Minutes of the West End Neighborhood Association (WENA) Meeting
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Reiche Community Room
Board members present: Leana Good-Simpson, Rosanne Graef, Ian Jacob, Liz Parsons, Steven Scharf, Pamela Shaw, Clifford Tremblay
Board members absent: none
Others present: Channing Capuchin, Jen Defilipp, Peter Hall, Christine Grimando, Claire Hammen, Mike Hammen, Kate Luddy, Christine McHale, Claire Mohs, Steve Mortimer, Dela Murphy, Sally Oldham, Kent Redford, Alice Ruvane, Corey Templeton, Bryan Van Dussen, Gwynne Williams, Tony Zeli
The meeting was called to order at 6:37 PM and self-introductions followed.
Secretary’s report
Minutes from the October meeting were approved with one correction.
Treasurer’s report
The Treasurer reported that the total in the checking account was $2763.61, with $615.20 available in the general funds account. Took in $88.09 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. Donations to Window dressers for food totalled $111, all spent. Money from Bangor Savings Bank ($500) for inserts provided to MIHC’s building was given from WENA to Window Dressers on completion of the build.
Community policing
Dave Argitis and Sarah Colton were not present.
Jen Defilipp described a vandalism incident at her Winter St. property. She reminded members to find out about criminal trespassing reports and to pay attention to the consequences of filling out a police report.
Portland Comprehensive Plan
Christine Grimando, Senior Planner for the City of Portland, discussed next steps in the City’s new Comprehensive Plan. She described the plan as “100 pages of goals and recommendations (that should serve as) a policy guide for the next ten to twelve years.” She said that the 900 page land use code is more technical. Questions were asked about climate resilience and building standards.
Elections:
Steve Mortimer, nominating committee chair, presented the ballot of candidates for directors and officers: Barbara DeSerres (3 years) who was not present, Rosanne Graef (1 year), Ian Jacob (2 years), Nina Sachs (3 years), Pamela Shaw (3 years), and Gwynne Williams (3 years). One candidate withdrew at the last minute, so two alternates were proposed for the single 2 year term position: Bryan Van Dussen and Steve Mortimer, and members were invited to write in their choice. The candidates for officers were Leana Good-Simpson for vice president for 1 year, and Liz Parsons for president for 1 year.
Ballots were completed and counted. All directors on the ballot were elected, with Bryan Van Dussen elected by write-in vote, and both officers on the ballot were elected.
Announcements
- Liz Parsons reminded members of the District 2 meeting on November 14, and the WENA Social with a Yankee Swap on December 13.
- Bryan Van Dussen invited members to participate in public comment at a hearing at 4:30 on November 14, about the development proposed for the Deering Lumberyard site on Commercial St.
- Jen Defilipp announced that Portland was 24th on National Geographic’s list of the country’s happiest cities.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 pm.
Pamela Shaw
Secretary
