Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting/General Assembly Meeting Agenda Monday, 10/18/2021 7:00pm via ZOOM

Posted on by Sue Stringer

Co-Chairs: Jimmy Wilson and Allan Rudwick

Join Zoom Meeting (phone instructions at bottom)

Agenda (subject to changes):

  • Welcome and Introductions – 7:00pm
  • Agenda Additions?
  • Neighborhood Updates
    • Recap of the year – Co-chair
    • Financial report – Treasurer
    • Dawson Park Concerts- recap
    • donation to Billy Webb Elks Lodge update
    • Call for new Eliot News editor and webmaster
  • Elections to the Board (Elect Officers in November)
  • Public Comment
  • Adjourn

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Letter from an Eliot co-Chair

Posted on by Allan Rudwick

The beginning of the end of the pandemic. A return from social isolation. A year of protest. A year of reflection. America and more locally Eliot has a huge opportunity ahead of us. Things won’t be the same as they were in 2019, but the future is bright: vaccines are coming. While the rollout has been inequitable I am optimistic that the rate of vaccination is reaching an inflection point. Schools will reopen soon. Restaurants and in-person businesses will come back in the not too distant future. Masks might fall by the wayside as soon as this summer. I can’t wait.

Continue reading Letter from an Eliot co-Chair

Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes 10/19/20

Posted on by Sue Stringer

Board Members Present:

  • Allan Rudwick, Co-Chair
  • Jennifer Wilcox
  • Sue Stringer, Newsletter Editor
  • Shireen Hasan, Community Outreach
  • Jimmy Wilson, Co-Chair
  • Pat Montgomery

Others Present:

  • Kelli Fagan
  • Alexis Croucher
  • William Van Hevelingen
  • Harrison Osbourn
  • Craig D
  • Kim
  • John Engleheart
  • Emma Holland
  • Jell Morgan
  • Jared Hobbs
  • Esme Harbour
  • Angela Kramer

Meeting opened at 6:34 pm.

Welcome & Introductions

Neighborhood Update

Dawson Park: met with the police over Zoom.  They said they were not aware of the magnitude of the problems at the park.  Officer Quackenbush (LT Jim Quackenbush  James.Quakenbush@portlandoregon.gov  503-793-9681) came by the next day and saw firsthand what was going on.  Since then people have not noticed police presence.  Will meet with the police again in two weeks. It was suggested that now is the time to get working on a solution so that when the weather gets better again we will have a solution in place.  It was noted that Central City Concern has been in the neighborhood quite a bit trying to engage the people using drugs. 

Can use pdxreporter.org  to report crime.  This is part of the city government and may be easier than waiting on hold on the non-emergency line.  

Some questions that were raised included:

  • What can we do proactively?  
  • What are our hopes?
  • Could we have the hospital invite some folks to put a food cart there?
  • What are the next steps up the chain:
    • NECN Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods 
    • PSAT Public Safety 
    • ONI Office of Neighborhood Involvement

It was suggested that we should have a representative from Emanuel on the board.  That was an agreement made in the past. There has not been an Emanuel representative in over a year.

Board Elections – Choose Directors for the Coming year

There was a brief discussion of the role of a director.  The role includes attending meetings regularly and doing some work between meetings (small tasks such as write letters, articles for newsletter)

Allan reviewed the process: We will open for nominations, develop a slate, then vote in the slate.  Then next month we will elect the officers. People can nominate themselves or anyone else.  

Allan re-nominated all those currently on the board: Allan, Jimmy, Shireen, Pat, Jennifer, Sue

Johnny Engleheart nominated himself, Allan seconded

Harrison Osbourn nominated himself, 

Kelli Fagan was suggested but declined but is interested in the livability committee.

The slate (Allan Rudwick, Jimmy Wilson, Shireen Hasan, Pat Montgomery, Sue Stringer, Jennifer Wilcox,   Johnny Engleheart, and Harrison Osbourn) was unanimously elected. 

Jimmy made a statement that we need to have a level playing field that need to be addressed before we bring new people into the board.  In the past, there has been new leader training for new board members.

Pat recommended that the executive committee review Angela’s proposal for racial justice and diversity training and make a recommendation to the full board. 

Old Business/Updates  

Land Use committee met last week.  The city is slightly changing the conservation district rules. They are being more flexible in how the houses can be used so that they will be used more and be less likely to be demolished.  

Newsletter went out and looks great.  Sue is open to people writing articles because she is down writers.  She is hoping to connect with some high school students to get a youthful perspective. 

Clean Air Team: Sue and Allan contacted everyone and heard back from some people.  Most people were not able to participate at this time. Allan was going to send the letter to XPO Logistics but realized that the letter was not ready to send.  It is unclear what we really want to ask for in this letter. The committee needs to meet to hammer out the details. Angela will do some research on community partners in the schools and try to connect them to Allan or Sue. After some discussion, it was decided that we will ask XPO logistics to filter their trucks.    

Approve amended minutes from September’s meeting

Sue moved to approve the minutes as amended.  Passed unanimously. 

Meeting adjourned 8:17pm

Eliot Neighborhood Association August 17, 2020 Meeting Minutes

Posted on by Sue Stringer

Chairs: Jimmy Wilson & Allan Rudwick

Board Members Present:

  • Allan Rudwick
  • Jimmy Wilson
  • Jonathan Konkol
  • Jennifer Wilcox
  • Sue Stringer
  • Shireen Hasan

Others Present:

  • Harrison Osbourn, Dawson Park subcommittee
  • Thacher Schmid, independent journalist (ThacherSchmid.com)  thachmid@gmail.com.

Meeting opened at 6:35pm.

Welcome & Introductions

Dawson Park update

  • Allan has a draft of a letter that many of the neighbors have signed on to request speed bumps on Stanton Street
    • Jonathan introduced the motion to send the letter, Sue seconded, the motion passed
  • Sue spoke with an officer today who re-emphasized the importance of reporting every incident that happens.
  • Had one subcommittee meeting, may have another one next week. Have someone from the hospital that attended, a few other organizations have also expressed support.
  • The police are not protecting Stanton street.  Multiple police officers have reported they have been told not to police this area.
  • Action steps:
    • Harrison continue to reach out to the Mayor’s office each week
    • Reach out to someone from Chief Lovell’s office (Harrison will ask for a volunteer to do this)
    • Allan will send the letter to PBOT

Old Business/Updates: 

  • NECN: NECN is changing their model, shifting power to the PSAC.  Change is coming to the Neighborhood Associations. 
  • Land Use: Did not meet
  • Back to School Backpack giveaway: Cascadia is giving away backpacks filled with back to school supplies.  Will send the info to Sue to post on the website.
  • Emanuel church giving away food August 29th starting at noon
  • Saint Philip the Deacon giving away sack lunches on Saturdays.
    • There was a suggestion to do a once a month activity for the homeless across the street with food donations.  Had an event this past Sunday.
  • Community Cycling Center follow up: William has not been able to connect with Saint Philip the Deacon Church (Pastor Maria). Shireen will follow up.
  • It was suggested to have a list of community resources posted on the website: send info to Sue and she will post it
  • All the old minutes are up on the website.
  • Newsletter deadline September 1.  Has been harder to get content lately.

Minutes

Amended minutes from July meeting were approved.  Sue moved to accept the minutes as posted. Jonathan seconded. One abstention.  Motion carried.

Meeting ended 7:35

Board Meeting Minutes 2019-04-15

Posted on by Maggie Gardner

ENA Board Meeting minutes April 15, 2019
St. Philip Deacon Episcopal Church
NE 120 Knott St.

 

Meeting called to order at 6:40pm. Introductions to follow.

Motion to accept the minutes for March (Jim, Sue 2nds) Board votes to approve.

COMMITTE REPORTS

 

  • Treasurer report:

 

      • Two payments to Newspaper and to Community Garden. Expenses reviewed. Motion to approve (Pat, Maggie 2nds) Board votes to approve.
      • Albina cooperative garden – Kat following up on budget request from last year. Jim agrees to pay her the lump sum of $1750, Kat will follow up with us: bookkeeper’s name is Doug, will show us how money was spent. She will follow up with Sue so that we can write an article about the garden.

 

  • Community Relations – Jimmy and Shireen

 

      • At a Lew Frederick event, Jimmy asked him to address Clean Air issues that affect our neighborhood.
      • Updates from PSAC (Public Safety Action Committee) meeting
        • About 45 people, 8-10 neighborhood associations
        • Police force seeing large budget cuts
        • Police force losing staff to retirement, low salary, and low morale (don’t feel they have support from community). Hard to recruit new officers. Approx 200 positions open.
        • We are losing backup enforcement support from Washington County
        • Discussed homelessness, crime, bicyclist licensing
        • Discussed Neighborhood watch training
      • Forum with Chief Outlaw
        • Continuing to try to schedule, will keep us posted

 

  • Newsletter – Sue

 

      • New issue out!
      • Next issue prints in July, need content by June 1

 

  • LUTC – Jonathan

 

      • We shared proposed boundary to Boise. David came to discuss. His board ratified the map – agrees with our suggestion with one amendment: splits Vancouver/Ivy/Fremont block so that easternmost 100 feet is Eliot, the rest is Boise. LUTC will work with Boise to submit official paperwork to the city.

 

  • SEAT –

 

    • Parking initiative did not pass. Still working on neighborhood watch

 

NEW BUSINESS

  • Community Gardens – beds have gone in! 2 planted, 2 more being built. Plans to make them wheelchair accessible. Sue mentions: Harper’s Playground helps make playgrounds wheelchair accessible – might be a good resource. Partnered with the Church, involve families and kids, add artwork installations. Plans to add native plants. Church hopes to improve lighting.
  • Jimmy and Sue ran into the Lew Frederick’s legislative aid, confirms that Sen. Frederick will come to one of our meetings. Johnny is interested in supporting this.
  • Website – Thursday
    • wants to update billing. Will work with Jim to get it on a board-owned credit card
    • Wants to survey residents. Will send out shared doc for board members to help brainstorm questions AND brainstorm ways to get the surveys to people (eg: Pat’s recommendation to have drop-box near Chuck’s market)

Extra

  • Adam volunteers to help Shireen with garden

Announcements

  • David DeLaRoche announces Eliot-Boise Navite Grove work party.
    • April 20, 10a-1p. Install bench around Oak Tree
  • Ricky invites us to join him at this church (St. Philip) on Saturdays at 11am for lunch/pantry services
  • Litter Pickup on April 20, 10a-12p at Breadwinner Cycles
  • Portland Clean Air Spoke Training on April 23rd, 6-8pm 2420 NE Sandy Blvd
  • Open Signal gardening event on Sat April 27, 10-5p. BYO tools

 

meeting adjourned at 8:25p

Board Attendance: Jimmy Wilson, Sue Stringer, Jonathan Konkol, Maggie Gardner, Jim Hlava, Shireen Hasan, Darren Holcomb. Johnny Engleheart, Patricia Montgomery

Guests: Thursday Graham, Kwanita Wilson, Adam, Ricky, Michael Espinoza, Kat (Albina coop garden), David DeLaRoche (Boise NA)

 

Eliot Neighborhood Association Board meeting minutes June 15, 2020

Posted on by Sue Stringer

Chairs: Jimmy Wilson & Allan Rudwick

Monday, June 15 2020

6:30-8:00 pm

Board Members Present:

Allan Rudwick

Jennifer Wilcox

Jimmy Wilson

Jonathan Konkol

Shireen Hasan

Jim Hlava

Sue Stringer

Darren Holcomb

Others Present:

William Francis (Community Cycling Center)

Cameron Whitten (Black Resilience Fund)

Meeting called to order at 6:33pm

1 Welcome & Introductions

2. William Francis of the Community Cycling Center spoke.  The Community Cycling Center’s mission is to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits.  More than just a bike shop, they do a holiday bike drive, donate bikes each year, run a repair shack in the New Columbia Village, offer a low income community discount and several other programs.  They are located on NE Alberta street. 

During the pandemic the Community Cycling Center is working towards providing mutual aid.  They are connected with a food pantry at the Rosa Parks school and another pantry in the Cully neighborhood.  They are reaching 91 families delivering food by bicycle each week.  There is a team of 6 volunteers making the deliveries.  The idea is to bring food to individuals who may not be able to go to pantries for a variety of reasons. 

They are looking for a food pantry to partner with in our neighborhood. There is one at the Boise Eliot School.  Immaculate Heart church has a food pantry.  Saint Philip the Deacon gives out food on Saturdays. They would also need to gather names of individuals or families in need.  They make their deliveries by bike so families need to be within a 1-2-mile radius.  Discussed putting an article up on the web about the program and then updating it for the fall newsletter.  Sue will put a brief ad in the summer issue of the newsletter to ask for individuals who are in need of support.  Shireen agreed to be the point person to help coordinate the neighborhood needs. Allan will also connect William to the Boise Eliot School as a way to gather names of families in need.

3. Cameron Whitten of the Black Resilience Fund spoke.  The fund was founded two weeks ago to create resources to provide immediate support to Black Portlanders. They have received over 3000 applications for support.  Their goal is to raise $1 million, and they are more than halfway there.  They want to support a path toward healing and reconciliation to communities; create joy and build community.  Their model is culturally specific.  People who apply are being interviewed by Black Portlanders and funds are delivered by Black Portlanders.  It is creating a way for individuals to be more connected. The website: BlackResiliencefund.com has lots of great stories.  The fund is solving immediate needs for neighbors who are currently suffering.  Becoming a program of the nonprofit Brown Hope. Jimmy stated it was very encouraging to see this work.  He suggested that Cameron speak to the mayor.  Black 211 workers are able to volunteer their time to help with Black Resilience Fund.  It is a very empowering experience for many people.  Sue suggested putting something on the website and also an article in the newsletter in the fall.  Over 600 people applied to volunteer. Two co-founders. Shireen moved we donate $1000 to the Black Resilience Fund.  Darren seconded.  Motion passed unanimously.

4 Newsletter updates: Sue is finishing up the layout right now.  Goal is to get it in everyone’s mailbox by July 1st.  We have 12 pages which include interviews with essential workers, info about I-5, COVID-19 testing and many other articles.  We are covering the cost for the issue though we are light on advertising. Would love to get more voices from the community for the next issue.  Jimmy gave a statement about the protests.  Sue reached out to Jimmy Wilson, Shireen Hasan, and Patricia Montgomery and Monique Gaskins to make sure the Black perspective was included in the newsletter.  Jimmy wanted to make sure Sue explained why she asked those individuals in particular.  She stated did not want to say the wrong thing or go in the wrong direction in the newsletter.  Discussed the importance of honoring this moment.  Jimmy said we are all in this together.  Sue shared Jimmy’s statement to the group and a few edits were made.

5. Statement of support: Allan sent out a statement of support for the Black Lives Matter movement before the meeting. The idea is to acknowledge that we have been a part of the problem in the past and that we want to work to make amends and promote an anti-racist society.  The group reviewed and edited the statement.  We also agreed to add a paragraph to the masthead of the newsletter.

6 Ongoing business:

  • Land Use Committee did not meet this month.  Nothing to report.
  • Stanton Street have not been able to meet with the police.  The police are not able to commit at this time because they are busy with the protests.
  • Livability committee: Adopt a Block is the focus at this point. Do $100 gift certificate drawing quarterly for individuals who are doing the Adopt A Block.  Sue will talk with Jodi about how to connect the committee more closely with the Board.  Jimmy stated he feels like he is stuck and not making progress with the Blazers. Jere gave Jimmy a list of names and an email chain but he does not know those individuals.  He does not want to contact someone he has not been introduced to.  Jimmy is trying to get support from the Board so he can do his job. Karla Gosnell has had the most recent contact with the Blazers but we don’t know if her contact is even still with the Blazers.  Who can make this connection?  Sue will reach out to Karla to make a connection with Jimmy and the Blazers
  • Jere is stepping down from the board.  She does not feel she can make the time commitment. 
  • Allan listened into the Emanuel Displaced Persons 2 Zoom call.  They are a group of descendants of the un-kept promises from that era. EDP2 is asking the Eliot Neighborhood Association to sign onto a letter that would negate the current process for the Hill Block.  Jimmy stated that Emanuel has not followed through on their promises.  He also pointed out that there are Blacks fighting against Blacks, both groups have ancestors who were affected by the displacements.  As a neighborhood association we have asked for more land to be donated. What is our goal? Jimmy suggested that we need to protect our name and not put our name on anything until we know it is right. Shireen suggested that Byrd come to another meeting to clarify. Some people in the group decided to stay out of the conflict between the two groups. Shireen did not agree with this decision.
  • April Minutes: Allan moved the minutes be approved as corrected, Sue seconded. Motion passed.
  • May Minutes: Allan moved that the minutes be approved as corrected., Jonathan seconded. Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50

General Assembly Meeting and Board Meeting Agenda 4/20/2020

Posted on by Sue Stringer

April 20, 2020 6:30 PM (virtual meeting via Zoom)

Chairs: Jimmy Wilson & Allan Rudwick

1. Welcome & Introductions (6:30pm)

2. The Freeway Fight (Aaron Brown, No More Freeways)

3. Neighbors for Clean Air Presentation (Mary Peveto)

4. COVID-19 – Updates on how everyone is doing / things we need right now.     – should ENA do anything specific?

5. Updates – NECN update – Treasurer’s report – Land Use – Webmaster- call for a new one

6. Public Comment

Meeting will be hosted on zoom (thanks Jonathan for letting us use your account)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86080613449?pwd=SE9NanFkcEJ2aURHSERMQUlrenJCZz09

Board Meeting Minutes 2019-03-18

Posted on by Maggie Gardner

ENA Board Meeting minutes March 18, 2019
St. Philip Deacon Episcopal Church
NE 120 Knott St.

Meeting called to order at 6:40pm. Introductions to follow.

Presentation for Oasis of Change (Kathryn and Dov)

  • opening community based urban farm, restaurant, teaching kitchen, community center, live music… relax and enjoy. Body work (massage, acupuncture). Subscription model, a place for families, child-care on site. ($20 date night!)
  • Fully open April 20… first dinner on April 19
  • oasisforchange.com
  • Property on the west side of Williams at Tillamook (by Elk’s Lodge)

COMMITTE REPORTS

Treasurer – Jim

  • Not a ton of activity to report, just a few deposits from newsletter ads. More updates next moth

Community Relations – Jimmy

  • PSAC meeting – attended by: Boise Chair (David), Overlook, Humboldt, Eliot, Piedmont…
    • initiated effort for all to come together, to work together
    • wants to collaborate with at least 10 neighborhood associations (Eliot, Boise, Lloyd, Irvington, Sabin, Woodlawn, Humboldt, King, Overlook, Vernon
    • Coined the acronym TURN: Togetherness, Uniting, Reaching, Neighborhood
    • Next meeting (info offered by Linda):
      • April 11 4415 NE 87th Ave (6-8pm)
      • July 11 @ 449 NE Emerson
      • Oct 10 and 4415 NE 87th Ave
  • Chief Outlaw presentation at Emmanuel Church, April 2
    • goal to actually get input from community, true involvement. Efforts are gaining traction.

Newsletter – Sue

  • Spring newsletter went to print this morning!
  • Need submissions for next issue by June 1
  • Gained Meyer Memorial Trust as new advertiser for full year
  • Green Drop Garage also wants to get involved
  • new advertisers always welcome

LUTC – Brad/Jonathan

  • no real updates this time… attempt to get Boise (David) here next time
  • Jimmy wants to keep this a priority, light the fire under the feet of this topic
  • Jonathan to email maps to board with our decision of the solution we propose
  • goal to have this meeting in the next week or two

SEAT – Brad

  • Neighborhood watch training scheduled for the end of April, for neighbors in the immediate area
  • Thursday has an idea for other training to add to that

Livability – Jere

  • Litter pickup on April 20 (Earth Day) meet at BreadWinner Cafe. Event is posted on SOLV’s website
  • Jodi Guth is the new Block Adopt lead
  • 3 separate tree plantings are also underway

NECN – Jere

  • NECN budget has been slashed
  • they asked us to NOT take money for communication that was once promised ($500), as their belts are tight. We usually use this for newsletter, but confident we can do without
  • Larger conversation about how Community and Civic Life office wants to get rid of neighborhood associations
    • We question why these groups are mutually exclusive? Why not both affinity groups and geographic groups be present under Community and Civic Life?
    • ONI and PSAC say its our job to communicate with our neighbors – this is our biggest value.
    • We need to re-assess our methods of community. Maybe we need another Community Conversation Feedback night to find out how best to serve. Consider for April meeting.

Website – Thursday

  • Overall transition to take over administration of site has gone smoothly. What next?
  • add advertising?
  • what additional content can we provide?
  • Suggest a survey to help understand our audience – to be done for April meeting
  • Intention to do a full website audit, and potential revamp of content in general. Larger conversation for another time.

ENA Grant Committee – Jere

  • no updates

Mural on MLK –

  • Overall project process has been established. Will need much more info to proceed.
  • a subcommittee will guide process of choosing artists. Would like to invite 3 artists to submit a prospectus. We offer to pay each artist $300 for their submission.

7th Avenue Greenway – Sue

  • Nick Falbo led a meeting, discussed that City is leaning toward doing greenway on 9th, but no road improvements there. Cyclists ride through Irving park, no re-direct.
  • City will do improvements on 7th; adding speedbumps, crosswalks, stop signs, etc.
  • Decision made because major destinations better served by 9th greenway

Walnut Park

  • Jere unable to do April meal. Anyone else want to lead it?
  • Sue potentially lead for April 19th, will follow up with Jere separately
  • Jimmy proposed board fund April meal up to $150. Sue seconds. Board votes in favor.
  • proposal to have group cooking session for meal in May or June

NEW BUSINESS

Co-Chair Nomination

 

  • Jere propose to nominate Jimmy as Co-Chair of board with her. Jimmy desires a stronger foundation for his outreach efforts. Jere will maintain central communications. Maggie to 2nd the nomination. Vote to approve passes.
  • Shireen shows interest in Outreach position. Sue proposes to nominate Shireen for Community Outreach position, starting this month, with the understanding that more specific duties of the role are to be outlined in April. Brad to second. Board votes in favor.

 

Additoinal

  • I-5 freeway expansion – visit website to make your voice heard!
  • January minutes edited
  • February minutes approved

meeting adjourned at 8:55p

Board Attendance: Jere Fitterman, Jimmy Wilson, Sue Stringer, Brad Baker, Jonathan Konkol, Maggie Gardner, Jim Hlava, Shireen Hasan, Darren Holcomb.

Guests: Thursday Graham, Catherine and Dove (Oasis of Change), Linda Kuhen, Adam Baker

 

Board Meeting Minutes 2019-02-18

Posted on by Maggie Gardner

ENA Board Meeting minutes Feb 18, 2019
St. Philip Deacon Episcopal Church
NE 120 Knott St

Darren initiate to approve January minutes, Jim 2nd, with one change:

  • remove reference to police report

 

Committee Reports:

Treasury, Jim. budget update. presented profit/loss report for January

    • beginning balance in January was $14,316.53
    • ending balance was $$15,195.56
    • livability budget is $14,108.24

Community Relations, Jimmy

    • Public Safety Action Committee (PSAC) – initiative to reinstate monthly meetings to discuss police presence
      • North Precinct officers and all neighborhoods represented are invited to gather to talk about what police involvement should look like.
      • Goal is to have everyone gather to talk and have ideas represented. give community a voice
      • Meeting will be at Emmanuel Church on Feb 28th – 6-8pm.
    • Chief Outlaw held forums to get community input. Many (including Jimmy) weren’t satisfied with their attempts, so he organized a meeting to gather a wider community representation
      • April 2nd, she will come to Emmanuel Church 6-8pm

Newsletter, Sue

      • She needs articles submitted for April newsletter by March 1
      • any new advertising is welcome. She will share rate card with board.
      • Sue’s suggestion to drive competition from new dispensaries in the neighborhood, no objections
      • adam becker suggests we collaborate with kaia@streetroots.org

LUTC, Jonathan

      • LUTC has temporarily paused Boise border conversation. Dave DelaRoche from Boise wants to come present whenever we’re ready
      • Jere proposes to put solid line along alley between Fremont and Kerby between houses and businesses that face N. Vancouver, then along N. Vancouver all the way to the river.
      • Jere proposes to meet with Boise board to discuss. Johnny 2nds. Jonathan will communicate with Boise neighborhood.

Livability, Jere

      • Friends of Trees will start their big planting in feb and march w/ Friends of Trees
        • we voted last year to subsidize tree plantings in the neighborhood, so we will get a report about how much we owe FOT.
        • toyota is paying for own trees ($2K)
        • would be great if some of our board members represent at plantings.
      • Progress is also being made on traffic diverter and parking

NECN, Jere

      • recap of a larger conversation about how our city commissioners represent the constituents, possibly re-defining this. Possibly hiring a city manager
      • setting up conversations with Community and Civic Life Office (old ONI) to keep NECN voice in the decision-making process about this new org. They might want to get rid of all neighborhood associations.
      • ENA grant committee.
        • Jere propose that smaller subcommittee review all materials to help determine our new grant process. Committee to meet within the month, give update at next meeting. MG to second. (Sue, Maggie, Jere, Jimmy)

ADDITIONAL:

Walnut Park shelter dinner. plans for Feb 22, a number of people volunteer to do it in March

Community Garden

  • Update of current project:
    • Jim states that Heru has not responded to letter
    • The planting team is ready to go! 6-8 beds planned at St. Phillip
    • Native plants grant has been submitted
    • St Phillip’s pastor hoping to give $500 grant as well, and a sanctuary out front with benches and native plants
    • Laura at NECN helping her get a fiscal sponsor
    • Pat makes the motion that give $877.77, and any future money that gets returned from Heru, to be given back to Garden. Maggie to second.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Annual Cleanup

  • not sure it’s worth it.
  • Jere proposes that we skip this year, revisit next year. 2nd by Sue

New webmaster

  • Thursday Graham wants to take it over, she has lots of wordpress experience
  • Sue makes motion that Thursday Graham be webmaster. Maggie to second, board votes to approve.
  • Jim suggests we give thank-you to Clint

Mural

  • RACC, BES and landowner offered us some $$ to do Mural, if it has messaging around
  • we will miss the Feb 20th entry deadline, but there are many more throughout the year
  • Jere proposes we have a committee to help this move forward. Maggie to 2nd. Board votes to approve. Will also include Monica, Maggie, PICA

 

Announcements

  • Neighborhood emergency team. Free training on May 7th if anyone wants to be involved.
  • “Reluctant Radical”, march 13, 7-9pm at Episcopal church. Ken Ward, activists re: fossil fuels and climate change and impact on African American communities, low-income. Ken and the director will be in attendance
  • Adam wants to know about car windows being broken. how are we addressing?
    • South Eliot Action Team has this as a goal
    • PSAC also part of the solution

**from Darren Holcomb: this will be his last meeting, moving out of the neighborhood – later noted he’d like to be involved if he’s allowed, once he’s moved out of Eliot

meeting adjourned at 8:45p

Board Attendance: Jere Fitterman, Jimmy Wilson, Darren Holcomb , Maggie Gardner, Jonathan Konkol, Susan Stringer, JIm Hlava, Patricia Montgomery, Johnny Engleheart Noel, Shireen Hasan, Julio Mendoza

Guest Attendance: 2 visitors from Japan (landscape, economics and neighborhood involvement), Thursday Graham, Linda Kuhn, Adam Becker, Roya (PICA), Kristin