Rory Bialostosky

This document outlines the Vision43 project, focusing on the revitalization of the Highway 43 corridor. The plan's purpose includes creating a sense of place and local identity, ensuring safe crossings, promoting vibrant commerce, and establishing pedestrian networks with enhanced neighborhood connections. Key goals involve creating a shared community vision for Highway 43, identifying pedestrian improvements, and updating zoning to align with this vision. Recommendations include implementing a project vision for walkable and mixed-use neighborhoods, creating community destinations, establishing design standards, and improving pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.

Participants addressed the neighborhood association's inactive designation by the City, which resulted in inaccessible funds of approximately $12,300. Key discussions included coordinating a new postcard to the community, as advised by the Assistant City Manager, to reactivate the association. The group reviewed problematic current bylaws requiring only a 10% quorum and the status of the bylaws subcommittee's new draft. Furthermore, significant discussion centered on the land use development proposed for the Alice Richmond property by Rob Matthews of Blue Properties and the subsequent three phases of development planned for the Parker Crest community. A consensus was reached to include the new bylaws, election nominations, and land use development on the agenda of the reactivation meeting communicated via the drafted postcard.

Key discussions during the meeting included the submission of the 2025 Annual Report and confirmation of programing dates, with a suggestion to seek specific sponsors for refreshments at the Fall Art Show. The group also discussed reducing the number of days for the Concert in the Park event. A potential participation in the Parks Fall Fest 2026 was raised, but no decision was made. Ongoing collaboration regarding City Newsletter installments and cleanup of broken links on the City Website was confirmed, with a member volunteering to lead communications efforts. A vote was taken regarding the first location for art installation along the Willamette Corridor, resulting in a decision to proceed with discussions with the City Council and Neighborhood associations concerning the art placement at the front of Hammerle Park.

The meeting addressed several agenda items following the member check-in segment, which included updates on community resilience training, the TreePlotter program, EV charging advocacy, and involvement with environmental rights amendments. Key discussions focused on revisiting January action items, including the Tree Inventory & Canopy Mapping Initiative and the ongoing challenges with securing EV charging infrastructure at commercial properties. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to prioritizing 2026 goals, specifically developing a modernization strategy for gas-powered equipment with an emphasis on equity and funding mechanisms, finalizing a Repair & Reuse Directory for local businesses, and reviewing the status of the Alternative Fuel Policy. Further discussions covered Green Bonds, Facilities & Efficiency Upgrades, monitoring Conservation Pricing (Water Rates) via the Utility Advisory Board, and planning for Education & Community Outreach events such as a composting workshop and participation in the Old Fashioned Fair. Updates were also provided on Waterfront & Vision 43 monitoring and Emergency Preparedness efforts via the "Two Weeks Ready" program. The Board also touched upon Energy Usage Data Transparency as a long-term initiative.

The meeting began with introductions, followed by the calling of the meeting to order. A key agenda item involved discussing the appointment of a new vice chair due to the relocation of a long-time member and former vice chair. The board reviewed and discussed results from the Westland Library Strategic Planning Survey, noting high community engagement (580 respondents) and positive feedback regarding the library's value as a community resource. Discussion focused on action items derived from survey themes, including program alignment, strengthening marketing and promotion efforts, expanding access to print collections (like 'lucky day' items), improving digital resource discoverability, addressing space and accessibility concerns (notably parking), and developing the maker space. The board also discussed creative ways to share the qualitative feedback from the survey, suggesting methods like Instagram posts, internal video creation, or utilizing library screens, potentially culminating around National Library Week.