September 2026 MNA Meeting Minutes

September Meeting Minutes 

09/14/26

Present Board Members: 

Steph Cleary, President

Keegan Baurer, Secretary

Adam Fiss, SE Uplift Liaison 

Louise Hoff, Member at Large

Elisabeth Litster, Member at large

Emily Meneer, Member at Large

Nedim Filipovic, Member at Large

Steph called this meeting to order on 09/14/26 at 6:35pm after confirming that a quorum was present. 

Agenda: 

1. Montavilla Food Coop

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 July minutes. Motion by Steph. Seconded by Keegan. In favor: 6. Opposed: 0. Motion passes. 

1. Montavilla Food Co-Op

   1. A board member from the Montavilla Food Co-Op offered a brief presentation in which they discussed the co-op’s latest efforts. This included seeking new board members, exploring grant options, and soliciting neighborhood feedback on future directions for the organization.

1. Treasurer Report: 

   1. Sarah was not able to attend this meeting and as a result Steph provided updates on her behalf. Steph reported that MNA has $1629 in the checking account and $3297 in the savings account.

1. SE Uplift:

   1. Adam shared updates on upcoming events as well as noted that applications are open for community small grants. Applications are open for grants until 10/18/26. Adam reported that election season is coming up and emphasized that the MNA is required to remain neutral. It was noted that if MNA were to invite any candidates to an MNA meeting, then all candidates must at least be invited as well. SE Uplift is hosting a candidate mixer on 09/26/26 at their office on Main St. and Cesar Chavez Blvd.

1. Parks and Gardens:

   1. Louise shared news of Memory Garden, which is a park on 104th and Stark which is filled with plants that are intended to evoke smells and memories. Louise distributed materials regarding weekly shopping lists for emergency preparedness.

1. Communications Committee:

   1. Steph reported that MNA is searching for someone to help with website updates and social media engagement. Interested individuals are encouraged to reach out to Steph (steph@montavilla.org) for more information.

1. Land Use and Transportation: 

   1. Nedim reported that a new crosswalk is being installed by PBOT at 77th and Division. He also share that Trimet and PBOT are hosting an open house on 09/16 at 5:00pm to 7:00pm on 82nd and Powell (Core PDX).

1. Oak Street Community Action Committee: 

   1. Oak Street Community is struggling with unauthorized parking and camping outside of the facility. Two more residents transitioned into permanent housing. The facility recently built a library and began offering drug and alcohol treatment programming.

1. Harrison Community GNA Committee: 

   1. Casey attended the most recent CAC meeting, in which it was reported that the Harrison Community is delaying admission of residents due to defects in the pods’ flooring. The CAC will meet again in October.

1. Art Walk

   1. Emily shared that the committee is making progress on the self-guided art tour, which is now accessible on the MNA website. This includes a map of 21 art sites and counting.

1. Joy Committee

   1. Steph reported current efforts to launch the Meet Your Neighbor project in the MNA newsletter. There will be a nomination form on the MNA website. Additionally, there will be a nomination form for prospective street corners in Montavilla in which an art mural could be installed. An attending resident suggested that MNA reach out to local colleges to offer internships for social media management or art projects.

1. City Hall Update:

   1. No updates reported.

1. PEMO Update

   1. Kristina explained the role and function of PEMO and encouraged residents to contact her with any concerns that could be addressed in that format. Concerns can also be reported via the PEMO website. Kristina also shared that an art installation will be incorporated at 78th and Glisan near the bus stop.

1. Unfinished Business: 

   1. None noted.

1. New Business:

   1. Indivisible PDX District 3 is sponsoring a candidate forum that will be hosted at Franklin High School on 10/14/26 at 6:00pm.

Steph moved to adjourn the meeting at 07:10pm. Keegan seconded.