WILLAMETTE NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION MEETING
Willamette Elementary
School
October 18, 2006
The meeting was opened by Co-chair Alice Johansson
at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes were read by Secretary Reena Heijdeman and
were accepted as read.
Treasurer Elizabeth Rocchia reported a balance of
$3,521.38 in the treasury and includes $146.00 for planter stock.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Candidates
running for office introduced themselves and explained their platforms and
reasons for running. Candidates
included: Norm King, Scott Burgess,
Mike Hughes, Charles Roberts, Jody Carson, Michele Eberle, Ken Pryor, Curt
Sommer (mayoral and city council candidates), Bev Backa (state rep), and David
Dodds (county commissioner).
2. Karen
and Nat, two representatives from
Metro, reported on the Lake Oswego to
Portland Transit and Trail Alternatives Analysis project advisory committee
(LOPAC), who brought Newsletter packet with proposed transit solutions to meet
the needs of expanding population in the next 5 years. Existing traffic patterns on Hwy 43 have
much congestion and Transit and Transportation demands. Highway widening is not feasible.
Alternatives are being sought and include:
river transit, bus rapid transit, spot and intersection improvements,
rail and trail alternatives. There will
be a study to ascertain the impact of alternatives on the traffic
corridor. Feedback and involvement from
the community is solicited but West Linn does not have a seat on the advisory
committee.
3. Scott
Burgess explained focus of Sustainability Task Force Report as energy
conservation in all areas of life. City Council is looking at the
recommendations. New section in the Tidings addresses sustainability.
4. Eighth
Court businesses brought concerns about proposed traffic solutions included in
the redevelopment plan for the Willamette Marketplace. Of particular concern is
the proposed “S” median that will eliminate left turns from Eighth Court.
It was moved and seconded that the Willamette
Neighborhood request a continuance of the planning commission hearing on the
development until the WNA can review and provide input on the completed traffic
study and plan proposals. Motion approved.
5. The density of the proposed Dollar Street
development sets a precedent for future building in the area. Neighbors to the
development want the number of proposed homes decreased greatly.
Archie Lachner made a motion that was seconded by
Ron Mobley. The motion was amended following discussion.
Motion: Willamette Neighborhood Association opposes
a zone change at the Dollar Street property and requests that the original
zoning classification of R-10 should be maintained.
Amended motion was voted on and approved by all
present.
6. Neighborhood Association boundary change: tabled until our next meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Tualatin
Valley Fire and Rescue Update: Nothing
new to report.
2. Community
Policing updates/Police Advisory Committee Report: Neil Hennelly of the police department reported on the K-9
program. “Viggo,” a German Schutzhund, was located in Germany and purchased. After a visit to West Linn by his breeder,
Viggo was carefully chosen to handle the types of problems that are commonly
encountered in West Linn. Viggo’s
eight levels of training will prepare him to deal with issues faced by police
on a daily basis. Officer Jim Doolittle and Viggo will be visiting all West
Linn neighborhood Associations and schools in the future. A welcoming ceremony
is planned for October 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Field’s Bridge park.
Crime stats indicate that there is a new crew of
car thieves in West Linn. Officer
Hennelly said that most break-ins occur when items on the inside of a car can
be seen.
Residents can find useful information on identity
theft at the WL Police Department web-site:
www.westlinnpolice.com.
The bicycle patrol program is deemed successful!
5. Historic
District Planning: Jody Carson reported
on completion of identification of properties.
It is recommended that some education involving the community be set up
to determine Willamette’s interest in historic designation and what options
exist for participation. Let Ruth or
Alice know if you are interested in participating. Elizabeth Rocchia suggested that we put the historic designation
on the agenda so that our wishes can be relayed to the city in December for
inclusion in our 2008 centennial planning.
**All remaining points of business are tabled until
our next meeting due to the hour.
The meeting
was adjourned at 10:00 p.m.