Maplewood Grange #662 general meeting was called to order at 4:40pm, by Master, Dan Keeley, on Sunday, April 25, 2021, with the “Opening of the Grange” reading.
 
Members acting Pro-Temp:   Dan Keeley, Chaplain; JoAnn Keeley, Gatekeeper
Guest(s):  None          Visitation:  None

Attendance:    Members present:  7
Dan & JoAnn Keeley, Don Sether, Sandy Shew, Betty Chipps, Vicki Pounds, and Roberta Elders.                                                                                                          


PROPOSALS for MEMBERSHIP   (none)

MINUTES  (Secretary):  Minutes from the February 28,2021 and March 28, 2021 general meetings were presented for approval. 
Don Sether motioned to approve February and March Minutes, Sandy seconded, motion carries - Voting Sign of theOrder (VSO).

COMMUNICATIONS  (Secretary)   See last Page


SECRETARY REPORT (Betty Chipps):
Q1-2021 Quarterly (financial) Report, ending 3/31/2021, developed an adjusted payable due OSG of $156.25 -  report as follows::

• Dues for 17 total members this quarter ($45 dues/4 qtrs = $11.25 per member) is $191.25, less $35 overpayment from Q4-2020 (adjusted per Vicki Pounds) equals $156.25 payable.
• (3) Regular meetings were held in the 1st Quarter:
• Membership attendance each meeting:  JAN 24-seven (7), FEB 28 eight (8) and MAR 28-eight (8).

• answered:  Has the Grange secured bonding for 2021 year?  YES
• answered:  Have you done an Audit for 2020 Year?  YES
• Date Report approved:  4/25/2021

 
Maplewood subordinate Grange Seal was affixed and  Report was signed by Secretary and Master, Dan Keeley.

Don Sether moved to approve the Q1-2021 Report (as adjusted), JoAnn Keeley seconded, motion passed (VSO).
 
 
TREASURER’S REPORT (Vicki Pounds) 
Opening balance was $10,557.76, Ending balance, as of Sunday, April 25, 2021, in Columbia Bank checking account is $7,838.00.   (Major expenses included $2.442 Country Insurance annual premium and Stanley Steamer cleaning  $432).
 
Dan called for comments regarding the Treasurer’s Report, hearing none, the report was “filed for audit.”
 
Treasurer - BILLS and RECEIPTS presented:
-  Dan submitted Mower-Shed expense for Primer Spray Paint  $4.00
Don Sether moved to pay the bill, Betty Chipps seconded, motion passed VSO.
 
OLD BUSINESS
Draping of the Charter for:  Adin Hester (Cottonwood, CA)   - Member:  APR 1,1961 -  OCT 5, 2020.
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS
 
HALL ( Dan Keeley) - Two business rentals on the books & several more party rentals turned down.
- Mower shed is complete.  Thanks to Vicki for the paint job.
- Remodeling cleanup–handrails still need secured unless the ramp is removed.
- Septic Tank & Drain Field project - OSG-Matching Grant has been awarded for $4,940 (which almost covers materials).  If  Fire Codes are tolerable, financially, the project will be a go.

Acceptance of the Grant, requires member approval - see UNFINISHED BUSINESS
 
PROJECTS - in priority order (Dan Keeley):
Mower shed – Complete
Rear yard  - In progress, moles need trapped, anyone have mulch?
Septic tank needs replaced - Summer 2021 project
Parking bumpers need anchored - Summer 2021 project
            Ped path to front door needs pea gravel - Summer 2021 project
Front doors are coming apart at bottom, need to be glued and painted.
Entrance porch needs refinished
Dance hall floor will need re-oiled for 2021
Northeast side roofing screws
Kitchen needs exhaust fan
Kitchen and dining hall floors need refinished

AGRICULTURE  (Dan Keeley) 
The Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021, in Washington D.C., sponsored by Reps. Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.) and Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.),  modernizes the special use valuation provision of the estate tax. This valuation allows property to be appraised as farmland rather than its commercial development value when determining estate taxes. Farm and ranch families who choose to use the special use valuation commit to continue operating their farm or ranch business for 10 years.  If they stop farming or ranching, sell the farm or ranch outside of the family, or change the use of their property, they must repay the forgiven estate taxes.

Also, southern Oregon is in an extreme drought situation.  For example the Talent Irrigation District's (TID) entire water system stores a total of 115,800 acre-feet of water, and this year, the district announced it is at 16% capacity, causing a delayed start and an early cut-off for farmers this season. Klamath county is even worse.
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE  (JoAnn Keeley):  
1.  Collecting Summer Clothing for Portland Rescue Mission.
 
2.  Collection Winter Clothing for “Keep Oregon Warm”  Grange Youth fundraiser
 
3.  Cemetery on Meridian Road, Aurora, - JoAnn met with Tadd Lewis, Caretaker (his Grandfather was the previous Caretaker) and met the old lady in the brick house (2nd mailbox on Meridian Rd)  behind the cemetery.  Tadd will mow and has plans to weed spray the grounds - Dan/JoAnn have plans to get rid of the Birch Tree on the South-side of cemetery - Grange mission is to beautify the headstones and the grounds.
 
 
A date of May 5th was chosen for cemetery clean-up beginning approx. 1:00pm. 
JoAnn’s is also available 5/26 and 5/28. 
BRING:  Personal gear:  hat, sunscreen, rawhide gloves;  water.
Tools include:  wire brush, flat shovel, rake, pruner(s), 5-gal buckets, vinegar for headstones.

EDUCATION (Dan Keeley):   Schools are open!  Watch for kids and busses.  So far Covid 19 controls appear to be effective.  No major school based outbreaks.
 
LEGISLATIVE (Dan Keeley):
The State Grange legislative committee meeting was April 18.  Grange is tracking several bills and is particularly interested in promoting HB 2560A, requiring continued remote (Zoom) access to legislature.
            We need one more push in the Senate to get HB 2560A across the finish line.
HB 2560A will be heard by the Senate Housing & Dev't Committee on TUES, April 27, at 1:00 pm. 
You can help in three ways:
1.  Submit written testimony.  It must be submitted the day before the hearing — by Monday, April 26 by 1:00 PM. 
Go to OLIS (OR Legislative Info. System) select the 4/27/2021 meeting date to find our bill.
2.  Register to testify live, remotely (you can do this even if you've submitted written testimony).
Go to OLIS online.
3.  Contact your senators!
 
MEMBERSHIP Report   (Betty Chipps)  – see Page 6

POMONA REPORT   (Dan Keeley):  Meeting is via Zoom on the 24th of April at 1:00pm
 
TABLED  BUSINESS
Group photo for website:  ** PLAN PICTURES for Next Meeting **
 
Bike rodeo – Dan is unable to pursue (septic tank and fire code issues take priority)..
If someone else wants to pursue, N. Marion Schools would include a plug in their school newsletter.  Coordinating with Aurora Colony Days and/or Hubbard Hop Festival would be a good idea, also.
 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Aurora Fire Department has determined that NO radio relay system is required.
 
Our Septic system replacement Grant application has been awarded $4,940.  We need to officially accept the Grant and plan the project.   We will also need an Excavator to lay the lines.
Don Sether moved to accept the Matching Grant of $4,940 in one lump-sum, Betty Chipps seconded, motion carries, VSO
 
A call with the Fire Marshal’s office resulted in the following:
(INFO:County Building code does NOT deal with stoves, instead would be Aurora Fire Marshal)
 
Two exits required for more than 50 people allowed downstairs
For moveable chairs (folding chairs) 15 square feet required per person. 
For “booth seating” where seating is more or less fixed two feet of seating required per person. . . Aurora Fire Marshal makes the call of which standard applies.

Our ramp would not qualify as a legal exit but could probably remain.  To determine for sure would require applying for a building permit or officially asking the question directly, possibly resulting in an order to remove the ramp.
 
A second exit from the basement could be cut into the wall, where the Chaps & Petticoats supply cabinet is, with a block stairway and retaining wall leading up to the parking area. 


Question:  How much would we be willing to spend to build such an exit and preserve the ramp down into the basement?
Answer:  To up the basement number from 50 people to possibly 95 would, likely, require:

1. Taking out the Ramp
2. The block Staircase to get up to the ground would take approximately $7,000.

 
Additionally, Dan spoke with WINONA Grange - they invite the Fire Marshal’s inspection every other year.   One inspection required their curtains and stage drapes be fire-proofed, a $500 expense.
 
A  poll of members was taken and majority agreed to invite the Aurora Fire Marshal to inspect the Grange.
 
 
2019 FIRE CODE NOTES/REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS
Grange is occupancy A2 downstairs (95 people), A3 upstairs (150 people)
15 sq. feet per person maximum occupancy – For grange this comes to 160 persons in ballroom
Radio responder system required for basement –unless waived by fire dept.
Illuminated exit signs for egress doors – probably OK
Panic hardware for egress doors – Need at least backdoor done
28” minimum door width - OK 
50 persons per foot of door width - OK
Two exits from each occupancy – Could be OK
Stairs – Max. 8 ¼” rise per tread, Min. 10” run per tread - OK
Handrails on stairs and ramps – one side between 30 and 42 inches high - OK
Ramps – 10% maximum slope - NOT to CODE (our ramp is 22%)
Maximum distance for fire escape – 75’ - OK
 
NEW BUSINESS  (Dan Keeley)
 
1.  Registrations for Oregon State Convention - Enterprise, OR (SAT June 19 - THURS June 24, 2021)  
-  Committee Preferences (due by May 15th)
-  All Registrations, in person and Zoom (due by June 1st)


Don moved to allow $200 traveling expense (for up to two Delegates) for attending State Convention at Enterprise, OR, Betty seconded, motion carried, VSO (though two opposed).

2.  Goodie Basket Donation(s):  supports OSG Youth Travel Fund - $1 each Ticket
- due OSG by June 10th, DRAWING at NOON, June 23
 
Betty Chipps moved for Maplewood to Donate $20, for  purchase of 20 Goodie Basket Tickets, Don Sether seconded, motion passed.
 
 
GOOD TO THE ORDER:               Thought for the month (Dan Keeley)
“Being offended is the natural consequence of leaving one's home.  Get over it!” 
(Fran Leibowitz, New York author)



NEXT Meeting:  (SUN)  MAY 23, 2021     at Maplewood Grange, Time:  4:30pm

Meeting was adjourned, by Dan Keeley, at 5:57 pm, with the “Closing of the Grange” reading.            
 
                                                                                                            Respectfully Submitted,
 
                                                                                                            Betty Chipps, Secretary
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Clackamas POMONA Grange - MEMBERSHIP Training                        MARCH 09, 2021
As Reported to:  MAPLEWOOD Grange (by Betty Chipps - April 25th)                                                             


Attended the April 9,2021 POMONA ‘Zoom’ Membership meeting.at 7pm, led by Ed Luttrell, (retiring POMONA Master (Clackamas County Grange) - Eight (8) were in attendance:

• Maplewood Grange:  Dan Keeley,  Betty Chipps

• Molalla Grange:  Don & Susan Sether; Ernie & Sandra (plus one other) Winterton
• Scholls Grange: Toniann Perry 

TOPIC  was:  “How To Meet Member’s Needs”
 
The Grange has been in existence for one-hundred (100) years!! 
Ask your members:  Set the Stage!

1. Is the Grange important, any more?
2. What are we doing that is important to you?

 
What Makes a Member?  One who pays dues, attends meetings, and hopefully volunteers their time.
 
Why do we lose members?

1. Conflicts of time:  School activities, personal circumstances and family needs,
2. Death,
3. Conflicts between members,
4. Lack of Value - did they feel valuable?
5. A member’s needs change:  Ask the question were their needs met?  Listen

 
How to Retain Existing Members?  Fill their need(s) ...make them feel a part of the group.
1.  Communicate.  Communication forms: 
a.)  Emails (takes a response),
b.)  Website (needs traffic referrals),
c.)  Newsletter (informs - maybe publish every other month).
2.  Get them involved (appoint tasks),
3.  Define their passions - what are their interests/expertise?
4.  Define their schedules - how active do they want to be? 
 
Why do so few members recruit others?
1.  Lack of training,
2.  Lack of belief (in the importance of the Grange).

How do we get educated?  Recommendation:  Invite and Welcome!
1. Ask POMONA or State Grange to aid in training.
2. Schedule a Subordinate Grange Class:  i.e. General Leadership Training  (can be 20 min - 1 hour)
            - Invite other neighboring granges (connect with granges, too)
 
 
Betty Chipps, Membership Chair
MAPLEWOOD GRANGE
 
 
 
 
 
COMMUNICATION  (Secretary)
                                                                                               
>>> OREGON STATE GRANGE <<<                  
OLD BUSINESS -- Scholarships are offered through OSG -- deadline:  to OSG by 5/01/21.

• Charles E. Spence Scholarship Fund - application for college/school funds.
• OSG-GWA Scholarship Application:  scholarship check will be made payable to college/school, Student must carry min. 12 credit-hours in the term you request funding for.
• Mary Helen Sauter Ramm-Memorial Scholarship: min.$250 - awarded to Female student only.
• Marcel “Muzzy Mandel - Memorial   Scholarship (OSG Foundation award):
  - grange member or a child/grandchild of grange member may apply,
  - used toward undergraduate work while attending any institute or post-HS education

OSG Matching Grant AWARD of $4,940 from Susan Noah, OSG Master, letter dated 4/13/21:
- Acceptance Agreement (approval, signature & affix seal)         - Grant Year:  7/1/21-6/20/22

OSG-Convention is June  19-24, 2021 in Enterprise, OR (Wallowa County), letter dated 4/13/21:
- PRE-Registration Form  (Mail before JUNE 1st AND enclose check)  -- Lodging suggestion provided.
- Approval for Subordinate Grange DELEGATES (affix Seal)  -- deadline best by MAY 15th, latest JUNE 1st.
- Committee Assignments (to OSG before MAY 15th)
- Memorial Report - honoring deceased State Officers:  (Mail before JUNE 1st)

DISTRICT #6 - OSG Youth and Young Adults, correspondence dated April 6, 2021
- GOODIE BASKET RAFFLE Fundraiser - Ticket $1  (approve Maplewood donation $20 = 20 tickets)  
- 30 GOODIE BASKET TICKETS remain - for individual sale (return ticket + money to Betty Chipps)
- Subordinate Granges or individuals can donate entire basked (or) items for the basket - contact Dumolts

“KEEP OREGON WARM” sponsored by Western Region - OSG Youth and Young Adults:   
- Collecting (at Enterprise Convention) WARM clothing for d i s t r i b u t i o n  to the less-fortunate in DISTRICT 6
- For more information contact Dumolts: JC (503) 509-2228 -- Christy (503) 929-6740 -- osg.youth@gmail.com
>>>Clackamas POMONA GRANGE<<<   JULY 24th - POMONA Gr. Mtg    Where:  Sandy
 
>>>Clackamas SUBORDINATE  GRANGES <<<

• Every 1st SAT (MAY 1, JUN 5)  BEAVERCREEK Grange serves Breakfast 8-11am:
  -  Adults $10, ages 6-12 $5, under age 6 - Free.
• (MAY 2, 16th & 30th) REDLAND Grange - Farmers Market, 10-3 (COVID mandates observed)
• (MAY 9) BEAVERCREEK-Mothers Day Breakfast (8-11 AM)
  
  
  

>>> COMMUNITY<<<
Veterans Transitional Housing Project:  Ongoing DONATION-Household Supplies   
call:  (503) 754-6572 or Contact:  Clackamas POMONA CS Chairman, Don Kingsborough (503) 636-2544


GRANGE MAIL  (Betty Chipps):  collected FRIDAY, 04/23/21       … (given to Dan)
1.   Clackamas County Planning - NOTICE of DECISION on a TYPE-II  LAND USE PERMIT, Zoned: EFU
At 25420 S. Hwy 99 - Construction of small building for wood-drying  -  deadline to Appeal
​

​Maplewood Grange #662 general meeting was called to order at 4:40pm, by Master, Dan Keeley, on Sunday,  March 28, 2021.
 
Members acting Pro-Temp:   (n/a)                  Guest::  Bill Sanford, Chaps & Petticoats         Visitation:  None           
             Roll Call (Secretary):              * indicates NOT in attendance.                     ** Absentee Members
            Master:     Dan Keeley                                                  Steward:  JoAnn Keeley          
Overseer:  Don Sether  *                                               Asst. Steward:   Mike Ellis  *
Lecturer:   Sandy Shew                                                 Lady Asst. Steward (LAS):  Sandy Shew
Chaplain:   Kathie Femrite                                           Gatekeeper:  Doug Femrite 
Secretary:  Betty Chipps                                              Pomona:   Sandy Shew 
Treasurer:  Vicki Pounds                                              Ceres:      Judi Aus   *
Member:   Laura Ellis: *                                                Flora:       (vacant)                               
Member:   Ken Fessler *                                                                      
‘New’ Member:  Roberta Elders                                              Executive Committee
Members:  Jack and Priscilla Weaver (Canby)  **         #1  Vicki Pounds
Member:  Stacie Bernert (OR City)  **                          #2  JoAnn Keeley 
Member:  Joyce (Olivier) Urnaut  (Sandy)  **                #3  Sandy Shew 
 
Pending:  Draping of the Charter for:
Adin Hester (Cottonwood, CA)   Member:  APR 1,1961 -  until ‘deceased’ OCT 5, 2020
=======================================================================================
*****      Members present:  8,               Guests:  1,   Youth:  0  *****      (Mandatory – Quorum  “7”)
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
PROPOSALS for MEMBERSHIP – Christina and Alessandra.  Both are focused on Zumba and are interested in becoming Grange members, much like Chaps and Petticoats members once did –  in order to preserve the Grange as a rentable space, it was a necessary condition to become grange members, and take responsibility (the Grange will not run itself).


MINUTES  (Secretary): 
Minutes from February 28, 2020 general meetings - in progress. 
 
 
COMMUNICATIONS  (Secretary) … see last page


SECRETARY Report (Betty Chipps) – will be duly presented at the April grange meeting.
 
 
TREASURER’S REPORT (Vicki Pounds): 
Ending balance, as of March 28, 2021, in Columbia Bank checking account is $10,557.71.   There being no further comments, the report was “filed for audit.”
 
Treasurer - BILLS and RECEIPTS presented:
- Stanley Steamer bench cleaning (upstairs & downstairs)                                                    $   432.00
-  Payable to Country Financial for Liability/Fire Comm’l Pkg (April 2021-2022)              $2,422.00
   Note: Insurance has gone up ($305) - increase due to big payouts on fire damage last year.

Betty Chipps moved to pay the bills, JoAnn Keeley seconded, (Dan called for questions - none),  motion passes.
COMMITTEE REPORTS


HALL ( Dan Keeley):  One rental last month (FEB 26th) for magic show rehearsal
Note:  Scott Anderson, Portland Magician, will be happy to do the Grange re-opening event.


The Septic tank project is waiting for Matching Grant status - though operational for now.  Clackamas County will issue a permit if ‘own-labor’ is used for tank installation.  OSG Matching Grant submitted (over 40 hrs) – status should be known by 5/31/21.
 
PROJECTS - PENDING in priority order (Dan Keeley):
Remodeling cleanup, ramp handrails need secured
Mower shed: structurally complete–needs paint + a door (enamel painted).  Trim flashing below to ground.
Rear yard – In progress. Moles need to be trapped – Does anyone have mulch?
Septic tank needs replaced–chosen as MATCHING GRANT project, $5,000 application-submitted to OSG.
- Nitrates in well water were the tip off to the problem.  Uncovered tank: found rusted out - to be replaced. 
      Parking bumpers need anchored - Summer 2021 project
      Ped path to front door needs pea gravel - Summer 2021 project
Front doors are coming apart at bottom, need glued and painted.
Entrance porch needs refinished
Dance hall floor will need re-oiled for 2021
Northeast side roofing screws
Kitchen and dining hall floors need refinished
Kitchen needs exhaust fan


PROJECTS - COMPLETED:
Dance hall seating upholstery has been cleaned by Stanley Steamer (upstairs & downstairs).
New rugs in front entry - Complete, thank you, Vicki
 
AGRICULTURE:  (Dan Keeley):   FEB Ice-Storm eliminated 8-acres of Hazelnut trees on Keeley’s farm and did considerable damage industry wide.
HB 2358 AG workers overtime rules – restricts AG workers time to 40 hours or pay time +½ (OT).
Currently AG workers are exempt from OT.  
 
COMMUNITY SERVICE (JoAnn Keeley):  The Meridian Road Cemetery needs maintenance volunteers and would benefit the community.  JoAnn talked with the guy, Tad Lewis, today.  JoAnn will schedule.

EDUCATION (Dan Keeley):  Vaccinations of ‘willing’ teachers and school staff are mostly complete and schools are in the process of reopening for in person instruction.
 
 
LEGISLATIVE (Dan Keeley):  State Grange Legislative Committee meeting is April 18th, 2:00 PM via ‘Zoom’  To attend, Email to OSG John DeHaas, Government Affairs chair:  lobbyist@orgrange.org  email I have is liteboy151@yahoo.com

HB 2560 – Legislation to require continuation of public broadcast/participation via ‘Zoom’ for legislative meetings.
Allows remote accessibility to meetings and facilitates oral/written testimony from the public.
Those in support of  House Bill:  State Grange, Farm Bureau, 1000 Friends, and more.


MEMBERSHIP Report  (Betty Chipps)
As of today, Maplewood Grange reflects 17 Total Members, (of which 4 members need dues reminders... Betty will follow-up).
 
POMONA REPORT  (Dan Keeley):  Next Clackamas POMONA meeting will be APRIL 25th, 1:00 PM, via ‘Zoom’  To attend, contact:  Don Kingsborough (503) 636-2544 (or) email:  kingsborpops@aol.com
 
 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS

• (Rear Yard) Regarding the need for Mulch, Vicki suggested contacting PGE – due to Ice Storm,  lots of wood-chips and vegetation matter available.
• Group photo for website – tabled for now
• Reopening party – tabled for now. 
              Note:  Scott Anderson, Portland Magician, will be happy to do the Grange reopening event.
• Bike rodeo – Dan is unable to pursue (septic tank and fire code issues take priority)..

If someone else wants to pursue, N. Marion Schools would include a plug in their school newsletter.  Coordinating with Aurora Colony Days and/or Hubbard Hop Festival would be a good idea, also.



NEW BUSINESS
 
1.  FIRE CODES – In an effort to pin down what our official occupancy would be, Dan researched fire codes. 
 
We have some major Problems:
Front door - OK (has correct hardware).

1. Rear door and stairs door need panic hardware.

b. Ramp was built over existing stair treads.

1. Curtains probably have to be fireproof upstairs. 
2. Emergency fire department radio system may be required – testing needed to tell
3. Inviting the fire marshal in to rate the building probably results in a shut down

 
Betty inquired - Grange being old and built under old standards, are we required to upgrade to modern codes?  Dan replied, some changes needed (upgrades for safety).


Cost and/or Solutions:

1. Panic hardware (for side and rear doors) can be done for around $500
2. Ramp is hardest -  Replacing with the original stairs satisfies fire code, but then no ramp.
   - How does American Disability Act (ADA) affect the ability to rent (if no ramp)?

- Stair chair might be an option.
- Adding a doorway to the outside from the basement plus a concrete ramp up                                        to the ground is going to be extremely expensive.  Is it even worth pricing?

1. Curtains - OK  (Vicki researched during mtg - material & lining is 100% polyester = flame resistant)
2. Emergency Radio System  (Dan will ask local Fire Dept. to test Radios in the basement)
3. Dan will inquire of consultant or engineer - if a willingness to assess, then we need a budget.

 
Betty moved to set a budget of $500 for ‘engineer’ to inspect/advise or bring Grange up in Fire Code, Kathie Femrite seconded, motion passed.
 
 
NEW BUSINESS – 1.  FIRE CODES  (continued)
Regarding the above Solutions (points a & b, above) – Bill Sanford, can be a resource.  Bill works for the Portland Post Office, they start renovation in June – he can possibly get entire doors (complete with panic hardware).  Bill also has ‘batter boards’ he will offer for our renovations.            
 
DISCOVERY – TO DO’s:  Master, Dan Keeley, will research/pursue additional avenues and/or upgrades:

• Investigate feasibility of creating fire-safe entrance at rear of building (remove ramp - exposes staircase).
• Get Panic Hardware for rear and side doors (on hold - await Bill Sanford’s resource answer).
• Dan will talk with another grange (i.e. Tualatin has upgraded)  and ask, regarding ramp:
   – What brought the Grange to pursue an upgrade in code?  Who did the work?  What was the cost?
• Ask local Fire Marshall to test radio accessibility downstairs.
• Alter Rental Contract to indicate downstairs is not ADA accessible (assuming removal of ramp).
• Reduce building use to confirm level of allowed renters.

More information – 2019 FIRE CODE NOTES & REQUIREMENTS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS

• Grange is occupancy A2 downstairs (95 people), A3 upstairs (150 people)
• 15 sq. feet per person maximum occupancy – For grange this comes to 160 persons in ballroom
• Radio responder system required for basement –unless waived by fire dept.
• Illuminated exit signs for egress doors – probably OK
• Panic hardware for egress doors – Need at least back door done
• 28” minimum door width - OK 
• 50 persons per foot of door width - OK
• Two exits from each occupancy – Could be OK
• Stairs – Max. 8 ¼” rise per tread, Min. 10” run per tread - OK
• Handrails on stairs and ramps – one side between 30 and 42 inches high - OK
• Ramps – 10% maximum slope - NOT to CODE (our ramp is 22%)
• Maximum distance for fire escape – 75’ - OK

2.  RENTAL OPENING – (Commercial Rental discussion, assuming Fire Codes can be put off, for now). Currently the State’s risk level for Clackamas County is Moderate.  50% occupancy is allowed for social events as long as masks are worn, separation is maintained, ventilation is adequate and the area is cleaned and disinfected first.    

Zumba – Is Maplewood willing to make sure Zumba participants follow the rules? 
Rules are:  NO selling of food, wear masks indoors, physical distancing, adequate ventilation, area cleaned before AND after use, and use of Sign-In Sheet, per event. 

• How?  Additionally each building user must sign a WAIVER (State Grange provided - the gist is:  If one catches COVID, Grange is not at fault).  Note:  A Waiver makes one aware, however, people could still sue.
• Would vaccination passports work?  Not enforceable!  Vaccination is a person’s choice, not a legal requirement  – health restriction may prevent that choice. 

 
Discussion:  Under Moderate Risk (50%  capacity), non-contact, social-events are reasonable as long as COVID guidelines are observed/enforced  – Maplewood maximum capacity to be defined.  Ultimately, it all comes down to the Grange being responsible - thus enforcing renters to be responsible.  Dan will create a Sign-In Sheet (in English and Spanish) with defined conditions and require, at each event, attendees to sign and acknowledge the Waiver.
NEW BUSINESS (continued) 
            2.  RENTAL OPENING  (continued)
 
Bill Sanford asked:   For Chaps and Petticoats square dancing, we needing to wait until State regulations allow contact, is that correct?   Dan agrees  –  square dancing is a contact sport. 

JoAnn moved to resume rentals  for non-contact sports (bases on maintaining State COVID rules), Betty seconded, motion carries.
 
Bill Sanford interjected:  On the question  – Can a Vaccination Pass be required (before attendance)?  Airlines are the first ones venturing to make vaccination passports required.



            3.  PROPOSAL for MEMBERSHIP  (Dan Keeley) – Chrispina did not attend today’s Grange meeting because she did not have an Interpreter who could come.  Dan posed this question:   as long as a person can communicate, is the Grange willing for them (Chrispina and Alessandra) to join the Grange?  As members, they, too, are open to existing liability and are responsible to enforce the COVID mandates and Grange requirements. 
 
INFO:  In addition to being Zumba focused, Chrispina (and family) have been active in improving the Grange as evidenced by the volunteer participation in 2019 replacing the exterior siding on the West wall and during the COVID season 2020 with clean-up after the Grange foyer and rear entrance were renovated.
 
Though not in attendance, Dan asked:  is the Grange willing to consider Chrispina and Alessandra, as members, into the Grange?  In that Chrispina and Alessandra are interested in joining the Grange, and given no further discussion:
 
Betty Chipps moved to approve Chrispina and Alessandra as Members into the Grange, Kathie Femrite seconded, voting was unanimous.  
 
 
GOOD TO THE ORDER:  (None)
 
NEXT  Meeting:  SUN, April 25, 2021 - Maplewood Grange at 4:3 0pm.
                       
Meeting was adjourned, by Dan Keeley, at 6:50 pm.              
 
 
Respectfully Submitted,



Betty Chipps, Secretary