BHNA - June 25, 2002 General Meeting Minutes

Barton Hills Neighborhood Association General Meeting Minutes June 25, 2002
Call to Order	President Robin McKeever called the meeting to order at 7:00. Approximately 40 members present approved minutes from the general meeting of April 16, 2002, which had been posted on the web and distributed in hardcopy.
Fourth of July Parade Planning	Jennifer Stuart, who has picked up coordination responsibilities initiated by Noel Holmes, asked for volunteers willing to bring long tables, cookies, and watermelons and for volunteers to help with setup and cleanup activities. Watermelons should be delivered to Art Stone’s house the evening of July 3rd.
Council Member Dunkerley	City council member Betty Dunkerley affirmed her interest in good lines of communication between neighborhoods and the council and indicated that she personally answers all email messages addressed to betty.dunkerley@ci.austin.tx.us. She answered questions from members present on topics such as: Neighborhood planning—High public safety costs, some related to September 11th issues, and revenue declines related to Austin’s economic slowdown have contributed to a budget challenge for the city, and departments are looking for programs that can be cut. She is a supporter of neighborhood planning and recognizes that BHNA would not like to see neighborhood planning programs cut. Sale of the Brodie Tract—She helped buy it originally and recognizes that we support keeping it. Brackenridge Hospital—The “hospital within a hospital” concept is a response to a change of religious direction at Seton Hospital, particularly for reproduction-related procedures. She believes that the hospital needs a 24-hour clinic so that patients unable to get into the other clinics don’t overburden the trauma center.
Town Lake Park Plan	Neighbor Larry Akers reported on planning for a Town Lake Park bounded by Town Lake, South First, Barton Springs Road, and the Union Pacific Railroad. It will include a large meadow, a pond, a water-play area, a plaza, a children’s garden (which is being underwritten by the Junior League). Demolition will occur in late summer and fall, and construction is expected over an 18-to-20-month period.
Trans-Texas Alliance	Trans-Texas Alliance is a non-profit organization partially funded by TxDOT. David Foster, its executive director, described a 4-hour pedestrian workshop offered to help neighborhoods understand traffic management options and work with the City to improve pedestrian access. Hosting neighborhood associations must provide an appropriate facility for the workshop, which includes a walking tour, and TxDOT must approve it. David particularly suggested that we ask the workshop facilitator, Charles Gandy, to focus on traffic problems on Barton Skyway, which is a gateway to our neighborhood. He also noted that TxDOT will have $3 million for safe-routes-to-schools projects, and that participation in a workshop may help us if we propose a project associated with Barton Hills Elementary School. Larry Akers announced that BHNA is tentatively scheduled to participate in such a workshop on September 14th. A motion was made and carried for the Executive Committee to plan for this workshop.
Terrace Update	Mark Gentle reported that the Terrace Development has responded to our complaints: Noise pollution—the development has enclosed its air conditioners, making a significant difference in noise that reaches the neighborhood. Light pollution—the development is now turning off a significant number of lights at night. If neighbors still have concerns, they should notify Mark.
Dillo Dirt	Neighbor Scott Johnson appealed to the membership to be environmentally sensitive because of our location in an environmentally sensitive area: limit use of gasoline-powered lawnmowers avoid over-applying insecticides, herbicides, and pesticides consider landscaping that requires little watering use natural fertilizers such as Dillo Dirt Neighbor Jody Slagle, Compost Manager at the Hornsby Bend Treatment Plant, described the successful Dillo Dirt program, which started as a pilot program in the mid-1980’s. Interesting points include: Waste sludge is broken down by bacteria, creating gasses that are cleaned and pressurized and used as fuel at the treatment plant. Dillo Dirt is composed of yard trimmings collected by the City at curb sides (100,000 cu. yds. per year), combined with some of the sewage sludge and composted. Compost piles heat up, reaching up to 170º and killing weed seeds and bacteria. The City sells Dillo Dirt bulk to vendors, earning about $250,000/year from sales and saving about $250,000/year by not having to get rid of yard trimmings. The City gives away about 5% of its Dillo Dirt to parks, etc.
Open Mike	Robin reported on a discussion with Richard Kroger, city transportation engineer and program director, who offered the following information on local traffic calming: The city no longer installs speed humps, only speed cushions. Installations have been through the City neighborhood traffic calming program, future funding for which is in question. Although there are no current plans to install traffic calming devices, the City maintains a database of concerns by neighborhoods. The City does not initiate traffic calming but responds to neighborhood association requests for assistance, and the City will not remove a traffic calming device unless the original neighborhood association requests its removal and agrees to fund the removal. Glee Ingram expressed frustration about the traffic cushions on Rae Dell Anna Bryan-Borja and several additional neighbors expressed concern about the fast traffic on Barton Skyway Jennifer Stuart relayed interest in formation of a committee to welcome new neighbors. Sara Hickman, Emily Mazac, and Jennifer will provide recommendations at the next general meeting.
Announcements	Robin will soon post on bhna.net directions for finding information about neighborhood covenants and deed restrictions. The Officer Jones Memorial Park is lovely and worth a visit. In May, Robin attended a meeting of neighborhood representatives called by the Mayor to discuss plans for KLRU’s 30th anniversary celebration planned for September 28th and 29th in Zilker Park. Small-venue activities will feature local music and will be scheduled from noon to 10 pm on both days.
Adjourn	The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Slagle Recording Secretary

BHNA Home > Meeting Notes > General Meeting Minutes, June 25, 2002