The following information is a summary of BWNA board activities from approved board meeting minutes for April and May 2024, committee activities, and more. Find the full meeting minutes at BWNApdx.org.
Board Leadership Changes
Tim Gillespie, former board member and a past president, was nominated and elected to the BWNA vice president position. Currently there is one board member position open. Interested parties should email Al Ellis at President@BWNApdx.org.
Meeting Location Change
Sylvan Learning offered the use of its space on NE Fremont Street for BWNA board and general meetings at no charge to BWNA. The board voted to try out the space for its June meeting to see if it could work for both Sylvan and BWNA on a regular basis.
Graffiti & Neighborhood Clean-Up
Board member and coordinator Angela Frome reported the spring community clean-up event was a success; another clean-up event is planned for September 22.
Fiscal Year 2025 Budget
At the May board meeting, Treasurer Karla Lenox presented the budget for fiscal year 2025 for board review with discussion; the budget was approved at the June 10 general meeting.
Alameda School Foundation Request
Katie Day from the Alameda Schools Foundation presented an appeal for funds at BWNA’s May board meeting. Time for discussion was limited. Further discussion and a board vote were moved to the June 10 general meeting, at which time the board approved a $500 donation.
Neighborhood Coalition Transition
Patty Nelson, BWNA’s representative for transition and ongoing liaison to our new District Coalition Office, Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN), reported the transition progress to NECN is very slow. And, while the city promises to provide board and event insurance, BWNA is likely to lose most of its annual communications funding.
Newsletter Team
Editor Susan Trabucco requested $500 annually to be used as discretionary funds for the newsletter; the request was approved.
Events Committee
Chair John Sandie presented a request for funding not to exceed $1,500 to support the Movie-in-the-Park event, including music and kids’ activities. After discussion the motion was passed.
The second phase of street painting in the soft bump-out areas installed by Portland Bureau of Transportation near NE Fremont Street and 47th Avenue will take place on July 19 and 20. See related article on page 10.
B-W neighbor Angelia Lovell proposed a neighborhood yard sale in August. The Events Committee later determined more time was needed to plan such an event in light of limited volunteer resources.
New Neighbor Welcoming Project
Chair Al Ellis reported 19 new homeowners moved into B-W over the last couple of months. Volunteers delivered welcome packets to welcome them to our neighborhood.
Transportation Committee
Chair Colin O’Neill reported he presented B-W neighbor Jim Karlock’s concern regarding speed-bump safety to the Portland Bureau of Transportation. See Board & Committee Updates in the May-June 2024 newsletter. Colin was unable to get any traction for further discussion. PBOT reports 60% of the Mason/Skidmore Neighborhood Greenway Project plan from NE 33rd to NE 77th will focus on traffic-calming strategies. See related article on page 17.