Notes From May ANA Executive Committee Meeting

submitted by Kay Newell

ANA Executive Committee Meeting 5-24-2006

Gretchen Vaden, President ANA opened the meeting.

John Kelly, VP DMJM Harris – gave an update on the Loop 1/MOPAC Corridor Project. The proposed interim project involves the possibility of adding one managed lane on each side of MOPAC from the river to Parmer Lane. The project has to show a need for increased capacity in order to proceed with the sound walls. If at the end of the project the collective decision is that no improvement or increased capacity can be undertaken, then there will be no sound walls. The outcome hinges on the ability to increase capacity on MOPAC.

If the study shows a need and the ability to increase capacity on MOPAC, then the sound wall phase of the interim study will begin. The plans for the sample sound walls to be constructed along Bull Creek are in the development stage. Residents and businesses whose property directly abuts TxDOT’s right of way will vote sound walls. If the majority favors sound walls, then the project will go forward. The environmental review will be finished by next fall and potential construction of sound walls could begin in 2008. The proposed plans will have to meet the National Environmental Policy Act guidelines. The long-range study into the needs for MOPAC in the next 20-25 years will begin after the interim project. Committees made up of neighbors, businesses, and commuters will provide input for the project.

Gloria Pennington and Leslie Christensen brought up the issue of the ball moss in the oaks along Shoal Creek south of Allandale/Northland. Per Gloria, the grant request submitted to Keep Austin Beautiful for turned down. Gloria will submit a grant request to the Austin Parks Foundation. Leslie & Gloria have meet with Max Moore & Jake Culber – Parks & Rec dept City of Austin. They agree there is a problem with the ball moss in the oak trees and yes they will provide some help. The city will begin by trimming out the dead wood in June/July of this year, we will then be able to see how much ball moss is left in the trees. Leslie has been looking into sprays that can be used, but due to the fact that this area is a watershed area there aren’t any sprays that can be used. Leslie is still looking into this aspect – she has contacted the EPA & Texas A&M. Removing the remaining ball moss will be very expensive; the city can provide manpower for one day. Per Shane Partain, City of Austin – there are 110 trees along Shoal Creek in need of trimming and ball moss removal. The city said it would listen if the Allandale Neighborhood would partnership with the city. Shane said that he check with the tree trimming companies that have contracts with the city, to see if they would volunteer men and equipment. In addition to the ball moss problem, there is a problem with soil erosion. Tom Linehan suggested checking into what could be gained by changing the area from a greenbelt to a park. Gretchen will check with the city council and the Travis County Extension office, for their input. Leslie & Gloria will work with the city arborists and the grant work they are doing. The board would like to find someone that can help the Neighborhood Association develop a comprehensive plan for controlling soil erosion and ball moss that will carry into the future to protect the oaks and the creek.

Wendy Wilson discussed the tagline contest. Wendy gave everyone attending the Executive Committee meeting a ballot. The tagline contest was undertaken to promote the great neighborhood website developed by Tom Linehan – The Allandale Reporter http://www.allandalereporter.org/. It was suggested that the web address go across the back of the t-shirt. Wendy’s husband Peter Eckert will design the t-shirt. Thank you Tom & Wendy & Peter for this great project.

Cynthia Keohane, Allandale’s rep to ANC (Austin Neighborhood Council) discussed her roll with ANC. If there is an issue Cynthia needs to vote on, she must bring it up before the board/executive committee. If time is an issue, then she can email the board/executive committee. If there is not opportunity to contact the board/executive committee, then she will not participate in the vote. Cynthia will update the board/executive committee/neighborhood on the meetings. We thank Cynthia for volunteering to be ANA’s rep to ANC.

Paul Nagy & Jeff Franks will clean up the ANA by-laws for the September General Meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.