Introductions and Welcome: Mary Weaver, Chairman; in attendance were Milwaukie Police Chief Robert Jordan and Sgt. Mike Burdick, Frank Lamp representing Milwaukie Community Center, Claudia Steinburg from Tri-Met, Stephanie Ostlund from Milwaukie Festival Daze, Paul Shirey from Milwaukie Public Works, a neighbor from Linwood NDA and 8 other neighbors
Minutes: The minutes from the previous meeting were approved by consensus.
Treasurer’s Report: David Aschenbrenner stated the balance is quite healthy. Checks have been written for three recent grants totaling $1400.
Police Report: Sgt.Ryan Burdick distributed the crime stats report for February, which showed very little activity in our area. He explained the difference between burglary and larceny. BTW, Sgt. Burdick was voted by his peers to be the Police Officer of the Year this year.
Chief Jordan spoke briefly about an on-going investigation into allegations of domestic violence by one of Milwaukie’s officers.
He also stated that the Johnson Creek residential treatment facility has reached its capacity of 8 inhabitants. Residents have begun walking outside with an escort in 2 or 3 person groups. They are earning the right by their behavior to be able to take outside walks. He will be notified by the Oregon State Hospital about each incoming resident, their crimes and the department will be fully prepared to deal with any situations that might arise. The police department has a key to the facility and frequently visits the facility.
A neighbor asked what to do if someone stops your vehicle and claims to be a police officer but you suspect that they aren’t. He said real officers will always display appropriate identification, Milwaukie police vehicles usually have identification on them (except for the unmarked ones), and that if you have a concern you can state to the officer you are going to call 911 to verify that they are legitimate. You should respond to a police vehicle trying to pull you over and if possible try to park in a well-lit area. The officer will have already radioed your vehicle license plate number in so if you call 911 to verify, the dispatch office will be able to do so.
Clackamas County FD #1 did not attend. Their latest newsletter is available on: http://www.clackamasfire.com/documents/communitynewsletters/ and monthly in the NDA’s email at
[email protected].
Projects Update: no projects are currently pending
Information:
ArtMob – the Milwaukie Arts Committee is calling itself ArtMob. Val Hubbard distributed a brochure that explains their current and upcoming projects. A neighbor questioned whether they have established a non-profit foundation for their fundraising, as city committees are not allowed to do so. Val said they have been collaborating with the theater group New Century Players to process donations. There is going to be a comic book cover design contest at the high school. In June Mike Richardson from Dark Horse Comics will be loaning his collection of comic books for display at the new MHS Performing Arts Center.
Water and Sewer Bills
Paul Shirey, Public Works Department, attended to explain how water, sewer and storm water bills are calculated and upon what they are based. Within the next month, the city’s water department website will provide the rates which will allow you to calculate your own bill. By the end of March, check at www.milwaukie.org/.
There are about 6600 residential customers in the city, split so that half have their meters read one month and the other half the next. Meters are read digitally by a meter reader using a hand-held computer, and the data is downloaded to the water department's software program, which calculates each bill. The water meter measures water coming into the house, to outside spigots and any irrigation system. One cubic foot is equal to 7.48 gallons of water. 100 cubic feet (748 gallons) of water equals one unit. On the water bill, the number listed (for example, with an average of 8 units) would represent about 5,984 gallons of water.
Water is charged at a base rate of $7.61 + $1.73 times the number of units of water consumed. Water rates increase 2.46% effective July 2010. Water base rate will be $7.80 + $1.77 times units of water consumed.
Example: If 9 units of water are consumed, then the calculation would be (7.61)+(1.73)(9)= $23.18 for water.
The sewer charge is based on an average of the water bill during four previous winter months. This is a commonly used method throughout the U.S. Metering sewer output would be difficult and expensive for residential sites. Commercial and industrial sites do not use a winter average due to the huge amounts of output and are based on actual usage.
The sewer rates are calculated using a base fee of $18.94 + $2.68 times the winter average. Sewer rates will increase March 2010; so the base fee will be $20.07 + $2.84 times the winter average.
For example: If the winter average is 7 (regardless of actual water usage), then the calculation would be (18.94)+(2.68)(7) = $37.70 for sewer.
The storm water fee on the bill is a fixed charge.$9.90/month, so (9.90)(2 months)= $19.80 per bill.
There is also a city street maintenance fee on the water bill that is charged because of the levy passed two years ago. $3.35/month, so (3.35)(2 months) = $6.70 per bill.
A neighbor suggested that the city's water calculation and billing information site should be referenced on the water bill. Mr. Shirey said that residents with questions about their water bill should call Jim Ward at 503-786-7525. If they aren't satisfied with the answer, please don't hesitate to call Paul Shirey at 503-786-7614.
Grant Requests:
Milwaukie Museum has had to have new back stairs built and other repairs made which cost them about $7,000. David Aschenbrenner requested that we provide grant money to assist with the cost. Linda Hedges moved and Wally Bischoff seconded to award $1000 to this organization The motion passed unanimously.
Sellwood Boys and Girls Club A neighbor enquired as to how many Milwaukie children are served by the club. We did not know the numbers, but will check. – the grant request was tabled until the next meeting. Comments and questions should be emailed to Mary Weaver or Linda Hedges. [NOTE: There are 161 kids from Milwaukie currently enrolled in the Sellwood Boys and Girl's Club along with kids from Portland. There are some from Hector Campbell, but we don't know how many. More are from Ardenwald and Lewelling and they receive transportation to the club after school. The Club needs money for games and equipment. Parents pay a small fee per year.
Hector Campbell Family Fun Day (PTA) – family emergencies prevented both presenters to be unable to attend, but the grant request was withdrawn, and neighbors were just encouraged to attend on April 17th, 11am-4pm.
Milwaukie Festival Daze Stephanie Ostlund reported that they have 501(c (3)) status through the assistance of Celebrate Milwaukie Inc. (CMI) so any private donations will be tax deductible. The site of the festival will be concentrated on the waterfront this year. They hope to have fireworks, rides, music acts and the parade will hopefully be bigger than last year. NDAs are encouraged to make floats for the parade. Stephanie requested we help monetarily in any way that we can [ NOTE: The grant request has been withdrawn for the time being, as the event coordinator hired by CMI to fundraise and coordinate Milwaukie Daze has responsibility for raising sufficient funding through sponsorship and event revenues. If this is seen to be inadequate it may be necessary later to request financial assistance from the NDAs ]
Parks Report: Sarah Smith reported that there have been two recent work parties.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Report: David Hedges reported that the Officer of the Year Dinner plans are in place, tickets for $15 are still available and will be sold until March 11th.
Other Information and Comments:
Don’t forget about the Hector Campbell Family Fun Day Saturday, April 17th from 11am – 4pm.
Next Meeting will be 7pm on April 12, 2010
Prepared by: Linda M Hedges March 11, 2010
Approved: Mary Weaver