2/19/19 Minutes

Members: Deb Comini, Jim Griggs

Organizations: Dan Clem, Union Gospel Mission;

City and County Representatives: Heidi Miller, Friendship Brigade, Center 50+

Guests: Jon Christianson

The regular meeting of the CANDO Board of Directors was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 19, 2019, at the First Christian Church at 685 Marion Street NE, Salem.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the January meeting were approved by unanimous consent.

In interested citizen comments, Dan Clem shared revised plans for the new Men’s Mission following the purchase of Mike’s Electric and the BAM! Agency properties, and said UGM was requesting modification of the Conditional Use Permit.  The plan is to build “Hope Commons” on the Mike’s Electric lot.  Hope Commons is to include an outdoor plaza, 24hr restroom access, covered bike and other storage areas, and serve as an entrance to the mission.  Plans also call for the BAM! Agency house to be retained for administrative staff initially, and eventually become transitional housing. A variance of the parking requirements (lower) will be sought.

Jon Christianson shared a proposal to incorporate the Peace Mosaic into the Riverfront Park Carousel Stable addition.

The board heard a presentation by Heidi Miller about the pilot Center 50+ community care and nursing home visiting program called “Friendship Brigade.”  The group’s goal is to train and connect over 100 caring volunteers with isolated seniors in 20 community care and nursing facilities throughout Salem and Keizer.  At the end of January, the program had 60 volunteers working in 8 facilities. Volunteers report having solid satisfaction with the work, which is not that old-fashioned nursing home visiting program you signed up for in high school.  Program Coordinator Heidi Miller may be contacted for more information at 503-588-6303.

In new business, Michael’s motion to submit a letter supporting construction of a restroom at the north end of Riverfront Park and Neal’s motion to appoint Sarah Owens to the Food and Sundries Distribution to the Homeless Community Task Force passed unanimously.  

There being no other business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:47  p.m.