BHNA - November 19, 2002 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

Barton Hills Neighborhood Association Executive Committee Meeting Minutes November 19, 2002
Attendees	Officers present were Robin McKeever, Mark Gentle, Lance Schriner, Peter Hess, and Debby Kalk. McKeever called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
Executive Committee Orientation	McKeever explained that the Executive Committee meets five times each year. This first meeting is an orientation and transitional meeting. All others are scheduled about one month prior to the general meeting in order to set the agenda and determine the communications requirements for that meeting. Other orientation topics covered were: All board members need to ensure that their dues are current for the new year in order to cast votes at the meeting. Derek Stuart, treasurer, will also assume responsibility for maintaining the listserv roster with continuing assistance from BHNA member Rick Ramke. The vice president serves as parliamentarian.
Calendar	The committee adopted the following calendar for BHNA General Meetings in 2003: January 28 April 8 June 24 October 14
Newsletter	McKeever reviewed with Schriner the newsletter production and advertising solicitation requirements. Schriner will develop the ad rates, submission form, and a letter to potential advertisers. He will head up the ad solicitation with help from the rest of the board.
Austin Neighborhood Council	Hess reviewed the ANC liaison role and discussed the Safe Routes to School program. Kalk explained that our application is pending at the Texas Department of Transportation, and should be voted on within the next few weeks.
Safe Routes to School	Kalk presented a copy of the application. Hess borrowed it to review it prior to the ANC meeting. Kalk will make a copy of the application for McKeever and also give one to Barton Hills Elementary.
Greenbelt	Gentle discussed several initiatives concerning the greenbelt. First, BHNA member Glee Ingram headed up the recent successful clean-up effort in coordination with REI. Also, Gentle and Ingram met with City of Austin Parks & Recreation (PARD) to discuss the possibility of BHNA adopting parts of the greenbelt to perform regular maintenance. PARD provided an agreement form for BHNA to consider and sign. They also discussed a Ranger program but need additional information. Some ideas: Kiosks with information and recycled plastic bags for trash pick-up. Remove invasive species. Maintain the path from the Gus Fruh entrance to facilitate drainage. Report violations to PARD or APD. The board recommended that Gentle clarify potential BHNA project objectives for discussion at the next executive committee meeting and presentation at the next BHNA General Meeting in January. Glee Ingram will be invited to attend the next committee meeting to discuss the Greenbelt Guardian Program and the Ranger Program.
Austin City Limits Music Festival	Gentle reported on actions of Zilker and Rollingwood neighborhoods that have written letters in support of ACL but with specific requests for some logistical modifications. The level of intense use of the park including Trail of Lights, soccer, large events, and parking may warrant communicating BHNA positions to PARD and the City Council. Gentle will draft a resolution and present to board next time.
BHNA Handbook	McKeever presented the the BHNA Handbook. The Handbook will be given to new residents as part of a coordinated welcoming plan and sold to current members. Selling the Handbook will cover production costs and support BHNA activities. To finalize the handbook and get it distributed: McKeever will ask BHNA members Glee Ingram and Jorjanna Price to update the article on tree trimming and oak wilt. McKeever will ask Howie Ritchey to review the manuscript for editorial recommendations. Schriner will design an optional black and white cover in the event the red geographical photograph cover does not copy well. Kalk will check printing options at Kinko’s or other printer and report back at next EC meeting.
Lamar Improvements	The city’s Urban Transportation Advisory Committee is considering improvements for South Lamar including bike lanes, pedestrian crosswalks, new sidewalks, and rethinking how many lanes of traffic in each direction. The advisory committee plans to provide an opportunity for the adjacent neighborhoods to comment on the proposed changes in coming weeks.
Misc. Reports	McKeever reported that BHNA purchased a flower spray for $150 to honor the memory of association founder, Betty Brown, who died earlier in the week. A pending project at the end of 2002 is the landscaping for Barton Hills Elementary School. Kalk suggested holding off on this project until we hear about funding for Safe Routes to School that could impact the landscape plan. Another pending project relates to improvements to the Zilker Park Sunken Gardens. BHNA received funds for restoration of these spring-fed pools in Zilker Park, however, it appears that the task is larger than first understood. The city is about to begin major improvements in Zilker Park that may include the gardens. Perhaps BHNA can adopt the gardens after the city fixes them.
Newsletter Distribution	The executive committee will attempt to establish a BHNA standing committee for assisting quarterly newsletter distribution. The responsibility requires significant time for coordination and distribution that is too onerous for the executive committee to handle routinely. Over the years, BHNA has tried the Boy Scouts, door-to-door delivery services, and other options unsuccessfully.
Neighborhood Signs	Several of the signs that BHNA posts in key spots around the neighborhood to announce general meetings were stolen or trashed in the past year. Replacing the signs could cost up to $500. Gentle will investigate options for cheaper signs. The school posts announcements of the BHNA General Meetings . Mckeever will ask Jen Stuart to coordinate.
Next Meeting	The next Executive Committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7. McKeever needs agenda items before then. Schriner requested a deadline of January 7 for newsletter articles. Gentle will invite Jesus Olivares, Director of PARD to speak at the general meeting about the improvement plans for Zilker Park.
Closing	The meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Debby Kalk Recording Secretary

BHNA Home > Meeting Notes > Exec Comm Minutes, November 19, 2002