November General Meeting Notice(Agenda & Minutes)

WSNA General Meeting – Thursday, November 6th at 6:30 PM

Hello Neighbors,

I wanted to let everyone know that our next WSNA General Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6th at 6:30 PM. We’ll be meeting at Roth’s, with entrance through the back of the building.

Below you’ll find the agenda for the evening and the minutes from our last meeting.

I hope to see you all there!

General Meeting Agenda   

November 6,2025

West Salem Neighborhood Association (WSNA)General Meeting Agenda📅 Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025🕡 Time: 6:30 PM📍 Location: Roth’s (1130 Wallace Road NW, Salem, OR 97304)

1. Call to Order

Chair: Michael Freitas

2. Reading of the Equity Statement

Presented by: Robert Garcia

3. Approval of Agenda

• Any additions to the agenda from the body?

• Motion to approve the agenda.

4. Approval of Minutes

• Any corrections or additions to the previous minutes?

• Motion to approve the minutes.

5. City Reports

• Salem Police Department

• Salem Fire Department

• City Councilors

6. Special Guest Speakers or Discussions

• Library discussion

• WSNA Goals 2025/2026

(To be announced)

7. Committees Update / Questions

• Houseless: Drew Strayer

• Transportation: Nick

• Glenn and Gibson Creeks Watershed: E.M.

• Parks: Nick

• Land Use: Steven

8. Roundtable from General Membership

(Open discussion or announcements from attendees)

9. Next Meeting / Upcoming Guests

• Next Meeting Date: December 4,2025

• Anticipated Special Guest(s):

  • Eleanor Beatty, Presiding Judge, Salem Municipal Court

  • Hayden Dentinger, Transportation Planner (Brush College Stop Plan)

10. Adjourn

WSNA General Meeting Minutes

October2,2025

Meeting Location: Roth’s at 1130 Wallace Road NW, Salem OR 97304

Meeting Called to Order: 6:35PM

Meeting Adjourned: 8:15 PM

Equity Statement

The WSNA (West Salem Neighborhood Association) is committed to reducing equity. gaps, increasing access for all, and creating a safe community for everyone. Safety and belonging for all West Salem residents is vital. We must be inclusive in conducting business and promoting policies that protect age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, religion, and other individual identities. The association commits to integrating equity into the fabric of our association and the Delivery of public services in pursuit of equal, fair, and just outcomes for all.

Summary

Legislative Updates and Community Initiatives

Deb Patterson, a state senator representing Senate District 10, addressed a neighborhood association meeting to discuss legislative updates and community initiatives. She highlighted upcoming healthcare challenges, including $15 billion in state cuts and rising insurance premiums, while also noting recent legislative successes such as securing $25 million for the district, including funding for food share expansion and transportation projects. Patterson also discussed road maintenance funding, housing initiatives, and various consumer protection measures passed during the last legislative session, including laws to protect against medical debt and surprise fees.

Healthcare Funding and Public Safety

The meeting discussed healthcare funding issues, with a focus on keeping medical decisions in the hands of doctors rather than financial considerations, and highlighted problems with prior authorizations. Clancy Lee from the police department introduced a new online reporting system called DOORS for non-emergency incidents and discussed the city's approach to addressing homelessness through increased police presence, adding two new homeless services team officers, and planning for future growth in staffing.

Salem Public Safety and Services

The meeting covered several key topics including public safety, traffic concerns, and city services. The Salem Police Department discussed their traffic enforcement efforts and vacation home check services. City Councilors Paul Teigen and Mickey discussed budget constraints and recent improvements in traffic safety. The Fire Department announced upcoming open houses and reported increased call volume. Concerns were raised about sidewalk projects in West Salem and communication regarding the Detroit Dam drawdown. The conversation ended with a discussion about the need for public engagement in transportation planning and water system improvements.

Salem Paid Parking Program Review

The discussion focused on the implementation and administration of a paid parking program in downtown Salem. While the program has generated more revenue than expected, particularly during summer events, there were concerns about communication and transparency regarding the program's financial performance and future plans. The city's finance committee meets monthly to review spending, and while some data is publicly available, there was agreement that better communication about the program's purpose and revenue allocation could help address public concerns. The conversation revealed that parking utilization has improved since the paid program began, with better turnover of spaces and more efficient use of downtown parking facilities.

Airport Development and Funding Updates

The group discussed airline seat usage statistics, with approximately 70% capacity reported for Avello flights. They addressed concerns about tree removal during construction, noting that permits require city monitoring and that most trees were being removed from the perimeter rather than the center. The discussion covered TSA equipment at the airport, with a November deadline for securing an airline's letter of intent to prevent equipment relocation, though operations wouldn't begin until fall or spring regardless. The group also reviewed airport incentive pledges, with tourism industry representatives having pledged the majority of the needed $500,000 annual funding for three years, leaving only $150,000 still needed.

Neighborhood Association Financial and Events Update

The meeting discussed the current financial status of the neighborhood association, with $881.94 in communication funds. Plans were made for an Edgewater cleanup on November 1st at 9 AM, starting at Goodwill with participants splitting to Capital Manor depending on numbers. The group received updates from a chair report meeting, including information about a Salem Library survey and a Fall Festival hosted by Center 50 Plus on October 11th. The association was noted as being the largest in town but could improve community engagement, with a call for more volunteers to help with various initiatives like coat drives and winter gear collections.

Volunteer Writing and Transportation Updates

The meeting discussed the need for volunteers to write articles for the Salem Reporter and West Salem newspapers. Drew provided updates on houselessness initiatives, including monthly meals in Dallas and bi-weekly cleanup work in Salem. Nick reported on upcoming transportation projects, including a Planning Commission meeting and participation plans for the Salem-Dallas highway. The group also discussed the lack of state funding for sidewalk improvements and traffic safety measures on the Salem-Dallas highway, with Polk County Sheriff's Department and Salem PD working together to address speed issues.

West Salem Neighborhood Association Updates

The West Salem Neighborhood Association discussed several key topics including watershed concerns, park initiatives, and upcoming community events. They announced that Nick will serve as interim parks chair, and Mark Wardell was elected as secretary. The group reviewed their website updates and discussed plans for upcoming elections, with Robert confirmed as vice chair and Michael Freitas confirmed as chair

Next meeting is scheduled for November 6^th  at 6:30PM