Sunset Neighborhood Association Meeting Minutes

May 11, 2004

Location: West Linn Library

CALL TO ORDER

Patti McCoy, President of the Sunset Neighborhood Association (SNA), called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Doug Vokes, Treasurer, reported that of the $1500/year (July 1 – June 30) from the city, we currently have a balance of $1095.31. A separate fund containing monies raised by the SNA has a balance of $262.71

GUEST SPEAKERS

• Ann Short representing The Aquatic Center Task Force reported on the proposed aquatic center. From the 1998 $8 million dollar bond measure, approx $1 million has not been spent, of which $625,000 is reserved for land purchase. She answered questions regarding the proposal and handed out a flyer showing operational costs, rental incomes, as well as a schematic of the facility.

• In addition, she reported on the proposed pocket park to be located in a vacant lot at the corner of Summit and Rosemont. The property, owned by the city, is the site of a former water tower. The park is to contain exercise equipment mainly for the benefits of adults. Parking spots may be available if room permits. If the park can be locked (similar to the skate park on Parker Rd) lights may not be necessary. The cost at this point is estimated to be approx $15 K.

• In an effort to support this park, the SNA passed a motion that $1000 of our unspent city fund budget for 2003 – 2004 be allocated back to the city. This money is to be used specifically for this park only.

• Gary Parkin, City of West Linn engineer, spoke briefly about the Sunset water line replacement project. This project began in May with an anticipated completion date in July. As of today, the main waster lines have been replaced. The paving will be done next month. The new water pipes will be 6” in diameter, and additional hydrants will be installed. The net result is increased capacity for the fire department. Also, the residents in the area may benefit by getting a lower rate on homeowners insurance due to a more favorable fire protection classification.

• Officer Rick Senger from the West Linn Police Dept reported that crime in our area is down. A brief review of our nuisance ordinance and the city code was done. The West Linn City Code, on the city web page, will now be better enforced by Peggy Jones, a new fulltime city employee. She can be reached at 655-6214. Her sole function is to ensure that the code is understood by the citizens and enforced when necessary.

• Mention was made of the Neighborhood Watch program, which has shown to be an effective method of reducing crime. There are no official registered watch groups in the Sunset area, however, there are active groups in other neighborhoods within West Linn.

• The police department is offering a free seminar titled “Developing Problem Solving Teams” on June 4^th, 2004 from 8am – 5PM at the West Linn Library. To register, contact Shauna Shroyer at 723-2544. This one-day seminar will focus on developing teams within your neighborhood to solve issues or problems. For example, solving a dispute with your neighbor concerning a barking dog.

OLD BUSINESS

1. Tree ordinance passed by vote of city council May 5^th. Details can be found on city web site

2. Our neighborhood Clean-up Day April 17^th was a success. Three dumpsters were quickly filled up by 1 PM, and another dumpster could have easily been filled if available. This is a free service to the residents of the SNA for the purpose of keeping trash/garbage free from view. We anticipate another event on either September 25^th, or Oct 2^nd. We thank the volunteers for helping out, and for our citizens for their interest in keeping our city clean and livable.

3. Mention was made of the Lock Fest Festival Saturday May 15^th. The locks have been in existence for 131 years, and all-volunteer community support is needed to ensure governmental funding to keep the locks in operation next year. Come and enjoy this event.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Discussion concerning a staircase on Falls View/Riverview Streets. This city owned stairway needs to be maintained to be usable for the residents.

2. The prolific ivy in Wilderness Park (and elsewhere) is a concern. It was felt that the 200 goats used in 2002 were very effective in destroying not only the ivy, but the under brush as well. Several volunteer groups have participated in this effort with varying degrees of success.

3. Dave Halley, new captain of the Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue, introduced himself. He also handed out flyers on family disaster planning.

ADJOURNMENT

With no further business before the SNA, Patti adjourned the meeting.

Next meeting either September 14^th or 21^st 2004 at West Linn Senior Center.

Respectfully submitted by Doug Vokes, Secretary/Treasurer of the SNA.

SNA OFFICERS

President, Patti McCoy 503-655-3445 realmccoy2000@yahoo.com

Vice President, Barry Hendrix 503-656-1670 barryh@oeco.com

Secretary/Treasurer, Doug Vokes 503-650-2072 dsekov@msn.com

For association info and meeting minutes, or for general city information, visit www.ci.west-linn.or.us