June 2025 MNA Meeting Minutes

Montavilla Neighborhood Association

June Meeting Minutes

June 9th, 2025

Present Board Members:

Laura Mulligan, President

Steph Cleary, Secretary

Elisabeth Litster

Sarah Hartzel, Treasurer

Louise Hoff

Laura called the meeting to order 6:32

Steph seconded

May Notes

 Laura moved to approve minutes from May. Elisabeth seconded.

I.              Treasurer’s Report:

 Sarah uploaded financial report for May to the drive. Not much activity but we have to pay for our website domain. Sarah will submit for reimbursement as she put this on her personal card.

Who is our bank signer?

Sarah moved that Steph was included as a signer. Seconded by Elisabeth.

Steph moved that Laura was included as a signer. Seconded by Elisabeth.

II.            Land Use and Transportation

We still need someone to take on Land Use and Transportation. Laura explained the process of this committee and the role that is needed: someone who can keep tabs on city updates. Scott is willing to do an official hand off to anyone interested. 

III.          Street Fair Committee

 Laura wants to start a street fair committee in order to begin fundraising ideas. Last year we had a raffle which was successful. Someone asked what the dates are: it might be the 27th of July (last Sunday of the month). We need to gather prizes, put together baskets, work the fair at the booth to give information about MNA, etc.

Steph will send out volunteer opportunities and fundraising in the next MNA newsletter. Sarah mentioned that the list of businesses who donated last year to the raffle should be on the drive.

The goal is to finalize the committee in a week with dates we will go out for fundraising to local businesses and dates we will put together baskets as well as a sign-up sheet to man the booth. Will Kristina take this on? There is also a new member who attended the meeting who was interested in joining the board the fundraising committee. He said that he would follow up with his contact information.

IV.          Community Action Committee—Oak Street Village

Elisabeth shared her update. This was the third meeting they have had. The shelter is at capacity. Latoya is running the shelter and the average stay has been about a month. Another neighbor, Dan, who is on the committee had shared at the meeting that there have been complaints about noise. Latoya shared her personal information for calls related to noise. There have been a similar number of complaints per month. People who have been camping and have been moved have returned. A neighbor, Victoria, observed that Oak Street Village has had a tent and some cars and an RV, but the biggest camping has been on Ash St. related to PDX Saints Love. This is part of the boundary as stated by the GNA.

A call is up to a 1.8 day average before response from the city, but just because there is a response doesn’t mean that the site will be moved. There are concerns from neighbors about a lack of clear process and clear timelines surrounding what is happening.

A neighbor brought up concerns about the camping in front of PDX Saints Love. There is in particular one person who moves block to block every time they are asked to move.

V.            SE Uplift

Colleen resigned, so we need a new committee chair for the SE Uplift Committee.

VI.          Communications Committee:

Steph updated that the new website copy is written, we are now waiting for a meeting with graphic designer so we can design the site.

VII.       Parks and Gardens

The new skate park has been finished and is opened. Louise will get us information about which park is an earthquake/emergency meeting place. Steph will follow up with Gerry D. about doing a presentation.

VIII.     City Hall Update

Spencer was not present to give a City Hall Update.

IX.         Unfinished Business

Montavilla Community Center is not available for our Monday meetings due to a prior conflict. It’s unclear whether they are going to stay open under the new budget.

X.           New Business

Louise moved to skip August and meet in December. Laura seconded. All were in favor.

Laura will be in France in September so she will not be present.

Montavilla Church, this Wednesday from 5-7, Braver Angels will be hosting a conversation event for people across the political spectrum to have difficult conversations. A framework is provided to attendees.

Laura moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:20. Steph seconded.