GENERAL MEMBERSHIP/NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Wednesday, 18 January 2023, 7:00-8:45 pm
Attendance: Melanie Billings-Yun, Craig Koon, Sally Mize, Joyce del Rosario, Sarah Taylor, Nancy Seton, Mike Lynch, Bill Failing, Helen Chauncey, Sean Micken, Rob Wilcox, Don Evans, Leslie Hammond, Mark Van Der Veer, David Lewinsohn, Patty McMahon, Darleen Garrett, Michael Montoya,
Call to order
- Approvals of agenda – John moved, Joyce second – PASS UNANIMOUSLY
- Treasurer’s report – Kim is out; no changes
- Approval of December Meeting – Joyce moved, Craig second – PASS UNANIMOUSLY
Oregon Community Solar Program—Sean Micken, Oregon Shines
Benefits of the program – No cost, no risk, guaranteed savings, reduce carbon emissions, & supporting local clean energy. Putting up one’s own solar panels doesn’t work for everyone: renters, shade, engineering & electrical. The Oregon Community Solar program was created to add to renewable mix by making solar available to customers who previously did not have access. Low-moderate income individuals are eligible for a discount. Oregon Shine is a project manager for the program. They build partnerships with corporations and non-profits. They’re now trying to bring in more residential properties. The projects are off-site in the Portland areas. You can sign up at www.oregonshines.com/sign-up. Sign up and spread the word!
Winter Safety Tips—David Lewinsohn and Mike Lynch, Neighborhood Emergency Team
https://www.swhrl.org/wp/snow-ice/ Our neighborhood is vulnerable to snow and ice. These flyers are to raise awareness and help neighbors be prepared for winter storms. NET plans to create a package of these advice flyers to align with the seasons.
Conversation with Michael Montoya, Interim Director, Office of Community & Civic Life
Civic Life Interim Director Montoya introduced the Portland Engagement Project (https://bit.ly/3QrknoB), designed to hear from all Portlanders in order to learn how the City can improve our civic processes. What should the future of neighborhood engagement be? The Portland Engagement Project is trying to address this question.
Portland was one of the first cities to form neighborhood based associations almost fifty years ago. Oregon has a long history of civic engagement. What we do next is a collective decision & the future depends on what we create together.
There is a budget issue and the city will be making tough choices. There will be positions unfulfilled and services cut. Charter reform will also change the geographic representation. There is a gap between the expectation of services and the services residents expect.
Committee reports:
Landscaping Project—Joyce del Rosario and Sarah Taylor
We’ve gone through various approvals from ODOT. We have a landscape architect and have begun identifying native species. Coordinating with Stormwater Stars, Downtown NA, Goose Hollow NA, and PSU. A great example of what neighbors can do when they work together!
District update—Melanie Billings-Yun
NWNW is kicking into gear. Committees are beginning to be formed homelessness, safety, land use, transportation, NET, and more. What are the top two needs we have for working together with the City? Feel free to send ideas to Melanie.
Adjourn 8:50