3/19/19 Minutes

PENDING APPROVAL

Members: Deb Comini, Rose Leonardi, Jim Griggs, M. Bryant Baird

Organizations: Ellie Benjamin, Ronald McDonald House Charities; Raleigh Kirshman, UGM; Steve Evans, Salem-Keizer Transit Board;

City and County Representatives: Cara Kaser, Ward 1 Councilor; Sheri Wahrgren, Urban Development Department; Brady Rogers, Public Works Department, Neighborhood Enhancement Division; Officers Hill, Merrit and Edmiston, Salem Police Department

Guests: Jon Christianson, Lynn Tokata, John Prohodsky

The regular meeting of the CANDO Board of Directors was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 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 February meeting were approved by unanimous consent.

Councilor Kaser offered to answer questions on the Council’s decision not to address the remand by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals regarding the impacts of the Salem River Crossing project on Wallace Marine Park, effectively halting the Salem River Crossing project, but there were none.  She reported that the budget process was “in full swing”, and the budget was “looking grim” with “some [service] reductions possible.”

Officer Hill reported on the formation of the Problem Oriented Policing or “POP” team.  See Brynelson, T. "New Salem Police Team looks to curb repeat, low level crimes."  (22 February 2019, Salem Reporter.)  

In interested citizen comments:

Lynn Tokata asked CANDO to support the proposal to incorporate the Peace Mosaic into the Riverfront Park Carousel Stable addition.  

Ellie Benjamin asked for volunteers and participants for the 2019 Stronger Together Walk, Run and Roll event scheduled for May 4 at Riverfront Park.  

Jon Christianson, who had intended to address his comment to the scheduled presenter, Lamont Smith of Sturgeon Development, concerning the proposed hotel at Commercial and Ferry, said that the developer should document the fact Pietro Belluschi designed the Marion Car Park and Rental building that currently occupies the construction site, and erect “quality interpretive signage” at the site.

 

Sheri Wahrgren talked about the new Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area Strategic Project Grant Program that offers grants up to $50,000 for commercial projects designed for crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).  

Steve Evans commented that Saturday/Sunday bus service would commence after Labor Day, with fare for students 12 to 18 or in high school reduced to $10/mo.  He also invited individual CANDO members to submit an application to be appointed to the Transit Board, as he was retiring.

Jon Prohodsky spoke about street art he had seen traveling in Mexico, and wanted to know what CANDO thought about doing something similar in downtown Salem.  The response was positive and he was referred to the Salem Main Street Association.   

Brady Rogers said that, for the next two months, staff, including himself, would be filling in for Neighborhood Services Coordinator Irma Dowd, who is on maternity leave.  He also said he would be retiring some time in the next fiscal year, so now would be the time to move forward on any special projects needing his assistance. He said he was considering running for City Council after he retires, and after Councilor Cook steps down.   

In new business, Sarah Owens’s motion to sponsor Mid Valley Resources at the Silver level ($500/1 year), and Erma Hoffman’s motion to submit a letter supporting the proposal to incorporate the Peace Mosaic into the Riverfront Park Carousel Stable addition, passed unanimously.  

There being no other business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:58  p.m.