Our first guest speakers were firefighters from the local station who had to leave quickly to respond to a call; but were able to briefly share an update on Operation Santa Claus (in its twenty-fifth year), as well as about a joint training with Estacada fire recruits and volunteers.

Next was Bob Cochran, the dean of campus services for Clackamas Community College (CCC) sharing an update on improvements that have been made on campus thanks to the $90 million bond approved in 2014. The school was able to get matching funds through the state, additional grants, and interest resulting in $137 million total available.

Just under half the budget has been spent to-date. Completed projects include new Harmony West building for Allied Health students; Barlow Parking Lot rebuild; new Industrial Technology Center for manufacturing students; CCC Transit Center rebuild that was completed just one day before school started in the fall; Randall Locker Room upgrades; roof renovations on several buildings; elevator upgrades; mat room renovations to support CCC’s nationally ranked wrestling team and support recruitment.

In progress projects include a DeJardin Hall addition for science students with a wall that will display the DNA strand of a cougar – the school’s mascot; Barlow Automotive Renovations to increase student capacity; an updated Student Services building; and a range of upgrades for seismic, water system, wayfinding, paving, classrooms; as well as a new entrance to the school being developed on Meyers Road.

County Commissioner Ken Humberston gave an update on his recent 18-day trip to China for the Oregon China Sister State Relations Council (OCSSRC) Trade Mission event. Oregon does billions of dollars of trade with China annually, which is why many individuals and businesses are interested in preserving relationships with China irregardless of tariff disputes between the world’s two largest economies. Others in attendance included Commissioner Jim Bernard, Oregon Representative David Brock Smith, and representatives from the Oregon Tourism Commission and the Port Commission, among others. It was a multi-city, multi-event trip, with Oregon represented in a small booth at the first China International Import Expo.

There was only one land use application from Metro regarding the part of Newell Creek Canyon Nature Park related to the design of a pedestrian bridge. One land use activity was discussed regarding a home occupation permit on Moore Road requesting a new home occupation permit to convert garage into office space and storage for their mobile dental office (no patients on site). It was appealed and will go to the Hearings Officer on December 6.

Resident Joe Matteo has stepped to be appointed to the Hamlet Board of Directors, replacing the outgoing William Bender. Joe is a retired U.S. Naval Officer and currently a filbert orchard grower. Please welcome Joe to the board!

The Hamlet invites all residents to the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Korner Park on December 1, starting with a potluck dinner at the Beavercreek Grange at 4:30 p.m. Santa will parade across the street to the park at 7:00 for the tree lighting at 7:30 p.m. Mark Seymour will be back to sing holiday songs, and refreshments will be available.

The board invites all residents to share ideas for guest speakers to join monthly Hamlet meetings, sent to info@beavercreek.org. Ideas discussed were programs/grants for private forestland owners, earthquake preparedness, CPR, amateur/ham radio, well maintenance, a review of Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) process, composting, educational opportunities at CCC, and Clackamas Dog Services.

One resident asked about Korner Park and whether we should add a play structure. Attendees got a short history lesson of the “park” and how it came to be. After underground oil tanks leaked, the County took over the land, but it is maintained by the local community (currently the Hamlet and Beaver Creek Telephone Company; formerly the Boosters did a lot of work to build and maintain it). As it’s not an official “park,” the community hasn’t treated it as such.

The board is hosting its annual strategic planning meeting on Friday, December 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to discuss a 2018 recap, and planning for 2019, as well as to create a budget for the County.

The board shared an update from Tom Salzer from the Clackamas Soil & Water Conservation District on the new demonstration farm building. He said the design team is meeting every two weeks to ensure the project is on track, and they hope to break ground in January or February 2019. Another update was shared on behalf of Amy Manning regarding the school transportation issue at Beavercreek Elementary. The Oregon City School District will be adding another lane so the school is able to on- and off-board twice the amount of children and reduce the wait time on Beavercreek Road.

There is no Hamlet meeting in December. Happy holidays!

The Hamlet of Beavercreek is a volunteer-run community group that exists to protect and preserve the rural culture of the area. Monthly meetings are the best place to share feedback and learn how to get involved. Join us at 7:00 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month (except for December) at the Beavercreek Grange.