April 2026 MNA Meeting Minutes

Montavilla Neighborhood Association 

April Meeting Minutes 

04/13/26

Present Board Members: 

Steph Cleary, President

Kristina Perry, Vice President

Keegan Baurer, Secretary

Adam Fiss, SE Uplift Liaison 

Louise Hoff, Member at Large

Elisabeth Litster, Member at Large

Laura Mulligan, Member at Large 

Emily Meneer, Member at Large

Nedim Flipovic, Member at Large

Steph called this meeting to order on 04/13/26 at 6:35pm after confirming that a quorum was present. 

Agenda: 

1. NET Team Presentation

2. Treasurer Report

3. SE Uplift

4. Parks and Gardens

5. Communications Committee

6. Land Use and Transportation 

7. Oak Street Community Action Committee

8. Harrison Community GNA Committee

9. Art Walk Committee

10. Joy Committee

11. City Hall Update

12. PEMO

13. Unfinished Business

14. New Business 

Vote to approve March minutes. Motion by Steph. Seconded by Keegan. In favor: 6. Opposed: 0. Motion passes. 

1. NET Team

   1. A guest presenter from NET (Neighborhood Emergency Teams) and BEECN (Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Node) gave an overview of these programs. These programs stem from FEMA and primarily entail earthquake preparedness as well as other weather events. NET works closely with the Portland Fire Department. NET recommends that residents stockpile two-three days worth of food and water as well as shutting off utilities if there is a gas leak. It was also recommended that residents sign up for wireless alerts. The nearest BEECN sites are Montavilla Park, Harrison Park, and Clinton Park.

2. Treasurer Report: 

   1. Sarah was not present and thus her updates were shared via other board members. MNA’s new account with OnPoint is fully operational and the old account is closed.Only one expense from March for Google Drive. Steph will be getting some expenses related to the neighborhood mixer reimbursed.

1. SE Uplift:

   1. The Mayor’s budget plan is being published on 04/20/26. There will be a budget town hall with District 3 councilors on 04/26/26 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm. There will also be a virtual town hall on 05/05/26 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm. Registration for this event can be found on SE Uplift’s website.

1. Parks and Gardens:

   1. No major updates provided. The committee has contacted the school to consider proposal for an entry gate as well as a podium legend (for identifying different groups of rare trees) in the arboretum.

1. Communications Committee:

   1. The MNA Mixer was a great success with almost eighty residents in attendance.

1. Land Use and Transportation: 

   1. The SE Uplift Land Use Committee meeting is on 04/20/26. Attendees can Zoom in to this meeting. There is no set agenda yet but will likely be discussing zoning changes and housing bonuses for developers who build particular types of housing. Nedim also enrolled in the Transportation Academy, a class offered via PSU.

1. Oak Street Community Action Committee: 

   1. The village is mostly full, with 36 residents having stayed for over one hundred days. Twelve people have entered permanent housing. The CAC conversations have historically revolved around non-village topics, such as unsanctioned camping in the surrounding area. PBOT reportedly does not have available staff to address camping on sidewalks.

1. Harrison Community GNA Committee: 

   1. The GNA has been circulated for signing to all involved parties. Harrison Community Village will host a sneak peak event on 04/24/26 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm.

1. Art Walk

   1. Not many updates were offered at this time. The committee explored the possibility of partnering with the Mt. Tabor Walk but this does not appear possible. The committee also missed the window for the Portland Open Studios, so they are now exploring the possibility of a pop-up event. The committee is recognizing a need for more input from potential local artists and attendees in terms of need and demand.

1. Joy Committee

   1. No updates at this time.

1. City Hall Update:

   1. No updates at this time.

1. PEMO Update

   1. Captain Burley attended the meeting, whereas it is normally Officer Robert Michales joined. They reported working on Sandy to address many community concerns in that area. It was also shared that our community has been invited to join the Mt.. Tabor Neighbor Yard Sale event. For a $15 donation, residents can be added to the event’s map of local residents who are participating. The Parade of Roses is also seeking out volunteers for events.

1. Unfinished Business: 

   1. Angelita Morillo will join MNA’s meeting in May.

   2. MNA has opportunities for involvement, including a chair for the Resolve Monthly Clean-Up events as well as a chair for the Community and Public Safety Community.

1. New Business:

   1. Pastor Heather of Montavilla United Methodist Church spoke, sharing that they are in process of working with a non-profit developer to tear down the building and replace it with affordable housing. They are intending to build 50-80 units with cost of rent being depending on tenant’s income. MUMC will move in with their sister church in Tabor during development and hope to take Rahab’s Sister with them (although this is not confirmed). They are hoping for the new building to be complete in 2030 although this may be an optimistic timeline.

Steph moved to adjourn the meeting at 07:32pm. Adam seconded.