MIDHILLSIDE and Hillside East COMMUNITY COUNCILS
Meeting Minutes
January 16, 2003
The meeting was called to order by President John Weddleton at 7 pm. Approximately 20 were in attendance.
Mid-Hillside Board Members present were Jeff Clarke, Tom O'Grady and John Weddleton.
Hillside East Board Members Present were Bjarne Holm and Tom Newins
Minutes of the previous meeting: Summarized in Monthly Meeting Notice. Approved.
Presidents' report: John Weddleton reported that the MOA planning department has proposed AO2002-221 to limit the size of "accessory" buildings on lots. This could prevent people from building large garages or storage sheds.
John Weddleton pointed out an apparent inconsistency in our laws regarding aesthetics. The city allows a cell phone antenna at O'Malley fire station to be a 60' tall mechanical monstrosity in a neighborhood at the same time the city is considering limiting commercial signs throughout the city to 25'.
Federation of Community Councils Report: No report
Legislative Report
Representatives Mike Hawker and Bob Lynn and Richard Schmitz representing Senator John Cowdery called from Juneau. They outlined their priorities as follows:
Mike Hawker (Phone 907-478-4950, Fax 907-465-4973):
· Long range fiscal plan
· How to fund roads and schools.
· Fire danger,
· Whittier prison
· Opening ballot measures in the primary to non-partisans.
Bob Lynn: (Phone 800-870-4931, Fax 907-465-4316):
· Budget issues
· Public safety
· Spruce bark beetle.
Richard Schmitz: (e-mail Richard_Schmitz@legis.state.ak.us)
· Opposed to credit scoring by insurance companies.
All three were asked about their position on the extension of the Coastal trail, and all were against it
Senator Con Bunde attended. (Phone 800-892-4843 or 907-269-0181, senator.con.bunde@legis.state.ak.us):
· In order, the most effective methods of contact are phone, e-mail, letter and POM (Public Opinion Message)
· Does not support the Coastal Trail extension based on cost and property rights.
Anchorage Assembly Report:
Dick Tremaine
Proposed Wastewater ordinance AO2002-186 provides more flexibility for homeowners.
Proposed ordinance for Road Improvement Districts (RID) would change the way costs are allocated to participants. RIDs provide for 90% city / 10% homeowner funding of enhancements. Under the current plan, the homeowners' share Is divided up based on square footage of their lots. The new plan would count square footage at 40% and add a formula including access to the improved road and frontage on the road as variables.
Sign ordinance is in draft form.
The land clearing ordinance has been clarified: Lots over 2 acres with no existing building need a permit prior to mechanical clearing.
Section 36 will be park land. The Platting Board will establish the five access routes.
Zoning enforcement is best initiated by e-mail, with a copy to the assembly person.
New Business
A resolution was introduced regarding the route selection for the South Extension of the Coastal Trail. As this item was not on the agenda, it was tabled until the next meeting.
PRESENTATION: On-site Wastewater Treatment by Dan Roth with MOA on-site system inspections.
Extensive presentation covering both conventional systems and advanced technology systems such as Advantex, Biocycle, and Intermittant Dosing Sand Filters. Also present was Jeff Garness from Alaska Water and Wastewater Consultants.
A few of the many points brought up include:
The cheapest solution to a failed system is to add another drain field with a valve. The homeowner can switch from one field to the other every year or so to dry out the "biomat" that clogs the system. This is a "permanent" solution.
Terralifts and sodium peroxide methods of fixing a failed system are a "bandaid" solution.
The new technology for on-site septic systems allows good solutions for locations that may have been unsuitable with traditional systems.
Standard systems require annual pumping. Advanced systems require a higher level of maintenance to perform well. Some have automated systems to notify homeowners of problems.
Southeast Anchorage has one of the highest concentrations of septics in the country, but has few if any wells with bad water because of poor sewage treatment.
Proposed Anchorage Ordinance AO2002-177 "On Site Wastewater Treatment Systems and Standards" outlines a testing routine so developers of alternate septic systems will know how the MOA will evaluate the systems. It was pointed out that Dan Roth had expected the ordinance to require a 2 year testing period. The current wording only requires one year.
Meeting Adjourned at 9:15 pm