Volente Voice
The Newsletter of the Volente Neighborhood Association
December 2001
Incorporation Facts and Figures
The Volente Neighborhood Association believes that it should strive to bring the people of Volente the facts regarding the issues of incorporation, as this remains an item of concern and interest to our community.  Our sole purpose will be to provide facts and documentation you would need to make an informed decision on this very important community issue.
We want to hear from all members of our community, make sure we are considering the right questions, and then have you help us gather the facts.
You may e-mail your input to LeeABass@aol.com.  If you don’t have a computer you may phone her at 918-2600.
The VNA Board is committed to the community of Volente and will provide you with the best data that we can assemble.
Volente Park
The VNA has been accepted by Travis County to adopt the park at the corner of RR 2769 and Reed Drive across from the fire hall.
The park under went some clean up this last month.   Local resident Bulmaro Gonzalez and his crew were good enough to use their expertise to cut all the underbrush, trim the large trees and haul it all away. What a difference!
The next step was to rake up the decades of leaves that had collected.  Walt Thompson and Lee Bass took on that challenge and were saved by Roger and Jeannie Shull and one welcome tractor.  The Shulls dumped a mountain of leaves on their property with the tractor, which saved bagging them up.
Many thanks to Bulmaro and the others that have already volunteered with their time and ideas.  If you would like to be on the list of volunteers to help out at the park with planning, planting, and maintaining, please either e-mail (LeeABass@aol.com) or call Lee Bass at (918-2600) and you will be notified of upcoming projects.

Roger Shull (on tractor), Jeannie Shull and Walt Thompson Help Clean Up Volente Park
Commissioner Todd Baxter’s Visit To Volente
Based on an adopted redistricting plan (pending final federal approval), County Commissioner Todd Baxter’s Precinct 3 boundaries were redrawn to include Volente.  On November 14, the VNA hosted a meeting at VVFD during which Commissioner Baxter discussed County initiatives and his involvement in positive changes. He was instrumental in establishing a Travis County Sheriff substation in Hudson Bend.  With a staffing of 80 personnel, this should increase TCSO presence in Volente and reduce response times.  Commissioner Baxter also initiated revisions to jury duty procedures allowing prospective jurors to respond to preliminary inquiries by e-mail rather than appearing in person.  The revised procedures will reduce inconvenience to residents when summoned for jury duty.
Commissioner Baxter discussed plans for phased improvements to Anderson Mill Road.  Several residents suggested adding the 2769 and 620 intersection improvements to the next phase of the projects to increase traffic flow to and from 2769.  He agreed to look at the issue.
Mr. Baxter has since announced his resignation as commissioner so he can run for State Representative for District 48, encompassing most of northwest Travis County, to include Volente.  Depending on the results of State Representative election, Todd Baxter may yet represent Volente.  In the meantime, Judge Biscoe has appointed Margaret Moore to represent Precinct 3(to include Volente) until the elections in November 2002. Commissioner Moore’s office number is 854-9333.
Volente Sign
Some time ago the VNA agreed to purchase a sign welcoming visitors to Volente and providing a website address for more information on our community.  The sign was proposed and designed by former VNA board member Anne Cole-Steichen.  The sign will be up shortly on 2769 in the vicinity of Anderson Mill Marina.  Be on the lookout for it and let us know what you think.
We think Anne did a great job on the design.  Thanks, Anne.
Private Dock Standards
LCRA is putting together a taskforce to develop private dock standards, and is seeking representation as follows: one dock owner from each lake; one local government rep; one dock builder rep and one marina association rep for a total of 8 members. If you are interested, contact Stan Rountree of the LCRA at 473-3200, ext. 2405 or strountre@lcra.org. Issues which will be addressed include abandoned/dilapidated docks, navigable passage, anchoring, registration/dock identification, property ownership, dock fees, grandfathering provisions, flotation, insurance, lighting, electrical and size/height. First draft is to be published for comment in January 2002. For more information go to the LCRA web site at www.lcra.org
Update on Lake Drawdown
Travis County Commissioners voted unanimously on 11/27/01 for a resolution in favor of supporting the proposal for equal and simultaneous drawdown of Lake Travis and Lake Buchanan. Also, Jonestown, Lago Vista, Lakeway and Point Venture passed the same resolution. Llano County commissioners voted against it. The issue still has to go before the LCRA board of directors. For more information on lake drawdown procedures, see the latest issue of Water Matters at http://www.volente.org/hlg/matters012002.html.
County Changes Phone Prefix
All Travis County phone prefixes have now been changed to 854. In most cases, the last four digits will remain the same. For example, the Travis County Sheriff non-emergency line has changed from 473-9285 to 854-9285. The phone number information on the Volente web site has been updated to reflect the change.
Regular Monthly Meeting Notices
VNA holds board meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at VVFD. Meetings are open to all residents and participation is invited. Dates and times sometimes change, so check with a board member or www.volente.org for the latest meeting information.
The VVFD Board of Directors meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the fire hall.
The ESD #14 Commissioners meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at the fire hall.
Fire Training - first and third Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the fire hall.
EMT Training - fourth Monday of each month at 7:00 PM at the fire hall.
VVFD Ladies Auxiliary meets on the second Wednesday of each month - September through April only - at 7:00 PM at the fire hall.
The Crossing
Many of you have noticed the rock work going on along Volente Road just north of the Bullick Hollow intersection.  This is the main entrance for The Crossings, a holistic learning center and meeting place being developed by Ken and Joyce Beck who live here in Volente.
The center sits on 210 acres with a beautiful view from the ridge of the Cypress Creek arm of Lake Travis.  Just inside the front gate are three buildings making up phase one of the project – a house currently used as the business site, a garage, and a Carriage House with an apartment over it.  This phase was completed last April. Phase two has been the infrastructure for the project – the roads and all underground utilities.  Phase three should start in January and will be the building of the 15 buildings that will make up the campus for the center sitting on top of the ridge.
The scheduled opening date is September 2003.  At that time The Crossings will start offering courses taught by world-class teachers in a holistic view of wellness.  The center will be able to accommodate up to 166 people staying on campus for the classes taught year round.
See the center’s web site at www.thecrossingsaustin.com for regular updates on progress.
2002 Dues Are Payable
VNA annual dues are just $15/year per household.  They are due any time after January 1st. Please mail your dues to the Treasurer at the address on the bottom of page 2 of this newsletter.
 
Pay your 2002 VNA dues now! All payments received are applied to year 2002 dues, regardless of prior payment status. Help cover the cost of newsletter production and postage.

Name(s)__________________________________________________________
Street____________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip_____________________________________________________
Home Phone  __________________________    Work Phone ________________
E-Mail Address   _______________________     2002 Dues Enclosed __________($15/yr)
Issues/Comments:
Send to: Volente Neighborhood Association    Erika Mott, Treasurer    7407 Navajo Pass     Volente, Texas 78641

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Please visit our web site at http://www.volente.org/


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