ARTICLE IX VOTE REPORTING AND OFFICIAL CONTACTS
A. The president or the president's designee shall be charged with written communication or verbal testimony of any Council vote to the appropriate party. The communication must include:

1. The date, type of meeting (general, special, executive) when vote was taken and how this meeting was advertised;
2. How the vote or advisory opinion was arrived at.
3. A clear statement of the question voted on;
4. The number of members present;
5. The number voting yes;
6. The number voting no;
7. An abstention shall be numbered in the voting only when a member is present at the time of the vote and requests that an abstention vote be recorded.

B. Copies of all such communications shall be read as part of the minutes at the next general membership meeting following the sending of a letter, presentation of public testimony or other communication, and shall be attached and presented as part of the minutes.

C. Written or oral responses to such communication, as well as any contract by a government official with a Council official concerning Council affairs, shall also be reported as old business at the next meeting following receipt of the same and shall be summarized in the minutes.

D. In public testimony, no officer or member shall commit the council to a position not previously voted on by the membership.

E. A statement of the Council's official position requires the affirmation of a majority of the Board present, and a majority of registered members present.

Mid-Hillside Community Council Resolution
Requesting Clarification of DeArmoun Road Phase 2 on Anchorage Long-Range Transportation Plan

May 19, 2005 

WHEREAS, the April 2005 Anchorage Long-Range Transportation Plan public meetings distributed a list of proposed roadway projects called "TransVision Highway Element-Preferred Projects," listing DeArmoun Road Phase 2 ("Project #204") as follows:

Project Limits:  140th Avenue to Hillside Drive
Type of Work:  Reconstruction of the existing alignment, pavement and pedestrian facilities (3R Project)
Current Facility Class:  Major Arterial
Proposed Facility Class:  Major Arterial
Purpose:  Capacity
Length:  2.38 miles
Typical Section:  3-lane urban
Est. Cost:  $12.228 Million

WHEREAS, the Mid-Hillside Community Council (MHCC), as a point of clarification, wishes to bring attention to discrepancies between the above project's functional classifications typical sections (current and proposed), as well as its purpose, and those contained in the Anchorage Official Streets and Highways Plan, the September 2003 Draft Design Study Report for the 3R rehabilitation project currently on the AMATS Transportation Improvement Program, and other relevant plans and documents that list this roadway as a two-lane  urban collector street to be upgraded for the purposes of maintenance and safety.

WHEREAS, the MHCC further questions the LRTP's proposed designation of DeArmoun as a major arterial (generally described as limited-access corridors serving 20,000+ vehicles per day), given traffic and land use projections contained in the September 2003 Draft DSR, and Lounsbury & Associates' "Hillside Roads Traffic Report" referenced therein, anticipate no more than 3,609 vehicles per day in 20 years and less if other LRTP projects are completed, such as the Bragaw Extension to Abbott Road, and Elmore Road from Huffman to DeArmoun Road.

NOW BE IT RESOLVED, that DeArmoun Road from E. 140^th to Hillside Drive should continue to function as a two-lane urban collector street and should be classified as such in the Anchorage Long-Range Transportation Plan and any projects current or proposed for its maintenance or reconstruction.

_______________________________________________________________________________
This resolution was approved at the general meeting of the Mid-Hillside Community Council on May 19, 2005.  The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils’ website and in the Anchorage Daily News.  This resolution passed unanimously with 13 in favor.

May 19, 2005                                                           

Mr. Gordon Keith
Regional Director
Alaska Department of Transportation
Box196900
Anchorage, Alaska 99519

Re: DeArmoun Road Phase 2 – Final Design Study Report & Environmental Document

Dear Mr. Keith:

The Mid-Hillside Community Council requests that the DeArmoun Road Phase 2 Final DSR be made available to the public, along with the re-evaluation of the project's environmental document, the updated accident data for the most recent years to compare with that in the original phase 2, and another public comment period be opened immediately.

It is our understanding, from minutes of the January 2005 AMATS Policy Committee meeting, that these documents were complete or nearly complete at that time, but were being withheld until at least June or July 2005. Yet, it is not known what has changed, if anything, from the September 2003 Draft DSR which caused a great deal of public concern.

We feel it is important that these documents be made available for public review considering the project's imminent right of way and construction phases, and that affected community councils and residents have opportunity to comment.

Please advise how soon we may expect to see the DSR and the Categorical Exclusion, and a timeline for the next phases of this road project.

This request is made through unanimous agreement at our May 19 general meeting.

Sincerely,

                John Weddleton
                Mid-Hillside Community Council
                c/o 11080 Mumby Circle
                Anchorage, Alaska 99516

 May 19, 2005

 WHEREAS  in 2004 the Regulatory Commission of Alaska (RCA) exempted some classes of water utilities from regulation, created a new class for small water utilities without regard to their urban or rural operational characteristics,  and requested regulatory compliance by small homeowner associations in Anchorage, and

 WHEREAS the new RCA regulations adversely impact the interests of a small urban homeowner's association which owns and operates a water system solely for the use of its members by virtue of their property ownership, and

 WHEREAS regulation will impose on homeowners who participate in a small water system operation a heavy increased cost burden to include, but not limited to, 

                costs of legal, accounting and water operation services
                costs of liability and property insurance
                costs of fees and filings
                costs of monthly billings
                costs of additional reserve capacity           
                costs of defending against complaints
                costs of "customer" nonpayment, and

 WHEREAS the smaller the homeowner association the higher the increased cost will be per property owner, and

 WHEREAS regulation as a utility will be divisive and injurious to a sense of community, imposing responsibilities and  expenses which will decrease the resale attractiveness and values of real property, and

 WHEREAS  some homeowners are just learning of the situation, and

 WHEREAS it is recognized that the benefit of the substantial cost of sampling and water testing presently required by the ADEC and DEA in the operation of small water systems is potable water, there appears to be few if  any benefits to an urban homeowner's association as a result of RCA regulation, and

WHEREAS regulation may cause a homeowner's association to be in conflict with its Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws,  as well as other legal agreements it may have made, and

HEREAS  volunteer service will be discouraged and tax exemption status compromised, and

WHEREAS Mobile Home Communities are exempted from regulation, and

WHEREAS RCA interprets "community association" to mean "homeowner's association."  (3AAC 52.720), and

WHEREAS the small urban homeowner's association water operation now so vulnerable to harm from regulation will, in the future, be eligible for exemption from regulation when it can receive bulk service from the Municipality of Anchorage, which will eventually expand water and sewer service to the Anchorage Hillside area,

 NOW BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that the Mid-Hillside Community Council, recognizing the complexities of the above issues,  request a delay in implementation of regulation of small urban homeowner association owned and operated water systems so that remedial legislative action can be taken and the resources of the RCA can be better used.

 ____________________________________________________________________________
This resolution was approved at the general meeting of the Mid-Hillside Community Council on May 19, 2005.  The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils’ website and in the Anchorage Daily News.  This resolution passed with 6 in favor, 2 opposed and 6 abstentions.

A JOINT RESOLUTION REGARDING THE SITE PLAN FOR THE PROPOSED CHURCH ON BARONIK Site Plan 2005-032

Mid-Hillside Community Council and Hillside East Community Council support a public hearing on site plan 2005-032.

This resolution was approved at the combined general meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on April 21, 2005. The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News.

This resolution passed by Hillside East CC with 3 for and 0 against and by Mid-Hillside CC with 5 for, 0 against and 1 abstention.

A JOINT RESOLUTION REGARDING THE REPLAT AT BEVERLY ROAD
Mountain Parks Estate Replat, Case S11335-2

Mid-Hillside Community Council and Hillside East Community Council request that the Site and Drainage Plan be formally recorded on the plat, and that the plat include a restriction that no fill be placed east of the 785 ft. elevation contour to the east of the house.

This resolution was approved at the combined general meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on April 21, 2005. The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News.

This resolution passed by Hillside East CC with 2 for and 0 against and by Mid Hillside CC with 6 for, 0 against and 1 abstention.

A Joint Resolution
Regarding Short Plat S11335-1
Request to subdivide two lots into one at 5800 Beverly Drive, specifically Lots 1 & 2 Block 9 Mountain Park Estates Subdivision.

January 20, 2005

The Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils would like for the Planning & Zoning Commission to postpone action on replatting said lots until the developer can make a presentation at the February 17 Mid-Hillside and Hillside East meeting.

There appears to be ongoing concern by neighbors and these councils regarding seasonal drainage to the neighborhood pond and the effect proposed development might have on water levels in the pond.

This resolution was approved at the combined general meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on January 20, 2005. The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News.
This resolution passed with 11 in favor and 1 opposed.

Mid-Hillside Board
John Jenkins
Brian Johnson
Mark Miner
Shirley McGrath
Tom O'Grady
Linda Perkins
Lance Powell
Kim Ross
John Weddleton
Hillside East Board
Tom Newins
Bjarne Holm

A Resolution of the Boards Regarding participation in preparing
the Hillside District Plan

May 28, 2004

Whereas the Mid Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils are on record supporting the development of the Hillside District Land Use Plan (HDP); and

Whereas the Home and Landowners Organization, Inc.(HALO) at their May general meeting approved a motion to proceed with organizing a community council based effort to begin development of the HDP, subject to endorsement by the affected community councils of Basher, Bear Valley, Glen Alps, Hillside East, Huffman/O'Malley, Mid-Hillside, Rabbit Creek, and potentially Abbott Loop; and

NOW Therefore, the Mid Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils agree to join with HALO and other community councils to work with the Municipality of Anchorage to complete the HDP including::

1. Reviewing for approval, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) from HALO and the Municipality.

2. Providing our commitment to work with HALO as the coordinating organization for this project and starting work as soon as possible.

3. Urging the Municipality of Anchorage to develop and approve a MOU as their agreement to insure the process will result in an adopted plan.

4. Urging other councils to support an immediate start to the project design, issuing a RFP for proposals from project coordinators, and securing necessary funds.

5. Providing a representative with alternate of the council to work with HALO and other councils to design and implement a planning process.

6. Assisting in seeking funding, in-kind donations, and promotion of the planning effort within our council to ensure active participation from a wide cross section of our council's residents.

This resolution was approved by a quorum of the Hillside East Community Council at the May 20 regular meeting. Mid Hillside CC did not have a quorum so a poll was taken of board members vie email; six responded in support, one abstained. The meeting and topic was advertised through a newsletter, Anchorage Daily News and the CCs' website.

A Joint Resolution of the
Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils
April 15, 2004

Resolved that: Whereas the citizens of the Municipality/State have found their ability to participate in and influence the planning functions of the Municipality and the State to be inadequate, we request that the Mayor/Governor adopt the following policy and require that MOA/State planning organizations adhere to it:

New Executive Order for Context Sensitive Solutions

• This new Executive Order directs MOA /SOA employees to implement Context Sensitive Solutions tools on all department projects.

Context Sensitive Solutions

Context Sensitive Solutions is a model for transportation project development that has recently received much discussion and broad acceptance. Its essence is that a proposed transportation project must be planned not only for its physical aspects as a facility serving specific transportation objectives, but also for its effects on the aesthetic, social, economic and environmental values, needs, constraints and opportunities in a larger community setting. MOA/SOA endorses the Context Sensitive Solutions approach for all projects, large and small, from early planning through construction and eventual operation.

This means that MOA/SOA employees working on projects and facilities should:

• Engage from the project's inception with representatives of affected communities, including elected and appointed officials and a widely representative array of interested citizens.

• Assure that transportation objectives of projects are clearly described and discussed with local communities in a process that encourages reciprocal communication about local views and needs in the overall project setting.

• Pay attention to and address community and citizen concerns.

• Ensure the project is a safe facility for both the user and the community.

• Context Sensitive Solutions is a process that places a high value on seeking and, if possible, achieving consensus. MOA's belief is that consensus is highly advantageous to all parties and may help avoid delay and other costly obstacles to project implementation.

This resolution was approved at the combined general meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on April 15, 2004.MHCC passed the motion, as presented, with 3 in favor and 1 opposed, while Hillside East passed it with 2 in favor and 1 opposed.
The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News.

A Joint Resolution of the
Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils Regarding the Preliminary Plat for Fischer Subdivision Block 1, Lots 1 & 2 Case No. S11250-1
Case # S11250-1
March 19, 2004

The Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils do not object to the replat pending Platting Board approval.

Note that the driveways accessing onto Our Road could create a hazardous condition due to the steep hill.

This resolution was approved at the combined general meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on March 18, 2004. The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News. This resolution passed with 6 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention.

A Joint Resolution of the
Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils
Regarding the Site Plan Review for the Alaska Zoo for Parking Area Changes
Case No. 2004-034
February 19, 2004

The Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils support the reconfiguration of the parking and entrance at the Alaska Zoo.

This resolution was approved at the combined general meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on February 19, 2004. The meeting was advertised through the newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News. This resolution passed unanimously with 11 in attendance.

A Joint Resolution of the
Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils
Regarding
DeArmoun Road Phase 2: E 140th Ave to Hillside
ADOT Project STP-0001(257) 55663
November 20, 2003

1 WHEREAS the Mid-Hillside Community Council is characterized by its rural features: home sites are typically over an acre, road maintenance is managed by neighborhoods, water and septic facilities are on-site, there is minimal commercial development and the area is designated Rural in the Comprehensive Plan;

2 WHEREAS residents of the area choose to live here largely for its rural characteristics, particularly large lots with trees, quiet and isolation;

3 WHEREAS the accident rate per mile driven may be higher than expected, given the low traffic, there are actually few accidents related to the current road design;

4 WHEREAS the road project as proposed will dramatically change the characteristics of the neighborhood by creating a feature that dominates the landscape as well as increasing traffic, increasing speed, decreasing trees and decreasing lot sizes;

5 WHEREAS a DOT goal of creating "route continuity" has lead to designs that exceed requirements. The Design Study Report states "the primary objective of a 3R project is to restore the structural integrity of the existing roadway... uses elements of the existing roadway and makes cost effective improvements ..";

6 WHEREAS the design for "route continuity" works against "traffic calming" that could meet neighborhood needs;

7 WHEREAS the Categorical Exclusion for the Phase II project was granted under the National Environmental Protection Act based on conditions of alignment, speed and noise impact which are not reflected in the current, CHANGED design;

8 WHEREAS we are living in a time of fiscal shortages, increased demands and continuing needs at the local, state and federal levels;

9 WHEREAS winter conditions affect DeArmoun Road from E.140th Avenue to Hillside Drive for 5 to 6 months annually, and no traffic studies were conducted in inclement weather, and further that no studies were conducted on the volume of pedestrian, bicycle or equestrian traffic along DeArmoun Road at any time of the year;

10 WHEREAS the classification of DeArmoun Road as an "urban collector in rolling, mountainous terrain" requires a design speed of only 30-40 mph;

11 WHEREAS future safety on DeArmoun Road will be an effect of winter maintenance provided as well as the level of vehicular speed;

12 WHEREAS, the area is rural by choice, and that sidewalks, gutters, sewers, and streetlights are rejected in favor of trees, natural fauna, large lots separated from neighbors and streets;

13 WHEREAS, the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils are opposed to the taking of private property through the use of eminent domain except where absolutely required and where no other feasible alternative exists;

14 WHEREAS, the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils are concerned with the observed results of construction, right-of-way acquisition, and destruction of natural and rural features in DeArmoun Road Phase I;

1 WE REQUEST that the Alaska Department of Transportation reconsider the design for the project.

2 WE REQUEST that an environmental reevaluation be conducted.

3 WE REQUEST that the DOT reject the notion of "route continuity" for the DeArmoun Phase 2 project and instead design for neighborhood consistency. This area is not continuous with Phase 1. The road design should change driver expectations to match the character of the neighborhood, rather than change the neighborhood to meet "route continuity."

4 WE REQUEST that DOT incorporate the following into the project design:

1. The installation of a warning beacon at the corner of Hillside and DeArmoun Roads.
2. A road designed and posted to encourage speeds of less than 50 mph, with features that will change driver expectations to a slower speed and a design that meets safety requirements through traffic calming rather than road widening.
3. A pathway surface made with RAP and with a width including shoulders not to exceed 8 feet.
4. A total paved road surface width including shoulders not to exceed 34 feet.
5. Fore slope ratios of 5:1 be changed to 3:1 to reduce overall width.
6. Design recommendations, particularly with regard to speed, be sought from the Traffic Division of the Anchorage Police Department.
7. A road design that will allow the project to fit within the current ROW to the maximum extent possible.
8. A design that provides for noise mitigation for homes impacted by the increased traffic and speed.

5 WE REQUEST that the trail be considered a necessary part of the project. (This Request was passed by a majority of the Hillside East CC members in attendance, but failed to pass with a tied vote among the Mid Hillside CC members present.)

6 WE REQUEST that in the course of reevaluating the project, the DOT reinvigorate its Citizens Advisory Committee to allow ongoing input from the community.

7 We request that if natural vegetation, trees, and other natural sound and visual buffers are removed in the process of building the designed road, they be replaced and a physical separation such as a swale, fence or retaining wall be built to segregate pedestrian and trail traffic at the option of the affected land owners.

Mid-Hillside Board
Amy Johnson
Brian Johnson
Shirley McGrath
Tom O'Grady
Linda Perkins
James Perkins
John Weddleton

Hillside East Board
Tom Newins
Bjarne Holme

To download a .pdf of this resolution, right click here.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils
regarding Planning and Zoning Case 20003-143
An ordinance amending Title 21 for an assisted living facility

September 18, 2003

The Mid-Hillside and Hillside East areas are generally limited service areas. Assisted Living Facilities established here will be challenged by conditions that should be overtly presented in this ordinance.

We recommend the following changes to the proposed ordinance to make it more appropriate for a compatible relationship between existing neighborhoods and the commercial enterprise presented by Assisted Living Facilities.

Regarding Section 1. 21.15.013 "Administrative variance from occupancy limits or separation distances for residential care part D. Standards In deciding to approve or deny an application, the Planning Department shall make reasonable accommodations, considering any relevant factors, including but not limited to the following":

Add the following factors:

• Availability of mass transit
• Adequate access by emergency vehicles
• Fire safety in the case of wildfire.
• Local control over road conditions in areas served by Local Road Service Areas and Independent Road Service Area.
• Requirements of a homeowners' association.
• Adequacy of on-site septic and water.

Regarding "Section 1. 21.15.013 E. Conditions. In approving a variance, the Planning Department may impose reasonable conditions designed to mitigate impacts created by the variance."

Add the following conditions:

• Require on-site water and wastewater systems meet public use standards
• Require the home meet AFD recommendations for defensible space in the case of wildfire
• Limit supply delivery times to 9am-5pm weekdays.
• If dumpster needed, must shield and provide for prevention of pilfering by bears.
• Honor homeowner association bylaws

Regarding the maximum number of clients

Section 29 21.45.300 A. "Intent" states that these should be minor commercial activities." An operation with 6 clients is greater than a "minor" activity as indicated by the state requirement for licensing at that level.

We recommend that the "permitted" use level be decreased to a maximum of 3 clients to more adequately meet the intent.

Other references referring to "6 clients" should be changed to "3 clients." i.e.

Revise Section 8. 21.40.070 part B recommendations for "permitted" uses parts 5, 8 and 11 to "3 clients"

Revise Section 9. 21.40.080 recommendations for "permitted" uses parts 5, 8 and 9 to "3 clients."

Regarding Section 29 21.45.300 C3. If supported by on-site well and wastewater disposal systems ..." A health authority permit should be more than a one time event."

Revise this section to include: The extra load of a commercial operation requires on-site systems meet public use standards and that they be tested more than once.

Regarding Section 30 21.45.310 B Traffic Access

We strongly support the restriction of section B. "Traffic Access. The site shall provide for direct access from a street constructed to urban standards."

Reference should also be made to regime for maintaining the road as well as the construction. The size and reliability of a Local Road Service Area and Independent Road Service Areas are important features of a neighborhood.

The regular combined meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on September 18, 2003 was advertised through the monthly newsletter, in the Anchorage Daily News and through flyers distributed in some neighborhoods.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils Regarding a Southern Extension to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

February 20, 2003

The Mid-Hillside Community Council and the Hillside East Community Council advocate and support construction of the south Extension of the Coastal Trail in a location that is along the coast and is as similar in character to the existing trail as possible.

Of the routes currently being considered, the Original Orange or the Orange Modified routes come closest to the character of the existing trail.

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement shows that the Orange Modified route has no significant impact on wildlife habitat in the Coastal Wildlife Refuge; and this route avoids crossing the refuge, as well as all hunting areas, the moto-cross area, and the Rifle Range.

The Orange Modified Route comes closer to homes than the Original Orange Route; therefore, the impacts to private property should be further evaluated and reduced where possible, through a fair balance between impacts to homeowners, habitat, and other users of the land, while retaining the coastal location and character of the new trail.

This resolution was approved at the combined meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on February 20, 2003. The meeting was advertised through the monthly newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News. This resolution modifies and replaces the Resolution on the Southern Extension of the Coastal Trail of October 17, 2002.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils Regarding a Southern Extension to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
October 17, 2002

The Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils advocate and support 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 modified" route most closely meets the desires of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils and the intent of this resolution.

The regular combined meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on October 17, 2002 was advertised through the monthly newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils Regarding Funding for the Federation of Comunity Councils
October 17, 2002

Whereas Community Councils are mandated by the Municipal Charter and

Whereas Community Councils require the service of a coordinating body to be effective and

Whereas the Federation of Community Councils (FCC) has proven to be a cost effective facilitator of Community Council functions,

The Mid Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils hereby request the Mayor to fund the Federation of Community Councils at the level requested by the FCC.

The FCC is necessary to meet the mandate of the Municipal Charter to support the Community Councils.

The regular combined meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on October 17, 2002 was advertised through the monthly newsletter, the Councils' website and in the Anchorage Daily News.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils in support of the installation of a gate on Huffman Road near Audobon Drive to help prevent vandalism.
September 19, 2002

By unanimous consent:

The Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils declare the general vicinity around the intersection of Huffman Road and Audubon Drive, including the right of way to the west of the intersection, to be a public nuisance area. This is a public health and safety issue.

The area is the site of documented rampant and illegal commercial and household waste; vandalism; trespassing; underage alcohol and drug consumption and offroad driving.

The Community Councils request that the Municipality work, in due haste, with area residents to permanently gate the right of way prior to snow fall. The solution would extend to the utility right of way via cement construction barriers so that the gate's integrity would be protected.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils Regarding Dwelling Density Associated with Sewer Service
September 19, 2002

By unanimous consent, the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils support Ordinance 2002-97 An Ordinance Removing the Map Legend Reference to Dwelling Density Associated with Sewer Service Within the Hillside Wastewater Management Plan

The perceived requirement that a density of 3 homes per acre are required to connect to the AWWU system prevents the connection of areas where it may be desireable. Removing the "3DUA" requirement increases options for appropriate development.

The regular combined meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on September 19, 2002 was advertised through the monthly newsletter, in the Anchorage Daily News and through flyers distributed in some neighborhoods.

Resolution of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils Regarding Proposed Council Boundary Changes
September 19, 2002

By unanimous consent, the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils make the following recommendations regarding the proposed Council boundary changes.

1) The area bounded by Ruth Arcand Park, Abbott, Birch Rd and O'Malley
The Council requests that the area north of 104th Avenue and bounded by Birch, Abbott and Ruth Arcand Park be part of the Mid-Hillside Community Council. Residences on and to the south of 104th should be in the Huffman/O'Malley Community Council.

2) Far North Bicentennial Park

The MOA recommends the Community Council boundaries not extend into regional parks, but that the municipal code should be changed to require that adjacent Community Council's be consulted when an issue arises in the park.

Notification of events throughout the park is the key goal of having boundaries extend into the Park. If that goal is met by other means, the Council supports the MOA's recommendation.

3) Hillside East expansion to the south

The inclusion of the area north of Rabbit Creek that is not now represented by a Community Council into the Hillside East boundaries is reasonable and it is supported by the Council.

While there are good reasons for including the Glen Alps Community Council area into the Hillside East Community Council, we feel that it is inappropriate for our councils to make that recommendation as that should come from residents in the Glen Alps area.

The regular combined meeting of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils on September 19, 2002 was advertised through the monthly newsletter, in the Anchorage Daily News and through flyers distributed in some neighborhoods. Thirty flyers were distributed by hand to newspaper boxes and homes in the Glen Alps Community Council area.

Opinion of the Mid-Hillside Community Council in Support of Ski Lights on the Ski Loop to the North of Service High School
April 18, 2002

The Mid-Hillside Community Council supports the lighting of the ski trail loop north of Service High school.

At the general meeting on April 18, 2002, advertised through the monthly newsletter and in the Anchorage Daily News, a vote was taken on the question:

Does the Mid-Hillside Community Council support the Nordic Ski Club's request to install lights with volunteer labor and donated equipment on the ski trail loop to the North of Service High?

Eleven council members were present at the meeting. The vote was six for and three opposed.

A majority of members present supported the proposed resolution, while the Board did not. While this means technically by our Bylaws, that the resolution did not pass and therefore will not result in an MHCC / HECC resolution, the Board felt it important that the members' wishes be passed along.

Joint Resolution in Support of the Hillside District Plan

Rabbit Creek Community Council, Huffman/O'Malley Community Council, HALO Inc, Mid-Hillside Community Council, Hillside East Community Council, Bear Valley Community Council,

The Anchorage 2020 Comprehensive Plan was adopted in early 2001. The Plan specifies that additional detailed plans and standards will be developed for effective implementation. Maximum public input is at the core of the Plan and all subsequent detailed plans.

The Plan's prescription for detailed planning range from topics such as commercial landscaping standards, to more complex neighborhood and town center plans. The Hillside District Plan (HDP) affects a quadrant of the city that includes areas of undeveloped land with environmental challenges in a traditionally rural setting.

While some of the component planning is underway, the Municipality of Anchorage has not committed funds for neighborhood plans and the complex HDP in particular. The lack of a HDP results in piecemeal development which creates inefficient land use patterns and overloaded infrastructure in Southeast Anchorage. Neighborhoods are degraded and the city's taxpayers face unnecessary expense to deal with cumulative impacts of piecemeal development.

Planning decisions that the Plan is meant to addresses include traffic impacts, placement of infrastructure, residential density, and protection of neighborhood character. However, without a HDP, key decisions on density are left to agency or political inclination. The recent Terraces subdivision issue, with substantial higher density abutting a traditional R-6 neighborhood, is a prime example of the need for comprehensive community planning.

The Municipality should follow the promise of the Anchorage 2020 Comprehensive Plan, which specifies a Hillside District Plan to determine land use densities and urban/rural service levels in Southeast Anchorage. Until this plan is completed, the city should not permit high-density development or commercial development in a piecemeal fashion across the Hillside.

Be it resolved by the organizations above, that the following measures are critical to avoid inefficient and incompatible development in Southeast Anchorage:

Fund the Hillside District Plan. Assembly representatives and MOA departments are urged to be strategic and persistent in pursuing funding for a Hillside District Plan in the 2003 budget. Funding should include adequate MOA staff to oversee the process.

Eliminate sewer/density mandate. Comprehensive planning must accompany decisions on residential density. Connecting to the MOA sewer system shall not establish a minimum density. Remove the current required minimum 3 dwelling units per acre density for sewer service.

Moratorium on Non-residential Development. Until adoption of a Hillside District Plan, place a moratorium on new non-residential developments, and on rezoning for commercial uses, industrial uses, or multi-family housing south of Abbott Road and east of the New Seward Highway.

Moratorium on R-6 Rezones. Decisions that include density, infrastructure, transportation, level of services and environmental issues should be determined through the adoption of the Hillside District Plan. Place a moratorium on down-sizing R-6 lots.

Traffic Impact Analysis and Accountability. For non-residential development, and for residential developments with more than four lots that are less than 1.25 acres each, a traffic impact analysis should be done. The analysis should take into account potential traffic from other nearby undeveloped properties. The developer should fund upgrades in adjoining areas if warranted by the increased traffic.

Mitigation of Neighborhood Traffic Impacts. New developments should direct their vehicular traffic to main collectors and arterials to lessen the impact on adjoining neighborhoods. The developer should design and fund deterrents to 'cut-through' traffic on non-collector roads that connect to the new development. Pedestrian connectivity in new developments should be provided with dedicated public easements.

Transition Zones. Developments with lots that will be 20% smaller than adjoining areas should have an adequate periphery transition zone . A transition zone may consist of a double band of lots equal to those adjoining the new development; alternatively, the transition zone may consist of undisturbed natural space, protected by dedicated easement and consisting of a depth equal to one band of lots the same size as those adjoining the development.

Protection of Natural Buffers. If natural open space buffers are platted in new developments, guarantee their natural condition with dedicated easements and with bonds posted at the time of construction of adjoining infrastructure and buildings. Bonds should cover restoration if buffers are degraded by construction.

Usable Public Open Space. Large developments should provide usable public open space within their boundaries due to insufficient or poorly distributed open space in Southeast Anchorage. Usable space is defined as having gentle grades, located for safe pedestrian access with adequate width to length ratio (no narrow remnants), and not subject to pre-emptive uses such as parking or snow storage.

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Rabbit Creek Community Council, Pres. Adopted (date)
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Huffman/O'Malley Community Council, Pres. Adopted (date)
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Hillside East Community Council, Pres. Adopted (date)
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Mid-Hillside Community Council, Pres. Adopted (date)
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Bear Valley Community Council, Pres. Adopted (date)
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HALO, Inc., Pres Adopted (date)