8/21/18 Minutes

Members: Deb Comini, M. Bryant Baird, Paul Gehlar
Organizations: Denyc Boles, Salem Health; Raleigh Kirshman, Union Gospel Mission

City and County Representatives: Zack Merritt, Salem Police Department; Robert Chandler, Public Works
Guests: none

The regular meeting of the CANDO Board of Directors was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at the First Christian Church at 685 Marion Street NE, Salem.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present. In the absence of a quorum, the Chair postponed approval of the minutes of the July meeting.

Officer Merritt, who’s been on the Salem Downtown Enforcement Team for nine months, reported that there had been a number of fights and drug dealing going on Marion Square Park, but no arrests due to witnesses being unwilling to cooperate.  He reiterated that cameras would be helpful. He said they continue to receive complaints of behavioral problems involving people with mental illness. He said there are fifteen individuals currently enrolled in the LEAD program, which, contrary to what Officer Mumey told us in July, still requires a person be criminally charged in order to participate.  However, it’s expected that the LEAD program oversight team will soon decide to allow “social referrals.” Participation would still be voluntary. LEAD would not, for instance, help Melissa Wagner, who was arrested for behavior problems outside Brown’s Towne Lounge, but deemed unable to aid and assist in her defense, and didn’t meet the threshold for any other “holds.”  Questions for Officer Merritt concerned whether the board might receive regular reports on complaints about behavior problems downtown.

The board heard a presentation by Robert Chandler on the City’s Stormwater Master Plan policy regarding floodplain mapping.  Member Bruce Hoffman recommended the board listen to "Flood Money."

The board also heard a presentation by Denyc Boles on Salem Hospital’s plans to accommodate the anticipated rise in hospitalization rates as baby boomers age.

In the absence of a quorum,the Chair postponed new business to the September meeting, and adjourned the meeting at 7:08 p.m.