Minutes of the West End Neighborhood Association (WENA) Meeting
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Reiche Community Room
Board members present: Leana Good-Simpson, Rosanne Graef, Ian Jacob, Liz Parsons, Pamela Shaw
Board members absent: Barb DeSerres, Nina, Sachs, Bryan Van Dussen
Others present: Allen Armstrong, Elissa Armstrong, Espahbad Dodd, Troy Moon, Spencer Thibodeau, Clifford Tremblay
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 pm and self-introductions followed.
Secretary’s report
Minutes from the January, 2018, meeting were accepted as read.
Treasurer’s report
The Treasurer reported for December 2017 and January 2018, that the total in the checking account was $2827.78, with $679.37 available in the general funds account. Took in $10.00 in dues. There was $154 in the WECANAIP Account, $30 in petty cash; $1550.21 in the Swim for Life account, and $444.20 in the Harbor View Edible Hillside account.
Community policing
Dave Argitis and Sarah Colton were not present. There was a discussion of icy sidewalks, and a proposal to form a committee to address the sidewalk issue with the City. Clifford Tremblay offered to lead the effort.
Invited Guests
- Troy Moon, Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Portland THM@portlandmaine.gov came to talk about the City’s LED lighting program now underway. The City is replacing streetlights formerly owned by CMP with LED “smart” lights that the City will own and manage in a wireless network. The program is expected to save the City $1 million and 2.1 KW of energy. LED lights have already been installed in Back Cove and East Deering. Work is planned for the Peninsula after the snow has melted and there is more room on the streets for utility work.
- Councilor Spencer Thibodeau reported on the City Council’s sustainability efforts, including:
- the passage of the Pesticide Ordinance which should take effect this summer.
- Work to create a Climate Action Plan with South Portland.
- Efforts to merge South Portland and Portland’s bus systems, create a bike sharing ordinance, support more electric vehicles, improve recycling, pedestrian infrastructure and more pedestrian crossing lights, sidewalk improvements, and work on solar panel issues including taxation and installation on historic homes.
Announcements
- Liz Parsons noted a message from Reiche School thanking the community for contributing to the success of the Food Locker’s food drive at Reiche.
- Roseanne Graef announced the February 26 movie night for WECANAIP.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:54 pm.
Pamela Shaw
Secretary
