking too near the corner and obscuring cross traffic.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 8:33 pm

Eliot Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting Minutes

Jun 16, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center

Attendees

Board

Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Cassie Muilenburg – Community Outreach
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Anders Hart
Alice Newman
Allan Rudwick
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson (pere)

Guests

Brittany Davidson
Jimmy Wilson (fils)

Public Comment

None

Approve Minutes

Approved May minutes with amendments to the date of Soul Stroll and accounting for Fremont Bridgehead grant.

Motion to approve the minutes as amended: Allan
Seconded: Jennifer | For: unanimous

Neighborhood Safety

The board discussed the general conditions and liquor licensing at the 365 convenience store, formerly Stop N Go Mini Mart, at 2858 N Williams.

Laura Fay (ENA) and Robb Lawrence (Cascade AIDS Project/Prism) are meeting with Dawson Park Apartments residents and management.

ENA Activities

Dawson Park Summer Events

Ice Cream Day/3v3 Hoops

An ad hoc group is holding weekly coordination meetings. They are looking for an organizer and sponsors. Other considerations are finding more space for additional courts and/or alternate activities like music and dominoes: North Stanton, immediately south of Dawson Park, is a candidate location, but has steeper permitting requirements than the residential permit that can be applied on NE Stanton.

Motion to seed the event with a $500 budget: Pat
Seconded: Jennifer | For: unanimous

Instagram Account – Brittany

ENA’s Instagram account has been idle for several years. Brittany has experience running social media accounts for the Portland Trail Blazers and others. She wants to establish a presence for Eliot and will present ideas for the board.

Communication with Nike about reopening the Community Store

Allan: Soul District thinks it’s difficult, and that Nike would still need to see a commitment from PPB.

Jennifer suggested convening a meeting with interested parties like Soul District, PPB, Safe Blocks, PEMO, Commissioner Ryan,and others to establish a plan before contacting Nike.

Expungement Clinics

Future clinics are contingent on future funding.

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update – Jimmy

The group is tightening its belt. Neighborhood associations will remain insured, but other community based organizations will lose coverage. Potential cuts are the secretary position and grants to community groups. Jimmy favors raising new funds to preserve those grants.

NECN is seeking a representative from Eliot for the upcoming year.

Motion to nominate Jimmy for another term: Pat
Seconded: Jennifer | Approved: unanimous

Treasurer’s Report

Jennifer: deposited check from Metropolitan Defenders for the expungement clinic and verified that as a signer, she can easily close the ENA bank account at Beneficial and transfer to OnPoint Credit Union when that account is approved.

LUTC Update

LUTC received a demolition notice for 542 NE Brazee, which is slated to be replaced with multifamily housing. Allan noted that objection is possible, but it requires an actionable alternative.

Community Outreach

Board members were given until the end of the week to pitch Byrne Grant ideas. Serena will aggregate and tally votes for the top five.

Public Comment

Pat noted the passing of former chair Joan Ivan in May 2025. The group brainstormed different ideas for a memorial and will return with ideas next month.

Cassie expressed concern about HB 3946, the “preschool loophole” bill: a sentence enhancement for crimes within 1000 feet of a school that includes preschools would apply to most of the city.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 8:40 pm

Eliot Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting Minutes DRAFT

May 19, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center

Attendees

Board

Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Anders Hart
Kathryn LePore
Alice Newman
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson

Guests

1 – name not on sign-in

Public Comment

None

Approve Minutes

Approved.

Motion: Kathryn | Seconded: Anders | For: unanimous | Against: none | Abstentions: none

Public Safety

Pat, Laura, PPB, Safe Blocks, and CAP/Prism met with operators of the 365 convenience store at 2858 N Williams.

Store management says that the location near Dawson Park is unusually challenging. Security cameras have been installed and they intend to fence off the rear loading zone. Management also accepted the city’s offers for a security assessment and a mural.
The group discussed activation at the corner around the store.

Conversation turned to the May 6th resource fair, held on NE Stanton Street, just east of N Williams. There was consensus between participants and residents about trash accumulating behind the 365 store being a problem, and a preference to return these quarterly events to Dawson Park when permits can be taken again.

ENA Activities

Eliot Dumpster Day has lost momentum. ENA will refer people to the Boise event on 5/31.

Pat proposed a 3 on 3 basketball tournament on the weekend of the 8/2 ice cream social.

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update

Jimmy says that city budget cuts threaten NECN funding and the St. Johns, Peninsula Park, and Charles Jordan community centers. The coalition is lobbying to keep these centers open and may need to rely on new income streams.

Treasurer’s Report

Jennifer is working through the banking resolution with OnPoint Community Credit Union.

ENA received a $500 grant for the Fremont Bridgehead project. There is uncertainty about best practice accounting for the money.

Land Use

No meeting or other updates from LUTC.

Apartment building construction at Williams & Monroe is complete, units are available starting at $795.

The Russell-Williams development broke ground. Pat expressed interest in spreading word about homes for sale with favorable terms for people with historical ties to Albina.

Community Outreach

Serena is assembling a team for the Miracles Soul Stroll Wellness Walk on 8/16.

The group discussed Albina Vision Trust’s plans in Eliot for the area centered around the current Portland Public Schools headquarters.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 8:00pm.

Eliot Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting Minutes

Apr 21, 2025 7:00 PM at St. Philip the Deacon

Attendees

Board

Laura Fay – Co-Chair
Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Cassie Muilenburg – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Anders Hart
Kathryn LePore
Allan Rudwick
Jimmy Wilson

Guests

Dora DeCoursey
William Spangle
Dan Ryan – Portland City Council
Kezia Wanner – Ryan Staffer
Dan Romanowski – PPB North NRT
Davor Lukic – PPB North NRT
Alex Garcia – Multnomah County District Attorney
Shelley Devens – Cascadia Health
Wrylen Holsapple – Cascadia Health
Jared Melton – PBOT Parking Enforcement
Rolando C. Rogers
Rae-Leigh Stark – PBOT
Phil Conti

Public Comment

None

Approve Minutes

Altered “Cascadia Behavioral Health” to “Cascadia Health”
Motion: Allan | Second: Andrew | Approved: unanimously

Councillor Dan Ryan on District 2, and Q&A

Mayor Wilson is about to announce a balanced budget with significant cuts. Dan [Ryan] believes that the city needs a “basics budget” for public safety and transportation to improve the city’s livability and reverse the outmigration of families, what he calls the city’s “bread and butter” for revenue. He does not believe that the city can finance progressive policy until revenues recover.

Dan criticized county administration on public health for closing services without replacing them, and for not providing onsite mental health at Safe Rest Villages.

His continued remarks talked about streamlining the permitting process, increasing 911, Fire, and PPB staffing to reduce wait times and employeeemplotee overtime, as well as supporting community centers, but stated that the “City of Portland Foundation” will need to substantially cut its grants.

Jimmy urged Dan to keep community programs funded. The councilor reiterated his support for these programs.

Laura presented a question from James Posey, asking for support to fix the Billy Webb Elks Club and replace Stop & Go with a cultural or visitor center for Eliot/Albina. Dan was noncommittal.

Cassie expressed frustration about the lack of what’s-next thinking about the store at Williams & Stanton. What does proactive city govt look like in this scenario and how to get the three councilors to help. Dan offered a staffer to join a meeting with ENA co-chairs, PEMO, and a principal from the store. Pat asked Dan to preserve funding for PEMO.

Andrew expressed years of frustration with the city’s response to the Dawson Park area and askedarea asked how to get the city to take more decisive action. Dan suggested voting for more independent-thinking city leaders with less interest in reelection.

Allan urged Dan to engage with volunteer efforts to improve the city, particularly with respect to the Rose Quarter freeway project.

[Unknown] asked how different the experience is between being a commissioner and a councillor. Dan said that he liked taking a hands-on approach to managing bureaus and steering them in the direction of customer service.

Cascadia Health Community Needs Report (Shelly, Wrylen)

The survey began with an understanding that there is a shortage of housing and behavioral health care, among other things. It identified the need for more detox services, lamented the loss of CHIERS by Central City Concern, and states that crisis and followup services are falling short.

Majorities in the survey felt housing, food, and wage insecurity.

Wrylen highlighted the need to close the gap between being discharged from the hospital and receiving long-term care.

Annual Area Parking Permits for Residents Near Moda (Jared)

Area Parking Permits (APP) are structured for two hour limits, and timing vehicles makes the window closer to 2:30. Parking Enforcement is struggling to return in that timeframe. Jared believes that a 90 minute limit would be easier and proposed meters with walking enforcement that would allow them to come and go from the zone.

Neighborhood Safety

Alex feels stretched thin due to DA office funding and warned that his position may be cut.

Stop n Go case: there is a further proceedings status date next week, and the case is on schedule to resolve in 6-12 months. House Bill 3946 to close the distance-to-school loophole for preschools is working its way through the legislature, but is not retroactive.

Laura asked for comment on the March retail theft mission. Alex says that except at his discretion, any drug delivery charges will be sent to the DA office drug unit.

Dan [Romanowski] says that arrested dealers are aware of court backlogs and dismissals.

Bylaw Update

The update allows votes to be taken by email, in step with other NAs that adopted the practice during COVID.

Motion: Laura | Second: Jennifer | Abstention: Jimmy | Absent: Allan | Approve: all others

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update

NECN recently held a retreat. There were many meetings on funding. The group is also helping neighborhoods with compliance, and he reports that Eliot is one of eight with 100% compliance.

Treasurer’s Report

OnPoint transition should be underway when Secretary of State registration with current officers is updated. Jennifer suggested funding the mandatory OnPoint savings account with the Knott substation grant.

LUTC Update

No April meeting.

Community Outreach

No updates. Resource fair on May 6.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 8:29 pm

Jan 27, 2025 7:00 PM at Garlington Center

Attendees

Board

• Laura Fay (co-chair)
• Pat Montgomery (co-chair)
• Jimmy Wilson (community outreach)
• Serena Li (community outreach)
• Andrew Champion (recorder)
• Jennifer Wilcox (treasurer)
• Anders Hart
• Allan Rudwick
• Bliss Suh
• Kathryn LePore
• Alice Newman

Guests

• Cmdr Rob Simon – PPB
• Ann Kasper – resident
• Jason Ashley – resident
• Willa Perlman – resident
• Marquisa Holford – Cascadia Health

Public Comment

Newman proposed a Parliamentarian for timekeeping, LePore nominated herself, the board accepted this informal role.

Approve Minutes

Motion: Wilcox, Second: Suh, Approved: unanimous

Neighborhood Safety

Fay says that PEMO has worked through many of the initial requests. TriMet has removed the bus shelters at Williams/Graham, Williams/Morris. IHC parishioners came to understand that they are active sites for illegal activity, not just deterring drugs.

Simon praised PEMO, warned of council cuts, and raised the specter of PEMO/Safe Blocks budget conflicts. He indicated that the Dawson Park area is a focal point of the Neighborhood Response Team.

Wilson reminded the board to stay abreast of city budgetary changes in law enforcement.

Montgomery suggested a letter to the city council reminding them of the need for law enforcement. 

Fay is preparing one letter in support of law enforcement and another of PEMO.

Newman expressed disappointment in the progress of Safe Blocks.

Asked by Fay what the community can do, Simon recommended continuing the PEMO meetings.

ENA Activities

Reboot of Monthly Activities at Stanton/Rodney in March

Suh was disappointed with yard sale revenue and says that social/family activities like pumpkin carving and expungement clinics have been more successful. She would like to continue those events and proposed a “dumpster day.” 

Dumpster Day

Rudwick says that he has signs for previous ENA dumpster days held on the 3rd Saturday of May. He suggested soliciting grants from previous sponsors (BPS and Metro) and is starting an ad hoc group to support the event.

Other activities

Brief discussion of ice cream social in August.

Expungement fair at Garlington on 2/28/25: registration takes priority, walk-ins accepted as available

Rudwick proposed offering microgrants for similar events throughout the neighborhood, 

LePore will bring a small grant application form to the next meeting for consideration.

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update

Wilson reports slow startup with new neighborhoods added to NECN post-District 2 realignment. The group is planning a retreat to develop cohesion. 

The organization has also inherited Alberta Street Fair assets and is considering reviving the event. Previous budget was $50,000.

Rudwick asked if NECN is considering a revived Land Use committee. Wilson had nothing to report.

Treasurer’s Report

Starting balance: $6124.00, ending balance: $8,250.00. $2000 remains reserved for Knott substation landscaping.

Names on on the ENA bank account will be updated to current treasurer and co-chairs.

LUTC Update

December: joint meeting with PBOT Eliot Parking Task Force. District boundaries are being redrawn around commercial corridors instead of neighborhoods.

January: no meeting

Rudwick reported that a federal grant had been awared to study Fremont bridgehead redevelopment.

Montgomery, a parking enforcement employee, raised issues with timing in the Rose Quarter area parking permit (APP). Rudwick said he would follow up with Stanley Ong at PBOT.

Community Outreach

Li had no news to share for herself or Cassie Muilenberg (community outreach).

Wilson expressed disappointment that a warning was not given for the police presence accompanying walk-and-talk city meetings at Dawson Park. Vigorous debate about this courtesy ensued.

Adjournment

Motion: Rudwick, Second: Champion

Adjourned: 8:27 pm