Officers Pete Gill and David Jackson, Helen Jones, Diane & Michael Chacon, Roger Fuchs, Tom Vice, Ryan Rushing, Virginia E. Petersen, Jenny Batty, Gina Ballard, Julie Neburka, Ann Steigerwald, Genie Willis, Jan Elliott, Bobbie Rittel, Carl Uhte, Adam Kearns, Lonnie Port, Kathryn King, Jim Sheridan, Moshe Lenske, Elizabeth Ussher Groff, Catherine Failor, Ann Crowder, Ruthann Bedenkop. Two people did not sign-in.

Agenda was approved.

Introductions included ice-breaker, “What is one thing you appreciate about the neighborhood association?”

NERT Officer Steve Gandy was called out on duty and was not present. Officer Gill talked about the very helpful 15 new Panasonic Toughbook lap top computers for police cars, funded by federal grant money, that increase availability of information (and, it sounds like, makes the job more fun!).

Rodney Bender, one of three paid full-time staff with Growing Gardens, explained that the program began in 1996 to create gardens for low-income people. Today there are two main programs: 1.) Youth gardens for elementary schools who can guarantee at least ten volunteers. Parents help secure funding, supplies and coordinate logistics. Preparation can take 2-3 years. “Summer camps” in the gardens provide snacks and garden education. 2.) Home garden program provides two 8’ x4’ mounded soil gardens per household. Raised beds with benches are created for the elderly and disabled. Each household is enrolled in a 3-year program focusing on organic gardening education. During twelve years Growing Gardens has helped create 576 home gardens and 45 gardens for schools and apartment complexes. Eligibility for low-income households is 185% of federal poverty guidelines. Food stamp, WIC and Habitat for Humanity recipients qualify.

Jennifer Bates absent.

Approved by unanimous voice vote.

Vice chair, Michael Chacon; Treasurer, Julie Neburka; Secretary, Elizabeth Ussher Groff, SEUL delegate, Moshe Lenske; Volunteer coordinator, Ann Steigerwald; Land Use, Terry Griffiths & Ryan Rushing; Community Connectors (job description could includes (besides being a board member and attending meetings), having a list serve to involve people in events, create welcome packets, meet new neighbors, get more people involved. Area 1 (unfilled), area 2 Tom Vice & Gina Ballard; area 3 Helen Jones & Jan Elliott; area 4 Anna Hirsch & Virginia Petersen; area 5 Ryan Rushing. Positions with no nominees: Chair, Web Administrator, Newsletter Editor, area 1 Community Connector.

Lonnie said there were 75 people at the WCC Open House but not as many youth as expected. Wooden sign for gable area of the WCC will cost $3515 including installation and permits. The 14th Annual Plant Sale will be May 10th. Sign-up sheets were circulated. Neighbors are urged to bring established plants in pots.

Coordinator Lonnie reported that electronics will be collected on site by Bear E-cycling who will also haul them away. Bulky waste and yard debris accepted. 41st Ave. Speed Bump Committee has signed up 41st Ave. residents as volunteers for the site.

Tom Vice reported that it was a big success, with 1700 eggs scooped up by children in seven minutes. $600 was budgeted but $400+ spent which leaves $150 for next year. Next year the plan will be to make the hunt more than a seven-minute event.

Gina reported that she will order more shirts for the plant sale and picnic. No mediums are left.

Carol Uhte, Branch Supervisor said that AARP tax aide is in full swing. Even people who don’t file taxes can get federal rebate info. To celebrate the end of tax aid Saturdays Robby Robinson will play Brazilian guitar. Kids will read to Dove Lewis dogs.

Jim Sheridan asked if WNA has an historian. He knows of someone who has detailed information on a 1908 house. Lonnie suggested that any such materials be donated to the Oregon Historical Society who catalogues them for public access.

Meeting adjourned at 8:17pm.

Convened at 8:20pm.

Ruthann reported that organizing is going well. For improving volunteer communication she suggests WNA purchase the computer program Constant Contact. It was approved by unanimous voice vote to spend up to $130 for the program.

Should SEUL communications budget money be spent for the WCC sign? Joyce Walls had said that it could not because that money is reserved for neighborhood association related expenses. However, Julie will ask the new SEUL financial person. Part of the $1000 remaining communications money CAN be spent on tee shirts. It was voted to spend up to $600 for more shirts. Gina will e-mail a couple of color options. It was suggested but not approved to spend $900 of the remaining $1000 on 1000 folders for community connector welcome packets. $50 was approved by unanimous voice vote to pay the annual renewal of corporate status with the state of Oregon.

Julie distributed copies of a suggested budget format to be used for tracking revenue and expenses for the year and for events. Unanimous voice vote approved preparing the budget for one year in the format that Julie presented.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:00pm. Minutes respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Usher Groff

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