7/18/17 Minutes

Residents: Santiago Sorocco, Brian Hart, Paul Gehlar

Organizations: Simon Sandusky, Union Gospel Mission;  Ken Van Osdol, Salem Downtown Rotary Club; Laura Tea-Pelley, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel; Maurice Anderson and Mary Hart, Salem Homeless Coalition; Karma Krause, Special Projects Facilitator, Salem Keizer School District

City and County Representatives: Councilor Kaser; Officer Shane Galusha    

Guests: none

The regular meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at the First Christian Church at 685 Marion Street NE, Salem.  Vice-chair Michael Livingston acted as Secretary.

The minutes of the June meeting were approved by unanimous consent.

Officer Galusha reported that the SPD was busy with summer events and eclipse planning.  The City is anticipating an influx of 250,000 to 300,000 visitors and a three-day gridlock spanning August 21, leading SPD to consider requiring officers who live far from City center to stay at the Department overnight, during that period.  Officer Galusha also reported the City had received a number of complaints about the removal of benches downtown, as well as other “livability” issues.  

Councilor Kaser reported that the City is concerned that the Transit Committee be representative of the larger community.  She also reported that the completion of the Peter Courtney Bridge will be celebrated August 2.

 

The board heard a presentation by Karma Krause on the process that led to the Salem-Keizer School District Board’s decision to approve a bond for the May 18 ballot, and shared highlights of the $619.2M preliminary bond package.  The bond would increase the property tax levy rate between $1.28 and $1.30 per thousand of assessed value.

The board also heard a presentation by Ken Van Osdol about the process by which Salem’s Downtown Rotary came to choose improving the Riverfront Park amphitheater as their centennial project, after then-Mayor Anna Peterson happened to mention to a past-President during a concert in the Park that it was a shame she could not hear the music being played, and wouldn’t it be nice if the amphitheater could be improved.  He also shared proposed design drawings, which do not include the fence he said would be needed for crowd control.  In response to a question, he said the police would be relied on to prevent people sleeping and camping in the amphitheater, as they have in the Pavilion, which is a past project of the Rotary.  

 

There were no public comments.

In new business, Michael Livingston’s motion to recommend to the City Council that the City institute a pilot locker program at 770 Commercial St. NE passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.