Mid-Hillside
and Hillside East
Community Councils
Anchorage, Alaska
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Notices
This page presents various notices we've received or sent.
PRESS
RELEASEBecause the Municipal
wood lots will not be opening until mid May, and the Fire Department has not
yet instituted the summer burn ban, residents might consider burning
their slash. If you have residual slash from spruce trees around your
home, you can obtain a burn permit from your local fire station. Guidelines
for burning are printed on the permit and are also available on the
web at www.muni.org/fire1. Before burning, you must
call the Burn Hotline to determine whether it is an approved burn day:
267-5020. Regular open burning is not permitted within the
Please save your wood lot coupons from last week’s Val-Pak. Each
residence was given four coupons for use this summer at either
Wildfire Mitigation
operations to continue May 10th. As a continuing effort to reduce
the hazard of wildfire in the Municipality, the
Homeowners to
get financial assistance with tree removal. Residents can receive 70% reimbursement on tree work
prescribed by AFD Foresters for wildfire mitigation. Call 267-4956 or
visit our website for an application www.muni.org.
This program operates through local professional arborists.
2/3/04 email from Assemblywoman Janice Shamberg:
I want to thank every one of you who has participated in the emailing
of concerns to me and to others about the pedestrian/traffic safety
issue in the Hanshew Middle School area.
As a result of all of our concerns, Mayor Begich today assured me that the Municipality would erect a light (type to be determined) at that location in order to slow traffic for the safety of pedestrians, in general, and the school children, in particular.
I needed your support and I am deeply grateful to all of you for acting upon your feelings of civic responsibility and staying on this issue long enough to help me make this happen.
Congratulations!
Sincerely, Janice Shamberg
'12/23/03 email from Police Chief Walt Monegan in response to questions about a potential new law.
Folks- We (APD) had suggested the proposed ordinance in which citizens can report illegal snow machiners and APD would respond. If the fresh tracks led to a parked warm snowmobile at a neighbor's house, and if the officer through contacting the occupant was to determine that the occupant to be the owner of the snow machine, the officer could then issue an administrative citation to the owner, without the present need for identifying the rider of the snow mobile.
This is in the 'process' and I had thought it would have appeared in the upcoming agenda. It is not, so I will have someone research on "why not" and then we will get the word out to all our officers when the Assembly approves it.
-Walt
December 18, 2003 from Senator Con Bunde
Dear Neighbors,
I hope your holiday preparations and plans are going well. This is indeed a busy time for most people! I recently had a friend contact me regarding a nationwide effort that originated in Alaska, and as you enjoy yourself this season, I ask that you might keep this in mind.
First Lieutenant Paul Gonzalez of Anchorage is currently serving with the 173rd Airborne Brigade as an Executive Officer for Delta Battery, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment in Iraq. Through his role as a City Advisor, Lt. Gonzalez realized the school children in and around the northern Iraqi town of Altun Kopri desperately needed school supplies. Last fall, he contacted his parents about those needs. Through Annie and Rene Gonzalez and the Anchorage community, “Operation Golden Bridge” has sent boxes upon boxes of school supplies overseas.
Their work has spurred national involvement and attention -- 47 states have joined the cause. Please see the MercyCorps website for more information at http://www.mercycorps.org/items/1610. The extensive efforts have made a difference in Altun Kopri and hopefully, by continued outreach, “Operation Golden Bridge” can provide assistance to many more needy students in neighboring communities.
I recently learned of Lt. Gonzalez's and his parents’ efforts to bring school supplies to these children. In support of this cause, my staff and I are collecting school supplies. If you would like to help in this effort, please bring your donations to my office through the month of December. I will, in turn, get all donated items to the Gonzalez family. They have arranged for free and discounted shipping.
Some ideas for school supplies you can donate are notepads, pens, pencils, colored pencils, chalk (colored and white), paper, folders, erasers, markers, stickers, calculators, and stationery. Whatever we send will be screened for cultural sensitivity by interpreters and members of the schools' faculties. Coloring books illustrating Alaska are also welcome!
In addition, monetary donations can be made payable to “Bridge Builders” in care of Mrs. Gonzalez at: Anne Gonzalez 11821 Toy Drive Anchorage, AK 99515 A receipt for your donations will be treated as tax deductible.
If you are interested in donating, please call my office at 269-0181 or stop by at 716 W. 4th Avenue, Suite 400. I look forward to seeing you! Thank you for your help. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Sincerely, Con
12/18/03 Email from assemblywoman Janice Shamberg
Mayor Begich and Assembly members Traini, von Gemmingen, Van Etten, Whittle and I met 1:00 to 2:00, w/Reps. Moses, Hawker and Berkowitz, and Gruenberg (on phone) regarding House Ways and Means Committee.
Hawker, its chairman, claims that the interim work he has done between sessions has brought almost everyone together to realize that we must do something, even if we don't like it to solve our state financial crunch.
Begich is trying to make us more independent of the state because of the state's inability to resolve its financial problems. He wants a long term, stable outlook. We have limited tools to grow our economy, and the governor's ideas seems to undercut our revenue sources, such as his current hotel bed tax idea. Begich doesn't want the state to balance its budget on us.
There are proposed house bills which remove program administrative authority from the city, such as the day care assistance program, and give it to the state in order to help fund the state's own overhead. We've been proactive to try to unify the state DOT with city's public services in order to save money. According to Mayor Begich, if we do this with streets and roads and do it well, it would reduce everyone's auto insurance by 5-15%.
We spend less per capita now with an adjustment for inflation than we did in the 70s. At one time we spent three times the national average per person. Now it's 1.5, which most agreed is probably the right amount due to our large geographic size, small population, lack of infrastructure, connectivity, etc.
We still have to work on the Senate side of things. Hawker frankly doesn't see much potential for leadership on financial issue. He and Berkowitz say that things may not appear to be happening, but they actually are. Be patient.
We wish them well going into the new legislative session.
email received Monday, October 20, 2003
State Senator Con Bunde
Dear Neighbors,
As you know, the state's fiscal gap has been at the forefront of legislative
and public discussions for several years. It has always been my goal
to provide you with as much information about possible solutions as
is available. I have regularly asked you to consider that information,
discuss it with your neighbors, friends, and co-workers, and to inform
me how you think the Legislature should help solve our fiscal gap.
Today, I have two important pieces of information for you on that subject.
First is notice of an important public hearing. This Thursday
evening, the Senate Judiciary Committee will take public testimony on
two different resolutions, SJR 18 and SJR 19. Each seeks to protect
the Permanent Fund and the PFD in different ways. I encourage you to
find out more and to participate.
What: Senate Judiciary Hearing and Teleconference
Topics:
SJR 18, “Constitutional Amendment – Permanent Fund Appropriations
and Inflation Proofing”
SJR 19, “Constitutional Amendment – Permanent Fund Income”
When: Thursday, October 30 from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Where: Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 716 West 4th
Avenue
Who: Everyone is invited to attend, listen, and/or comment.
Why: To give and receive information on pending Permanent Fund
legislation
To Participate: Call 1-888-263-1555 to offer your comments to
the committee during the hearing. E-mail your comments to Senator_Ralph_Seekins@legis.state.ak.us.
Fax your comments to 907-456-8163. Mail you comments to Senator Ralph
Seekins, Fairbanks Legislative Information Office, Suite 201, 119 N.
Cushman Street, Fairbanks, AK 99701
For more information about SJR 18’s progress through the
Legislature go to http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_complete_bill.asp?session=23&bill=SJR18.
Or to the Governor's press release at http://www.gov.state.ak.us/archive.php?id=563&type=1.
For more information about SJR 19’s progress through the Legislature, go to http://www.legis.state.ak.us/basis/get_bill.asp?session=23&bill=sjr19&submit=Display+Bill+Root.
Or to Senator Georgianna Lincoln's press release at http://www.akdemocrats.org/Documents/050403_lincoln_protects_PFD.pdf.
Second, the Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER), at the University of Alaska Anchorage has prepared information about the state's fiscal gap, budget, and alternatives to solve the looming budget crisis. They have prepared information at three related websites so that the public can become better informed. I encourage you to take a look. Here are some excerpts from ISER’s websites:
Why Economic Development Doesn't Pay -- Except for oil, no industry in Alaska pays its own way. A new natural resource job, for instance, costs the state $1,100. Why? Because economic development requires new public services -- and under Alaska's current tax structure, households, and businesses generally don't pay enough taxes to cover the costs of those services. See: http://citizensguide.uaa.alaska.edu/11.BUDGET_FAQs/11.1_AK_Disconnect_FAQ.htm.
Job Losses from Closing the Fiscal Gap -- Closing the state fiscal gap will cost Alaska jobs, because it will take money out of the economy. But using budget cuts alone would cost Alaska the most jobs— 18,500 -- while an income tax would cost the fewest, about 7,500. A sales tax or a PF dividend cut would eliminate about 9,300 jobs. See: http://citizensguide.uaa.alaska.edu/11.BUDGET_FAQs/11.2_Fiscal_Gap_FAQ.htm.
The Alaska Citizen's Guide to the Budget -- This Web site offers a wealth of information on these and many other topics of interest to Alaskans concerned about the state budget. See: http://citizensguide.uaa.alaska.edu.
If you have questions about ISER’s information, please get in touch with ISER directly at ResearchMatters@uaa.alaska.edu or call 907-786-7710.
As always, I hope this information is useful to you. I strongly encourage you to become informed, and to express your questions, suggestions, and preferences to me and to relevant legislative committees.
Con
September 22,
2003
The Public Affairs Department at the Anchorage School District is putting
together a “parent involvement in education” campaign for the
month of October. Although we encourage parents to get involved in their
children’s education throughout the entire year, we are making a special
push next month through newsletter articles, radio and television interviews/forums,
channel 14 programming, and more. We’re hoping you can also consider
adding this important information in your newsletters. I have attached
parent involvement tips and am more than happy to provide you with parent
involvement articles if you are interested. If you would like additional
information please contact me at 742-4158 or respond to this message.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation and help in getting this important
message out to our community members.
Lori Nakanishi Public Affairs Anchorage School District
742-4158 – direct 742-4175 - Fax nakanishi_lori@asdk12.org
- Showing interest is an easy and important first step. Talk with your child about school and keep up with school announcements and events.
- Join the parent group (PTO, PTA, etc.) at your child's school. This is the group dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for your child. Show your support for their important work.
- Dedicate one hour per semester — just one hour — to getting involved. Whether it's attending a meeting or reading with a class or helping with a school-family event, your help sends an important message to your child.
- Know and support your child's teachers. A simple introduction at the beginning of the school year and an occasional note or call from home sends a strong message. Parent-teacher conferences shouldn't be your only point of contact with school.
- Determine how your skills and interests can help your school. Parent groups do so much more than bake sales, and your contribution of passion, support or skills will be enthusiastically welcomed.
- Ask your child's teacher how you can help. Let him or her know of your availability and willingness to help.
- Take advantage of family events at school. Looking for an inexpensive day or night out? There's no better deal than the Spring Fling, Fall Fair or Spaghetti Dinner — and the parent involvement benefits are just a (nice!) bonus.
- Keep up with school policy and budget developments in your town or district. Make sure that your elected leaders know that you care about quality education.
- Support your school's fundraisers. Think of the contribution for what it is — more field trips or a new playground or an extra-special assembly for the children.
- Know that every effort you make to connect with your child's school will send a strong message to your child and your community. Involvement works!
September 10, 2003
Please visit the following site http://webapps1.muni.org/pdpw/planning/mycommunity/
to sign up for the MOA's new online tool: Planning Alert. Planning
Alert will allow Anchorage residents to get immediate notification
of proposed zoning and platting (subdivision) changes in their neighborhoods.
In addition, Planning Alert members will be able to sign up to receive
notices about proposed land use ordinance changes, draft plans and
other planning and land use related issues. Planning Alert was developed
with the intent to increase communication and information for residents
about development issues that affect their neighborhoods.
September 8, 2003
From Senator Con Bunde
Dear Community Council Chairs,
Recent discussions about the Longevity Bonus have made me aware that some senior Alaskans may not be familiar with the types of programs, services, and discounts that are available to assist them remain healthy, independent, and productive. I therefore created a Senior Services Brochure that includes information about options for seniors' health care, social, financial, and housing needs. It also lists groups and agencies that can provide additional information. While I cannot guarantee that any particular program, service, or discount will be right for a particular senior, I offer this information to you in case you would like to distribute it to seniors within your community council. They can then determine which services may be best for them.
You can find a copy of the brochure on my website at .http://www.akrepublicans.org/bunde/23/pdfs/senior_services_brochure.pdf
If you need more specific information about any of the programs listed in this brochure, please contact my office at 269-0181.
An email from Assemblywoman Janice Shamberg:
August 1, 2002, I attended the Anchorage Bear Committee meeting from 8:30 to 11:30 am. Attendees included, but were not limited to, Colleen Matt, from Fish and Game, Herman Gracie, wildlife biologist, Karen Dithridge, from Defenders of Wildlife, Rick Sinnot, wildlife biologist for Fish & Game, John McClary of the MOA, and Doug Daniels of Waste Management Services.
One of the things this committee wanted to communicate with the general public is that there is a movement to remediate streams and put them back into their previous natural condition. Doing that will increase the fish population. There is also, of course, a stocking program which increases fish in certain streams for sports fishermen. This increase in fish will result in more bears along streams, and streams often abut greenbelts where people recreate or even live.
Bears which are fed by humans become dangerous and have to be destroyed. We cannot stress enough the danger in deliberately or inadvertently providing food for bears, be it household garbage, pet food left outdoors, or birdseed. Bird feeders are a greater problem than one would think, since they are ubiquitous and we all enjoy attracting and watching birds around our homes.
Birds don't actually require feeding during the summer, as they have plenty of things to eat. If one wants to attract birds, it is suggested we do so with birdbaths, garden plants and nesting boxes. Bird feeders should not be put out until mid-November until March.
As covered in today's Anchorage Daily News, Anchorage Refuse, which serves Eagle River and South Anchorage, will be renting out containers which are bear resistant.
Most residents like the idea that we live with bears. The Anchorage Bear Committee explores how to do it wisely and safely. There will be a presentation to the Assembly by members of this group about the current state of our co-existence with bears here in the Anchorage bowl in September.
Janice C. Shamberg
From an email 3/11/02
New Seward Highway
The New Seward Highway Scoping Summary Report is now available for review
on the New Seward Highway
Website .
Copies of the report are also available for review at the Loussac Library in the Alaska Collection, at the Samson-Dimond Library on the Document Review Shelf and at the ARLISS library. Comments can be submitted online or to: Linda Cyra-Korsgaard, Public Involvement Coordinator, CH2M HILL, 301 W. Northern Lights Blvd., Suite 601 Anchorage, AK 99503 > Tel. 907.278-2551 > Direct 907.276.6833 Ext. 205 > Fax 907.257.2003 > E-Mail lcyra@ch2m.com
With the support of the Community Council, the MOA Traffic Department can change the residential speed limit on roads we choose from 25 mph to 20 mph. If this is a concern for you please contact Tom Newins at 345-8881 or email newins@gci.net. If there is sufficient interest, we can add this to our schedule.
This site was last updated on March 10, 2004
john@weddleton.com
907-349-8370