Minutes of General Meeting
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Date: April 7, 2008
Occasion: General Meeting
Called to Order: 7:05pm
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Quorum
There was a quorum present for a general meeting
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Agenda
The agenda was adopted as is.
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Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the general meeting held on October 1, 2007 were approved.
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Guest Speakers
Jen Downey, Executive Director Children’s Place.
- The Children’s Place in Wasilla is a Child Advocacy Center for MSB.
- Children are referred by different agencies, including law enforcement and the State Protection Agency for child abuse evaluation and medical exams if necessary, so they can provide the help required by the children.
Lori Wiertsema Public Safety Officer State Forestry.
- Described how Forestry fights wildland fires.
- Explained the importance of clearing brush & trees around houses.
- Pointed out new burn permit and requirements.
Wayne Biessel State Parks Superintendent.
- Introduced himself as the new Parks Superintendent, complimented Wiilow Trails Committee on the the trails around Willow.
- The department is hoping and working for a groomed trail that will go from Big Lake to Denail Park plus other trails that will provide the links between major trail systems.
- They were asked to look at providing a winter trailhead at the end of Willow Creek Parkway. There were concerns about the expense and also plowing the road all the way to the river, when it is part of the winter trail system. Instead they are suggesting a winter trailhead at the junction of Willow Creek Parkway and Crystal Lake Road. Would like input from the local community.
- They are trying to develop policies to protect those lakes in State Parks, like Nancy Lake. Again they would appreciate input from the local community.
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Secretary’s Report
- MSB is looking for Park hosts.
- Land use permits are required in MSB as of March 20, 2008.
- Indian Health Scholarship applications are available.
- Letter from Talkeetna Community Council opposing the railroad spur at Corridor 3.
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Treasurer’s Report
- For the financial year just finished on Mar 31., WACO managed to break even. This was possible because of the efforts of volunteers in looking after the Community Center in the absence of a caretaker, and the similar efforts of volunteers in staging the Winter Carnival;
- For the year commencing a budget had been proposed; this budget presupposes that volunteers will continue the work of the prior year so that we again break even at year end. Operations is funded at last year’s levels with some indexation included, rentals/fund raising also based largely on last years actuals (somewhat conservative) and with normal donations for community events fully covered.
- Not shown in the budget is income from pull-tabs. Should sales proceed at the same rate as the last few months, WACO will end the year with a healthy balance sheet. If an excess that exists after allowing for operating and carnival start-up costs for the following year, WACO may be in a position to spend money on community center improvements and help for local groups. To this end a spend WACO money procedure has been adopted that will prioritize and then fund approved projects. This list will be published.
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Vice-Chair’s Report
- Thank you to Zolari & Slade Avalon for taking over from hapless volunteers who were trying to strip and re-wax the hall floor. While waiting for the floor to dry Slade also cleaned the windows for us.
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Chair’s Report
- Copies of written annual report are available.
- Linda Anselm has agreed to become the NW Area Rep.
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Carnival
Linda Oxley:
- Next year’s theme is Alaska Statehood.
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Trails
Steve Charles:
- Bill Luth is the one who grooms the West Gateway Trails.
- We spent the $13,000 grant money on grooming.
- We have received grant money to survey the Emil Stancec & Haessler/Norris trail systems.
- We are looking for ideas for use of grant money from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. One suggestion is pedestrian trails, for instance along Long Lake Road.
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Community Enrichment Program
Pat Madigan:
- Bridge classes are continuing.
- Willow Tots meet every Tuesday at 12:30pm.
- There will be no Movie Nights in the summer, but will start up again in the Fall.
- Courtney Springer will teach Children’s Ballet, starting June 1.
- Ember Haynes will teach Children’s Cooking, starting May 2.
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New Business
Elections.
The following were nominated.
- Chair - Linda Oxley
- Secretary - Dana Hills
- South West - George Howard
- South West Alternate - Jane Thistle
- North East - Roni Widner
- North East Alternate - Madeline Gocke
VOTE: All were elected with no objection.
MSB Forest Units Plan.
MOTION: Steve Charles moved that WACO write a letter to MSB requesting that the Rogers Creek and Deception Creek units be designated Resource Management, with a secondary designation of Public Recreation/Watershed Lands. The motion was seconded.
VOTE: The motion passed with no objection.
WHO Grant Support Request.
MOTION: Nina Davison moved that WACO write letters of support for WHO programs to obtain grant funding with the approval of the WACO Board. Motion was seconded.
VOTE: The motion passed with no objection.
4H Gaming Permit Request.
MOTION: Ember Haynes moved that WACO allow 4H to use their gaming permit for a raffle to support their recycling project. The motion was seconded.
VOTE: The motion passed with no objection.
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Library Association
Claire Fitzgaireld:
- April 17th is Chocolate Indulgence at the WCC. Open for tasting after 2:45pm.
- We are running a fund-raiser, selling Pampered Chef products. 35% of the sales go to the Library Association.
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Lions
Lynn Phillips:
- Will be electing officers next Thursday and then heading to a convention in Anchorage.
- Last Skate night will be April 25th at the school.
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WDMA
Erin McLarnon:
- Bob Sexton is now the representative for WDMA to the WACO Board.
- Still working on an animal evacuation plan in case of emergencies.
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PTA
Ember Haynes:
- Held a pancake breakfast at the school during Iditarod Restart.
- Held an Easter Egg Hunt at the Community Center, for the first time.
- Currently running a Food Drive for the Willow Food Bank, which wraps up at the Blue Tarp & Carhartts Ball on May 3.
- Grants for good reasons applications are at the school. This program finishes April 11.
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4H Club
Ember Haynes:
- The 4H Club is running recycling as their community project. BP has promised grant money for this project.
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WHO
Nina Davidson:
- Health Fair setup is April 25 4-6PM at the WCC. 6-6:45PM is volunteer orientation. We need blood pressure takers.
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Announcements
Blue Tarp & Carhartts Ball.
May 3 7PM at the WCC, Prizes for best outfits, Music by Jim & Deb, Appetizers & Desserts, $10 per ticket on sale at Newmans.
Next Meeting: May 5, 2008 at 7pm
Adjourned: 9:25pm
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Communications Committee
Mary Lou Frahm, Secretary, WACO
Phone: 3674 Email: sec@waco-ak.org
Claire Fitzgaireld
