Present: Jan Gifford, Bob Almquist, Brett Yost, Mark Weers, Spencer Dahl, Mike Olin
Absent: John Kelly, Ken Cooper
Guests: Greg Gifford, Marilyn Almquist
Mirror Pond Management Board Report:
Mike Olin reported that the Mirror Pond situation is virtually where it was two years ago. The MPMB is supporting a Bend Parks and Recreation District Bond which would include a study of options in dealing with the silting of Mirror Pond. The MPMB will meet again in May. Visit our website for more on the MPMB and additional information on Mirror Pond.
Spencer Dahl proposed that OBNA take the lead in providing education to the community regarding possible solutions to the Mirror Pond situation. We had a lengthy discussion as to what this might mean.
Action: Spencer will contact OSU Professor, Dr. Gordon Grant and other hydrology experts asking that if they would be interested in speaking at a Mirror Pond educational event or providing information.
Action: Bob Almquist will write a letter to Parks and Rec stating that we support the bond and encourage them to include wording that the river study will be open ended rather than the focusing on feasibility of one or two options.
In the future, the OBNA Board may consider asking the community to submit creative solutions for removing and preventing the silting. This might be presented in an “Ignite Bend” format. Such a project could increase awareness of the importance of River health and possible solutions. .
Action: The Board created the position “OBNA Press Secretary.” All communication requests from the press will be referred to Bob Almquist who apparently doesn’t mind being misquoted. Thanks, Bob.
Action: The Board directed Jan Gifford to find out more about the Neighborhood Association Insurance.
Action: OBNA will post land use actions to the website in a timely manner so members will be informed as to land use actions in their neighborhood. Riverwest uses a simple format on their website.
Homework for next month: Summer General Meeting ideas, date, location. I’ve contacted Parks and Rec about the availability of Miller’s Landing.