|
Lake Grove Business Committee Babica Hen Cafe
April 1, 2025 7:30 am
In attendance – Ken Sandblast, Dan Brown, Megan Phelan, Mike Buck, Bruce Goldson, Larry Kitchen, Emily Liu, Joe Buck, Meghan Denovo
For the Chamber – Liz Hartman, Matt Evans
Meeting called to order at 7:32 by Chair Sandblast
Megan reported on the March 31 “Lake access” Council meeting. The meeting was standing room only. Good discussion on all sides. Vote was 5-2 against joining appeal. Vote was 7-0 on moving forward to establish access rules. City Manager empowered to bring forth April 15 draft rules, September final rules adopted.
Chamber Report - Matt reported on the Oregon Wine Walk in Lake Grove. He noted we are close to the Event's goals of having 30 Pouring Locations and 30 Oregon Wineries participating. Goal is to have 600 guests. Willamette Cascade Wealth Management is the Title Sponsor.
Both Babica Hen and Gubanc's will serve as Pouring Locations, along with Elephants Deli, Tres Chic, Body 20, Oswego Style Studio and many more! If you'd like to join in the fun of having hundreds of potential customers in your business on May 10, email matt@lake-oswego.com. Click here for a complete list of Pouring Locations and Oregon Wineries currently participating or to secure your tickets! There are also a few high-quality sponsorship opportunities available.
Liz provided an update on the Village Flower Basket program. They will go up in late May. We have received a generous grant from a local Foundation to assist with the program, but donations from businesses - who benefit from this important beautification project - will be solicited and are welcome. Please respond positively when asked.
Emily Liu reported on the City's busy summer season. Lake Run is May 3, May 10 Downtown LO Farmers Market begins. AANHPI Heritage Month kick-off on May 18, Memorial Day @ Foothills Veterans Memorial, Pride LO June 1, Juneteenth June 22nd, July 4 – July 3 Millenium Concert Band concert. 4th of July Parade, Concert, laser light show.
Summer concerts (Sundays) MPP – Wednesday at Foothills and then Westlake in August. Multi-Cultural festival September 28.
Lake Grove "First Sunday" Market beginning in August. Farmers, artisans, and local business are all welcome. There is space for about 36 vendors on one side of the road. Here are this year's "themes":
- August 3: Pet-a-palooza – Bring your furry friends for a day of pet-friendly fun
- September 7: Back to School Block Party – Enjoy family-friendly games and activities.
- October 5: Sip and Shop – Sip seasonal beverages while you browse unique artisan finds.
- November 2: Fall Harvest – Celebrate the season with autumn flavors and festive activities.
Applications are now open - click here for more information.
If you are a new vendor, click here to read the Vendor Handbook.
Click here to apply for a booth.
Questions? Contact Market Manager Shelley Burgess - sburgess@lakeoswego.city.
Ken asked about storage between Markets and Emily replied they are getting another van. Mike asked if we know if people are coming into Lake Oswego for events, and Emily said it's about 40 percent of Downtown Farmers Market visitors. The City used an app that tracks cell phones as they enter a geo-fenced area, used for the Tree Lighting and counted about 5000. Mike asked what the City was doing for Arbor Month.
Ken provided an update on the Parking Work Group, which is working under the auspices of the Chamber's Government Affairs Committee. The Work Group is focused on researching the need for, and possible placement of, public parking both in Lake Grove and in Downtown. Rob LeChavallier of Buckley Law is chairing the Work Group. The Work Group needs to be prepared to educate the public and the Lake Grove Development Plan was referred to as calling for increased public parking in the area.
Neighborhood Reports
Waluga - Bruce reported that an LO Police officer has been attending their neighborhood meetings and has been very forthcoming with information and responsive to audience questions. Of particular concern has been the proliferation of electric scooters and motorized bikes which have both been reported as using sidewalks to the distress of pedestrians. It was noted that riders require a valid drivers license to use motorized bikes and that they are required to drive on the street. The neighborhood is soliciting local residents to serve in emergency preparation efforts.
Lake Forest - Larry asked Emily about the schedule for replacing banners and she noted they are working toward a Spring/Summer - Fall/Winter schedule. They are in the process of building up their supply of banners to make this happen.
The neighborhood has some questions about how middle housing is being developed and whether there have been any safety or traffic studies done as density will increase. A Friends of West Waluga Park group has formed, focused on clean-up projects. Larry asked what the spraying program from the City was. Also looking for an E-Prep coordinator from the younger crowd.
Megan announced that the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Lake Oswego Recreation and Aquatic Center (LORAC) will take place on April 26 with the public invited to attend. More information? - Click here. It was also noted there are a number of jobs available at the new facility, particularly for Lifeguards. Click here for details and a list.
There being no other business before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 am.
Respectfully Submitted, Matt Evans, Acting Secretary. Send corrections to: matt@lake-oswego.com
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 7:30 am, Babica Hen Cafe
| 
