Minutes of the West End Neighborhood Association (WENA) Meeting
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Reiche Community Room
Board members present: Morgan Beede, Leana Good-Simpson, Rosanne Graef, Cassie Graham, Steven Scharf, Pamela Shaw, Clifford Tremblay
Board members absent: Liz Parsons, Ian Jacob
Others present: Dave Argitis, Jill Bock, Joey Brunelle, Sarah Colton, Jodie Lapchick, Susan Longley, Ian Malin, Christine McHale, Steve Mortimer, Ed Rea, Nina Sachs, Curt Sachs, Melissa Smith, Lisa Wolfe
The meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM and self-introductions followed.
Secretary’s report
Minutes from the May 10 meeting were approved.
Treasurer’s report
The Treasurer reported that there were no new expenditures or income since the May meeting, so the June treasurer’s report is the same as last month, with $553.13 available in the general funds account, $145 in the WECANAIP Account, $30 in petty cash and $6201.21in the Swim for Life account.
Community policing
Dave Argitis reported that problem tenants are gone from 688 Walker St, but 19 Salem St. has become disorderly, and police are looking into 12 Gilman St. which has also become disorderly.
Invited Guests
Lisa Wolfe, EcoMaine – Lisa talked about the guidelines for recycling in Portland, punctuated with sample items and with questions from the audience. She noted that contrary to what most people think, plastic bags don’t work in our recycling equipment, because they get tangled up in the separating machinery. She also said that very small things cause problems, and recommended putting smaller pieces of paper in an envelope. For questions about what can be recycled and where, Lisa recommended the RECYCLOPEDIA, found on the Ecomaine website at: http://www.ecomaine.org
Board Announcements
Steven Scharf reported
- the school budget passed, and
- the zoning proposal regarding the Americold refrigerated warehouse and the Western Waterfront will come before the Planning Board again on June 22.
Community Announcements
Ian Malin reported that Little Giant, the new Restaurant on the corner of Danforth and Brackett he and his wife, Kay, are opening with Andrew and Brianna Volk, should be ready to open in July. They envision Little Giant as a family restaurant that will open 7 days a week.
Susan Longley, who is a Community Life Coordinator at 75 State St., talked about some of the activities at 75 State, including history and art Classes, a closet “boutique” and an artwalk. She invited neighbors to participate in activities at the home for seniors.
Jodie Lapchick asked if others might be interested in starting a group for landlords of owner-occupied buildings, to discuss common interests and concerns.
Rosanne Graef announced
- a “Dance Party for Everyone” at Congress Square on June 30th from 6-8pm., and
- a movie night in the Community Room at the Reiche community Center on the 3rd Monday of every month at 7pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 pm.
