2021 Bolton Neighborhood Association Annual Report

2021 Bolton Neighborhood Association Annual Report

December 2021

Association Leadership -

  • Robert McCarthy, President
  • Erich Kunrath, Vice-President
  • Janet McCarthy, Secretary
  • Walter Swan, Treasurer

Meeting Times, Dates and Location -

The third Tuesday of every month from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at West Linn Fire Hall, #58 Community Room, Failing St., West Linn, and via Zoom.

2021 Accomplishments -

  1. Refined our Google mail monthly newsletters to members that eliminated the mailings being interpreted as spam.   
  2. Held two in-person monthly meetings at Hammerle Park during a lull in the Covid-19 pandemic. 
  3. Held an “Ice Cream Social” at Hammerle Park in June to introduce new members to the BNA, its history, norms, values, accomplishments and issues we are focused on.   
  4. Made monthly improvements to meeting structure and refined how we facilitated meetings to better use Zoom.  QR codes were added to signs to provide neighbors easier access to meeting information.
  5. Voted in former members of the Sunset Neighborhood Association who petitioned to become part of the BNA. The Sunset NA raised no objections.  
  6. Provided input to create a comprehensive development plan for Central Village during the City Council planning session.  Brainstormed how to improve traffic flow in Central Village with Lance Calvert, Director Public Works to better accommodate new development at 1575 Burns Street and the former Post Office.  Lance Calvert presented challenges to include existing utility lines, development of individual parcels and topography.
  7. Reviewed The McLean House Class 1 Design proposal and wrote a letter in support its plan to the Historic Review Commission.
  8. Continued a two-year effort to encourage the USPS to keep the West Linn Post Office in Central Village. This effort ultimately failed. However, working with our state and federal legislators, the BNA was instrumental in ensuring a post office would remain and be located in West Linn in a timely manner.
  9. Advised the City Council in a presentation and by letter of the potential traffic issues caused by the Oregon Classic Golf Tournament scheduled for September.   
  10. Held nominations for Officers in October and elected the current slate of officers for a two year term.
  11. Over a six-month period, we developed a survey and postcard that was mailed to all Bolton residents and businesses in December. Its purpose is to seek insight for how we can make the BNA more relevant and representative of our community.
  12. Continued to explore possible uses for the Old Bolton Fire Station with City staff.
  13. Helped organize a committee with Rep. Rachel Prusak, ODOT, City Leaders and others to assess highway 43 and where to make temporary and more permanent improvements to a road that is unsafe and in disrepair. Hwy 43 repairs are still needed.  
  14. Identified overlooked outcome from the removal of the Broadway Bridge during I-205 construction that would affect parking at the high school.  Requested that WLWV School District commit to complete Phases C/D of WLHS Stadium & Parking Expansion. Subsequent discussions with the WLWV school district helped to ease the concerns of neighbors that parking would not become a serious problem for residents again. 
  15. Continued our support the restoration of Burnside Park, Maddax Woods and the McLean House.   
  16. Practiced meeting norms that emphasize listening, and encourage collaboration to improve  problem solving effectiveness.
  17. Facilitated discussions and acted on issues of community importance, including:  
  • The status of I205 tolling and how to ensure tolling equitability and minimize diversion into city streets.
  • Improvements to Hammerle Park.
  • Cleanup of debris in Maddax Woods.
  • Recommendation to Gramor Development on preferred new businesses in Central Village that would not compete with existing businesses. 
  • Recommended improvements to the proposed Street Tree Survey that would more broadly represent the community.
  • Facilitated a discussion with TVF&R about its upcoming bond.
  • Requested and reviewed the original purchase documents for Oppenlander Fields and support for a proposed City bond. 

2022 Challenges -  

  • Analyzing the data from our postcard survey to inform priorities for the neighborhood association that reflect the diversity of our neighborhood.
  • Created continuity records that codify BNA procedures.  This will make it easier for new officers to take over positions and familiarize themselves with banking procedures, city and TVF&R contacts, how to facilitate meetings, keeping records and working with Google Gmail.
  • Refining and strengthening “Zoom” meeting norms and process to make all neighbors feel welcome and valued.
  • Growing involvement among neighbors to help achieve neighborhood priorities and using online meetings to increase participation.
  • Using neighborhood resources in a way that brings the community together.

Draft 2022 Goals –

  1. Continue to increase the membership of the neighborhood association.
  2. Upgrade and refine the BNA website with photographs.
  3. Continue to support and expand community events such as the Ice Cream Social, the Lighting of Maddax Woods, volunteer efforts to improve trails, and the restoration of Maddax Woods, Burnside Park, and the Pocket Park.
  4. Encourage collaboration among owners/developers, adjacent property owners and the City’s Planning Department consistent with the Bolton Neighborhood Plan.
  5. Lead in finding solutions to the issues of importance to residents and businesses of Bolton and the City, i.e., I-205 Tolling, Hwy 43 improvements, etc.
  6. Participate in the planning of the Waterfront Development.
  7. Continue to support the McLean House as a vital part of our neighborhood.
  8. Update and print a new edition of the Bolton Neighborhood Walking Tour Booklet and link it with an app.
  9. Collaborate with the West Linn Garden Club to create a memorial for James Weaver in Maddax Woods.
  10. Continue to explore uses for the Bolton Fire Station..

 

Accounting of Neighborhood Association Grant Funds 2021 –

  • Office Supplies and Printing – 145.30
  • Dairy Hill, Ice Cream Social - $600.00
  • BNA Banner Sign – 75.00
  • ZOOM monthly subscription (8 months) – 179.88
  • Website Name (boltonna97068.org) – 12.00
  • McLean House Security System - $500.
  • Large Format BNA Map - 25
  • Park Restoration Maintenance and Supplies – $50.00

Total Expenses-------------------------------------------------- $1,587.43

 

Likely Areas of BNA Planned Spending for 2022 –

  • Office Supplies and Printing.
  • Park Restoration Maintenance and Supplies.
  • Support for Maddax Woods, Mclean House, West Linn Food Bank.
  • Supplies and refreshments for volunteers and NA meetings.
  • Publication of Bolton Neighborhood Walking Tour Booklet and App.
  • A memorial for James Weaver in Maddax Woods.
  • Neighborhood Signs and Website enhancements.
  • ZOOM fees.

 

December 13, 2021

Robert McCarthy, President

Erich Kunrath, Vice-President

Janet McCarthy, Secretary

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