"I couldn't do it" Lozier tells Alliance leadership

PARODY 

 

Special Meeting of Homeless Alliance Executive Committee December 3, 2024

With less than 30 days in which to find someone to replace outgoing director Elaine Lozier resigned abruptly in early November, effective December 31, the Homeless Alliance called a special, invite-only meeting of its leaders to "strategize" the transition to an interim director. 

~~~~~~~~~~

Jeremy:  Noon o'clock! Well howdy, everybody!  I hope you all had a happy turkey day and long weekend!  Got those leaves raked yet, Dan?  Thinking about Christmas yet Rhonda?  Of course it's not too early!  I love Christmas, why I was just--

Chris: Move approval of the agenda.

Jeremy: --telling my--what? Oh yeah, the agenda.  Let's wait a couple more minutes, just in case we're missing anybody.  I just love seeing everybody...Elaine, do we have quorum?

Elaine:  We have quorum. 

Jeremy: Alright then!  Any objections to the agenda? No? Well give me some of those "ayes"  will you?  

[unintelligible]

Jeremy: As you all know, Elaine is leaving us soon.  Yes, it's very sad.  Still, if we don't find a replacement before she goes, it's gonna be each one of our keesters on the line, and I know none of you wants that, ha ha! 

[unintelligible]

Jeremy:  Take a look at this 'job call' I drafted using Elaine's posting from last year.  Gosh!  Was it just last year?   

[unintelligible]

Jeremy:  What's that?  Oh, well, anyhow, I added a couple things needing someone's immediate attention, like how to do performance evaluation, we need a work group. That's a big one!  Probably shouldn't have promised it for last October, but who's looking, ha ha.  The important thing is, we got rid of the data Nazis!  Who needs 'em?  Do numbers tell us how many people are homeless?  I suppose not!

Rhonda:  I find it hard, not knowing, really, why Elaine is leaving, to judge what we should be asking for, but it looks to me like we're asking an awful lot.  And I'm thinking about what it's going to cost--every transition costs the organization, I'm not convinced an interim is the proper strategy.

Jeremy:  How about we soften the language, so as not to scare people, and kind of let them find out as they go, like Elaine did, heh heh.  Maybe something like, able to conduct genuine conversations with people about difficult topics, hear different opinions, identify common ground and understand varying viewpoints?

Cathy:  I've been here from the beginning and may be considered something of an expert in this area, and I think that really captures what the Alliance is trying to accomplish, because every one of us made a commitment to this work, this very vital work, this life-saving, life-changing work of compassion and caring for our homeless neighbors.  We are the guiding light for our communities and I am never, ever going to give up this work.   

Kathy:  Why are we going the interim route? 

Jeremy:  Good question!  We're doing it just in case.  

Chris: The reason is we have an immediate need.  We can't wait for just the right person. 

Elaine:  You can keep afloat without an ED, you know.  In fact, you've been doing it for some time now! Ha ha, just kidding.  Seriously, though, there are things that are not listed in the position description that we don't have coverage for, things that are not getting completed.  I wouldn't recommend changing the PD, I'm just saying it's not a reflection of the practical reality.  The day-to-day operations is where the difficulty lies.  It's not practical to have one person do both that and the CEOing.  Maybe someone could do it, but I couldn't.  

Leilani:  I thought we talked about an interim as a way to buy time to decide whether and what we wanted in an executive director.  I think it's kind of ridiculous that Elaine can't just say why she quit, but is willing to hint at it.  Obviously, the reasons are not just "personal", but related to the work.

Rhonda:  I'd like to know from Elaine what's not in Jeremy's list, what's not getting done.

Jeremy:  Gosh!  So many good ideas!  Thank you!  Alright, I'll fix this thing up and get it posted tomorrow. We might find just the right person right away, someone with compassion and foresight and all that HUD stuff, or we might not.  Cross your fingers and toes and remember, we are proven leaders on housing and homelessness and we've got to think positive, you never know.  We were so lucky to have found a servant leader in Elaine it just could happen again.  Maybe Santa will bring us a new director, ha ha!   

Elaine:  Okay, you want to know why I quit?  It was too dang much paperwork and not enough CEOing.  Staff reports, grant writing, meeting notices, responding to public records requests and HUD inquiries and complaints about public meeting law violations and not being able to get assessments or help from the Help Line, you name it, I got it.  Yeah, I knew when I took the job that I had no staff, but I had a mentor and I changed everything.  I changed the culture, remember?  I got rid of dissenters--do you have any idea how many useless committee meetings you were paying for?  All those stupid charters, pft!  I re-visioned that ridiculous strategic plan, and when you balked at giving me the staff I deserved, I forced the issue by taking over the operations of the coordinated entry program.  Okay, so that wasn't maybe the best call, maybe I didn't know just how bad a shape our data situation was in, but it's no longer my problem.  It's up to you where you go with this position.  I'm not going to continue to waste my talent for servant leadership on what amounts to menial housekeeping duties that no one appreciates. 

Jeremy:  Danielle?

Danielle:  We, the electeds, made a commitment to this effort.  We can lean into needs like grant-writing.  Marion County has a whole team doing HUD grants.  And remember Jan indicated she was willing to be involved in the transition. She's been handling the state funds, so the gap is HUD.

Cathy:  Jan is amazing. Jan understands our HMIS data and HUD rules inside and out.  I'd like to be on the interview panel.  I was on the interview panel before.  I'm on all the panels.  In fact, I've been here from the beginning and Danielle is right, every one of us made a commitment to this work, this very vital work, this life-saving, life-changing work of compassion and caring for our homeless neighbors.  We are the guiding light for our communities and I am never, ever going to give up this work.   

Jeremy:  Okay, I'll get this puppy posted tomorrow.  Thanks everyone.  Anyone have any updates or kudos?  We've got 15 minutes, c'mon lets hear some happy talk!  It's Christmas! 

Why have homeless camps shifted to Lancaster Drive?

Outreach and Livability Services and friends, City of Salem, Oregon

"Lady wanted to know why homeless camps have shifted to Lancaster Drive. "

"Ever year, same thing.  Week afore Thanksgivin', it's what 'bout dem homeless, why's d'city jes lettin' 'em multiply under bridges.  It's lak nobuddy ever hearda winter er the river raisin. 

"I tole her d'poleece er downtown.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

Get me the latest data on homeless per capita by ward, please.

Good question, but I'm afraid that calculation is not available at this time.

Well, get me the city-wide numbers, then.  I want the newly homeless year over year, last three years, compared to the total stably housed at least six months, all housing providers, by program, if you please. 

Also a good question, but also not available.

What about that regional group the City's supported the last four years?  The Homeless Alliance.  Doesn't somebody have their numbers?  

Good question.  No.  

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   

Neighbors are scared, kids walking to school feel unsafe, and businesses are looking to relocate. I feel like Mayor-elect Hoy and I were the only ones raising this issue, but "[t]hey are now aware they have to do more and I'm hoping people will see the difference.  It will not go away completely, but they should see a difference [on Lancaster Drive] going forward."

                                                                                                    Jose Gonzalez, City Councilor, Ward 5

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“While it’s important to understand that the density of homeless persons on the east side of Salem has grown, few people have stopped to ask why.  The only person in the Statesman article that came close to addressing the “why” was the young homeless woman, who noted that “there was nowhere else to go.”  Salem, like every western city, has a deep and complex history of redlining race and poverty away from wealthier white populations with high property values. You need look no further than an overlay of current affordable housing projects in Salem for evidence that the practice continues. Some may argue that it’s best to “build within communities,” but mixed income and diverse communities are a HUD best practice.  It’s also true that the desire to keep the downtown free of the homeless and plans for future development are pushing the homeless population to the east side of town. Future development plans along Front Street in particular hope to drive the homeless out of Wallace Marine and the downtown to the east side of town, where poverty is concentrated compared to the rest of Salem.   There have been hushed, private meetings all summer saying the quiet part out loud: “for Salem to prosper the homeless have to go.”   These are all forms of structural racism, which concentrate poverty, reaffirm white privilege, protect and retain social and economic discrimination, and foster inequality.”

                                Jimmy Jones, Executive Director, Mid-Willamette Community Action Agency

Director Lozier Abandons Ship

 

"If your team truly believes that they’re helping the world by amassing piles of money, they may not pay much attention to how poorly the company is being run."  --Michael Lewis

The executive director of the Mid-Willamette Homeless Alliance, which is the seldom sung homeless "continuum of care" organization for Salem, Marion and Polk counties, resigned Friday for unstated "personal reasons."  

The announcement comes shortly after the Alliance Board and related ORS 190 entity (same people, different powers) approved this year's consolidated application to HUD for approximately $4.5M in CoC Program funds, and in the midst of a HUD inquiry into the efficacy of its Coordinated Entry and Street Outreach programs, which are supposed to ensure the most vulnerable have access to homeless housing and services.  Amid repeated complaints by Alliance board and committee members over the absence of reliable program-level data on which to base their recommendations and decisions, Lozier made the controversial decision to assume direct day-to-day operation of the Alliance's coordinated entry system, formerly delegated to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency, and persuaded a majority of a divided board to go against budgetary convention and add several full-time positions with one-time funds.  See McDonald, A. "As Salem's homeless services grow quickly, disagreements emerge on overhead spending" (1 August 2024, Salem Reporter.).  Lozier and the boards' chairman, Polk County Commissioner Jeremy Gordon have been accused of whistleblower retaliation in connection with reports of flaws in the Alliance's prioritized housing list, a key component of its Coordinated Entry System, and data-access issues.  Issues and flaws that, to date, have not been adequately addressed.  Lozier's last day is 31 December 2024.  A successor has not been named.

Lozier is a Salem resident and former community health worker.  She moved from an unpaid position on the Alliance board to executive director in June of 2023.  Her predecessor was former Marion County Commissioner and board administrator, Janet Carlson, who retired.  Lozier is paid an annual salary of $120,000.  Before taking the con at the Alliance, she had no management or federal program  experience. 

Housing & Homeless News

 

 Local Housing & Homeless News 

(Cumulative from Nov 2021 to Nov 2024)

Koumoué, C. "Salem microshelter project showing early signs of success."  (17 November 2021, KGW)

Council approved a grant of up to $26K for 10 storage lockers staff report (6 December 2021)

Woodworth, W. "'Less a hotel and more of a home': Shelter opens at a former Super 8 motel in Salem."  (7 December 2021, Statesman Journal) 

Barreda, V. "Volunteers needed for Salem-area warming shelters as overnight temperatures start to dip."  (10 December 2021, Statesman Journal)

City Manager's 12/13/21 Update (City asking for $562K from state, fed emergency mgmt; for  > $5.2M from Marion County etc, completion Sep 2022;  CDBG)

Van Beusekom, M. "COVID-19 much less likely in homeless house in hotels: study."  (14 December 2021, CIDRAP News.)

Harrell, S. "New Warming shelter opens as snow falls in Salem") (28 December 2021, Salem Reporter.) 

Hutcherson, E. "Domicile Unknown." (30 December 2021, Eugene Weekly.)

Barreda, V. "One year in, Police Chief Trevor Womack talks trust, staffing, data and body cameras."  (2 January 2022, Statesman Journal.)

Harrell, S. "Homeless people could soon be protected class under city law."  11 January 2022, Salem Reporter.) 

Woodworth, W. "Homeless camping grows at Marion Square Park in downtown Salem."  12 January 2022, Statesman Journal.)

Harrell, S. "Help count the number of people experiencing homelessness in Salem area."  20 January 2022, Salem Reporter.)

Woodworth, W. "Salem City Council approves 3 sites to house homeless in micro-shelter villages."  (25 January 2022, Statesman Journal.)

Tabriziam, A. "Street outreach team delivers medical care social services at Salem homeless camps."  (10 February 2022, Salem Reporter.)

Harrell, S. "Salem to evict homeless camp at Marion Square Park Thursday."  1 March 2022, Salem Reporter.)

Tabrizian, A. "Salem area gets federal housing funds for homeless, domestic violence victims."  (31 March 2022, Salem Reporter.)

Tabrizian, A. "Once again, crews clear homeless camp at Wallace Marine Park, residents, dispersed."  (31 March 2022, Salem Reporter.)

Woodworth, W.  "Work begins on new Salem microshelter location despite legal challenges."  (11 May 2022, Statesman Journal.)

Alexander, R. "One year in, about half of Village of Hope residents move on to somewhere better."  (24 May 2022, Salem Reporter.)  

Tabrizian, A. "Annual homeless count shows 15% increase in 2022."  (29 June 2022, Salem Reporter.).

Woodworth, W. "Council approves funds for South Salem microshelter village on Turner Road SE."  (22 August 2022, Statesman Journal.)

Tabrizian, A. "New micro shelter village for young adults to open on SE Turner Road."  (23 August 2022, Salem Reporter.).

Tabrizian, A. "Federal grants could help get dozens of Salemites off the streets."  (23 August 2022, Salem Reporter.). 

Tabrizian, A. "City ending homeless rent assistance program to make way for federal housing money."  (1 September 2022, Salem Reporter.). 

Tabrizian, A. "New city team frequents homeless camps for outreach, cleanup."  (7 September 2022, Salem Reporter.). 

Woodworth, W. "'New Salem team is trying a different response to homeless encampments."  (7 September 2022, Statesman Journal)  

McDonald, A. "Salem's community satisfaction survey shows discontent over homelessness, city services."  (20 November 2022, Statesman Journal.).

Woodworth, W. "Unsanctioned camps cleanup closes sidewalks surrounding Marion Parkade in downtown Salem."  (22 February 2023, Statesman Journal.).  

Lynn, C. "Melisa Blake was discharged from Salem Hospital to the streets.  Hours later, she was dead."  (23 February 2023, Statesman Journal.).

Shumway, J  "Oregon House passes $200 million for housing and homelessness, call it a start." 16 March 2023, Oregon Capital Chronicle.).

McDonald, A.  "Local organizations in line for $10 million for more action on homelessness."  12 April 2023, Salem Reporter.).

Shumway, J. "New state-funded homeless shelter opening in former Salem hotel."  (12 April 2023, Oregon Capital Chronicle.).

McDonald, A. "Yet to open, Salem's homeless navigation center could be out of money by 2025."  19 May 2023, Salem Reporter.).

Sharp, N. "Salem won't be getting state help for key homeless services out of 2023 session."  25 June 2023, Salem Reporter.).

Alexander, R., Sharp N. "'A fighting chance': Salem on track to have 1,000 shelter beds this year."  7 September 2023, Salem Reporter.).

Sharp, N. "A guide to Salem's expanding homeless shelters." (7 September 2023, Salem Reporter.). 

McDonald, A. "Warming Shelters to rely on volunteers to keep people sheltered on freezing nights."  (19 October 2023, Salem Reporter.).

Hart, A. "'Street medicine' providers who care for homeless will get federal dollars under new rules." (19 October 2023, Oregonian.). 

Woodworth, W. "Lack of funds hinders Salem Warming Network for homeless people ahead of forecasted freeze."  (27 October 2023, Statesman Journal.). 

McDonald, A. "Community Action plans to end child homelessness in Salem region with new grant."  (21 November 2023, Salem Reporter.).

McDonald, A. "ARCHES seeks volunteers as weekend temperatures forecasted below freezing."  27 October 2023, Salem Reporter.). 

McDonald, A. "Tenants to start moving into Sequoia Crossings." (30 January 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

McDonald, A. "Salem Needs a cohesive strategy, better data to address homelessness, study finds." ( 21 February 2024, Salem Reporter.).

Poehler, B. "Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to expand homeless shelter in Woodburn." (5 March 2024, Statesman Journal.).

McDonald, A. "What the Supreme Court's Grants Pass ruling means for Salem" (28 June 2024, Salem Reporter).

Woodworth, W. "Millions in state funding saves three homeless shelter sites." (25 July 2024, Statesman Journal.).

 McDonald, A. "As Salem's homeless services grow quickly, disagreements emerge on overhead spending" (1 August 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

McDonald, A. "Building Salem:  Veterans housing opens in Grant Neighborhood" (9 August 2024, Salem Reporter.).

Woodworth, W. "Salem approves grant for downtown security fence to address homeless camping." (12 August 2024, Statesman Journal.).

McDonald, A. "Salem man loses life attempting Willamette River rescue." (19 August 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

McGuinness, H. "From camping to a dog park:  Cottage Grove evictions expose Oregon's homelessness crisis." (23 August 2024, Eugene Register Guard reprinted in Statesman Journal.). 

McDonald, A. "Simonka Place renovation will add space for 11 homeless women, children." (27 August 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

Crombie, N. "Oregon's drug decriminalization experiment Saturday.  Here's Measure 110's story by the numbers."  (27 August 2024, The Oregonian.).

McDonald, A. "Church at the Park to expand adult micro shelter site." (29 August 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

McDonald, A. "ARCHES hopes new day center fence will help clients feel safer, deter after-hours gatherings." (5 September 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

Woodworth, W. "Why the Marion County Transition Center closed and what's next." (6 September  2024, Statesman Journal.). 

Moore, M. "Salem clinic combines medication and counseling to treat opioid addiction." (10 September 2024, Salem Reporter.).

McDonald, A. "Grace House to add more beds for homeless women." (10 September 2024, Salem Reporter.).  

McDonald, A. "What Salem is doing to fight homelessness." (25 September 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

McDonald, A. "The problems and promise of downtown Salem." (26 September 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

Siess, J. "Here's how Salem-area governments spent their Covid relief money."(3 October 2024, Salem Reporter.).

Lugo, D. "Kotek touts gains made on homelessness as Oregon nears some goals, lags on others." (3 October 2024, Statesman Journal.).  

Tabrizian, A. "Salem police cutting downtown, behavioral health teams."  (9 October 2024, Salem Reporter.). 

Mason, A. "Oregon's new Medicaid rental assistance aims to prevent homeless."  (30 October 2024, Statesman Journal.).  

Changes at the Archive

City contacts for questions or comments about CANDO

At CANDO’s Annual Meeting on October 15, two board members retired and two were reelected to the Board.  No other individuals were nominated.  There were no nominations for office at the regular meeting that followed.  Given the absence of duly elected officers willing and able to shoulder the responsibility for routine administration, the regular meeting of the Board is suspended until further notice.  Contact Irma Coleman, Neighborhood Program Manager at icoleman@cityofsalem.net with questions or to volunteer.

 

Although the CANDO Archive will no longer be supporting the City sponsored neighborhood group, we will continue to post occasionally on subjects and in the manner we have posted on previously.  If you would like to us to post a guest blog, drop us a note with your contact information in the comments.

Sarah Owens and Michael Livingston   

10/15/24 Minutes

 

Individual Members: Deb Comini, Woody Dukes 

City, County and State Representatives:  Councilor Nishioka, Ward 2 City Councilor; Councilor Stapleton, Ward 1 City Councilor; Sgt. Jeff Wiedemann, Salem Police Department Community Action Unit (CAU) 

Guests: Tanny Kunz, Greater Northeast Keizer Neighborhood Association 

Organizations: none  

The annual meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, October 15, 2024.  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 Jeff Wiedemann, 503-588-6212, jwiedemann@cityofsalem.net, has taken over leadership of the CAU which will be disbanded at the end of the year.  SPD is working with the Union Pacific Railroad on a cleanup along a section of rail downtown.  

Councilor Nishioka reported several developments such as the welcoming of the new fire department chief and transferring control of the City ambulance service from Falck back to the City, and touched on the continuing interest in better traffic control strategies.  Councilor Stapleton reported on efforts to improve pedestrian safety, consideration of eliminating the railroad quiet zone in response to increased fatalities, and “illicit massage parlors”, among other things.      

In interested citizen comments, Tammy Kunz shared that there will be a safety awareness meeting 5-8 pm on December 10 at Keizer City Hall.

The Chair opened the floor for nominations to the Board of Directors.  There being none,  the Chair moved to re-elect members Jim Griggs and Bryant Baird to the Board by unanimous consent.  There being no objection, Jim and Bryant were re-elected to the board.  The Chair then closed the Annual Meeting, called to order a meeting of the Board, and opened the floor for nomination of officers.  There being none, the Chair called for a motion to direct the City to use up to $150.00 of its communications funds to renew CANDO’s video-conferencing (Zoom) account.  There being none, the Chair called for a motion authorizing the maker to apply for a SPIF grant on behalf of CANDO.  There being none, the Chair moved to readopt last year’s annual goal, i.e., to use $500 of its communication funds to sponsor Northwest Human Services’ Mid-Valley Resources at the Silver level, which passed unanimously.  

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:33 pm.

Come Back Monday

"But, I cain't GIT a housin' assessment!" 

"You say you're single?" 

"Yes ma'am."  

"Veteran?" 

"No ma'am.  Wouldn't take me."  

"Fleeing domestic violence?

"Howzat ma'am?  Fleein' what?"

"How long have you been living outside?"

"Ten year, I reckon.  Cain't take it no more. Gettin' too old."  

"You have a case-worker?"

"I reckon not, ma'am, been livin' up d'canyon, most of it."

"Where are you now?" 

"Woods."  

"You'll need to be assessed."  

"What fer?"

"Housing.  It's how you get on the list when something comes available."

"What list?"

"The prioritized housing list.  It's like a wait list, but it's called an interest list, don't ask me why."

"Yes ma'am." 

"Let me just check...looks like you will need to make an appointment to get assessed at HOAP on Church Street on Tuesdays or Thursdays between 9 and 3, and at Church at the Park on Portland Road on Mondays through Fridays between 11 and 1."

"I ain't too good wid 'ppointmunts.  How 'bout now?"  

"It's after 2.  You'll have to come back Monday, if you can get an appointment."  

"But I ain't got a ride on Monday.  I only got a ride today, n' I cain't drag dis here laig tree mile n' back nohow.  How 'bout you assess me?"

"I'm not certified to do assessments."  

"Cain't you jes' take m'name 'n stick me onter dat list?"

"No, I can't.  You have to be assessed so they know what sort of housing is appropriate.  

"I reckon I'll take enytin' wid a roof."  

"It's not that simple.  You have to be enrolled in something called "coordinated entry."  And they have to know where to find you when your name comes up, which may take some time, depending."

"Dependin' on what?" 

"On your assessment score, and available housing, and whether you've recently been engaged in services."

"Services?  Like church services?"

"No, like going to HOAP or The ARCHES Project to check your mail."  

"But, I don't get no mail.  Nobuddy gets mail no more."

"You still have to check in from time to time, so they can make a note in they system, so they know where you are."

"But I cain't get in town reg'lar.  It's lack I done told you, ma'am, it's hard fer me to git 'round." 

"I'll see if one of the outreach teams can check on you."  

"Thanky, much obliged."  

"But you'll still have to come to town sometime, because the outreach teams don't make a habit of noting contacts in the system."  

"Law.  I reckon they'll note it well enuff when they find me daid."  

"Is there anything else I can help you with?"  

"No ma'am.  I reckon you've give me no morn' I deserve."      

_________________________________________

Alliance Director Elaine Lozier, responding to the charge that Alliance leadership is ill-equipped to confront serious problems of the sort identified in the recent review of Marion and Polk's Coordinated Entry program:

To fulfill our responsibilities well, and in a manner responsive to the needs of our community, the CoC continues in its ever-evolving process to foster true collaboration among its partners and within its governance. This past year, we have focused on deepening relationships with organizations inside and outside the CoC and clearly communicating common goals and priorities by re-visiting our mission and
purpose, creating a vision and designing a 5 year strategic plan. We also agreed upon shared values for how we will go about our work (Collaboration, Stewardship, Inclusion, Compassion, Leadership, Commitment and Adaptability).

                                                                                                    ---Elaine Lozier, 10/11/24

9/17/24 Minutes

 

Individual Members: Rosa Leonardi, Deb Comini, Woody Dukes 

City, County and State Representatives:  Councilor Stapleton, Ward 1 City Councilor; Sgt. Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department Community Action Unit (CAU)

Guests: Linda Bierly, Salem Parks Foundation

Organizations: none  

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, September 17, 2024.  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 he has been assigned to assist with vetting and training new officers and that Sgt Jeff Wiedemann, 503-588-6212, jwiedemann@cityofsalem.net, will lead the CAU as of October, and the Homeless Service Team, including the monthly meeting of service providers, and the unit will be reduced to four officers. In answer to a question, Sgt. Dowd reported that a fully staffed SPD would be 196 sworn officers. 

Councilors Stapleton reported several developments, including that the City had hired a new Fire Department Chief and that a survey about revenue options is underway.  

In public comments, Linda Bierly spoke about the Eco-Earth Globe restoration project, and asked CANDO for support through the Salem Parks Improvement Project.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:27 and opened a work session to discuss the transition to new leadership and the alternative should leadership positions remain vacant after the annual meeting in October.

Alliance CEO: Dis' be Fine

Elaine Lozier, MWV Homeless Alliance CEO

Elaine Lozier is one of those rare CEOs who strives to be a trustworthy, servant leader, whose focus is on integrity, trust, transparency and empathy, and who believes these are what should guide conversations about the challenges facing housing and homeless service providers.  Her boards (she has two with overlapping membership) think she is doing a stellar job after just one year in the saddle (or, if you prefer, since she got her spurs, yeeha!).  So Michael was tickled pink to see she had jest one lil' bone to pick with his recent review of Alliance's Coordinated Entry program.  

He'd said in his review, see, somethin' about her being unwilling to increase the Alliance's contribution to the program.  Now, in all its four years of existence, the Alliance was contributin' jest $36,000 a year, and the cost had rise' to almos' $450,000 a year, which the Community Action Agency, who was operatin' the program, was payin' fer out of its state funds.  The Action Agency had been askin' fer more money fer years (well, not mor'n four, since the Alliance only bin around fer four), and the answer was always "cain't."  Well, the Action Agency, and ever'body else too, know'd it could if it'd wanted to, what with all that state money flowin' in after that 'ar pandemic.  So the Action Agency reckoned it was done bein' the Alliance's pack mule and shook that 'ar pack off.  Miss Elaine say, by way of correctin' Michael, she warn't reluctant to pay more, there jest warn't no more money, that the money that did come in fer the program came later.  Well, if that's right, and mebbe 'tis, I reckon it's a quibble'n detail I cain't unduhstan', 'cause we all knows what the papers said 'bout the millions comin' to the Alliance from the state last year.

'Side from that lil' bone pickin', Miss Elaine say ever'thing fine and dandy.  She's done took over the program three month ago, she's valuatin' systems, she's got some new fangled smarmy goals an' a heap o' plans an' charts an' sech an' I reckon lard knows what all.  An' she tell her boards she confident as ever, tho' I 'member her sayin' awhile back, when Rhonda ask her why she thot Alliances could do bettern' the Action Agency, and she say all cheerful like dat she din't know it could.  But lack I say, she say she plenty confident now she can do better, an' I reckon she would know cause she's a CEO now.   
 

Ms. Lozier's full response can be found in the comments section of Mr. Livingston's review. 

2024 Review of Coordinated Entry

 

8/20/24 Minutes

 

Individual Members: Rosa Leonardi, Deb Comini, Woody Dukes 

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

Guests: none

Organizations: none  

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Wednesday, August 20, 2024.  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. 

Councilors Stapleton and Nishioka reported on Monday’s night's work session on the City’s budget deficit/revenue options and on recent council activities.  

In public comments, Rosa gave a favorable report on the Stream Cleaning Project whose members recently removed copious amounts of refuse from Mill Creek. (See Statesman Journal photos here.)  The chair reminded the board of the upcoming annual meeting in October and announced that he and the secretary-treasurer, whose terms expire in October, would be retiring.  There will be a work session at the end of the September meeting to discuss the transition.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:29.

CANDO 2023/2024 Finance Statement

Note:  CANDO's contribution to Northwest Human Services's Mid-Valley Resources was covered this year by funds from the City of Salem's Engagement Fund Grant.  Note:  the left margin "Carryover from FY 21/22 funds: $1,335.17" is an error (City's) and should be disregarded.  

 

7/16/24 Minutes

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, 

City, County and State Representatives:  Councilor Nishioka, Ward 2 City Councilor; Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department Community Action Unit (CAU) 

Guests: none

Organizations: none  

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, July 16, 2024.  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 reported that SPD has been advised to “stay the course” with respect to the USSC decision in the Grant’s Pass case and shared information about the next Community Violence Response meeting, the Ironman event, Hoopla and National Night Out.  He also shared a video on how to navigate a roundabout! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4MNLYkmftY

  

Councilor Nishioka reported on Council’s work session to receive the recommendations of the Revenue Task Force, the expansion of the easement for Spec-Keene Stadium, and the need to wait for state action to understand the ultimate practical effect of the US Supreme Court’s decision in the Grants Pass case.      

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

6/18/24 Minutes

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rebekah Engle, Sarah Van Woy

City, County and State Representatives:  Councilor Nishioka, Ward 2 City Councilor; Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department Community Action Unit; Teresa Smalley, Project Manager 

Guests: Aaron Terpening and Gretchen Stone, CBTwo Architects 

Organizations: none  

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  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 reported his teams today participated in an active threats training day with area first responders and “learned a lot.”  National Night Out is August 6.  As part of the summer plan for Community Violence Reduction Initiative, there will be a renewed focus on the downtown transit center.   

Councilor Nishioka reported on Council’s continuing efforts to deal with the budget deficit. The name of the airport has been changed to “Salem Willamette Valley Airport.” The City conducted a work session on the Housing Production Strategy. 

The board heard a presentation on improvements to the Marion Parkade by Aaron Terpening and Gretchen Stone, CBTWO Architects.     

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:53.

5/21/24 Minutes

 

Guests:  Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Kourtney Linebaugh

Organizations: none  

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 City Councilor; Ken Bierly, Glen-Gibson Watershed Council; Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department Community Action Unit 

Guests: Sarah V., Ward 2

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.  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.

Councilor Stapleton thanked the meeting for voting, especially given the current estimate of 20% turnout.  She spoke about the work session last night on the “Government Assessment” report by Moss Adams, and the approval of Deacon Development’s application for Multi-Unit Housing Tax Incentive Program (MUHTIP) with conditions intended to ensure transparency in response to complaints about unfair labor practices from the carpenters’ union.     

Sgt. Dowd reported his teams were geared up for seasonal activities in the central area (marches, July 4th celebrations, Hoopla, etc.) and had made adjustments in their assignments to improve efficiency.  He spoke briefly about the Community Police Academy and adjustments made to the operations of the Graffiti Abatement Team.   

Ken Bierly gave a presentation on the Salem Floodplain Species Assessment.

 

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:36.

4/16/24 Minutes

  

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rosa Leonardi, Kourtney Linebaugh, Sarah Van Woy 

Organizations: none  

City, County and State Representatives:  Robert Dowd, Salem Police Department Community Action Unit; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor

 

Guests: Paul Tigan, Ward 1 Candidate 

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  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.

Sgt. Dowd reminded everyone of upcoming meetings on the City’s community resilience initiative and budget deliberations, noting that without the necessary revenue increases, the CAU would be eliminated in July 2025.  He also talked about the various preparations taking place for summer activities and answered questions about the fatal shooting in Bush Park last month.     

Councilor Nishioka reported that Public Works is now assisting with graffiti removal and spoke at length about some of the budget tradeoffs that Council is considering.    

During citizen comments, Paul Tigan shared personal details, aspirations and thoughts about Salem by way of introduction. 

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

3/19/24 Minutes

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rosa Leonardi, Luke Harkins, Kourtney Linebaugh, Sarah Van Woy 

Organizations: Laurie Beitzel, Salem Keizer Education Association Community Outreach  

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor; Irma Coleman, City of Salem, Neighborhood Services 

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.  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.

Councilor Stapleton reported that the Budget Committee had held a preliminary meeting on March 14th and there will be another preliminary meeting on the 21st.  The regular meetings begin April 17th.  She said Council is considering bringing its ambulance services back within the fire department and will be voting on that in April. Councilor Nishioka added details on the plans for resuming ambulance service, and offered a few words about the aftermath of the recent shootings of three teenagers in Bush Park.   

During citizen comments, Laurie Beitzel spoke about teachers’ efforts to secure a contract and asked for the community’s support. 

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.

2/20/24 Minutes

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rosa Leonardi, Kourtney Linebaugh 

Organizations: Erik Anderson, Elsinore Theatre

City, County and State Representatives:  Robert Dowd, Community Action Unit, Salem Police Department;  Steve Williams, Salem Public Works

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.  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.

Sergeant Dowd reported that he is temporarily filling in various roles formerly filled by Deb Aguilar who has been promoted to Deputy Chief, but will continue to liaise with CANDO.  He also said that the Community Action Unit has been working to curtail the unlawful public use of drugs in the downtown area.    

The board heard presentations by Erik Anderson on the Elsinore Theatre’s proposed facade upgrades, and by Steve Williams, Salem Public Works, on the City’s application for a grant to fund planning of improvements to the railroad grade crossing on Front Street. The project will include crossing gates and associated signals, and improvements to Front Street in that area for pedestrians, bicycles and transit.  

Bryant’s motion to provide the City a letter in support of the Front Street railroad crossing planning project passed unanimously. 

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:45. pm.

 

1/16/24 Minutes

 

Individual Members: Woody Dukes, Deb Comini, Rosa Leonardi, Larry Dillenbeck, Kourtney Linebaugh

City, County and State Representatives:  Virginia Stapleton, Ward 1 Councilor; Linda Nishioka, Ward 2 Councilor, Robert Dowd, Community Action Unit, Salem Police Department;  Aaron Edleman, Public Works

Guests: none

The regular meeting of CANDO was called to order at 6 p.m., on Tuesday, January 16, 2024.  The meeting was conducted by Zoom video-conference.  The Chair and Secretary-Treasurer were present.  

The agenda and minutes of the November meeting as submitted to the City (i.e., without the item of unfinished business erroneously added to agenda sent out by the City) were approved unanimously.

Sergeant Dowd reported that the Community Action Unit is operating with reduced staffing and somewhat reduced coverage of downtown, that Community Medical Services on Church Street which offers addiction treatment services, is now open for business.  

Councilor Stapleton reported on the Council’s recent activities and her intention to seek Council support for additional pedestrian safety measures in the downtown, including a “pedestrian lead” on downtown traffic lights.  Councilor Nishioka reported on the Council priorities adopted for the coming year and said that the City had received a grant of $2.8M from the U.S. Department of Transportation to “help guide future investments for walking, biking or driving” in furtherance of its Vision Zero (pedestrian deaths) initiative.  She also reported that Council had exempted the Salem Civic Center Improvement Project from the competitive bidding process, among other things.  She said the City had received 160 Revenue Task Force applications.  

The board heard a presentation by Aaron Edelman with Public Works on the City’s City 2024 Pavement Rehab and 2025 Bridge Rehab projects.

There being no further business before the board, the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:51. pm.