2007-11-13

City of West Linn Robinwood Neighborhood Association (RNA, RN to be used for Robinwood Neighborhood) Monthly Meeting Minutes Tuesday, 11/13/07 Kevin Bryck, President, called the meeting to order shortly after 7:00 PM. Scott Sandie, RNA Treasurer, noted that the RNA fiscal year account balance was $1223.86 (plus an existing, small credit at the UPS store on Willamette Drive). The October RNA meeting minutes were unanimously approved. Items Discussed Kantara Land-Use Application Jennifer and Dan Hartung noted the application contained two variance requests (to add a 13th lot serviced by a private drive – with the CDC limit being 4, and to have the Kantara Way/Ct cul-de-sac service 13 homes versus the CDC limit of 12) and was very similar to the application that was denied in 2005. They also have concerns about the impact of another home on the already compromised natural drainageways down the slope. See Motions section below for more details. RNA Neighborhood Plan Development Update Mr. Ragan, RN resident, wanted to know what the RN’s stance was on the trail text contained in the RN Plan. President, Kevin Bryck, noted that the RN Plan is now ‘owned’ by the city and that all concerns about its contents should be placed into the record when the Plan is discussed at Planning Commission meetings. RN Goals Kevin Bryck suggested that the focus of the December meeting be about the goals of the RN. The audience did not object and offered the following as potential goals to be considered at the December meeting: ???? Make more roads that feed into 43 ???? Work with other NAs to establish a City Financial Oversight Committee (see Motions section below for more details) o RN resident, Mike Ragan, will draft a Purpose statement for this proposed committee for review at the December RN meeting. City’s Use of Fees Various residents noted their discontent with the city’s use of fees to fund city systems. The residents’ primary concern is that fees are often flat, which is a regressive system (those with lower incomes are more greatly impacted), and they are not tax deductible. See Motions section below for more details. Miscellaneous Updates and Comments ???? Kevin Bryck noted that they city is considering adding a street light fee to the utility bill ???? An audience member noted that each school now has a Citizens Advisory Committee and that concerns about schools should be routed to these committees ???? Anne Beltman is organizing a committee to meet with the owner of a 6-7 acre piece of property at the north end of Upper Midhill Drive to make sure that the owner uses the property consistent with the needs of the surrounding homes and families. Call Anne if you want to participate in this process. Motions 1. Kantara Way Land-Use Application (approved) Unanimous vote to oppose of the ratification of the Kantara Way land use application due to its multiple variance requests and potential to exacerbate existing drainage challenges (see letter to Planning Commission (Attachment A) for more details). 2. City Financial Oversight Committee (approved) Unanimous vote to begin processes to establish a City Financial Oversight Committee that will interact with city staff to ensure that city monies are being stewarded in a manner consistent with the community’s desires and needs (as recorded through official voting processes, or via other existing, or to be established, data channels). 3. Use of Fees as a Funding Method (approved) Unanimous vote to have the RNA tell the city that the RNA would prefer funding methods for roads, lighting, and parks/recreation that are tax deductible and are not flat, regressive fees. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM. Next meeting will be on Tuesday, 12/11/07 at 7:00 PM. Minutes submitted by RNA Secretary, Scott Sandie