Mid-Hillside
and Hillside East
Community
Councils
Anchorage, Alaska
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History
Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.
And repeat it we do! You should read this section from the bottom up. It is chronological and shows the unfolding of various issues through the years and the frequent reoccurrence of some issues
This "history"
of the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils is actually
a 
presentation
of the highlights of meeting minutes. Notes from the two community councils
are blended by year. The letters "MH" mean it is from Mid-Hillside
files and "HE" means Hillside East. The meetings were frequently
combined over the years. For more recent history, see the pages with
Minutes and Newsletters.
Not all of the minutes are available so there are gaps. Some of the minutes were kept in detail, others were very brief. Not everything is included, the determination of what was included was made by John Weddleton and that varied based on how late at night it was when I worked on this.
Submitted by Antje
Carlson
Member of Friends of
Cheering, laughing, running, playing, jumping, sitting,
watching, talking, enjoying…. These are just some of the family activities
in
This sense of community is what Bob and Arlene Cross
had in mind when they donated the 10 acres of land that is now
In
1955 some community members approached the Cross-family and asked
them to donate some land that could be turned into a family park.
Bob and Arlene liked the idea and saw it as one way of passing
on their good fortune to future residents. Immediately, a non-profit
organization was founded which later became known as Hilltop Youth
Recreation Inc. In 1959 the Civil Defense donated three Quonsets and
the lower
In
the late 1960s, with the construction of roads, schools and ski areas
in the vicinity of
The
many participating volunteer workers intended to keep the original
purpose of the park alive. Through the efforts and expressed concerns
of local community members, the land deed was transferred to the Municipality
of Anchorage (MOA) for insurance coverage. In May 1996 the then newly established group
Friends of Birch Park (FBP) organized a barbeque in 
basket ball court and ball field and the restoration of the horse
arena. The Arbor Foundation gave $1500 for the planting of trees and
shrubs. FBP have always planned to install playground equipment for
the cutest members of the community: little children ages 2 and up.
The MOA approved funding and the project was completed in fall 2003.
The playground equipment includes a swing and tire set, a spring-based
rocking horse, and a playhouse with short slides and wheels, and all
kinds of other gadgets that delight a toddler’s heart.
FBP could not have done the park restoration work alone.
Our appreciation and gratitude goes to the many local businesses and
companies that donated time, machine power, and materials for the
park’s improvement:
Upcoming events for the park include an official dedication
ceremony and celebration party. And that time FBP ask you to leave
shovels, gloves and wheel barrels at home!
For more information about the Birch Park activities
contact Trisha Herminghaus or Joe Kurtak
with Friends of Birch Park at #907-345-5512. 
1996
MH Board Members: Chris Birch, Tom O'Grady, Bill Missal, Kelly Price, Loren Dale, Ann Ballow, Janet Gregory, Casey Kellman, Jelle Reyers
HE Board Members: Allan Johnson, Richard Day, Joan Dewey, Jennifer Williams, James Cozork, Ann Ballow, John O'Brien, Linda Orel, Inge Lentfer.
MH October 1996
.. status of the Service High School Track and Tennis Court improvements
.. it was recommended that the Mid-Hillside Community Council contribute $100 toward the repair of the new Hillside lighted ski loop lights that were vandalized this past summer..
O'Malley-Birch Road intersection safety improvements .. A state highway Department traffic safety study survey showed there is a need for the design of this project.. Funding for building, installation and advertising of traffic signals (less than $250,000) is controlled by the Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS)
A report by Judy Moerlein on the Hillside Police Issue:
Elections in 1970 and 1971 were held to approve the Home Rule Charter, but both charters were defeated because service areas had begun in many areas. The rewritten Charter in 1975 passed because it guaranteed that municipal services could not be forced on a neighborhood without a favorable vote of the majority of the voters in the areas previously unserved. This enabled the continuance to the present of approximately 40 service areas from Girdwood to Peters Creek. Ten areas of Anchorage, in which density is high and businesses contained, have been afforded a vote to join the Anchorage Police Department. Hillside homeowners indicated a willingness to pay and requested formation of a South Anchorage Police Service Area. Instead, a gerrymandered vote forced an absorption of 1/10 of the residents into the other 9/10 of Anchorage..
HE April 1996
.. Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility is in the predesign phase of bringing Eklutna water from the Tudor Road/Campbell Airstrip reservoir to the Service High/Abbott Loop Area. The project is proposed to be a 48 inch waterline and is intended to redistribute water to the South Anchorage Area..
We reviewed election results. The police issue passed and unless the courts turn it down, the taxes can be levied beginning Jan 1, 1997. The Hillside is scheduled to receive three patrols consisting of 9 officer; the same service that we now receive from the State Troopers.
MH April 1996
..Resolution ... be it resolved that the Mid-Hillside and Hillside East Community Councils support immediate action by the Municipality of Anchorage and the State of Alaska to initiate needed safety upgrades and improvements to these intersections [Birch and O'Malley and Golden View and Rabbit Creek] and their approaches. This resolution was unanimously approved by those attending the April 19, 1996 Joint Monthly Meeting.
HE February 1996
..proposed sports complex. 85,000 residents participate in organized sports ... This year $4.4 million of Parks and Rec Bond is to purchase the Klatt Homestead at O'Malley and C street.. picnic pavilion, bike trails and playing fields .. a softball complex with dug-outs.. Next year there will be a bond to build the complex.... Hillside residents pay the same Parks and Rec mil rate as other residents but have fewer facilities. East of Seward Hwy and South of Dimond there are 6 playing fields (4 at Abbott O'Rabbit & 2 in Girdwood), 2 soccer fields and 4 tennis courts.
MH February 1996
... Mayor Mystrom or a designated representative and Assemblymember Bob Bell have been invited to ... address issues surrounding the $40 million Anchorage Sports Complex. Questions regarding projected operating costs, community council support/involvement, justification for purchasing private land, debt retirement costs (paid by Parks and Recreation Service area only, not area wide), alternative facility improvements at schools, scaled down options, the depth of the peat bog at the proposed site, management options, access and related issues may be addresses.
HE/MH January 1996
... Over 60 people turned out to learn the background of the city charter and unification and discuss the police issue... Following a lively discussion complete with press coverage ... it was moved by Doug Hastings to oppose the Mayor's Ordinance 95-231 because it violates the municipal charter and degrades and dilutes the Municipality. A separate vote for each Community Council and the motion passed. Harry Donohue moved that we support a resolution placing full police service on the ballot. That motion was passed by both community councils.
MH January 1996
... Despite repeated invitations, the Mayor has consistently refused to come meet with this or any other southeast Anchorage organization affected by his tax proposals. He has instead invited all community council presidents to come to his office in groups of 5 to 8 so he may more fully explain his position on this and other ballot issues....
1995
December 1995 Letter from HECC President Allan Johnston to all Community Council Presidents :
-
... Mayor Mystrom
held a press conference announcing his "Differential Tax Zone for
the Hillside." ... I can assure you that the Hillside East Community
Council was not consulted ...Our council has unanimously supported
a resolution in favor of Senate Bill 80 to tax ourselves for State
Trooper protection. This is in addition to the Limited Road Service
assessments (up to 2 mils) that most of us are paying. Hillsiders
are currently paying the highest per capita tax of all Anchorage residents
even though we are not directly receiving the benefits of municipal
sewer, water, snowplowing, public transportation and a variety of
other municipal services....
MH November 1995
... Over 450 parents signed a petition during the 11-6-96 Parent Conferences to install a traffic signal at Birch and O'Malley intersection.
... A $100 donation toward repairs of the vandalism of new lighted ski loop was approved.
HE October 1995
The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to allow Commercial antennas in residential areas, New antennas are needed for the new TVs as well as the existing antennas for older TV equipment.
HE April 1995
.. The Hillside East Community Council has been reactivated... elected unanimously were Allan Johnson, Richard Day, Ann Ballow, Inga Lentfer, Toni Marie Smith, John O'Brian, Cristy Ingram, Jennifer Johnston and Joan McCament.
1993
MH April 1993
... A conference call was initiated with Juneau; Con Bunde and Steve Reiger spoke to us.... Police Protection Bill would allow a local service area to contract to a given level of service. DepPubSafetly would set price and service area would vote up or down... Current Senate Budget directs DeptPubSafety to work out "enhanced protection" up to $1,400,000. ... The Commissioner is against all of this..
MH March 1993
.... Kellman reported on the Southeast Anchorage Police Task Force ... It was noted that for our council area, the funds collected are estimated at about 2.5 times the cost of providing the service. The difference is allocated towards "fixed costs."
MH January 12 1993
Board Members:
Jerry Harman, Jim Munter, Casey Kellman, Tom O'Grady, Bill Missal,
Elaine Stamm, Gayle Christensen
The letter
from the Municipality on the reduction in the proposed on-site septic
fee to $40 was discussed. It was unanimous that this is still
the case of the 99% with good systems paying for the administration
of the 1% bad. The Board unanimously voted to send another letter
of protest over the fee and the method of imposition to the municipality
reiterating the resolution passed at the general meeting in November.
Pat Abney
reported on two issues related to Anchorage Police:
* Ordinances by Begich to have three separate votes: Basher Rd, Lower
Hillside, and Upper Hillside.
* Task force of Barnett, Begich, and Traini on a 4% sales tax.
Current 1 mil popery tax is about $9million; 1% sales tax about
$10million. 1% of ST would go to reduce PT by 1mil. ST revenues might
be allocated at 1% education, 1% police, 1% to reduce inventory tax.
No tax on food, medicine or professional services.
1992
MH November 1992
... Zoning
Changes, new roads through old neighborhoods, new taxes and fees.
The city charter mandates that the community councils be consulted
about changes that will affect their areas, but the council can only
reflect the views of the people who show up to vote. One of these
days an entrepreneur will bring six or eight employees from the area
to a meeting and you and the other 1500 families in the Mid-Hillside
Community Council Area will be on record as supporting a package liquor
store at Birch and O'Malley, or running Birch straight through to
DeArmoun, or opening a Detox Center on Abbott across from Hillside
Park.
If any of
these things are important to you, come to the meetings, get on the
board of directors, get involved. ... You really have
two options: come out and get involved or let someone else make your
choices for you.
MH February 1992
A Resolution of support to signalize at Carrs Supermarket on Huffman (#1 priority per our survey) and to urge our legislators to take whatever action necessary to see that this project is accomplished carried.
The Hilltop Youth Request that Mid-Hillside support their request for funding support from the Anchorage Assembly was carried.
MH January 1992
... Presentation on plans of Hilltop Youth Inc to upgrade and improve Birch Park property... Rev. Greg Hicks of Chapel of the Cross regarding variance request for signage located on church property adjacent to Hillside Drive.
... MOA Parks & Recreation - Proposed additions to lighted loop at Hillside Park Ski trails.
1991
MH November 1991
Board Members
Mary Ann Bullock, Gayle Christensen, Casey Kellman, Jim Munter, Bill
O'Brien, Tom O'Grady, Paul Wellman, Jeff Lipscomb, Judy Moerlein
Resolution
for Branch Libraries: A resolution to keep Dimond & Muldoon
branch libraries open was passed with 12 yes votes and 1 opposed vote.
APD Task
Force Update: Casey Kellman is representing our community on this
matter. Each Community Council in the impacted area (Southeast Anchorage)
has one voting member on this task force... The Task Force Purpose
is: To explore alternatives for law enforcement protection and work
toward solutions which can be supported by the residents and which
may be recommended to elected officials and voters in Southeast Anchorage...
Mid Hillside
Community Council has attempted to conduct a survey on an annual basis
of transportation and development issues that affect our community
council area and the Municipality.
In 1991, 1171
questionnaires were distributed and 207 were received. Here are the
results:
No
Mid Hillside CC Survey 1991
Section
Activity
Estimated
Cost ($1000) Favor
Opinion Oppose
Are You
Wiling to
Help Pay?
De Armoun
Ridgeview Drive to Hillside Dr.
Resurface
$200
33
108
56
13
Buffalo St. to Ridgeview Dr.
Reconstruct
$3,000
24
109
60
5
Westwind Dr. to Buffalo St.
Reconstruct
$3,000
21
113
60
4
Huffman
Birch Rd to Hillside Dr.
New 2 lane
$8,000
67
41
90
24
Bragaw St to Birch Rd
Reconstruct
$2,250
66
49
77
24
Signalize at Carrs Supermarket
Signals
$550
108
30
64
35
Old Seward Hwy to New Seward Hwy
4/5 lane
$2,500
53
45
89
13
Abbott Rd
Abbott Rd at Birch Rd
Turn Lanes/Signals
$400
68
45
87
20
O'Malley
O'Malley Rd at Birch Rd
Turn Lanes/Signals
$400
87
24
86
36
New Seward Hwy to Lake Otis Pkwy
4/5 lane
$6,000
66
39
88
21
Lake Otis Pkwy to Bragaw St.
4/5 lane
Unknown
48
44
100
15
Birch Rd
Birch Rd to Beverly Intersection
Reconstruct
Unknown
35
71
79
17
Huffman Rd to O'Malley
Reconstruct
Unknown
81
32
79
24
Abbott Rd to O'Malley Rd
Reconstruct
$2,500
48
36
102
20
Bragaw
Huffman Rd to DeArmoun Rd
new 2 lane
Unknown
52
59
77
8
Abbott Rd to O'Malley Rd
new 2 lane
Unknown
66
45
83
17
Tudor Rd to Abbott Rd
New/Upgrade
Unknown
78
38
75
23
Dimond Blvd
New Seward Hwy to 88th Ave
4/5 lane
$10,000
70
49
72
16
Development Issues
Should Hillside Ski Area be expanded?
78
36
82
Should a Community Recreation Area/Sports
Complex be built near Service high?
74
35
84
Should the MHCC support the proposed
Sports/Recreation Area at the curve on the Minnesota Bypass?
56
49
82
Should the Native Heritage Park be
allowed within the Campbell Creek Park?
43
41
113
Are you willing to help pay for the
maintenance of Anchorage's streets and roads?
93
20
62
MH October 1991
.. Section 36 Park Proposal .. The controversy over land in Bear Valley that is slated for housing development. Residents want it to be dedicated as park land. ...
Boniface tie in to Birch The big project that will affect our council area is to extend the newly upgraded four lane Boniface Parkway through Bicentennial Park by the approved Native Cultural Center, and tie it into Birch Road at Abbott Road. This would allow traffic from the Hillside Area and south Anchorage a direct route to the Glenn Highway and also facilitate north-south-east-west traffic throughout the city.
MH March 1991
... Guest Speaker from Alaska Department of Fish & Game" Slide show presentation on living and getting along with our neighbors the bears. Will dispel myths about bears, alleviate irrational fears, and offer some tips on how to avoid problems.
1990
MH October 1990
... Anchorage Times article 10/18/1990 ... A dispute over a road extension where residents discovered they had no vote prompted a mini-revolution at the Mid-Hillside Community Council's annual meeting.
Now residents can vote on community issues once a month instead of only once a year. .. The changes to the 1987 bylaws followed a study by a committee, whose report was voted on at the annual meeting last week.
Residents lost the first hand count. Because of confusion over proxy votes and tallying, they demanded a recount. They won the changes by the necessary two thirds votes.
"After the first vote when the changes didn't pass, the crowd became unglued, it was wild on both sides, " said Linda Rexwinkel...
MH September 1990
...Anchorage Time article 9/9/1990: COUNCILS ARGUE PROS AND CONS OF DEMOCRATIC FORUM .. Some of the residents of Anchorage's Hillside area are involved in a revolution of sorts. They want more democracy in their community council. But opponents say that would mean more chaos and reduce the council's clout. ... Most of Anchorage's 36 community councils operate "town-hall" style - that is, anyone who shows up at a meeting can vote.
But several Hillside area councils, including Mid-Hillside, restrict voting to a small group of residents who are elected once a year to a board of directors... People who support the closed system say it helps residents band together against outside interests, such as developers... " A developer can bring 5 people with him and get anything he wanted approved..
But Opponents say a board of directors defeats the whole idea of a community council.
Both sides trace the flap to a dispute last winter over a one-mile extension of Huffman Road that would connect Birch and Hillside Roads. Some residents were angered when the council endorsed the extension more than a year earlier without public comment..
MH August 1990
... Mary Ann Bullock moved and Tom O'Grady seconded that the MHCC declare itself neutral on the Huffman Rd issue, recognizing that there are strong factions in the community on both sides of the issue.
MH Board Tom O'Grady, Giles McDonald, Casey Kellman, Earnest Fisher, Betty Bruckman, Porter Kearton, Mary Ann Bullock, Jerry Harman, Scott Schliebe
MH in a letter to the area's assembly and state representatives:
Please be advised that the following resolution was passed by the Mid-Hillside Community Council on February 14, 1990: The Mid Hillside Community Council supports the development of Lake Otis, Huffman between Bragaw and Birch, and Bragaw between Huffman and DeArmoun as the priority projects ahead of the Huffman Extension from Birch to Hillside, the Municipality should use the funding to perform the necessary feasibility studies including alternatives to this routing...
The Mid-Hillside Community Council supports the proposed upgrade of the Dimond Boulevard from the New Seward Highway to Lake Otis ...
MH January 1990
Public Meeting RE: Huffman Rd - Birch Rd to Hillside Dr.
HE 1990
Issues to be discussed:
1. Commercial Antenna Ordinance - update
2. Hilltop Ski Area Expansion Plan
3. Limited Road Service Area - Paving the Hillside
4. Abbott/Hartzlee-Dimond ImprovementBoard Members: Toni Marie Smith, Cindy Hora, Mike Castro, Mary Frohne
1989
MH Executive Board 1988-1989: Tom O'Grady, Giles McDonald, Kathy Kevrekian, Earnest Fisher, Cheryl Breager, Betty Bruckman, Porter Kearton, Helen Noey, Steve Noey
MH March
1989
.. Topic: Package License for O'Malley on Green. Motion: Moved to oppose license. Discussion centered on the need for such a store when other package stores are nearby, concern over the recent number of DWI accidents on O'Malley Road, and the golf course's current license prohibiting sale of alcohol "off premises."..
Topic: Radio and Television Antennas Motion: Recommend to require Conditional Use Permits w/public hearings for all antennas located on Residential zoned areas. Discussion centered on the hazards these antennas pose to health and navigation and to the electric interference they cause.
1988
MH November 1988
... McDonald reported .. a municipal proposal to modify the overhead rate structure for LRSAs to allow overhead rates above the present ten percent limit.. McDonald is to write a letter to the municipality stating our position that the present overhead rate is excessive for the amount of service required and that the maximum rate should not exceed four percent.
.HE October ...Letter to Anchorage Planning and Zoning by Toni Marie Smith HECC President dated Oct 1, 1988
Anchorage ".... Baptist Temple's illegal broadcast tower. Anchorage Baptist Temple was requesting the HECC support an amendment change to Title 21 to allow for conditional use for radio, microwave and television commercial broadcast in R-8, R-9, and R-10, citing that, in fact, they had been broadcasting illegally from a location on the Hillside for over one year and that the only way they could bring the tower into compliance was to move it or change the law to conform to their use.....
... the vote is clear- not one single member or resident of HECC supports this proposed amendment. It is not a natural accessory use to OUR neighborhood. We do not want an antenna farm nor a single commercial broadcast tower.
No notification has gone out in written form to any residents of R-8, R-9 and R-10. As president of the Community council, I have had notice of this hearing for only 6 days. And, yet, comment is due Oct. and the public hearing is Oct 17th... this is inappropriate ...
MH February 1988
... Mr. Missal
from the neighboring homeowner's group of Audubon Hills ... This subdivision
has only one legal access on Downey Finch. The section line includes
an easement without maintenance. Because Huffman does not come
through, traffic flows only on Downey Finch for two subdivisions.
Audubon Hills is in favor of the extension of Huffman Road because
of drainage problems etc, on their access. The traffic would be better
divided if Huffman were extended. The Mid-Hillside Community Council
is in favor of signals on Huffman, an extension through to Upper Hillside,
and not four lanes on the lower section of Huffman. We wanted shoulders
and turn lanes rather than Huffman as the primary Hillside access....
Betty Bruckman moved and Kathy Madison Kevrekian seconded , ":Mid-Hillside
Community Council supports, the construction of Huffman Road from
Birch to Hillside as soon as possible." All voted in favor.
Bragaw to
DeArmoun in 5 to 10 years and Elmore to Rabbit Creek in 10 to 20 are
projected arteries for future Hillside access. Birch to Tudor is not
in this plan because of the park....
MH January 1988
... The on-site waste water ordinance meetings are ... January 20 .. in O'Malley School. Copies of the proposed changes to the ordinance are available, They are not requesting a technical review board for appeals. We are concerned about adequate appeal process. Technical expertise is important. A municipal license is required for the perk tests done by professional registered engineers, not all are truly qualified for this specific task.. Don Wilson had presented a pitch for a $25.00 per septic system household tax to pay for monitoring the systems.... The two year pumping regulation should be changed to reflect use by occupants rather than the size of the house...
The Safeway Store on the east side of Seward Highway that was to be developed by the Hickel Investment Company is on special review wetland.. A letter of opposition should be sent.
Assemblyman Jim Barnett ..believes that Senator Faiks has the funding for the Huffman extension to be started this summer.
1987
MH November 1987
Parks and Recreation Commissioners made a presentation.. A need for soccer fields was part of the presentation. problems with wetland designations at Ruth Arcand Park. The parks group is encouraging private participation for completion of Little League sites.
A high priority is for soccer fields which require little to maintain after the initial investment. Softball is the most popular adult sport.
MacDonald mentioned a water study area for Hillside so that wetlands could be purchased for "pocket parks" rather than paying to bring sewers to the Hillside.
The gap in the bike trails on O'Malley from Lake Otis to Birch should become a priority.
There will be studies of impacts of wetlands on on-site sewers and recommendations for implementations will be made.The Municipality is requesting minibuses for the Hillside... in the interest of safety, O'Malley and Commodore needs a light. Birch and O'Malley perhaps needs an overpass and/or light because of the grade and the bike trail traffic.
MH October 1987
... Utility Corridor Plans were disclosed ... A 42 inch line cuts though Campbell field to South Anchorage from Eklutna Water Project. In 2050 or 2025, a major water transmission line will extend to Potter area. ... deliver for Bradley power. Elmore Road area would have the largest line in Alaska, eventually 230,000 volts(?). South side of Huffman Rd will be Chugach Electric. They are trying to stay away from building anything near that would impact existing residences... The major transmission lines along Hillside Drive (Moerlein's yard) should eventually be underground because of the wind. ....
Hillside Drive/Rabbit Creek Road and O'Malley are to remain under state funding for maintenance like plowing since they were built with federal matching funds as state roads.... the transfer is being discussed between the Municipality and the state but has not changed at this time. ...
President McDonald reported on the 1986-87 waste water ordinance mandating every two year pumping... Small lots are "grandfathered" Other lots are 40,000 sq ft or an acre and a quarter for future development..
Speed bumps and dips are illegal. The homeowners will be liable an accident occurs. Spring Hill has a huge speed bump. The troopers will cite people. Crooked Tree has a dip...
Fire control, police protection, and the use of Hillside Park for concerts and commercial ventures other than skiing was discussed..
MH Areas of interest for the next meeting are Wetlands Study, the extension of Huffman Road and equestrian facility special restrictions.
1986
HE Annual Meeting Oct 2, 1986
"Overview of activities of the HECC this year:
- Proposed Safeway Mall at intersection of Huffman and Seward Highway - HECC was against ..
- Revision of Municipal Wastewater ordinance
- Hillside Transportation Study
- Municipal Design for Alteration of Dimond & 88th Ave
- Public Transportation Study
- Proposed Golf Course Hotel on O'Malley - HECC opposed
- Youth Curfew
- Use of Hilltop Ski Area for a variety of activities- Ballot Issue 8 Annexation of Anchorage Police Service Area (For consideration by Southeast Anchorage Voters Only)
This proposal would provide the services of the Anchorage Police Department to the southeast Anchorage Area ...Included in this area are the Hillside, Rabbit Creek, Glen Alps and Potter Valley Areas ,, The area is currently patrolled by the Alaska State Troopers.
Cost: Area residents would have an approximate mil rate increase of 2.04 on property taxes or $204 annually on each $100,000 of property valuation beginning January 1987.
Ballot Issue 12 Creation of the Southeast Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service Area
The creation of the Southeast Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service Area would provide road maintenance service to those areas not currently within a municipal road maintenance service area. A majority vote by those not already in a road service area will authorize the creation. If you belong to a LRSA, a majority vote from within your LRSA .. would be required to join the new service area.
Cost: A mill levy of approximately 1.1 mils or $110 annually on a $100,000 property valuation would be needed for 1987. However, a maximum permissible levy of 1.3 mills would be established....
HE May 19, 1986 BoD Meeting Minutes
Limited Road Service Areas: Tom Wolfe also reported on a meeting he attended with Mayor Knowles and the boards of all the Limited Road Service Areas. Mayor Knowles proposed combining all the Road Service Areas into one administered by the Municipality. The rationale being that the Municipality Foreman is an expert and therefore would be an efficient facilitator ... Tom asked HECC board members present what they thought of this proposal. All said "NO."
HE Jan 9, 1986
HECC Bylaws approved
1985
May 1985
Letter from John Havelock to HECC and MHCC
During the current session of the Alaska State Legislature, legislative intent language was inserted in the appropriations bill calling for a cessation of police services from Alaska State Troopers starting next fiscal year. The thrust of this language is obviously to force the citizens of the Hillside Area to vote themselves into the Greater Anchorage police service area, subject to taxation rates generally applicable to Anchorage and eligible for the level and style of service which the municipal government chooses.
April 1985
"Bringing schools on line .. is very difficult. The Hines and Cange properties are being considered for new junior and senior high sites. Hines has 108 acres ...."
HE March 1985
Tom Anthony
spoke ... about a request to remove Section 36 from the Heritage
Land Bank and to place it into Open Space or Parks designation ..
This section is in the present Rabbit Creek CC area and it is adjacent
to HECC.
Mary Casler
spoke about ... overcrowding of the public schools in the southeast
Anchorage area.
HE Jan 8 1985
HECC Board: Millie Wedel, Dan O'Tierney, Mary Frohme, Jane Brodie, Jan Hansen, Gayle Knutson, Pamela Linegar, Steve Reiger, Tom Wolfe
- Motion: HECC opposes any modifications or the existing waste water plan. The intent of the resolution is to express opposition to the use of expansion sewage systems as a device to achieving subsequent density increases.
1984
MH Nov. 16, 1984
Board members: Kathie Kevrekian, Paul Slooter, Millie Wendel, Elna Kewal, Greg Wakefield, John Watsjold, Wandal Winn, Lynn Kukendahl, Betty Bruchman
MH September 1984
... Julie reported that the horse trail between Abbott and O'Malley has proved to be inadequate and is to be redone. The Bike Trail has received good comments. The hydro-axing for the Birch Road Trails System from O'Malley to DeArmoun has begun and is to be completed before the close of this year's season.
The Equestrian Center in Section 16 is to be operational by June 1985. A multi-use trail is planned from the center to Hanshew Junior High School. Two outside areas will be completed by June 1985...
HE Oct 1984 BoD meeting
Should Huffman Road construction include an extension between Birch Road and Hillside Drive?
Yes: 13
No: 4
Should motorized trails be requested in this area?
Yes: 4
No: 14
MH Oct 1, 1984
Post office will discuss new address system -- how, when and why
Forsythe-O'Malley Park Jim MacInnes.. will be presenting the design work for O'Malley Park. Come view the plan. Changes can be made at this time! But we need your input!!!!
HE July 19, 1984
HECC, Inc Involuntarily dissolved for failure to file corporate reports and fees.
1982
MH December 9, 1982
TIRED OF DRIVING DOWNTOWN FOR A PICNIC? Here's a chance for a park in our area. For several years 15 acres of municipal land between Birch and Rockridge roads has been idly waiting for picnic tables and swing sets. This year Rep. Ray Metcalfe obtained $350,000 as a legislative appropriation ...
HE October 1982
WE NEED NEW DIRECTORS!! ... The council has been defunct for a couple of years...... The Municipality is preparing a proposal ... that will allow neighborhoods outside of the Anchorage Roads and Drainage Service area -- that's us -- to construct roads.... The current draft of the proposal calls for a 50/50 split -- 50% of the project cost paid for by the State, the other 50% through property taxes of the affected landowners.
MH June 1982
Presentation by Neighborhood Watch ...
Huffman Rd Discussion .. $20,000 has been placed in the latest state operating budget proposal for a fully-equipped, trooper 4-wheel drive vehicle to be used predominately in the hillside..
Section 16: Planning and Zoning has passed the Section 16 plan ... two changes from the original plan have been made: three baseball fields have been included at the corner of Lake Otis and O'Malley, and the school sites have been switched. The elementary school is now going near the corner of Abbott Rd. and Lake Otis, and the Jr. High will go further south on Lake Otis.
MH May 1982 .
1981
HE April 1981 HECC Newsletter:
Hillside Drive Paving Project in Jeopardy! Word has it that there isn't enough money to pay for paving the full length of Hillside Drive and Abbott Road (between O'Malley and Birch)/ Paving the Hillside Drive portion was approved by voters about a year and a half ago ...
The Freeway is STILL on the Map ... AMATS, .. continues to show a Foothills Parkway on its "long range" map. This Parkway notion could, in effect, extend "Muldoon Road" south, cutting a swath though our community. They tell us it is just a "line on a map." Folks in Inlet View can tell us about another "line" that never seems to go away. New Seward Highway is a "line" that got built...
Comprehensive Plan meeting ...
Ski Facility Planned at Hillside Park ... A $250,000 state appropriation has been granted for the construction of a ski tow and associated facilities at Hillside Park... The project has two phases. Under Phase I, a ski tow and two lighted runs will be constructed in the "BLM Campbell Tract" northeast of the existing rope tow.... A parking lot and access road will also be constructed at the base of the hill. Phase II, if funded, will extend the ski run further up the hill to just north of the end of Prospect Drive.
February 1981
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN REVIEW Help mold the future of your neighborhood while you still have the opportunity. The information at this meeting is important. A new land use plan that could lead to zoning changes in your area is now being formulated.
1980
MH October 25, 1980
Annual Meeting Officers chosen: Leslie Firth, Elna Kawal, Eileen Callaway, John Stenehjem, Joe Cange, Ida Dailey, Margaret Jessee, Kent Woodman and Jean Skille.
MH October 15, 1980
... Candidates Fair on October 25 was finalized. Eileen, Elna and Leslie will be greeters and hang banner. We will have young people wear sandwich boards advertising the event; we will pay them $5.00 each.
MH October 6, 1980
The coming annual meeting was discussed... Kent will write some advertising for radios and newspapers, as well as television spots. Elna will see about the Alaska Sign Company sign and Eileen will call about the First Federal Savings sign downtown.
Questions to be asked of the candidates were finalized. Topics were Police Protection, Bush getting larger sums of money, Local control of the airport, North-South Runway, Capitol Move, Trip to Europe by students, University Program Petrochemical Degrees, Statehood Commission, Personal Property Taxes, Limit State Spending, Satellite Communications, roads.
MH July 26, 1980
Special guest Joyce Munson, Alaska House of Representatives... discussed were money for the Greenbelt, the personal history of Rep. Munson, statewide issues, political power plays and how government could be more responsible to all of the people... The state trooper protection issue was brought up and Rep. Munson said that we will probably eventually end up having police from the city and paying for it with our taxes.
Kim Sundberg showed a map of Section 16, which he has been researching... the area has been used for recreation and horse trails and the people of the area generally want it to remain in open space status. Fear is the Municipality may want to subdivide it....
MH May 20, 1980
A meeting with Millett Keller of the Anchorage School Board ... "O'Malley school was projected to grow 5-10% in the next 6 years, but emphasized that slightly overcrowded schools tended to have the best spirit, the best discipline, the most variety of subjects and teachers.
The hot issues of overcrowding, empty schools, and busing kindergartners was brought up ... Mr. Keller said three of four schools could be closed now, as there are about 80 empty classrooms in Anchorage....
MH April 24, 1980
Kent has also written to Peter Poray, Municipal Energy Coordinator concerning lights being on all day....
On the police protection issue, Kent reported that he called Jessee Dodson and found that part of the intent was to pressurize the area into voting for a police service area ...
MH March 27, 1980
Leslie spoke on the Comprehensive Plan Revision. She attended the meeting when Plan B was decided on. Most of our area wanted Plan C which would have meant relatively slower growth in our area and more filling in of areas where sewer and water are already available ...
Minnesota will be widened and extended to Dimond Blvd. this year and next year to Klatt Rd.
MH February 28, 1980
Bill Bredesen came .. to inquire whether enough time had elapsed to broach the subject once again of a small shopping center at O'Malley and Birch Roads .. after lengthy discussion, the general consensus was that he time was not right.
Objections .. were: the shopping center would be a stepping stone for further development in the area; bad intersection, traffic light inevitable,; people are still against it; no present need for the center; no access on foot or on bike. ...
It was suggested that Mr. Forsythe change his plans for the property, i.e. condominiums. Or that he wait until patterns are set when people in the area walk to the bus stop, use the bus more often, become less willing to use their cars even for the once a week trip to town.
1979
MH December 12, 1979
Police
protection in our area - [Kent] had talked to Cpt. Bevins and
Col. Tom Anderson. Learned that the Bush legislators have more power
and are getting more money, so the troopers are leaving Anchorage
for more outlying towns. ...
... sewer
trunk lines were deleted from the 5 year plan. Our membership
is opposed to the proposed plan for sewers ..
MH October 25, 1979
Officers for 1980 Elna Kawal, Joe Cange, John Stenehjem, Eileen Callaway, Art Ewing, Leslie Forth, Jean Skille, Mille Wedel, Kent Woodman
Total membership 77 ... Cash on Hand $277.17
State Trooper Frank Fightinger spoke on Hillside Patrolling ... The Burglary Prevention Unit was disbanded and in December, the three troopers of the General Investigation Group are being sent to outlying Alaskan Communities. There will be no state patrolling of the Hillside area after December.
Roger Head, President of Hilltop Youth, Inc... This group is interested in expanding the ski area on Hillside into 40 acres of BLM property which has been turned over to the city Parks and Recreation Dept. There has been concept approval, and Mr. Head is informing the groups on the Hillside of the proposal, which will be possibly seeking a legislative grant. Possible negative impacts: increased population density, traffic, visual impact.
HE July, 1979
"The lawsuit preventing a gravel pit in the Upper DeArmoun area was a real victory for the Upper DeArmoun Homeowner's Association Now the funds are needed to help pay for the legal fees. Towards this end, the association is sponsoring a raffle Yes, YOU can win a car -- a 1979 VW Rabbit!!
"The Assembly will again be considering the "Limited Life Road Service Area" concept. Mayor Sullivan has proposed that the minimum road length be increased to 20 miles. He also proposes that one Board of Supervisors (appointed by him) manage all the road maintenance contracts and that the service areas be permanent, not "limited" life"...
HE March, 1979
... Upper Huffman Rezoning: The rezoning from R-8 (5 acre minimum) to R-6 Sl (1 ¼ acre minimum) for property along the road to Glen Alps will be decided by the Planning and Zoning Commission ..
1978
HE July 1978 Newsletter:
Spendlove Appeal .. Zoning Board .. determined that ..Spendlove did not have grandfather rights for a gravel pit in the Upper DeArmoun area..
Hillside Park PUD [planned unit development] ... the Hillside Park PUD proposal to subdivide 40 acres at the northwest corner of Hillside Drive and O'Malley into fifty-six 20,000+ square foot lots was approved on appeal by the Assembly. However, the Assembly ... either limit development of the site to 32-36 units (the same density allowed by the R-6 zone) or restrict the developer from selling half of the lots until sewers are extended to the area.
Pave Upper O'Malley Road ... The returns were overwhelmingly in favor of the project --41 in favor, 9 no opinion, and 9 opposed.
Commercial Zoning Requested ... a request to rezone the northeast corner of Birch and O'Malley Road from R-6 to B-4 (SL). The petitioner, nominally Grant Forsythe, is requesting B-4 zoning with limitations.. The B-4 zone .. allows virtually every type of commercial use... Uses that would be permitted include grocery stores, furniture stores, ..restaurants, ... gasoline service stations.... The proposal to rezone is approximately 6 acres.... the size of a Fred Meyer Shopping Center.
HE June 1978
... the Board met with the US Postal Service representatives to discuss the feasibility of door-to-door mail service...
In the next few months, the Directors will be working to have the Foothills Parkway removed from AMATS .
1977
Pave Upper O'Malley?
Kasilof Hills Gravel Extraction ... In early October, Stephan and Sons illegally hauled gravel from a lot in the Kasilof Hills Subdivision (located in the Upper O'Malley area) for road construction .... Carl Luchsinger, representing the Community Council, met with the Municipal Attorney and the contractor the following day. As a result of that meeting, the contractor agreed to cease extracting gravel ....
Foothills Parkway on AMATS Map ... The Anchorage Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) policy committee recently approved a long-range transportation plan for the Anchorage Area. Included in the plan is a corridor though the Hillside area called the Foothills Parkway....
Frankly, we think it is a horrendous proposal. The road would undoubtedly destroy the rural residential character of the Hillside Area, it would be expensive to build (if it is even possible) and maintain, the road would bisect Chugach State Park and the Campbell Tract (a watershed area) and it would not serve Park Access Needs (as is the justification given for the proposal) ...
Shopping Center at Birch and O'Malley ... the directors have learned that there are plans to build a shopping center on 8 acres at the northeast corner of Birch and O'Malley Road. Before the shopping center can be constructed, however, the property has to be rezoned (to permit commercial uses).
HE November 1977
Commercial Rezoning at corner of Birch and O'Malley. Members present gave recommendations for building. Majority present preferred the zoning to remain the same, not change to B-4. Suggested follow Comp.Plan which calls for R-6 zoning in the area. ... Discussed possibility of domino theory, change one zoned area another will follow...However building seems inevitable so plan for 1990 not just 1978 ,,, easier to add to R-6, Commercial PUD, than take off from B-4. Tastefully designed shopping sight, economic use of the land, blinds, architecture similar to that at Homer, Ak ...
HE September 1977
. .. Your October 4 ballot will carry a proposition to extend Municipal police powers into the Hillside area...
HE August 1977
Vice President Edward Burton Letter to Community Council coordinator "We note with concern that a variety of subdivision propositions and other matters of interest to this council come to our attention not through notice from the municipality, but rather through reading the newspaper.
HE July 1977
A letter from Edward Burton Vice President of HECC to MoA Planning Department:
.... INADEQUATE NOTICE The Friday before the Monday of the hearing is a fine day for a reminder, but a very bad day for first publication. Our Community Council is totally unable to react that fast... I strongly urge a second round of hearings with thirty days advance notice.
HE May 31, 1977 HECC recognized by the Anchorage Assembly
HE April 18, 1977
HECC, Inc Certificate of Incorporation Articles signed by: James Fuertenberg, Rena Mulcahy, Marc Stemp, David Residorf, Robert Prescott, Carl Luchsinger, Nelda Warkentin, Jerry Meredith, Edward Burton
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