Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 3rd

 

Hello Neighbors,

I wanted to provide everyone with an update. Our annual meeting is on Thursday, October 3rd, starting at 6:30 PM at Roth’s on Wallace Road. We’ll be meeting in the Oregon Room, with access through the rear of the building.

We will be holding elections and hearing from a candidate running for Polk County Treasurer.

The minutes and agenda are below

 

General Meeting Agenda   

October 3,2024

WSNA General Meeting Agenda

Date: Thursday, August 3, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Roth’s (1130 Wallace Road NW, Salem OR 97304)

Meeting Leadership

• Chair: Mike Freitas (michaelfreitas9459@att.net)
• Vice-Chair: Sara Campos
• Secretary: Drew Strayer

1. Call to Order

• Chair: Mike Freitas

2. Reading of the Equity Statement

• Presented by: Sara Campos

3. Approval of Agenda

• Any additions to the agenda from the body?
• Motion to approve the agenda.

4. Approval of Minutes

• Any corrections or additions to the previous minutes?
• Motion to approve the minutes.

5. New Business

• Salem Police Department
• Candidate Presentation: Chris Patonie (Running for County Treasurer)
• City Councilor Updates
  • Ward 1
  • Ward 8
• Speeding & Traffic on Burley Hill
  • Presenter: Marianne Mabbitt
• Communications Funds Update
  • Presenter: Beverly Freitas
• SPIF Grant Suggestions
  • Presenter: Pamela Garland

6. Chair Announcements

• City Chairs Meeting Update
  • Update provided by Sara Campos
• Website Update
  • Current Website
    • Motion needed to pay the bill for the existing website.
  • New Website
    • Target go-live date: November 1, 2024
    • Motion needed to pay for the new website.

7. Elections

• Positions & Nominations
  • Chair: Mike Freitas
  • Vice Chair: Robert Garcia
  • Secretary: Vacant
  • Treasurer: Vacant
• Note: Two candidates dropped out due to time conflicts. New candidates are needed for Secretary and Treasurer positions.
• Vote will be held for each position.

8. Committee Reports

• Questions for Committee Chairs
  • Welcoming: Robert Garcia
  • Communication: Maureen
  • Houseless: Drew Strayer
  • Transportation: Nick
  • Glenn and Gibson Creeks Watershed: E.M
  • Parks: Pamela Garland
  • Land Use: Steven

9. Next Meeting

• The next scheduled meeting will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 6:30 PM.

Equity Statement

The WSNA (West Salem Neighborhood Association) is committed to reducing equity gaps, increasing access for all, and creating a safe community for everyone. Safety and belonging for all West Salem residents is vital. We must be inclusive in conducting business and promoting policies that protect age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and other individual identities. The association commits to integrating equity into the fabric of our association and the delivery of public services in pursuit of equal, fair, and just outcomes for all.

West Salem Neighborhood Association (WSNA) Meeting Minutes

Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
Location: Roth’s, 1130 Wallace Road NW, Salem, OR 97304
Meeting Called to Order: 6:30 PM
Meeting Adjourned: 7:40 PM

Board Members Present:

• Mike Freitas (Chair)
• Drew Strayer (Secretary)
• Nick Fortey
• EM Easterly
• Steve Anderson
• Beverly Frietas (Treasurer)
• Pamela Garland

Board Members Absent:

• Sara Campos (Vice-Chair)
• Mo Zwicker (Communications Committee)

Residents Present: 13

Agenda

• Call to Order: Mike Freitas
• Reading of Equity Statement: Beverly Frietas
• Additions to Agenda: One neighbor asked a question about a bench.
• Approval of Agenda: Motioned, Seconded, Approved (MSA)
• Minutes Posted Online by Mike Freitas:
  • No corrections or additions to the minutes.
  • Approval of Minutes: Motioned, Seconded, Approved (MSA)

New Business

Guest Speakers

1. Salem Police Department (Sgt. Libby)
   • Announced an upcoming Community Violence Reduction Listening Session. Residents can RSVP on the website.
   • Check Salem Police Department social media (Next Door, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube) for upcoming events.
   • Discussed traffic fatalities and off-road vehicles in parks.
   • Noted that Salem Police staff will visit National Night Out sites across Salem on August 6, 2024.
2. Public Works Transportation Planning (Julie Hansen)
   • Upcoming public hearing on 8/12/24 regarding vacating a portion of First St. NW. Previous efforts were delayed due to issues with public utilities and water access. The new plan includes vacating only a portion of the street and developing the rest into a one-lane alley. Handouts provided.
   • The city of Salem is in Phase 1 of the regional transportation plan, aiming for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gases per capita by 2050.
   • Proposals for three mixed-use, walkable neighborhoods in Salem, including West Salem, are being considered. A highway impact study will be conducted.
3. Land Use (Brittany Randall)
   • Development plans for a site on 2nd St. NW include space for 8-12 food carts, a restaurant patio, and various building and landscaping efforts.
4. City Councilor (Micky Varney)
   • EMS Oversight Committee held its first meeting. The transition of ambulance services to the City Fire Dept. will take effect by July 2025.
   • Noted reduced maintenance at Orchard Heights Park due to budget cuts.
5. Emergency Management (Joe Hutchinson, Manager)
   • Promoted wildfire preparedness and public education.
   • Handouts included an emergency pocket plan and wildfire evacuation information. Residents are encouraged to register for emergency notifications via Everbridge.
   • CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) participation was encouraged. CERT Lead, Mark Wardell, was present for questions.
   • Emphasize ongoing efforts to reduce fire hazards in parks and public spaces.

Treasurer’s Report (Beverly Frietas)

• Communications Fund Update:
  • The WSNA has a balance of $1,649.85, as the new fiscal year has just begun.

Other Business

• Resident’s Request for a Memorial Bench:
  • A neighbor requested help installing a memorial bench along a walking path at College Park, in honor of her late husband. Parks Committee Chair, Pamela Garland, is assisting with the request process.

Chair Announcements (Mike Freitas)

• WSNA received approval for City insurance coverage to use local schools for first aid training and meetings.
• Attended the Neighborhood Association Chairs’ Meeting hosted by the Police Department. Police Chief highlighted staffing shortages due to high retirement rates.
• Nominations for Executive Board:
  • Chair: Mike Freitas (accepted)
  • Vice Chair: Roberto Garcia (accepted)
  • Secretary: Drew Strayer (accepted)
  • Treasurer: Beverly Frietas (accepted)

Committee Questions

• Transportation Committee (Nick Fortey):
  • A question was raised about the makeup of the transportation advisory committee. Julie Hansen did not disclose the members of the committee.
• Land Use Committee:
  • A map of West Salem’s walkable neighborhood proposal was shared.

Next Meeting

• The next general membership meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2024, at 6:30 PM at Roth’s.

Equity Statement

The WSNA is committed to reducing equity gaps, increasing access for all, and fostering a safe community for everyone. Safety and belonging are vital for all West Salem residents. The association will integrate equity into its operations and work toward equal, fair, and just outcomes for all.