February 2026 MNA Meeting Minutes

Present Board Members:

Steph Cleary, President

Kristina Perry, Vice President

Keegan Baurer, Secretary

Sarah Hartzel, Treasurer

Adam Fiss, SE Uplift Liaison

Louise Hoff, Member at large

Elisabeth Litster, Member at large

Laura Mulligan, Member at large

Steph called this meeting to order on 02/09/26 at 6:35pm after confirming that a quorum was present.

Agenda:

Treasurer Report

SE Uplift

Parks and Gardens

Communications Committee

Land Use and Transportation

Oak Street Community Action Committee

Harrison Community GNA Committee

Art Walk Committee

Joy Committee

Jeff Lynott Presentation

City Hall Update

PEMO

Unfinished Business

New Business

Vote to approve January minutes. Motion by Steph. Seconded by Keegan. In favor: 5. Opposed: 0. Motion passes.

Treasurer Report:

Sarah indicated that are not many updates to report. MNA is getting very close to getting their new account established with OnPoint Credit Union. There remains one regulatory filing to finalize the account. The debit card will be sent to SE Uplift.

SE Uplift:

Per Adam, SE Uplift does not have any meetings in January or July. This month’s meeting served as a new member orientation, where Adam learned about his role as a representative. Adam noted that while attending these meetings he will be functioning as a member of the SE Uplift board rather than as an MNA board member and making decisions for the greater District Three area. The 82nd Parade of Roses is approaching with more details to come.

Parks and Gardens:

A request was made to start a fundraiser to help procure entry gate for a local arboretum. Contact will made with various clubs in an attempt to secure funding.

Communications Committee:

The MNA website is live, with community feedback on the site is welcome. Efforts are being made to set a date for the community mixer. The website is part of the MNA’s endeavors to increase outreach and do more for the community. MNA has received $1000 via the communications grant courtesy of SE Uplift.

Land Use and Transportation:

Nedim is out sick and as a result Adam is presenting updates on his behalf. There were 10 respondents to the community survey regarding the BAT lanes. Nedim offered his thanks to everyone for participating in the survey and offering their feedback. Per Nedim, PSU is offering classes regarding transportation (“Community Transportation Academy”). The class is free and starts in a couple months, with registration closing on 02/16/26. The classes will be offered in-person and via Zoom. There will be District Three Local Transportation Funding Open House on 02/23/26 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm at Atkinson Elementary School. Per Nedim, PBOT is planning to reduce speed limits in some streets in the city. No plans for public comments at this time. During the most recent meetings, discussions were held regarding the BAT lanes potential impact on transit. A newly identified hurdle entails the possibility that ODOT may require significant changes to intersections. These discussions are still up in the air. Per the MNA community surveys, three participants opposed the BAT lanes, four were in favor of them, and three were in favor of limited BAT lanes. Community member Spencer expressed interest in obtaining redacted copies of the qualitative survey data to bring to City Hall.

Oak Street Community Action Committee:

Both point people are continuing to attend CAC meetings. During the last CAC, the participants came to the conclusion that monthly meetings are no longer necessary. The same problems continue to be discussed (campers, drug dealers, etc.), which are not the fault of the village. Monthly updates(amount of residents, where people are transitioning, etc.) will be issued via a newsletter. The MNA board agreed to provide a link to this newsletter.

Harrison Community GNA Committee:

Harrison Village will host a public meeting at PCC on 02/26/26 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm.The GNA has been finalized. The village will likely open in a few months.

Art Walk

Emily has been in touch with the people running the Mt. Tabor Art Walk. Mention was also made of a program in which art is exhibited for the community in local residents’ homes. Steph suggested possibly exploring hosting at community centers or booths to ensure that artists without homes can present their art.

Joy Committee

Steph tentatively took out a permit for a street fair near her home. More details to come.

Jeff Lynott

Jeff works in Counselor Steve Novick’s office to do community relations work. Jeff has reached out to various District Three neighborhood associations. Jeff is from the Foster Powell area and once sat on SE Uplift board. On 02/25/26, there will be an open house in District Three regarding alternative transporting funding options. Jeff encouraged MNA and residents to utilize PEMO, emailing concerns to be addressed as PEMO is effective and responsive given the resources they have. The most recent coffee meeting was the largest that Jeff had attended. Discussions involved the BAT lanes and livability issues. Jeff shared Councilor Novick’s stance that the best method for supporting small businesses is to create an environment that is conducive to them being successful (i.e., livable and safe). The Brooklyn Neighborhood is likely where the next coffee meeting will be, with the meeting being held in the evening or weekend to increase access. Jeff and Spencer discussed new legislation regarding chronic nuisance properties. This will ease documentation requirements for law enforcement when crimes are committed in proximity to or in association with a particular property. If a property is deemed as a chronic nuisance, law enforcement will apply pressure for property owners to take abatement measures (continuing issues could lead to court involvement and/or forfeit of the property).

City Hall Update:

None noted.

PEMO Update

PEMO is the problem solver network, which meets every other Tuesday (second and fourth Tuesday of the month). An officer from another precinct present, with the board expressing interest in developing a line of communication with involved officers. Residents can sign themselves up to join the PEMO and be an advocate for the neighborhood. Residents encouraged to send emails regarding issues to their PEMO representative at least the day before a meeting.

Unfinished Business:

None noted.

New Business:

Steph put forward a motion to approve the MNA’s new mission statement (see below). All members were in favor and the motion passed. The approved mission statement: The Montavilla Neighborhood Association exists to strengthen and improve our community by providing an open, respectful, and safe space where neighbors can share ideas, listen to one another, and work collaboratively. We communicate relevant information, advocate for improvements in our neighborhood, and foster a strong sense of community. Through integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration, we uplift diverse perspectives and build environments that support shared understanding and collective progress.”

Steph moved to adjourn the meeting at 07:27pm. Keegan seconded.