Minutes of Board Meeting
These pages are generated automatically from the original text of the various minutes. It is possible that they contain errors (probably words or sentances omitted) or formatting mistakes. The definitive text is the downloadable pdf file.
Date: July 6, 2009
Occasion: Board Meeting
Called to Order: 7:07pm
Quorum
There was no quorum present for a general meeting; there was a quorum for a Board Meeting.
Agenda
The agenda was adopted with 2 additions.
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the board meeting held on June 1, 2009 were approved as presented.
Board Members in Attendance
Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, NE, SW, Library, WDMA
Board Members Excused
EMS
Special Guest
Representative Mark Neuman (State House District 15) was present and contributed to discussions throughout the meeting. Initial remarks noted—
- a tight budget for the State during the next few years, due mainly to the drop in oil price and the consequent effect on State revenues; expect capital budgets to be slim and scrutinized closely for public safety, education and similar content;
- work on the Willow to Kashwitna portion of the Parks Highway will commence next year (stimulus funding); trying to add bike path to project but not part of the original plan;
- community members with questions are invited to call Representative Newman at his office, 376–2679. Various community comments concerned the availability and siting of appropriately landscaped rest stops.
Top
Treasurer’s Report
Mike Bishop reported that—
- the Revenue Sharing Grant had been received;
- income from gaming is some 50% lower than the same time
Top
Vice-Chair’s Report
Norm Wakeman—
Mike Bishop summarized the current status of the grant application for the building: all documentation has been forwarded to the State except for the Fire Marshal approval; their office is short-staffed but the application should have been considered last Thursday, and hopefully, that approval will be in hand this week. On the same topic, asked that the Board approve WACO’s funding of start-up costs rather than seeking an advance, which requires that WACO have insufficient funds to cover from our treasury.
MOTION: That WACO cover start-up costs of the Secure Storage Building and then seek reimbursement.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
Top
Chair’s Report
- A successful July 4 parade and barbecue, with many thanks to the Fire Department Auxiliary for cooking, the Willow Health Organization for the loan of canopies, the Willow Dog Mushers for the Pet Costume Contest, the Willow Lions for games and ice-cream, Doyle Holmes and Shawn Sidelinger as parade marshals and all those who built parade floats. The Pirates of Muldoon won best parade float. WACO costs for the event were $754 plus $525 for insurance. Some 400(en500 people were believed to have attended;
- The Chair reported little new activity on the proposed railroad; Representative Newman noted that and decision to proceed would be made by the Surface Transportation Board and would be predicated on firm knowledge of exactly who the customers were;
- Also noted that Wasilla and Houston were discussing forming a new borough, with the possible inclusion of Willow.
Top
Carnival
Pat Madigan:
- no volunteers yet to be responsible for Vendors or Awards;
- has asked the community for ideas on T-shirt designs; Penny Cross is advising on this.
Top
Bylaws Committee
Pat Madigan:
- are now complete and waiting review by our lawyer;
- will post on web suite and hopes to present in August, with a vote in September.
Top
Community Enrichment
A CPR/1st Aid class and been added to the program, times and costs posted around the community.
Top
Trails
Steve Charles:
- all winter trails have now been surveyed;
- intends to develop a master plan for summer trails, estimated to cost $30,000. Seeking help from the National Parks Service, MatSu Health Foundation and the Alaska Trails Initiative; requested a letter of support from WACO;
- writing a grant for a bridge across the Lucky Shot trail; trail is heavily used in winter and could be used in summer if a bridge was in place; a nationally know bridge designer, resident of the Valley, will be coming out to design the bridge; hoping to place the bridge next summer with a Recreational Trail Grant;
- The Hatcher Pass Management Plan was discussed at the the next; comments will then be submitted to WACO for approval and forwarding as Willow comments on the west side of the pass.
Some discussion followed on the advisability of either a special public meeting, or as a major topic for a WACO general meeting, possibly in September.
Top
CERT
The Board recommended that CERT re-approach WACO when costs/dates etc., were better known;
- sought money from WACO for initial provisioning of CERT’s area within the Secure Storage Building.
This last item was on the agenda under New Business and was bought forward. Under the Spend WACO’s Money program CERT has requested between $500 and $750 for storage bins, hand sanitizer, masks etc.,
MOTION: To allocate between $500 and $750 for initial provisioning of CERT’s area within the Secure Storage Building.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
Top
Planning Team
Public discussion is expected by year-end.
Top
Unfinished Business
Bike Racks.
Three bike racks have been built and will be painted (powder coated) this week. This project was funded by WACO and the Willow Library Association.
Bed Tax Nominations.
Projects seeking funding under the Bed Tax program need to be nominated by November 15th. Suggested was that WACO resurrect the park/viewing area project originally submitted two years ago (already allocated to Eleanor Kelly).
5 Year Schedule of Timber Sales.
The Chair had represented what was believed to be the WACO position in a letter dated May 29. While the letter made clear that this might not be the full WACO position, timing constraints necessitated that some reply be made before WACO could meet to discuss. Following discussion, it was decided to send a second letter emphasising opportunities for small, local logging operations.
MOTION: That the Board affirm that the Chair’s letter concerning Timber Sales represents the Board’s position.
VOTE: Passed unanimously.
Gravel Area in front of Log Building.
Providing a gravel surface to the parking area in front of the log building was discussed and agreed as likely to be very expensive. As part of this discussion the future of the log building was also discussed, with the following motions—
MOTION: WACO write a letter to the Willow Historical and Wildlife Foundation asking about plans and timetable for moving the building.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: WACO write a letter to the Borough asking about our options with respect to the log building, given that our Management Agreement is due for renewal next year.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
Community Improvement Projects.
The list of projects was read with no additions.
Top
New Business
Change WACO Telephone Number.
A WACO member has suggested that we change our telephone number to 495-9226 (WACO). Following discussion, it was agreed that we would not do this.
Top
Area Rep Reports
None presented.
Top
Local Organization Reports
WDMA.
Bob Sexton:
- expects to run a canine CPR/first aid class this year, date to be determined;
- are planning for the second WDMA Symposium.
Library Association.
Clair Fitzgaireld reported on the Summer Reading Program plus lunch for kids, and encouraged adults to complete book reviews.
Top
Announcements
The Willow Chamber will meet next Wednesday at Eaglequest Lodge, with Talis Colberg as guest.
Top
Persons to be Heard
Steve Charles mentioned the difficulty the 4H Club was having with servicing the Center’s recycling containers, and suggested that recycling only be done when coinciding with a community event.
Next Meeting: August 3, 2009 at 7pm
Adjourned: 9:40pm
Top
Communications Committee
Sue Morgan, Secretary, WACO
Phone: 1784 Email: sec@waco-ak.org
Claire Fitzgaireld
