Minutes 7/15/14

July 15, 2014

Minutes

p	Michael Livingston, Chair	e	Woody Dukes	p	Bruce Hoffman
p	Sarah Owens, Sect’y	p	Bob Hanna	p	Rebekah Engle
p	Erma Hoffman, Treasurer	p	Brock Campbell

p=present a=absent e=excused

Residents:  David Dahle, Paul Ghelar

Organizations: Bud Austin, United Gospel Mission (UGM), Scott Bigham, Salem First Christian Church; Diana Dettwyler, Downtown Salem Strong

City/County Representatives:  Officers Upkes and DeMarco, Salem Police Department; Councilor Bennett, Salem City Council; Rena Peck and Laura Walker, Salem Urban Development Department, Federal Programs Division

A regular meeting of the CanDo Board of Directors was called to order at 6:03 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, at the First Christian Church at 685 Marion Street NE, Salem.  Michael Livingston was in the chair and Sarah Owens was secretary.

Minutes of the June meeting were approved.  

Officer Upkes reported that more than five thousand people, possibly as many as ten thousand, attended the July 4th festivities in Wallace and Riverfront Parks, sponsored and promoted by the City, however, the City would rather not promote next year’s celebration, and so would be putting out a request for a proposal from someone in the private sector to take over that function.  Residents can expect loud music from RiverRock over the next three Wednesdays, and street closures connected to Bite & Brew (weekend of July 26)  Hoopla (following weekend).  Marion Square Park is seeing the usual summertime activity levels and problems (fights, public use of marijuana).  

Councilor Bennett reported that the City is looking for nominations for its annual Volunteer Awards Celebration on September 15 (deadline for nominations is August 18).  He also reported that the Council adopted the code revisions affecting Mobile Food Units and expects pods to form, but not downtown, though it is possible that a pod could form on the north side Courthouse Square.  The Council is aware that some restaurateurs are concerned about competition and expects to revisit the issue in four months.  He reported that the hearing concerning the demolition of Howard Hall went until 10:30 p.m. and was continued to the next meeting (July 28).  Also on July 28 will be hearings on proposed ordinances prohibiting the sale of live animals in the public right of way, and increasing the size of fast food menu boards.  The Medical Marijuana Dispensary Regulations Subcommittee has been formed and is deliberating.  Downtown parking problems continue.  The City is proceeding with a request for a proposal for “pay and display” machines in the Capitol Mall area that will accept cash cards and phone transfers, as well as cash.  Unless the situation is resolved soon, he expects Councilor Clem to propose to the Council that the downtown parking district return to 2-, or possibly 3-hour parking limits during the holiday retail season.    

After presentations on The “Downtown-Salem-Strong” initiative and “Citizen Patrol” proposal by David Dahle & Diana Dettwyler, and the City of Salem Housing & Community Needs Survey (under “City Highlights”) by Laura Walker & Rena Peck, the meeting of the Board of Directors adjourned at 7:42 p.m.