11/21/23 Minutes

Individual Members: none

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2;  Debbie Aguilar, Salem Police Department;  Alan Alexander, Salem Parks and Recreation Advisory Board  

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the October meeting were approved unanimously.

Lieutenant Aguilar reported on the Department’s toy drive and on the need to guard against theft during the holiday season.         

Councilors Stapleton and Nishioka reported on the likely consequences and next steps following the failure of the employment tax measure.  

Alan Alexander gave a presentation on the City’s parks and on the Salem Park Improvement Fund.

The Chair’s motion to cancel the December meeting passed by unanimous consent.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:57 pm.

10/17/23 Minutes

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rebekah Engle

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Sgt. Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department  

 

Guests: Marissa Theve, Grant

The annual meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, October 17, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the September meeting were approved unanimously.

Sgt. Dowd reported that the Community Action Unit had had fewer incidents at the Transit Mall and was spending more time in the area of Sunnyview Road NE and Lancaster Drive.  In coming weeks, it would be active in Wallace Marine Park, and consequently CANDO might notice an increase in people living in the streets of downtown. He also reported that through the efforts of Northwest Seniors and People With Disabilities, the older, wheelchair-bound male seen frequently downtown in recent weeks would soon be housed.  He said he’d been told that Salem First Presbyterian Church would probably not be operating a warming shelter this season.  (See McDonald, A. "Warming Shelters to rely on volunteers to keep people sheltered on freezing nights."  (19 October 2023, Salem Reporter) (noting that pandemic-relating funding used to staff warming shelters was drying up).)        

Councilor Stapleton reported on downtown development, the City ceremony recognizing volunteers, and the upcoming work session on budget amendments in the event that the employment tax measure fails to pass.

Marissa Theve gave an excellent talk titled “Dark Skies for Salem.”

   

The Chair opened the floor for nominations to the Board of Directors.  There being none, the Chair then closed the Annual Meeting, called to order a meeting of the Board, and opened the floor for nomination of officers. Member Griggs’s motion to retain the Chair and Secretary-Treasurer in their current positions passed unanimously.

The Chair’s motions to readopt last year’s annual goal and to authorize him to apply for a SPIF grant to install some amenity along the Pringle Pathway passed unanimously.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:50 pm.

2023 Notice of Compliance

 

9/19/23 Minutes

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rosa Leonardi, Rebekah Engle, Joel and Jess Weiss

Organizations: none

 

City, County and State Representatives:  Chris Hoy, Mayor; Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2; Sgt. Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department  

 

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:02 p.m., on Tuesday, September 18, 2023. The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the August meeting were approved unanimously.

Sgt. Dowd reported that the Community Action Unit, which during the summer was focused on the central area, will return to citywide patrol. He also reported on actions taken in response to Alan Mela’s complaint regarding the 200 block of D Street (concerning Grocery Outlet and UGM Store) and answered questions.

Councilor Stapleton and Councilor Nishioka reported on recent City Council actions and the upcoming reconsideration of the Council’s decision not to repeal SCAN’s overlay zones which limit density growth and thus “protect the character of the neighborhood.”  Councilor Nishioka will propose, by way of a compromise, what amounts to a 45’ height limit, which is higher than currently allowed, but not as high as permitted in most other areas of the City.

Mayor Hoy talked a little bit about his background in public service, and answered a number of questions.    

The Chair’s motion to take a position on whether Salem should affirm the enactment of Ordinance Bill 12-23 (Safe Salem Payroll Tax) passed unanimously, following which the board voted unanimously to take the position that Salem should affirm the enactment of the Bill (and the payroll tax).

The Chair acknowledged Rebekah Engle’s resignation from the board, and thanked her for her long service.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:12 pm.

CANDO FY 2022/2023 Finance Statement

CANDO FY 2021/2022 Finance Statement

 

8/15/23 Minutes

Individual Members: none

Organizations: Patrick Sullivan and Andrea Mankee with Community Medical Services; Katy Deluca and Mike Vasquez, Aflac Insurance Company (local office in the Meridian Building)

 

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2;  Kimberly Castro, Office of Representative Kevin Mannix

 

Guests: iPhone (unidentified)  

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the July meeting were approved unanimously.

Sgt. Dowd, head of the Community Action Unit, was absent, being on leave after knee surgery.    

Councilor Stapleton and Councilor Nishioka reported on recent City Council actions and the placement of the employee payroll tax on the November ballot.    

The board heard a very detailed presentation on the Community Medical Services opioid treatment clinic at 702 Church Street from CMS staffers Patrick Sullivan and Andrea Mankee. The clinic currently expects to open on the first of October.  Neighbors are invited to let CMS know of concerns by email to Andrea andrea.mankee@cmsgiveshope.com or the Church Street clinic at 503-991-5903.  There will be an open house, date TBD.    

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:56 pm.

 

7/18/23 Minutes

Individual Members: Deb Comini, Woody Dukes, Abigail Huston

Organizations: none

 

City, County and State Representatives:  Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department;  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor

 

Guests: Charey Cooke, Battle Creek area of Salem; Kristin Beltz, Southeast area of Salem;

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the June meeting were approved unanimously.

Sgt. Dowd, head of the Community Action Unit, reported that the Unit will be assisting with the upcoming Ironman, Art Fair and Hoopla events, and participating in the “active threat response” training taking place at CTEC.  He detailed his followup up on the comments made at the last CANDO meeting. Deb Comini said she had witnessed the increased police presence on Church Street and expressed appreciation.  Sgt. Dowd will be having knee surgery soon, and may miss the next meeting, but will arrange coverage.    

Councilor Stapleton reported, among other things, that Council will be reconsidering the decision not to remove certain overlay zones in Ward 2 in late September.  She also expressed interest in hearing from residents about neighborhood traffic management.    

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:57 pm.

6/20/23 Minutes

 

Individual Members: Deb Comini, Woody Dukes, Carol Hendrix

Organizations: none

City, County and State Representatives:  Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department; Deanna Gwynn, Ward 4 Councilor; Courtney Knox Busch, City Manager’s Office;  Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, June 20, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the May meeting were approved unanimously.

Sgt. Dowd, the new head of the Community Action Unit, reported that the Unit, while not abandoning other areas, is focusing efforts on the downtown, specifically, violent crime around UGM, The ARCHES Project and the transit mall.  The landscape median near The ARCHES Project has been cleared of tents.  The Unit has also been covering the numerous summer events that occur downtown.  Sgt. Dowd reported increased teen-aged gang violence traveling to downtown from the east side of town.  The violence is taking place at the Salem Center Mall and at the transit mall.  The 6-member Unit is returning to 6-day/week coverage of downtown (M-Sat, noon to 10p typically).

Councilor Nishioka reported that Council will be considering revenue measures in July and that she would be offering a substitute motion on the proposal to remove certain overlay zones in Ward 2.  She said residents of the South Central Area Neighborhood want to retain overlay zone height restrictions so as to keep the neighborhood looking as it does.  Removing height restrictions allows for higher density which is needed to support mass transit and the City’s Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

In interested citizen comments, Carol Hendrix reported concerns about HOAP clients remaining after hours and problems she was having with her rental property across the street.  Sgt. Dowd responded to her concerns in some detail, explaining the constitutional limitations on police and what action his Unit would be taking under what conditions.  He also shared information on new homeless housing/shelter programs.  

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:54 pm.

5/16/23 Minutes

  

Individual Members: Deb Comini, Woody Dukes,

Organizations: none

 

City, County and State Representatives:  Matthew Gill and Robert Dowd with the Salem Police Department; Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor; Lori Pearson with Rep. Andersen’s office.  

 

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, May 16, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the April meeting were approved unanimously.

Lt. Gill introduced Sgt. Dowd as the new head of the Community Action Unit.  Sergeant Dowd has been with the Community Action Unit for two days, but has been with Salem PD for 15 years -- all on patrol.  Lt. Gill reported on the reduction in complaints relating to the Marion Parkade and plans for community policing going forward.    

 

Councilors Stapleton and Nishioka reported that Council continues its budget work.  

The Chair’s motion to spend up to the current balance of the Communication Fund to renew CANDO’s sponsorship of Northwest Human Services’ Mid Valley Resources website at

the Silver level passed unanimously.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:43 pm.

4/18/23 Minutes

  

Individual Members: Deb Comini, Woody Dukes

Organizations: none

 

City, County and State Representatives:  Julie Warnke, Public Works; Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor.

 

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, April 18, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the March meeting were approved unanimously.

Councilor Stapleton reported that Council continues budget discussions focused on the need to increase revenue and mentioned the recent opening of the Yaquina Hall affordable housing project and the opening later this month of the Navigation Center, which will provide additional low-barrier shelter beds.  Councilor Nishioka offered more detail on the ways revenue might be increased and answered questions.

Julie Warnke then gave a presentation on the planned Capitol Street NE Improvements and answered questions about plans for the Maple St/Winter St Family Friendly Bikeway.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 7:00 pm.

 

3/21/23 Minutes

 Individual Members: Deb Comini, Woody Dukes

Organizations: Sawyer Mizer, Commercial Business Furniture

 

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor

 

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the February meeting were approved unanimously.

The chair asked Councilors Stapleton and Nishioka to begin with a Q&A, given they had missed the last two meetings due to the Council work sessions.  In response to a question about the deputy City Manager positions (2), Councilor Stapleton said the positions existed prior to the 2008 recession and offered reasons and arguments in support of the decision to reinstate them.  Councilor Nishioka expressed agreement with the decision to reinstate the positions.  The City’s response to homelessness was mentioned repeatedly.  The budget process and the need to increase revenue were also discussed.    

Sawyer Mizer of Commercial Business Furniture told the board about the business’s proposal for a loading zone parking area on Belmont between Commercial and Liberty Streets and invited questions and comments.  No objections to the proposal were offered. Jim Griggs’s motion to approve the proposal passed unanimously.  

 

In unfinished business, the chair reported that following his investigation on the feasibility of CANDO issuing a quarterly newsletter he had concluded it would not be a good use of the board’s limited capacity.    

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:47 pm.

 

2/21/23 Minutes

 

Individual Members: none 

Organizations: none

City, County and State Representatives:  Kevin Hottman, Traffic Engineer and Matthew Gill, Salem Police Department

 

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the January meeting were approved unanimously.

Councilors Stapleton and Nishioka were absent due to the Council work session.

Officer Gill reported that the Department had launched its body camera program and shared relevant crime statistics for the month of February.  

Kevin Hottman gave a presentation on options for bicycle transportation improvements on the east side of Commercial Street, between Division & Union.  The project would be funded by ODOT and is intended to improve connections with the Union Street Family Friendly Bikeway. Kevin (and ODOT) wanted to know which of two alternatives for the project CANDO favored: (1) widen the existing sidewalk to create a “multi-use path” for pedestrians and cyclists, which would require the removal of the street trees in the project area; or (2) install a buffered bike lane abutting the roadway, which would take a few parking spaces but would preserve the street trees and the pedestrian-only sidewalk.  The comments from the Board indicated a clear preference for option (2).  

 

In unfinished business, the chair called on the board to nominate members to be appointed to an e-newsletter workgroup.  After tentative nominations once again failed, the chair told the board he would investigate the feasibility of a quarterly (vs. monthly) newsletter and report back to the board.  

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:58 pm.

1/17/23 Minutes

Individual Members: none

Organizations: Lisa Schneider, Valley Insurance Professionals

City, County and State Representatives: Matthew Gill, Salem Police Department

 

Guests: none

 

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 17,

2023. The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference. The Chair and

Secretary-Treasurer were present.

 

The agenda and minutes of the November meeting were approved unanimously.

 

Councilors Stapleton and Nishioka were absent due to the Council work session on the

Council’s 2023 Policy Agenda.

 

Officer Gill reported on the shift of focus, two months in, in community policing to wherever

violent crime and “livability” issues are occurring. He also demonstrated the Community

Crime Map which allows residents to search reported “crimes” in Salem. He invited

residents to contact him with concerns at MGill@cityofsalem.net.

 

In unfinished business, the chair called on the board to nominate members to be appointed

to an e-newsletter workgroup. After tentative nominations failed, the business was

postponed to the February meeting.

 

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:44 pm.