VNA Minutes for October 9, 2002

Members present:
Walt Thompson (WT), Connie Curtiss(CC), Erika Mott(EM), Ken Beck(KB), Alan Blunt(AB), Bruce Knierim(BK) and Scott Crossett(SC). The meeting was held at SC's home.

The meeting was called to order by WT at 7:17 PM. This meeting was rescheduled from October 2 because of a lack of a quorum.

Roadways and Safety Committee:
AB discussed the dangers of some blind driveways located on the lower end of Bullick Hollow. He wants to pursue blind driveway signs. Members suggested contacting Travis County Commissioner Margaret Moore's office for a recommendation on the most appropriate county agency(s) to call. Several other resources were suggested. AB will take action and advise the board at the next meeting.

FM 2769 safety improvements are scheduled to be finished this week (Oct. 9). There was
discussion about the installation of guardrails on the hill between Enchanted Tavern and Dies Ranch Road. The new guardrails restrict passage to the actual roadway surface not leaving enough distance for vehicles to squeeze right without danger of contacting the guardrail. WT had already expressed concern to the TX Dept. of Trans. (TXDOT) engineering office in Georgetown while construction was still in progress. The head engineer agreed to visit the site. Several days later, the TXDOT engineer advised WT the guardrails were properly located (at the edge of the paved surface) however he directed the contractor to move the downhill guardrail further away from the lane of travel. This was done but board members still feel the roadway is unnecessarily restricted giving motorists fewer evasive options. KB motioned VNA write letter to TXDOT thanking them for the great improvements on FM 2769 but expressing continued concern for the placement of some of the guardrails. AB seconded the motion. Board unanimously approved. AB agreed to write a letter to TXDOT for WT's signature.

New Business:
Discussion of minutes and how to get information to all members in a more timely fashion. Secretary DS was not present, therefore the September minutes are still not approved or posted. WT will contact DS again in an effort to get the September minutes. CC agreed to take the October minutes and post them as a draft pending Board approval.

Treasurer's Report:
EM states that there is $3682.52 in VNA account. The membership increased by 3 members.

Lake Travis Committee:
BK reported no permits were filed with LCRA for the floating portion of the marine to be located at Jackson Street.

Business and Development:
In conjunction with the Lake Travis report, further discussion was held reference the marina on Jackson
Street. The City of Austin notified VNA they had received a site plan for "Starnes Island Marina" to be located on Jackson Street. WT requested and obtained a copy of the site plan, which he presented to the Board. The plan covers only the land portion of the marina, including a 110-space parking lot, a waste management system, and connecting driveways. It also shows a future 5,200-sq. ft. expansion of an existing building for a clubhouse. According to a City of Austin representative, there is no public hearing process for the land portion of the marina as no new structures are planned. According to a resident who attended a meeting with the developers (Volente Group), representatives of Save Our Volente and others, the marina is intended to have 100 slips for boats over 40 feet. VNA was not invited to attend the meeting.

EM stated the VNA has an agreement with Sandy Creek and VIP marinas and wondered if this will be possible with the new marina. Further discussion followed. LCRA requires a public hearing before a permit is issued for the floating portion of a marina. At that time, residents will have an opportunity to comment on the project.

Community Relations:
VNA is looking for large rocks for use in Volente Park. LB met with Park Ranger Dan Chapman (DC)
regarding future plans: bulkhead, grass seed, extra rocks etc. DC states he is happy with the work done on the park and offered his assistance in any way possible.

AB related he had received numerous missing pet reports from community residents. He is categorizing the information and will make it available in an article in the next newsletter. Residents should continue to contact AB if their pets are missing. In DC's opinion, it is more likely that wild dogs rather than coyotes are responsible. Discussed the fact that we need to keep people aware of this issue. EM suggested we might ask wildlife specialist to assist us on this issue.

AB discussed possibility of a library in Volente. The subject will be pursued at future meetings. Garden club and auxiliary fire dept were mentioned as possible sites.

Lake Travis cleanup :
Nine people showed up at Sandy Creek Park on September 29th. They also did a section of Lime Creek Rd. as part of the cleanup. The cleanup crew received VOLENTE VOLUNTEER t-shirts and LCRA cleanup
t-shirts. AB suggested that future cleanups should concentrate on Lime Creek Road, which needs lots of cleaning up.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Connie Curtiss