WSNA Meeting Notice

Hello Neighbors,

The West Salem Neighborhood Association will be holding our final meeting of the year next Thursday at Roth’s, beginning at 6:30 PM. We will have special guest speakers in attendance, as well as an important vote, and we hope to see a strong turnout.

Attached you will find the minutes from our previous meeting along with the agenda for December’s meeting.

We encourage everyone to attend, this is your association, and your voice matters. Participation is what drives community decisions, and we want to hear from you.

We hope to see you there!

General Meeting Agenda   

December 4,2025

West Salem Neighborhood Association (WSNA)General Meeting Agenda📅 Date: Thursday, December 4, 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

o    Eleanor Beatty, Presiding Judge, Salem Municipal Court

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

7. Chair Information

·         West Salem Quiet Clean Salem – Vote

8. Committees Update / Questions

• Houseless: Drew Strayer

• Transportation: Nick

• Glenn and Gibson Creeks Watershed: E.M.

• Parks: Nick

• Land Use: Steven

9. Roundtable from General Membership

(Open discussion or announcements from attendees)

10. Next Meeting / Upcoming Guests

• Next Meeting Date: February 5,2025

10. Adjourn

West Salem Neighborhood Association  Meeting Minutes for November 6,2025Location: West Salem Roth’s Community Room Chair: Michael Freitas

1. Call to Order & Welcome

The meeting was called to order by Chair Michael at 6:34 p.m. He welcomed attendees and confirmed that a quorum was present.

2. Equity Statement

Co-Chair Robert Garcia read the association’s statement:

The West Salem Neighborhood Association is committed to reducing equity gaps, increasing access for all, and creating a safe, welcoming community. The association strives to be inclusive in its business and to support policies that protect people of all ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, religions, and other identities. The association is committed to integrating equity into its work and supporting fair and just outcomes for all West Salem residents.

3. Approval of Agenda

• The Chair reviewed the agenda, noting:

  • Police Department report

  • Fire Department report

  • Library discussion

  • WSNA /parks items

  • Quiet Clean/leaf blower initiative

  • Committee updates

  • Open discussion and questions

• A question was raised about how to add items to the agenda, particularly concerning homelessness, drug activity, and vehicle camping.

  • The Chair stated these concerns could be brought to the police officer during the report and that the association would forward concerns to City Council and the Police Chief.

• Motion to approve the agenda was made and seconded.

• Vote: Approved by show of hands; none opposed.

4. Approval of Previous Minutes

• The Chair summarized the prior meeting:

  • Visit from Senator Deb Patterson

  • Discussion of public safety, paid parking downtown, and library parking

  • Brief financial/volunteer update

• Printed copies were not provided as a conscious effort to reduce paper use; minutes are available online.

• Motion to approve previous minutes was made and seconded.

• Vote: Approved by show of hands.

5. Police Department Report

Presenter: Sergeant Scott Kofoid, Salem Police Department

a. Homelessness & Houseless Services Team (HST)

• City Council has approved two additional HST positions.

• Current structure: 1 supervisor + 2 officers for the entire city dealing with homelessness and camp cleanups (including Wallace Marine Park).

• Planned structure: 1 supervisor + 4 officers, with coverage seven days a week.

• Goal: Reduce re-establishment of large encampments and respond more consistently across the city.

b. Holiday Crime Prevention & Scams

• Increase in package thefts (porch piracy) and text/online scams during the holidays.

• Residents were urged to:

  • Be cautious of suspicious links and payment requests.

  • Verify sources before sending money or personal information.

c. Salem Police Toy Drive & Volunteer Opportunities

• Annual toy drive in partnership with the Salvation Army for local families in need.

• Open volunteer roles at the Police Department include:

  • Administrative assistant

  • Disabled parking patrol

  • Graffiti removal

  • Domestic Violence Response Team

  • Radar reader board deployment

  • Security survey team

  • Squad car maintenance

  • Vacation home check and volunteer bike patrol

• Details are on the Salem Police website.

d. Traffic Enforcement – West Salem Focus

• Recent joint operations with Oregon State Police:

  • Marion Street Bridge and Highway 22 near the pedestrian bridge:

    • 86 stops, ~70 speeding citations, 6 driving while suspended, 1 arrest in one day.

  • Upcoming focus on eastbound Highway 22.

• Neighborhood traffic complaint about hot spots:

  • Kingwood & Bonneville, Titan Drive & Firefox, Cascade Drive

  • Eola near Kaylee

  • Doaks Ferry between Brush College and Hwy 221 (November emphasis)

• Reader boards and focused enforcement are used together to identify peak speeding times.

e. Specific Neighborhood Concerns

1. Problem Property – 1065 Glen View

   • Neighbors reported:

     • Long-term drug activity and disturbances

     • People living in cars and sheds

     • Frequent fighting, loud music, and suspicious traffic

     • Windows covered, purple lights visible, possible marijuana grow

   • Sergeant Kofoid committed to:

     • Forwarding the address to the Strategic Investigations Unit

     • Checking status with Code Enforcement

     • Reporting back at the next meeting.

   • He explained limitations due to state laws and ballot measures related to drug enforcement but affirmed the department’s desire to address chronic nuisance properties.

2. Parking & Abandoned Vehicles on Glen View

   • Concerns about vehicles:

     • Parked partially or fully in the street

     • Impeding emergency access in a narrow street

   • Options:

     • Call non-emergency dispatch when vehicles block the roadway.

     • Submit complaints online for Code Enforcement follow-up.

   • Neighbors reported complaints being marked as “duplicate” with little visible action.

   • Sergeant Kofoid noted Code Enforcement has broader tools for property and habitability issues than police and confirmed city staff had recently visited the address.

3. RV at Brush College & Wallace (Park & Ride)

   • RV has been parked for months, repeatedly tagged, but not removed.

   • State property (ODOT), complicating enforcement and towing.

   • Sergeant acknowledged the complexity and will follow up with appropriate agencies.

4. Staffing & Code Enforcement Discussion

   • A resident questioned why police can’t handle obvious code issues like abandoned vehicles.

   • Sergeant explained:

     • Police resources are prioritized for law enforcement, code enforcement officers handle property and structural issues.

     • Many code violations are civil violations, not criminal; unpaid tickets often have limited impact.

     • The police department currently about 60 officers short of its ideal staffing.

5. Speeding on Glen Creek

   • Residents reported heavy speeding and offered their driveway (1290 Glen Creek) as a potential traffic enforcement spot.

   • Sergeant confirmed Glen Creek is a frequent traffic complaint area, with repeated reader board and enforcement activity.

The Chair affirmed confidence in Sergeant Kofoid’s follow-through.

6. Fire Department Report

Presenter: Battalion Chief Frank Stevenson, Salem Fire Department

• Call Volume:

  • ~3,100 calls in October

  • ~29,000 calls year-to-date

• Seasonal Fire Safety Reminders:

  • Space heaters: Keep 3 feet of clearance on all sides.

  • Fireplaces/wood stoves: Clean chimneys; use dry, seasoned wood.

  • Candles: Prefer electric candles; if using real candles, maintain clearance and never leave unattended.

  • Holiday lights: Use UL-listed products and avoid overloading circuits.

• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

  • Smoke alarms: One on each level and in every bedroom.

  • CO alarms: Near sleeping areas, especially with gas or wood heat.

  • Test monthly; replace batteries twice a year.

• Ambulance Service Staffing:

  • Staffing is improving with recent hires of paramedics and EMTs, but turnover is expected as personnel promote or move on to other roles (fire departments, med school, etc.).

• Open Houses:

  • Recent open houses were held at Stations 2, 5, 7, and 10 during October.

  • Future open houses will likely be shorter (two hours) and scheduled differently next year.

• Residents complimented the new fire trucks, and Chief Stevenson acknowledged the design and fleet work.

7. Library & City Services

Presenters: Gretchen Bennett (Acting Community Services Director), colleagues Maria and Mickey, City of Salem

• The city team gathered feedback on library services, including both Main and West Salem branches, as part of:

  • A community survey (over 1,000 responses have already been received).

  • A formal performance audit of the library to improve efficiency and service.

• Technical issues prevented a full live discussion.

• Open House & New Hours:

  • West Salem Library will host an open house on Monday, November 10, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., with refreshments.

  • The library system is moving to seven-day-a-week coverage between Main and West.

• Conference Room Use:

  • It was noted that use of the West Salem library conference room by the neighborhood association has historically been limited by staffing and opening hours, but expanded hours may create more opportunity.

• Gretchen introduced herself more broadly:

  • Acting Community Services Director with responsibility for library, parks, recreation, 50+ programs, and work related to homelessness.

8. WSNA Board & Committee Introductions

The Chair introduced the executive board and committee leads:

• Chair: Michael [Last Name]

• Vice Chair/Greeter: Roberto [Last Name]

• Homelessness/Houselessness: Drew [Last Name]

• Parks & Transportation: Nick [Last Name]

• Land Use: Stephen [Last Name]

• Gibson Watershed Liaison: Em [Last Name] (absent)

• Secretary: Mark [Last Name]

Most committees currently consist of one person, and volunteers were invited to join.

9. 2025 Goals – Discussion

The board proposed several draft goals for the year and opened them for discussion:

1. Transportation & Congestion

   • Engage with SCATS and the City to improve data, visualization, and action on key congestion corridors.

   • Focus on the limited number of major routes through West Salem and the impact of ongoing and future development.

2. Parks & Public Art – Edgewater Parkway

   • Build on existing work at Edgewater Parkway Park:

     • Previously installed: park sign, kiosk, benches, and garbage cans.

   • Explore installing public art (e.g., mural on nearby warehouse wall) and additional amenities.

3. Wallace Marine Park – Under-Bridge Space

   • Coordinate with ODOT and the City during the multi-year bridge retrofit to:

     • Clean and reclaim areas under the bridge columns.

     • Explore recreational uses (bike/walk areas, open space) after construction.

4. Second Street Safety

   • Address speeding and confusion at cross streets.

   • Previous efforts achieved:

     • Repaving

     • Marked crosswalks and reflective striping

     • Speed reduction to 20 mph

   • Next step: request signage such as “Cross traffic does not stop” on side streets and possibly additional speed monitoring.

Public Questions & Comments:

• Concern that any improvements (e.g., new park spaces under bridges) may be overtaken by homeless encampments, as seen elsewhere in Salem.

  • Board and city staff responded that active use, visibility, and regular maintenance can help reduce problems.

• Food Security / Mutual Aid Idea:

  • A resident proposed coordinating a West Salem food security network, noting:

    • Existing local efforts by businesses (e.g., a martial arts studio offering food on a table).

    • Limited official food box locations on the west side.

  • Board expressed interest and noted they would explore coordination and regulatory questions.

• Bus Shelters:

  • Continued concern over unsheltered bus stops on Edgewater and elsewhere.

  • WSNA has been pressing Cherriots for improved shelters and will continue.

• City “Report Card” Concept:

  • Suggestion that WSNA create a semiannual “report card” grading:

    • Code enforcement

    • Park maintenance

    • Traffic/infrastructure

    • Services from both City of Salem and Polk County

  • Board agreed to discuss how to gather broad input before publishing such evaluations.

• Role & Value of Neighborhood Associations:

  • Several attendees commented positively, saying this was their first meeting and that they better understood the association’s responsibilities.

  • The Chair encouraged residents to bring neighbors and increase participation.

10. Quiet Clean / Leaf Blower Initiative

Topic: Request from Quiet Clean Salem to support an ordinance phasing out gas-powered leaf blowers by 2028.

• The group is seeking formal support from neighborhood associations to present to City Council.

• Points discussed:

  • Primary concerns: noise and air pollution from small gas engines.

  • Question whether scope is limited to gas-powered leaf blowers or includes other equipment (weed trimmers, chainsaws, loud vehicles, etc.).

  • Concern for landscaping businesses and residents with existing equipment; recognition that most cities adopting such bans include a phase-in period.

  • Some attendees expressed support for the goal, others wanted more nuance (e.g., voluntary quiet hours, education, incentives).

• Action Taken:

  • Motion: Postpone a decision until the next meeting in order to:

    • Review the full written proposal.

    • Obtain more detail on exact wording, scope, enforcement, and timeline.

  • Second: Motion was seconded and approved by consensus.

  • Chair will:

    • Post the presentation on Facebook and the WSNA website.

    • Email the materials to anyone who requests them via the association email.

    • Inform Quiet Clean Salem that WSNA will vote next month after more review.

11. Committee Reports

a. Houselessness Committee – Drew

• No formal updates yet; outreach is ongoing and responses from partners are pending.

b. Parks Committee – Nick

Salem Park Improvement Foundation – Letters of Intent

• The Foundation has $60,000 available citywide for park improvements.

• WSNA submitted several letters of intent for West Salem parks, focusing on relatively low-cost, high-impact projects.

Project Proposals:

1. Edgewater Parkway – Drainage Fix on Path

   • Problem: Section of the path floods for days or weeks after rain due to runoff from Highway 22.

   • Proposal: Install a linear dry well/French drain along the path (gravel-filled trench) to improve year-round usability.

   • Note: Long-term success will likely require cooperation with ODOT to manage runoff and prevent sediment from clogging drains.

2. Orchard Heights Park – Trail Drainage Improvements

   • Locations where water crosses the trail near the dog park, oak grove, and creek causes erosion and muddy conditions.

   • Proposal: Install culverts and minor grading to allow water to pass under pathways and protect trails from future damage.

3. West Salem High School Park – Trail Surface Improvements

   • Existing informal connection between the concrete path and the street is muddy and rutted.

   • Proposal: Stabilize with bark dust or gravel, creating a more durable all-weather path for pedestrians and cyclists.

4. West Salem Park – Restroom & Seating Improvements

   • Restroom lacks soap dispensers.

   • Benches near playground is worn and in poor condition.

   • Proposal: Install soap dispensers and either refurbish or replace the bench.

   • Note: This park is a concert in the park site; improvements benefit frequent community use.

Future Concepts (Not yet submitted but under consideration):

• Basic trail maps and distance markers at natural and neighborhood parks (e.g., Strout, Chandler) to help users gauge walking/running distances.

• Additional improvements at Wallace Marine Park under the bridges, including better connectivity and signage, in coordination with ODOT and city planning.

• Additional public art and interpretive features along Edgewater Parkway and other easily accessible locations.

Poison Oak Concerns:

• A resident reported:

  • City is no longer fully eradicating poison oak, only keeping it off trails.

  • Concern that it will spread and limit park usability.

• WSNA will follow up with the City about management policies and potential funding for more active control.

Volunteer Project – West Salem Park Restroom Painting:

• A community mural/painting project on the restroom was left unfinished.

• Two residents (including Drew) have completed city volunteer background checks and are coordinating with the City to finish the painting once weather allows.

• Additional volunteers are welcome; interested attendees were invited to speak with them after the meeting.

c. Transportation – Roberto & Nick

• Orchard Heights Road Closure (Sewer Work)

  • Closure from Nov 3–24 for sewer repairs.

  • Residents in the area reported:

    • No mailed notices from the City.

    • Signage discovered only when they reached the closure, leading to detours and extra neighborhood traffic (including school traffic).

  • WSNA did not receive its standard advance notice either.

  • The board will ask the City what went wrong in the notification process and advocate for improved communication.

• Larger transportation issues (Brush College, high school traffic, regional congestion) are being tracked, and WSNA is working with:

  • Regional government/SCATS on congestion alternatives.

  • City staff on the upcoming Transportation System Plan (TSP) update.

d. Land Use – Stephen

• No new formal land use applications at this time, but several are expected soon.

Titan Village Development Discussion:

• Residents asked about the large development near Doaks Ferry and Titan Drive:

  • Approximately 400 units of mixed-residential (apartments and related development).

  • No gas station is planned; zoning is mixed residential, not commercial.

• WSNA noted:

  • The development has 62 conditions of approval, some of which the developer has already been fined for not meeting.

  • The city evaluates traffic impacts for each project individually, but cumulative impacts (e.g., multiple projects feeding Wallace Road and Brush College) remain a concern.

• Residents questioned:

  • Infrastructure saturation – bridges, roads, and high school access.

  • The long-term bridge planning process and repeated studies without construction.

Bridge & Governance Discussion:

• Chair noted that responsibility for bridge solutions involves four entities:

  • City of Salem

  • Marion County

  • Polk County

  • State of Oregon

• Lack of alignment and coordination has been a major barrier.

• Representative Paul Evans is reportedly working on a bridge coalition at the state level to bring parties together and pursue funding.

12. Announcements & Closing

• Library Open House:

  • Monday, November 10, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., West Salem Library – refreshments and recognition of new hours.

• Food Security & Mutual Aid:

  • Residents interested in forming a more coordinated food security network on the west side were encouraged to connect after the meeting.

• Next WSNA Meeting:

  • Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025

  • Guest Speakers:

    • Eleanor Beatty Presiding Judge, Salem Municipal Court

    • Hayden Dentinger Transportation Planner, to discuss the Brush College Safe Routes/Stop Plan