Volente Neighborhood Association (VNA)
Board Meeting – Minutes by Erika Mott
1/2/01
(FINAL, APPROVED BY BOARD 02/06/2001)

Board Members Present:

Anne Cole-Steichen (ACS)

Sam Love (SL)

Sally McLaughlin (SM)

Lonnie Moore (LM)

Erika Mott (EM)

Leo Slaton (LS)

Catriona Smith (CS)

Walt Thompson (WT)

Board Members Absent

Jerry Mills (JM)

Call to order at 7:10pm.

LM polled board members for any new agenda topics.LM added outdoor burning, and BCCP training.

Minutes– All reviewed the 12/5/00 minutes by topic.SL had a change to the Business and Development section, paragraph two, change “and extend” to “the exchange of”.SL made a motion to accept the minutes with that change, SM seconded the motion, and all were in favor.

Treasurer’s Report – ACS reported the VNA has $3,226.88 in the checking account.Board members and others paid 2001 dues in addition to that.Motion to accept the report was made by WT and seconded by EM, all were in favor.

Lake Travis Committee – CS gave an update on the LCRA Marina Ordinance Task Force.So far, they have talked about marina design specifications.CS said she made a suggestion to add a regulation that requires marinas with fuel systems to have a spill response plan.That has been written into the new draft ordinance.The task force is planning to discuss the proposed classification of lake segments.The hope is to get LCRA to consider Sandy Creek a high density or traffic area, and consequently a Class 1 management segment.LM asked if anyone was opposed to that suggestion.No one was opposed. EM asked if it would help for VNA to write a letter to LCRA stating that position.CS announced that she has been appointed to serve on the Lake Travis Advisory Panel (LTAP) for a two-year term.LM said he has not been contacted again about the land swap issue, and is tabling the matter until notified that an action is needed.At that time the board will discuss any potential actions needed.

Business/Development Committee – SL reported that he has noticed what looks like more development between Cypress Creek Road and FM 2769, on Dies Ranch Road.LM suggested they go look at the plans for that area.There was some discussion about fire and EMS responsibilities in that area, as well as tax dollars for those services.LM and SL are going to gather more information, and report at the February meeting.SL said Café Bleu is not opening in January, possibly February or March.Francois Denise says the seating capacity is approximately 160, (outside seating only, none inside).It is expected that most patrons will come by boat, and they are not anticipating a parking problem.ACS asked if the “No Parking” signs had been pursued.EM reported that she called Travis County, and they are looking into it.LM asked if Francois should be called.SM said he has spoke to John Shipley about it.He also said the Volente Homeowners Association will be meeting next week, and Francois and John are to update them.CS asked if he thought they might update the VNA board at the February meeting. LM asked SL to invite them to do that.LM mentioned that he would clarify with City of Austin (COA) what we consider to be Volente’s boundaries as far as their notification of permits goes.He said the boundaries shown by COA don’t go out Lime Creek Road, and he will ask them to correct the boundaries.

Membership Committee – LM reported there are approximately 20 paid members for 2001.He thinks 150 is an attainable goal, and would like to make it 200.

Roadway/Safety Committee – WT reports there have been no repairs done to Navajo Pass, Pocahontas, or Lime Creek Road as of yet.LM brought up the email from Mr. Wilcox about the potholes on Lime Creek near the quarry.All agreed the potholes are horrible.LM made a motion that VNA write a letter to Cedar Park, requesting they maintain the road, and fix the potholes properly.CS and ACS seconded the motion, and all were in favor.EM mentioned that while talking to Travis County about the signage on Lime Creek, she also asked what they could to about the traffic back up during the summer on Wharf Cove that blocks the Highland Lakes Marina entrance.They are to look into it.ACS brought up the potential problems with the public easements to the lake in the area with new development.She reports that some people have blocked those easements with sheds, hot tubs, etc.LM said he thinks it is an individual’s matter, and is something that has to be worked out in court.There is very little the VNA can do.

VVFD Liaison Committee –

LM said a VNA member complained about previous discussions on outdoor burning.The resident said the law doesn’t say fire must be “out” before dark.LM said the law has provisions about not feeding the fire after a certain time, and smoke, but doesn’t say it has to be “out”.WT thinks it says that it must be “attended". LM suggested that the VVFD must take the lead in dealing with the issue.

Liaison to Other Organizations –

LM reported that Cole Rowland of the Highland Lakes Group (HLG) sent a letter asking for support for changes they recommend for HB 1437.LM made a motion to pass the resolution sent by Mr. Rowland, which concludes with the following language, “Therefore, Be It Resolved that the VNA supports modifications to the wording of HB 1437 when the legislature considers additional water transfers to the cities of Williamson County, including the following: (1) an increase in the water replacement ratio from 1 to 1 to at least 1.33 to 1, (2) a provision for strict accountability of the physical volume of water transferred out and that replaced in the Colorado basin, (3) a requirement that the replacement water come back to the basin no later than the transfer water leaves the basin, and (4) a provision that the Highlands Lakes will be represented on the advisory group, along with the rice farmers, recommending how the mitigation funds will be spent.”This is to be sent to The Honorable Pete Laney, Speaker of the House.CS seconded the motion, and all were in favor.

LM reported that in December Bob Tinstman (BT) of Save Our Volente sent out a letter to the residents within the proposed Village of Volente requesting donations, and PVC sent out a newsletter to all of Route 3.LM spoke to BT by phone earlier today.BT told LM they are working with an attorney, and are targeting January still to begin gathering signatures, and a May election, but the dates are not certain.LM also asked BT if SOV was planning on publishing a January newsletter, and will it go to all the residents?BT told LM they are concentrating on communicating with the residents within the proposed Village of Volente boundaries.WT reported that PVC would possibly put out a January newsletter.PVC still may pursue LPA alternative.He says that would give the residents all the control they may want, without taxation.

LM asked for discussion about April general meeting; who should be a guest speaker, board election, and possible changes to bylaws.Some suggestions on a speaker were COA Planning Dept., LCRA, and a panel of different organizations.LM opened discussion of possibly changing to two-year staggered terms.

The board discussed the issue of new board members for the April board elections. Each member should take an active role in finding people in our community that would be willing to volunteer for the VNA and would be active participants. Lonnie indicated that he did not want to be president next year but would continue with the newsletter and web site.

On the BCCP issue, LM reported that COA is also offering training for BCCP land privileges.You can sign up on the web.

LS volunteered to bring refreshments to the next meeting on February 6, 2001.

Meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.