Montavilla Neighborhood Association

March 2001 Meeting Minutes

General Meeting

For everyone that couldn't make it to the meeting, here's a rundown of what was discussed.

The police officer that patrols our neighborhood told us that car prowls are on the increase between 11 pm and 6 am. If you see anything suspicious, call the police immediately. She hadn't heard any more news about the drug house near 82nd and Glisan (see the February meeting minutes in the messages area). There is a web site that you can access to see the incidents of crime around your address. Go to and put in your address. I tried it and it's pretty informative. There are listings for burglaries, sexual assults, arson, and larceny to name a few.

The Binnsmead Elementary incident was talked about. Last week on March 9, there was a threat of gun violence written on a bathroom wall. The suspect was a child that had been expelled. The school police are still investigating it. The Crime Prevention Specialist from SE Uplift talked about some preventative measures that we can all take to so that we aren't as likely to be victims of a crime. They include not leaving anything in your car, parking in a garage or driveway if you can, if you park on the street park under a street light near your house, if your car alarm goes off investigate it, make sure you have locks on your doors (deadbolts) and windows, and shred your mail before you put it out on the curb to recycle.

The Land Use and Transportation Chair, Penelope Sanders, drew up a letter to the City Planner about the neighborhood not wanting cell towers to be located here. The letter was approved unanimously by the association and will be sent. Penelope Sanders, the Land Use and Transportation Chair, has resigned due to her moving in the near future. We will miss all her hard work and want to thank her for everything she has done for the neighborhood association. If you are interested in this position, contact Joanna Wilson at 503/253-3845.

Lisa Lauranceau, the Montavilla delegate to SE Uplift, reported that SE Uplift has just hired a new director. The new director has been working at SE Uplift for quite awhile.

Alice Wallen, the resident that has been leading the fight against the cell tower at 92nd and Division, will be holding a protest at the Grace Lutherine Church (where the cell tower will be located) in the near future. She is looking for volunteers to help for one hour shifts. The date is TBA. If you're interested, you can contact Alice at 503/771-7800.

The neighbors living near the Club Rio (the Latin Dance club at 82nd and Hawthorne) are still working on getting a "Good Neighbor Agreement" with the club. They are documenting any incidents of inappropriate behavior by the patrons. If you are in that area and have concerns or want more info, call Joanna Wilson at 503/253-3745.

The Treasurer's report tells us that we currently have $6,486.48 in our treasury.

The Spring Clean up is coming up on Saturday, April 7th. This weekend, we will be at the OSU Extension Center handing out flyers for distribution. We have broken down the Montavilla neighborhood into 67 six-block sections. Residents who come on Saturday will be assigned a section and expected to deliver the Spring Clean up flyers within the following week. We really could use everyone's help on this. If you can drop by and help, it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to volunteer for the Spring Clean up, contact Joanna Wilson (phone number listed above).

The They Tun(sp) Restaurant at 79th and Glisan has applied for a liquor license. They are supposed to show up at one of our meetings to present their application to the neighborhood association but they have yet to do so. Maybe they will be there in April.

The Outreach Committee, which now encompasses the Welcome Wagon, will be meeting on Monday, March 19th at the Touchstone Coffee house at 7 pm. The meeting shouldn't last more than an hour or so. Just brainstorming about how best to get the word out about the neighborhood association. You can contact me at kmbrly101@hotmail.com if you have any questions or if you want to help but can't make it to this upcoming meeting.

The Safeway Movie Night is looking for someone to finish it's planning. This is an event where we will show a movie (yet to be determined) on the side of the Safeway at 82nd and Burnside during the evening sometime during the summer. We will invite residents to bring their lawn chairs and enjoy a family friendly movie with others in the neighborhood. Penelope Sanders has the equipment information so it would be a matter of planning the night and working with Safeway (they are already on board for the event). If you are interested, contact Penelope.

The May elections for board members are coming up fast. All positions will be available for residents to apply for including Secretary, Land Use and Transportation Chair, President and Vice President. You are considered a resident if you own property, rent, work or live in the Montavilla neighborhood. Even if you aren't interested in running for an office, please come and vote. We also have committees that could use more people.

That's about it for the March meeting. If you want more info or have any comments about any of these issues, you can contact me or the person listed.