Directors Present: Rider, Avery, Smith, Rice, Bailey plus 30 guests
Chairman Scott Rider welcomed those assembled. He noted that the police were evidently busy, and might have a few words later in the agenda. He then invited those scheduled to speak to begin.
Brad Prochnow, representing Earthquake Tech, described the ways his business works with neighborhood associations and groups of neighbors to offer comprehensive inspection of homes to determine that they are suitably protected. He distributed detailed information. Jenna Cooper-Gross distributed gas safety information from Northwest Natural.
Steve Hoyt presented the city’s “Leaf Day Made Easy,” providing a Leaf Zone calendar showing when leaf removal will be done in 2011. Alameda is part of three zones, with two removal dates in each zone: NE2 – 9 Nov. and 1 Dec.; NE3 – 12 Nov. and 3 Dec.; NE 5 – 13 Nov. and 4 Dec. Residents who have no street trees, or who wish to take care of the leaves themselves and not pay $15 per removal, may Opt Out on line or by mail.
See portlandonline.com/leafday for details or call 503-823-1784.
The Chair explained how discussion of Cell Towers in the LUTC (Land Use/Transportation Committee) review would be done. First presentation by city staff, then questions from the ANA board, then questions/comments from anyone.
- Jennifer Li, Office of Communications and Franchise Management, spoke of the 4 prioritized rankings of locations for placement of cell towers. The process is essentially a checklist that the applying service provider must fill in and submit. The Office has no staffing to ascertain facts, but must grant permits if the required forms are completed and submitted. The Office deals only with Right of Way issues.
- Mike Liefeld, Bureau of Development Services, explained that applicants must have a permit to begin work involving Land Use issues, but that if a previously granted permit expires before action is taken, the applicant may request a renewal of the permit, and baring changes in what had been originally requested, the Bureau must grant the renewal. Codes were changed in 2009, but applicants who satisfied prior a Code may continue to work using a permit granted under the prior code.
Several board members then asked questions and were answered. Mr. Rider then opened the floor to questions and comments by guests.
Many of those who had come to discuss the cell phone permitting, noted that given the Bureau’s interpretation of its limits there is effectively no way neighborhoods can object to wireless communication entities coming into a community and placing structures where they please. Several said that T-Mobile had, in effect, come in stealthily to install a cell tower using an expired permit without the neighborhood’s knowledge. Mr. Liefeld responded that residents within 150 feet had been notified. There was laughter because that notification would have reached three to six houses at most. No other notice was required, nor given. Mr. Liefeld said he expected T-Mobile to work to meet code, and that they had proposed during the interim—while getting the permit renewed—they would put in an esthetic fence, replace broken sidewalk and other improvements. The neighbors objected that they did not want “improvements,” they wanted T-Mobile out completely, at least until a totally valid permit is granted. Mr. Liefeld said that criteria to be satisfied are in the Zoning Code, and the public is welcome to come in an examine the Code. The renewal of the permit does not affect previously approved land use decisions. Ms. Li said that under federal law local entities are effectively prohibited from restricting communication entities. Former ANA Chair Ken Bailey recounted the ANA’s history of questioning placement of cell towers. While the neighborhood had “lost” each case, in several instances the wireless company had decided not to proceed anyway.
A representative from RespectPDX discussed several of the approaches that have been unsuccessful and some that might be more effective in limiting cell tower sitings. He mentioned LUBA, Land Use Board of Appeals, as a potential avenue for challenging wireless carriers’ placement decisions. He also confirmed most of what the city staff had claimed.
Mr. Rider recognized Paige Coleman, executive director of NECN (The Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods), who asked what information and action can neighbors give to help Ms. Li in more meaningful review of the check-list of priorities for siting, and urged that neighbors express their concerns about responses from T-Mobile to Ms. Li. If the city’s lack of information is so pervasive would it not be in their interest to assure that they send full, timely information to NECN and the Neighborhood Associations?
George Smith moved that the ANA Board write a letter reflecting ANA LUTC representative Jim Brown’s proposal to support the Concordia Neighborhood Association’s letter to the City of Portland, NECN, LUTC, in the matter of T-Mobile’s effort to site a cell tower in this residential area. The motion was unanimously passed.
Mr. Smith will confer with Mr. Brown to develop the letter for ANA Board review.
Mr. Rider said the time for the cell tower issue was concluded, and thanked the guests for attending the board meeting.
The Board heard from Treasurer Gene Avery that the Annul Alameda Neighborhood Cleanup event had netted $1,197.31 and that in the past the Board had split the funds between the neighborhood schools, Alameda Elementary and The Madeleine. After discussion the Board decided to give $400 to Alameda Elementary, $400 to The Madeleine, and $400 to Sabin School. Mr. Avery will present the funds.
Mr. Avery reported that he had received four complimentary tickets to a program ANA had supported with a grant, and it was agreed that he, as a CASA volunteer, could give the tickets to a family with children he sees in the course of his volunteer CASA work.
Mr. Rider called for approval of the ANA June Board meeting minutes as had been circulated to all board and committee by the secretary, with a correction noted by the treasurer. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted by
George Ivan Smith, Secretary
8-23-2011
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