July 2009 minutes
Richmond Neighborhood Assocation
July 13, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Board Members present: Seth Gallant, Jeff Cropp, Jeff Horne, Karin Maczko, Roy Hartley, Harper Kalin, Susan Levine, Allen Field, Doug Klotz, Derek Covey, Lee Knightly
Board Members Absent: Linda Ralley, Colin Cigarran, Jordan Lanz, Kathleen Clarke
Neighbors/Presenters: Ariana Longanecker, Malcolm Hodge, David Osborn, Kate Clayton, Gaylen Beatty
June Minutes Passed with unanimous Approval
Doug spoke about a memo regarding a new proposal to minimize setbacks for eaves – there was no discussion.
Officer Mirau is no longer our neighborhood officer, our new liaison is Officer Robert Pickett – he was not in attendance.
There was gun incident outside of Sewickley’s this past weekend; it is posted on the Mercury blogspot.
The Google group has been established for the RNA – discussions are allowed but not regarding issues that will come before the board at a later date.
Derek asked for $250 to support the RNA Garage Sale – Doug made a motion, Susan seconded – passed unanimously.
Allen asked for volunteers to man the RNA table at the Div/Clinton St. Fair July 25 – a sign up sheet was passed around.
Malcolm Hodge from the Grant St. Fair (August 1) asked for a donation for a Honey Bucket which cost around $118 last year. Jeff Cropp made a motion to give $100 for that purpose , _____________ seconded – passed unanimously.
The Solarize Portland project was presented by Jeff H. – Energy Trust has partnered with SEUL to provide bulk purchasing power for solar electricity (photovoltaic cells) systems to be installed for neighborhood residents. The incentives total about 80% off making a normally $16,000 system only $2500 after gifts & tax credits. Solar water heater systems are not yet available. Energy Trust will do the prescreening. Visit www.solarizeportland.org or lizzie.rubado@energytrust.org - 
503-459-4071
Gaylen Beatty from Three Rivers Land Conservancy presented the Backyard Habitat Certification Program. The program restores native plants, battles noxious/invasive weeds and deals with stormwater management. There is a wait list for the program and costs $25 – benefits include native plants, mulch, etc. @ wholesale prices, access to landscape architects & gift cards.
Our website or lack thereof was discussed – the current website is not acceptable; we are unable to edit it and include useful information. We may need a volunteer to help develop the website or may need to get a website from a template provide like godaddy.com – Derek will contact Sunnyside and Mt. Tabor to find out about their websites. We will revisit this topic next month.
Meeting minutes should be completed and sent to the Secretary within a weeks time; they should include general details; votes with names unless unanimous.
A quorum is 5 – we cannot discuss issues with more than 4 others, but can discuss in smaller groups.
Increasing community participation was discussed: neighbors only show up when issues come up. It would be nice to increase committee participation like the Sustainability Committee. Creating a sense of place with street flags or signs was brought up. Seth will talk to his old neighborhood and see what he can find out.
Committee Reports
Treasurers Report: $9500 in the Chase account; $6000 in Franklin/Templeton – still working on getting access to FT account.
Land Use: Did anyone from RNA attend the Div/Clinton plan Open House? No Discussion about making Division from 12th to 26th into two lanes in progress.
Sustainability: 1st meeting last Thursday – Upcoming film screening @ The Flying Cat in late August on urban development after a bike ride re: Mt. Hood Hwy.
Movies in the Park: August 15th – School of Rock with 2 (hopefully 3) kid bands
SEUL: New director has been hired
SEUL Land Use: PSU Transportation class coming Thursdays this fall, free, limited space, highly recommended. Find info through SEUL or PSU website.
Liquor Licenses: Hawthorne neighbors & Hawthorne Theater met @ Resolutions NW last week. Amended the GNA to include midnight closure, security walk-about, noise issues, zero tolerance on bus noise. Arista Ballroom is applying for an expanded liquor license. We may approach Sewickley’s re: the knife/gun fight. Neighbors of Space Room complained about a new smoking deck put in by the new owner – invited to form a GNA - neighbors did not follow up.