Far Southwest Neighborhood Association (FSWNA) Minutes

Far Southwest Neighborhood Association (FSWNA) Minutes

Tuesday, May 8th, 2007 (7 pm to 8 pm)

Comfort Suites Motel - Barbur Blvd., Portland, Oregon

[Note: FSWNA belongs to the neighborhood coalition group SWNI or Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. For more information, see <

I. Safety in our Neighborhood

Brian Hughes is the neighborhood response coordinator at the Portland Police Bureau and is in charge of our neighborhood response. His phone number is (503) 823-0235 and his email is <>. Michael Boyer is the SWNI Crime Prevention Coordinator and is the liaison between the southwest community and the police. His phone number is (503) 519-1857 or (503) 823-3131 and his email is <>. Brian and Michael discussed safety with our neighborhood.

Michael explained that the SWNI Crime Prevention Committee meets once a month and that our neighbor-hood has not had a representative. Chad Kromm volunteered to make the next meeting and report back.

The meetings are the 4th Tuesday of each month and meets in the Multnomah Arts Center. The partnership between the neighborhoods and the police has helped to solve issues resulting in removal of a crack house

in SW, investigations at various "gentlemen's clubs," etc. Michael and Brian suggested that the more of our "eyes" watching our neighborhood, the safer it can be.

Brian told us to report all suspicious activity and crimes, because accumulation of reports affects patrols in our neighborhood. If we have no suspect descriptions, but a crime has happened, then usually a simple phone report will do. (503) 823-3333 is the non-emergency number. Providing information regarding suspect(s) in action is important, but be safe.

Brian also suggested calling (503) 823-SAFE regarding traffic safety and he offered to get us on the list for the "speeding trailer" that tells vehicles how fast they are travelling. Michael also provided lots of information on how to set up a neighborhood watch, pointers for safety, etc.

II. FSWNA Action Plan

To maintain our non-profit status within SWNI, Marcia had the neighbors approve the FSWNA Action Plan 2007-2008 plan. We grouped our actions into 4 categories and prioritized them: Traffic/Safety; Crime; Parks; and Social/Administrative/Communication. Traffic/Safety and Social/Administrative/Communication each received 10 votes, Parks received 6 votes, and Crime received 5 votes. [Note: Each neighbor had 3 potential votes. Not all votes were used.] Chad will report back on Traffic/Safety, April will report on Parks, and Marcia will report on Social/Administrative/Communication at our next meeting.

III. SWNI Updates

Marcia attends the monthly SWNI Board meetings representing our neighborhood. Here are many of the SWNI updates:

Spring Clean Up -- Portland Christian Center on Dosch Road (yard debris, bulky items, scrap metals, reusable items) May 12.

Light Rail Bridge -- South of OMSI, maybe replace Sellwood Bridge, decisions pending. Planned for 2008.
Increased Patrolling -- Tell Michael Boyer of streets or intersections that need patrolling.
Community Budget Forum -- Robert Gray Middle School, May 10, 6-8:30 pm (Neighbors who support the funding for communication and neighborhood grants should state so at this forum.)
VisionPDX Open House -- Multnomah Arts Center, May 21. View the preliminary survey findings and recommendations.
SW Feed the Hungry -- Was a huge success. 103,331 (number not certain by notetaker) pounds of food were gathered for emergency food boxes.

IV. Old Business

The Measure 37 Claim by Private Pleasures on SW 53rd Avenue is for a 45 foot tall billboard. They put in a claim for $138,000. Another judgement affects their claim. We will know more after May 23.

Safety Umbrellas are $20 and are a current neighborhood fund-raiser. Let Marcia know if you would like to purchase one.

V. New Business

Men have been canvassing the neighborhood alone, with a hands-free cell phone connection on their ears, claiming to represent Tigard Exhaust and selling coupon books for $7.99 oil changes. Marcia has called Tigard Exhaust and this is a SCAM! Call the non-emergency number (503) 823-3333, if you see these men.

VI. Next Meeting and Adjournment

FSWNA meets on the second Tuesday of every other month. Our next meeting is scheduled for July 10, 2007 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. We hope to have PCC Sylvania's Campus President give a report on the state of PCC. Let Marcia know if you have any additions to the July agenda.