Our next meeting is

Thursday October 17 at 7:00 pm

in the O'Malley Elementary School Multipurpose Room.

Agenda
O'Malley Elementary
Mulitpurpose Room
Thursday, October 17, 2002

• 7:00pm Introductions and approval of Sept. 2002 minutes
• 7:05 Presidents' & FCC reports
• 7:10 Assembly report
  • 7:30 Old Business
  • Reconsider Resolutions of September 2002
    * Boundaries
    * Huffman Gate
    * Dwelling Density
• 7:45 Coastal Trail Extension
• 8:30 Nominations and Election to the Boards
• 9:00 Adjourn

October 17 is our Annual meeting! This is when the boards for the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils are nominated, elected and organized.

Being on the board is like taking a front seat at a play with lots of audience participation. As we get more people on the board, we'll have a better sense for the issues that the councils should work on. We'll also be more likely to represent the community's mood on various issues.

Too busy to be on the board? Time is tough to find, but board activities are sparse. We have 9 regular meetings a year. A few phone calls, occasional meetings to keep track of issues and occasional emails are most of the additional tasks.
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But that's not all! We will be giving away ...

Sometimes consideration of the hot topics of the day and the excitement of choosing a new board is not enough to get some people to skip other important events and come to their Community Council meeting. So we are using a tried and true method to fill the room at our Annual Meeting:
FREE STUFF!

So far we have from Hilltop Ski Area two day-passes for great skiing. BOSCO'S donated two $20 gift certificates. Expect lots more! You have to be there to win!
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Alaska State Parks is looking at public access to Chugach State Park. As Anchorage grows and more homes are built, your favorite trail-head may become someone's backyard. Your comments and information are important to ensure that future generations can enjoy reasonable, convenient, legal access to Chugach State Park.

Maps are posted at the Potter Section House between 2:00 and 4:00 P.M., Tuesday through Thursday. Comments must be received by 5:00 P.M., October 18, 2002 so get on it quick! Write to: Chugach Park Access Project, Alaska DNR, 550 W. 7th Ave., Suite 1400, Anchorage, AK 99501. By fax: 907-269-8918 or Email: marilee_rivas@dnr.state.ak.us
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DeArmoun Road Building Detoured? The Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has canceled its October 30 Public Hearing and Open House for the reconstruction of DeArmoun Road (Phase 2: E. 140th Avenue to Hillside Drive) For more info contact Therese Stokes at 269-0592 or at therese_stokes@dot.state.ak.us

Construction is planned for 2006, as construction nears and the plans get more specific, people get concerned. If you live on or use DeArmoun Rd, the time to pay attention is now! We are fortunate to add Amy Johnson as Chairperson of the MHCC's transportation committee. If you have concerns, contact her at 258-0168 or ajohnson@gci.net

EXTENDED CONSIDERATION OF THE COASTAL TRAIL EXTENSION

At our April meeting, we had a lively and informed discussion of the proposed extension of the Coastal Trail. We chose to postpone consideration of a resolution as it was a time when our input would have contributed little to the debate. Since then, the options for routes have narrowed. It may be time to comment.

Hillside East council resident Bjarne Holm has submitted the following resolution for consideration.

Resolution of the Mid Hillside Community Council

Regarding Route selection for the South Extension of the Coastal Trail

The Mid Hillside Community Council advocates and supports construction of the South Extension of the Coastal Trail along a route that has the look and feel similar to the existing Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, is as coastal and continuous as possible, and is consistent with the purpose of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge Management Plan to protect fish and wildlife resources as well as allow for the use and enjoyment of the residents of the community. Of the routes currently under consideration, the "Orange" route most closely meets the desires of the Mid Hillside Community Council and the intent of this resolution.

In April, we gained insights from concerned neighbors outside of our council area. This proposed resolution should be a starting point for discussion among members of our council area. You are encouraged to look at the minutes of the April meeting (posted at the council's website). Also take a look at http://home.gci.net/~southtrail/
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No Bucks in the Budget for the FCC. The Federation of Community Councils coordinates the activities of Anchorage's Community Councils on an annual budget of about $112,000 that has shrunk considerably with inflation over the decades. About ½ the budget is for salaries and over 20% pays for postage and printing of newsletters like this one. If the Mayor and the Assembly do not find a way to fund the FCC, we'll have to come up with a way to keep information flowing.
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Quick updates: The Planning & Zoning Commission heard comments on the council boundary changes on October 8. This is a lively issue in some areas. Testimony will continue on Oct 15. PZC'S consideration of Assemblyman Dick Tremaine's Ordinance 2002-97 to remove the density requirement for connecting to city sewer was also postponed. The Land Clearing Ordinance submitted by Assemblywoman Janice Shamberg was sent to a committee formed by the PZC. This is a significant ordinance that will raise passions on all sides. On the Assembly Agenda for October 15 is Ordinance 2002-147 which would levy a fine if you do not disclose the sales price after selling your home. The Mayor's proposed budget has no $ for the Hillside District Plan. There is some grumbling about not wanting to spend $ on it if Hillsiders are not willing to hook up to city utilities.
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For a good example of neighbors getting together to solve a common problem, see last month's minutes at our website. Mid Hillside VP Jeff Clarke and his neighbors have worked effectively on their own and now through the Community Council to solve a common problem. Their work has gotten the attention of MOA manager Harry Kieling who is committed to solving the problem.
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Got Room for a Russian? Irina Dubinina, the manager of the Community Connections Program at UAA's American Russian Center, brings groups of Russian professionals to Anchorage for professional training. One of the requirements of the program is that the participants stay with host families during the program. She can be reached at 786-4325.
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INCLUDE LAST MONTH'S MINUTES IN EMAIL'd VERSION

We meet in the library so your kids will have something to do!

List some tasks that need to be done. Ask for people w expertise.

Volunteer opportunities section of the paper.ets ?

email copies to: Vicki Butler vlbutler@alaska.com deadline about a week before PTA meeting.

Debbie Eckhardt O'Malley PTA Debbie@Eckhardt.com

ACES tickets 258-2237 fx 278-4297 xavier topkok after noon

Tom Newins, President
Hillside East CC 345-8881 newins@gci.net

We meet at 7pm on the third Thursday of the month at O'Malley Elementary School on Rockridge off O'Malley. For more info see www.communitycouncils.org/hillside