Beautification Update

Dec 13, 2007 - Linnea Anderson, Beautification Chair

Update on Trimming and Mowing along Great Northern
Austin Energy Trimming Around Power lines – dealing with the contractor

1.  Trimming and Mowing along Great Northern
Key points:
This week two crews are working along Great Northern. One Crew is trimming and the other crew is mowing.

• The trimming is for the City of Austin, but paid for by Austin Energy.
• The mowing is for Union Pacific, and is being done by Easter Seals.

The work crews are aware of the crepe myrtles and are making their best effort to avoid them.

• Reflective tape helped. The crew chiefs thanked us for marking the crepe myrtles with reflective tape. They commented that the tape helped them identify and avoid the crepe myrtles.  Volunteers did the marking during the August volunteer event.

The crew will try to move the debris that was pushed over some of the crepe myrtles at the southern end of Great Northern.

Response and action:
I am in contact with COA, UP, and the work crews on this project.  As with any greenspace project/issue, please refer questions and comments about to me.  There is a long list of issues that are being worked on various levels with various organizations – and a consolidated effort will achieve a  higher level of success.

2. Dealing with trimming around Power Lines, and the Austin Energy Contractor.
Neighbors are having significant problems dealing with the contractor that trims around power lines.  The previously established practice of allowing neighbors to take care of trimming (as long as they used a certified arborist) is not being made available.

Response and action:
- We are in the initial stages of notifying the various organizations that the trimming is not acceptable.
- A neighbor is being identified to represent Allandale at various panels and task forces that influence COA, Austin Energy and PARD  - so that Allandale’s views and sensibilities are represented.  If you know anyone with a passion for trees, and greenspace management… please refer them to me.   The greater representation on Allandale’s behalf, the better.

v As always, please call me if you have questions 750-8902.

- Linnea