05/18/2022 - Minutes
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MEETING DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
MEETING LOCATION: Virtual meeting held via MS Teams
Members Present
Dolly Specht, Acting Chair
Kristi Allen
Bijeta Choudhury
Basil Christopher
Heidi Dixon
Bhushan Gupta
Ali Haddadi
Isaiah Jackman
Connie Ramaekers
Isabela Romero
Lauren Rowles
Jairaj Singh
Councilor Newton, Council Liaison
Nicole Hendrix, Team Liaison
Not Present
Dave Hanna, Chair
Israel Jacquez
Shaila Kotadia
Christine Rehse
Councilor Jeanette Shaw
City Team Present
Kent Wyatt, Communications Manager
Kaitlyn Leaf, Recreation Program Coordinator
Marissa Grass, PW Engagement Coordinator
Meeting start: 7:05 pm
City of Tigard
Committee for Community Engagement Minutes
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Welcome and Introductions
Dolly welcomed committee members in attendance. Each committee member introduced
themselves and shared what they did for Mother’s Day.
Meeting Minutes
Connie made the motion, Isabela seconded. Minutes from March 2022 were approved
unanimously.
Subcommittee Updates
Bijeta Choudhury shared an update on the DEI subcommittee. The group met and started
conversations which is an important start to DEI work. She also shared her personal and
professional perspectives on DEI.
For onboarding, Bhushan shared that he could check how onboarding was for newer
members. Nicole shared those recommendations from CCE on onboarding were
implemented. She noted we have one member whose term is expiring in the next couple
months. Bhushan encouraged new members share feedback and be on the onboarding
committee. Dolly also recommended a buddy system to pair new members with old.
For communication and digital engagement subcommittee, Kent Wyatt noted the feedback
from CCE on the city’s Public Hearing process was insightful and informed updates to the
website and process. Dolly shared history of neighborhood network and managing social
pages and suggested the subcommittee revisit this concept.
For outreach and volunteerism subcommittee, Isabela Romero shared the subcommittee has
been communicating via email and plan to participate in events. Subcommittee members are
signing up for Farmers Market table.
Parks Summer Engagement
Dolly introduced city team members Marissa Grass and Kaitlyn Leaf to provide updates and
opportunities on summer engagements in Tigard parks.
Marissa presented a PowerPoint on the recently adopted parks system plan and shared
background on why engagement in the parks is important . She asked the committee to join
the events this summer and give ideas on activities. Kaitlyn shared summer event planning in
parks including activities related to the Pop Up in the Parks.
CCE members asked about:
• Pop Up in the Parks attendance, data, and age range.
o Kaitlyn shared there is anywhere between 150-200 attendees and place in
neighborhood parks which result in a lot of diversity. There are some adult
and toddler activities but room for improvement for older adults.
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• Lighting in the parks and basketb all courts
o Marissa shared most Tigard parks are located in or next to a “natural resource
area” so we are limited with lighting options but the city is investigating.
• Mental Health and parks
o Kaitlyn shared there are campaigns such as scavenger hunts to encourage
people to use parks and trails. Dolly said mental health could be a
subcommittee initiative .
• Heat waves impacting events and communication methods
o Kaitlyn shared that the team works with an emergency preparedness
coordinator. They require registration to contact participants. They also check
for air quality, try to accommodate by moving indoors, lastly cancel and
include signage.
• 10-Minute Walk Analysis gaps and correlation to diverse areas
o Marissa said the team is working on a plan to address gaps through
implementation plan and evaluation criteria.
Open Agenda
Dolly asked if Councilor Newton is still our liaison. Council Newton said her term expires
December 31 this year and will be CCE liaison until then.
Bhushan would like the packet that Nicole sent to new members so he can evaluate how
effective it was. He also gave Kent feedback on Community Resiliency Plan survey.
Connie shared Tigard High will be doing a campaign outside with signs to share support for
mental health.
Nicole shared that Youth City Council applications are now open.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.