The GPNA Meeting Minutes

Grant Park Neighborhood Association
Board Meeting
Grant Park Church
Tuesday, December 1, 2009 7:00pm

In attendance:

Board Members in attendance:: Geoff Hyde; Merryl Mix; Kate Davenport; Mary Cal Hanson; Liz Alexander

Board Members not present:: Cori Jacobs; Ron Laster
Guests:: Greg Sneller

Agenda presented, motion to approve (Liz), second (Merryl) and unanimously approved.

Ric DeLand: our neighborhood police liaison gave a brief overview of the criminal activity in the neighborhood. There have been some reports re: cars being gone through but the biggest call to the dept is shoplifting at the QFC. Crime in Grant Park is VERY low!!! Ric stressed the need for ALL serious crimes to be called into the police. 503-823-3333 non emergent otherwise call 911.

Areas of activity for the police include:

dealing with landlord/tenant problems and training
security checks-crime prevention landscaping
undercover issues
transient trespassing-unless landowner/business owner has signed an agreement w/ the police they can do nothing about transients.
can do NOTHING about panhandlers. Recommend a write up in newsletter to discourage donating directly to them and use organizations to provide services instead.

Ride Connection: Doug Johnson came and explained what Ride Connection is and who it helps. This is a free door to door service for neighbors 60 yrs and older &/or people with any disabilities, even if these are temporary.

They will do eligibility checks and review other transportation options. Ride Connect has more than 600 drivers 2/3's of which are volunteers. Drivers must pass a special driving instruction. They also have a security back ground check before being able to drive.

Ride Connect will go to places that Tri Met may not. They have 5 vans/buses that are wheelchair friendly. Their hours of operation are Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. Donations can be made to the driver or to Ride Connect.

Ride Wise is a training program associated w/ Ride Connect. These volunteers will assist in training neighbors how to best use Tri Met services. Explanation of fares and zones is covered and riding the buses or Max is practiced and reviewed until neighbor is comfortable.

Non-profit organizations (NPO) can also request to use the Ride Connect vans on eves or weekends for the cost of gas. Drivers would need to pass the driving instructional class. If a NPO needed a van w/ disability options Tri Met can be contacted to assist.

Ride Connect request all requests be 4 days prior to need.

Radon

Don Francis and Bev Stewart: Radon information. January is National Radon Action Month so this was a timely presentation. Radon is 2nd leading cause of lung cancer for non smokers. Radon is a naturally occurring gas. Very prevalent in pacific NW. Testing your home can be very cheap and effective. $12.50 is the cost of a 2-4 day test kit with the price increasing to $40.00 for a longer test kit.

Retro fit for vents in homes run between $1500.00-$2100.00.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Treasury:
$5587.30. Need to discuss direct mailing costs at the next Board meeting for newsletter distribution.

Land Use:
The home on 28th & NE Grant has several neighbors seeking and appeal in the approval for the lot adjustment and 3 homes added. This will be discussed at the next board meeting.

Open:
Citizen Noise Mitigation issues: Kelly Sweeney from Cully neighborhood dropped in to inquire as to any complaint with the noise levels at the PDX airport due to the runway expansions. There has also been a large increase in the cargo planes activity. The north runway will be closed for the next 2 summers. Merryl made a motion to donate money to the senior graduation party. Mary Cal seconded it and clarified amount to be $200.00. Unanimously approved.

Move to adjourn, 8:10 pm

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