Neighborhood Meeting Minutes – March 2021

ENA Board Meeting Minutes

March 10, 2021

Virtual Meeting

Attendees: Sherry Chilcutt, Cheryl Bayle, Chris Knight, Roger Horn, Jim Rioux, Jim Sweeney.

Neighborhood Office Invitation

Sherry contacted the new neighborhood officer, but he did not respond yet. We will try to arrange for him to attend a future meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Checking $516.86

Savings 1062.11

Signs 1305.38

Trees 153.04

Beauty 409.33

Approval of February Minutes

Approved with Edits

Blood Bank at FUMCO

Chris reported that the Blood Bank will be accepting blood donations at FUMCO on Tuesday and Wednesday, 3/15 and 3/16.

CNA Report

There were three presentations from staff at the last CNA meeting.

Amy Buckler provided an update of the housing plan. It seemed that her key message was that we will experience significant growth and we have only started to build the housing units that will be needed.

There was significant follow-up discussion about large developments being proposed for West Bay Drive and that lack adequate public process.

Stephanie Johnson shared the City’s plans for this year’s Arts Walk. Parks is planning a virtual approach that maps art throughout the City and encourages people to visit the site over the Month of April She is interested in hearing from Neighborhood Associations that wish to participate.

Teal Russell provided a homeless update. Seems like the City has reached a status quo with the Plum St. Village working well, the mitigation camp managing and looking forward to wood shelters, and unmanaged camps continuing without any good answers. There is also coming discussion of a formal RV site, but progress is slow.

RNA Grants

Jim R. has submitted a draft application for larger signboards. Lydia indicated that it is good to go.

Sherry is working with the artist Laurel Henn to finalize the application for a mural. There is a lot of interest and excitement about the project.

Missing Sidewalks on 7th Avenue

Roger said that according to Paul Horton who lives on 7th and attended a Core Team meeting, three of four property owners are okay with adding a sidewalk along the street. The Core Team will continue to work on this issue.

South Sound Children’s Reading Book Drive

Sherry reported on the ongoing Book Drive. It has been a great success in the past.

They will take books in any condition and if necessary, send them to others to handle them.

Removal of Infected Tees

Roger has contacted Tim Smythe and Michelle (Shelly) Bentley. All are waiting to hear from Michelle who indicated that she may have access to a waiver that the City has used for the insurance requirements.

Tim will also try to connect with Michelle.

Coffee Shop at Swantown Inn

The board discuss additional steps that could be taken to help efforts to get a coffee stand at the Inn.

The Board was generally in favor, but without better information about what others in the neighborhood feel, did not feel ready to provide a written endorsement.

Jim R recommended that Nathan reach out to the immediate neighbors to see if there is any strong objection.

Neighborhood Meeting Minutes – February 2021

ENA Board Meeting Minutes

February 10, 2021

Virtual Meeting

Attendees: Sherry Chilcutt, Cheryl Bayle, Nathan Allan, Chris Knight, Roger, Jim Rioux, Jim Sweeney.

Treasurer’s Report

Checking $516.86

Savings $1062.04

Signs $1305.24

Trees $153.02

Neighborhood beautification $ 409.29

Approval of January Minutes

Approved with Edits

CNA Report

Jim Rioux provided a brief update of discussion at the February 8meeting of the CAN. The major discussion items were as follows:

  • Yến Huỳnh, the new Council liaison took over for Clark Gilman
  • Lydia provide an update of this year’s matching grant program. Information is now on the city’s website
  • Mike Reid, the City’s Economic Development Director provide a presentation on the ecumenic status o the City and COPVID-19 impacts. Overall the City is weathering the pandemic relatively well.

Mike’ presentation led to ad side discussion about barriers to first time home buyers and the importance of home ownership to building personal wealth.

Subarea Plan

Jim Sweeny provided an update of efforts related to the Armory.  He mentioned that the Amory is now up for acquisition and that there is an upcoming meeting with the City to speak to our legislative delegation

The Core Team met with ONNA. It was suggested that we make this connection a regular the event. At the last meeting we received input about how to proceed with efforts to get a sidewalk connection on 7th Avenue

Ideas and leaders for 2021 projects

 Sherry asked everyone to list a item or two that they want to work on this year.

Jim Sweeney – Development of a Neighborhood Hub

Cheryle Bayle – Individual Asset Assessment project to identify talent in the neighborhood and improve connections.

Nathan Allan – Winter Walkabout

                        Block party at the Inn

                        7th Avenue Sidewalk

                        Coffee Window at the Inn

Jim Rioux –   Individual Asset Assessment project

Sign boards

7TH Avenue Sidewalk

Roger Horn   Variety show

Winter walk about

7th Avenue Sidewalk

Block Party

Removal of infected trees

Chris Knight -I feel like I’m at my limit. Can offer serving in a co-leadership                                                position

                        Managing the shelter at FUMC

Sherry –         Mural at 620 Central. 

                        Housing

FUMC Shelter

Chris provided a brief update. Things are going well. They are not getting any complaints. It’s a beautiful thing to be there for people that have, in a way. fallen through the cracks. Most residents are elderly.

Jim S asked if s there anything we can do. Chris will check in with interfaith works.