277-2023

I am recommending one candidate for appointment to a vacant position and one for reappointment to their existing position.

Alex Marine has worked for over a decade in the field of Acoustical Sciences. He has been a professional sound system designer using his skills of acoustical measurement and his expertise with industry standard software (such as SMAART) and calibrated reference sound pressure level microphones. His experience in the acoustics field started at a young age in the Boy Scouts of America.  He also has participated in the Acoustical Engineering Society (AES). Alex has worked collaboratively on acoustics issues with Habitat for Humanity, numerous PTA groups, and schools.

He recently had the opportunity to teach a group of teens at the high school level about sound systems and microphones for use with their diverse range of productions and events that they will be hosting for the school year and summer season.  Mr. Marine is focused on finding ways to improve his knowledge and understanding of the acoustic properties of materials and objects in order to better help with the mitigation of sound and acoustics.

Statement from Alex Marine:

I hope to help the board make informed decisions towards the objective goals in mind. I hope that I can inform with data and analysis that which can make living here pleasant and enjoyable for all. 

I enjoy the opportunity to listen to people and perspectives that are different than my own, for doing so often gives me ideas and insight that I wouldn't be able to come up with alone. I consider myself a patient listener and prefer collaboration to competition.

I've worked with people from a variety of backgrounds and enjoy the diversity of perspective that a multicultural environment can bring. I wish to work in an environment where all people are respected, celebrated, and provided with whatever accommodations they need to thrive. I enjoy working in groups where we can come together cohesively to find solutions to problems.

Mary Sipe began her work with the Noise Program in 2014, as the impacts of construction noise became problematic in her neighborhood.  Her work was instrumental in resolving pile driving impacts, not through regulation, but rather by problem solving with the construction industry, and the solutions implemented mitigated issues for many Portlanders.  Mary has had a successful career in process improvements in both healthcare and banking. and uses her skills as a facilitator and leader to continue to advocate for a balanced approach to managing noise impacts in the City for all.

Statement from Mary Sipe:

After actively working with the Noise Program since 2014 on noise issues in my neighborhood and in other communities in the City of Portland, I was appointed to the Noise Review Board in May 2020.

My first three-year term on the Noise Review Board expires May 31, 2023 and I would like to serve a second three-year term on the board.

In July 2021, I was elected to Chair of the Noise Review Board. In the last 2 years the NRB has accomplished a great deal.

• We gathered and studied real-time data for over 70 early morning concrete pour construction activities to determine the actual time required to deliver, pump and finish large concrete pours. We used this data to establish the Early Morning Concrete Pour Guidelines, providing the Noise Officer with a consistent standard of criteria for approving this type of variance request.
• Following the guidance of OSHA in establishing rules to protect construction workers from the dangers of exposure to extreme heat, we established an Interim Rule to waive the requirement for a noise variance to begin construction work at 6am during extreme heat; saving the Noise Office time in issuing variances during their “busy period” and protecting construction workers from the dangers of exposure to extreme heat.
• We established consistent conditions and clear data reporting requirements for the 4 Portland International Raceway Noise Variances.
• We established the Noise Review Board-PIR Noise Subcommittee which is researching solutions to mitigate the noise from the racetrack.
• We drafted a Work Plan and a list of priorities for the Noise Review Board to address to make our City’s Noise Program more effective and efficient.

Title 18 states:

“It is the intent of the City Council to minimize the exposure of citizens to the potential negative physiological and psychological effects of excessive noise and protect, promote, and preserve the public health, safety and welfare. 

 It is the intent of the City Council to control the level of noise in a manner that promotes the use, value, and enjoyment of property, conduct of business, sleep and repose and reduces unnecessary and excessive sound in the environment. “

I would very much like an opportunity to serve another three-year term and continue to support the intent of Title 18 and to guide the work of Noise Review Board to address emerging noise issues in our City and work to balance.

These two candidates will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the Noise Review Board.

With these appointments, one member-at-large position on the Noise Review Board remains vacant.