The guest speaker this month was Galli Murray, Clackamas County Suicide Prevention Coordinator, talking about the warning signs for suicide, and how to take action steps to help connect a person to professional care. In 2017 there were 60 deaths by suicide in Clackamas County. Galli provided some tools around how to change the topic’s stigma. Some of the biggest takeaways was to be prepared to help in seemingly simple ways, educating yourself around facts, and starting the conversation. Resources can be found online at https://bit.ly/2F5Q1WL. Email gallimur@clackamas.us to receive updates about trainings, suicide prevention resources and opportunities for community involvement.

Land Use Applications

Z0387-19 Owner Emma G Leyburn Trustee, Applicant John Kirk, 26060 S Jones Road, Beavercreek, zoned RRFF5, 4.77 acres, requesting a new Temporary Home for Care for Emma Leyburn. Public voted unanimously in favor. The board voted unanimously in favor.

Z0327-19 Applicants Tony and Lakshi Aldredge, 16052 S Leland Road, Beavercreek, zoned rural commercial, 1.64 acres, requesting an alteration of a nonconforming use (a single family residential use in a rural commercial zone) to permit construction of a 40’x70’ accessory structure in the SE corner of the property for personal storage in conjunction with the existing single family residence. Approved subject to conditions.

Z0398-18-C, Conditional Use Applicant Troy Snyder with Mountain Meadow Solar, property owner Dennis Pikkarainen, address 7275 S Killdeer Road, zoned Timber, 32.17 acres, Hearings Officer Hearing on October 18, 2018, 9:30 a.m. Clackamas County Development Services Building Auditorium, requesting photovoltaic solar power generation facility (passive solar panels) on 10 acres. It is being sponsored again after the application was again approved by the county. The residents are again appealing to LUBA to dispute the validity of the County Hearings Officer’s judgement.

Tammy described numerous discussions regarding transportation for the Beavercreek Road Concept Plan (BRCP) including lights, roundabouts, three lanes versus five lanes, and other road issues. She recommends residents stay engaged on BRCP, but now’s not the time to act. Board member Cheryl Buchert reminded the members the year-end financials report is available upon email request. Board member Bill Merchant provided an overview of the Beavercreek Road Repaving Project status. Work is expected to be complete by October 13. Bill is now the chair of the Community Road Fund Advisory Committee. Standards are being developed to evaluate criteria.

September was the last month for members to apply for Hamlet board positions. Elections will be held at the October Town Hall community meeting. Information about the art tour hosted by Open Studios in Beavercreek was provided and postcards with details were made available. Village at the Falls brochure was briefly explained and members were encouraged to visit, explore, and volunteer. Tom Salzer provided an update of the Clackamas Soil and Water District building and shared upcoming activities. The walls, roof, 21kW of solar panels, and one exterior door have been installed. The next round includes siding, interior paint, asphalted driveway, and more. He expects to occupy the building before Thanksgiving. The Open House will probably be held in the Spring. There might be a preview in January for the Hamlet.

In other news, the Beavercreek Grange monthly breakfasts have returned, and the Little Free Library is done and will be mounted soon. Tammy took general feedback on the current status of the grade school traffic. It is still avoided and is still a major problem. Students are encouraged to ride the buses.

Planning Commission meeting prioritized two main issues: homelessness and affordable housing. They are brainstorming potential solutions to help solve the overwhelming numbers of issues our area faces.

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.