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MOUNTAIN VIEW NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING – October 6, 2008

The fall member meeting was held at St. CharlesMedicalCenter and began at 6:30 pm with exhibits focusing on safety from the following organizations: Deschutes County Sheriff’s Department – Sgt. Mike Espinoza: drug control programs, emergency response . City of Bend Police Department – Steve Esselstyn; home safety/Neighborhood Watch/traffic safety . Commute Options – Kim Curley, Eric Chu, bicycle safety. Central Oregon Fire Prevention Co-op: Lisa Clark, Kate Lighthall; fire safety.

The business meeting was called to order at 7:02. Jeanne welcomed members and asked new attendees to complete membership forms. She introduced the Board members; Jim, Alan, Frank, Carolyn and Lisa. Deb, Deena and Joseph were unable to attend.

Jeanne reviewed the MVNA mission statement: MVNA is organized

for educational, social and charitable purposes; to maintain, protect and enhance the livability and sense of community of the neighborhood
to provide an open process by which all members may involve themselves in the affairs of the neighborhood
to facilitate the exchange of information within the neighborhood, other neighborhoods and agencies
to maintain an open line of communication and liaison to the City of Bend management and staff

Jeanne reported that the current membership is 424 members; she reviewed the website resources available on the MVNA website at www.bendneighorhoods.org. She indicated the meeting’s focus on safety was based on the issues raised at the May meeting: traffic, speeding, drugs, vandalism, keeping your property safe, overgrown lots.

Jeanne reviewed the recently completed Bend Police Department Survey; 350 interviews were conducted this summer; 34% of respondents living NE of Hwy 97; 87% of the total responses say “very satisfied” with Bend PD services. Respondents said the biggest issue is drug trafficking and use. While traffic enforcement ranked almost last, it was of more concern to people over 55 and those living in the NE area of the city which verified issues raised by MVNA members.

Regarding traffic and safety concerns, MVNA attends City’s Traffic Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC) monthly. Budget constraints will impact local street projects; some will be postponed. Daggett Lane made the cut for design analysis in the area of the park and EnsworthSchool. She mentioned that Tucson is being looked at for traffic calming; the City is considering using curb extensions on the corners to visually slow traffic, however since many residents are strongly opposed to this proposal, Jeanne has told the City they need to review any plans with the residents first. Jeanne is a member of the US 97 North Corridor Study Citizen Advisory Committee; from 3 alternatives, the study is now looking at 2 which will go forward in the study process.

Land use/development applications have slowed; only 14 to date have been received in 2008. Jeanne reviewed the application from NorthStarCenter school and the concerns addressed with residents.

Jeanne indicated that much time this summer was spent on code enforcement, worked on 7 overgrown lots; she contacted property owners; most took care of the problem; others were referred to the Fire department for violations. She referred residents to the Flammable Vegetation Complaint Form available at City of Bend website: http://www.ci.bend.or.us/depts/fire/index.html.

Jeanne reviewed activities members participated in; June 14 – Let’s Pull Together – worked on Pilot Butte;

September 27 – members participated in 27th Street Corridor Clean-Up. She suggested members participate in the next session working on Bend 2030 Vision planned for October 16 at 7 pm; Bend Senior Center.

Jeanne indicated that Neighborhood Associations are not permitted to endorse ballot measures, however they are able to educate members by providing information: BAT Route #5 serves the MVNA area; it is the most used route in the system with 43 stops. Route #5 average ridership in 2007 was 4040/month; as of 7/08, 5464/month = 35% increase. Jeanne clarified that property owners are taxed on assessed value, not market value and gave an example of a $275,000 house (market value) $118,250 (assessed value) = $46.47 yearly tax. She added that the tax rate, once approved, cannot be changed without voter approval. She indicated that employers who offer family wage jobs often require a transit system when looking at relocation cities.

Jeanne explained that the MVNA bylaws were first adopted in 2003 and need updating and revision. Members reviewed the text of the bylaws showing the suggested changes. They included the following modifications:

· Article 1 – Boundaries: added specific street names to avoid confusion

· Article 3, Section 1 – defines business and non-profit members

· Article 3, Section 2 – membership: deleted waiting period

· Article 3, Section 7 – Expiration of Membership: deleted failure to attend meetings

· Article 4, Section 1 –General Meetings: changed to “at least one” annual meeting;mailings go toboth tax lot owner and resident

· Article 5,Section 1- identifies when the number of Board slots are decided

· Article 5:Section 2 - defines Board member terms begin when elected

· Article 5, Section 6 –ameeting quorum of 11 needed to remove a Board member

· Article 8:Finances – MVNA bank account checks signed by Chair and Vice Chair

· Article 16 – meeting quorum of 12 needed to approve bylaw amendments.

A motion was made to accept the changes as published by Don Leonard; it was seconded by Marilyn Spiegel; the motion passed unanimously with 23 votes. Members wishing a printed copy of the new bylaws may request one by sending a note to MVNA, PO Box 8596, Bend, OR 97708.

Jeanne indicated that the terms of three Board members have expired; including that of the secretary. Deb is willing to serve another term and Jeanne is willing to stay on through the spring of 2009 if re-elected, however there are 4 openings to return the Board to full status. No members offered to serve leaving the Board with 6 members; we need another volunteer to make the odd number required. Harold Anderson made a motion to re-elect Deb and Jeanne; Max Ross seconded the motion; the motion carried.

Jeanne opened the meeting to questions and concerns from members; Eric Chu spoke about bicycle/automobile conflicts in Bend. He reminded members that everyone is our neighbor and we need to treat each other with respect. Members discussed ways to stay safe; Eric will provide cycling resources to MVNA. A member asked how MVNA is funded; Jeanne explained that the City provides funding at the rate of $1.25 per tax lot for communication expenses like meeting announcements, etc. The City audits expenses by checking and verifying receipts during the reimbursement process.

Members who returned evaluation forms were entered in the gift card raffle and the winner received a $25. Fred Meyer gift card courtesy of donated funds to MVNA from The Forum Shops, MidOregon Credit Union and Clear Choice Health Plans. The meeting adjourned at 8:02. pm.

Please note: MVNA needs volunteers to serve on the Board to keep our neighborhood association active. Board members meet once a month on the 3rd Monday – we need your help! Please contact Jeanne Newton at 617-1041 or by email at mountainviewneighborhood @att.net.

2008-2009 Budget Expenses

Date	Vendor	Description	Amount	Balance
7/01/08		Beginning Balance		$5,753.00
7/22/08	Costco	Stamps, Paper, Toner	$69.46	$5,683.54
8/12/08	Various	Corp. Filing Fee, Laminate, Supplies	119.56	$5563.98
9/20/08	Various	Vinyl letters, Nonprofit Filing fee; supplies	201.85	$5362.13
9/11/08	Bend Mailing	Printing of brochure & insert	3040.97	$2321.16

Mountain ViewNeighborhood Association thanks St. Charles Medical Centerfor their generous donation of meeting room space for our general membership meetings.