WILLOW AREA COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION, INC.

Willow Area Community Organization

1 day ago

Consent Agenda reports
WACO meeting Feb 2, 2022

Chair
Greetings all! Most of my community efforts over this last month have revolved around the upcoming 60th year of the Willow State Winter Carnival, March 11-13, 2022! See report below for more fun filled info….
Building issues:
But…
I want to join Chris below and thank Chris Stitt, Tom Wise, Maura & John Shea and Sabrina Chrisley for their extraordinary dedication to managing the terrible flooding in WCC in the last week. The ice buildup on the roof did what ice does, jamming up water flow when we warmed up and began very serious leaks into the building at the north end (on and behind the stage). Thanks also to the Royal Flush Septic company for their quick response to get us sump pumps! It took about 36 hours for the construction company to send a crew and remove the snow & ice from the roof at the direction of the borough. While WACO manages the building via contract with the borough, we are not allowed to address issues with several of the buildings systems: mechanical, roof, siding, significant plumbing and water issues etc. So those volunteer efforts are way above the usual call of duty and I thank all of them…. It is not clear when the damaged building will be repaired, surely not before summer and it is not clear why the icing happened so badly, worse than anyone has seen in decades. We will continue to be in close touch with the appropriate borough staff for information, plans and communication.
Building reopening:
The building’s post construction clean up has just been completed, costing something over $2000 but it looks just great. (Construction dust was everywhere among other dirt, including on every dish in the kitchen & pantry.) Thanks to Leslie & Jason of Integrity Floor Cleaning and Destiny & Sophia of Jane of All Trades. Between those 2 companies, it’s shiny clean! We are excited that some of the regular users are slowly returning and what about those pickle ball folks!!
Iditarod ‘real start’:
Iditarod planning is progressing and they are in good touch with me to make sure that their plans are consistent with the buildings safety. They also have a very strong mitigation program against covid that will be in place in the building and all along the trail. Iditarod ‘real start’, Sunday March 6!! More info to follow…
Cage sorting:
A group of us have finally tackled sorting all the things in the ‘cage’, lots of recycled materials taken out, some trash, some items that will be given away. And our regular storage needs, for example, all the Carnival supplies, can now more easily be found! Thanks to Chris & Mike Stitt, Maura Shea, Barb Ensley, Madeline Gocke and Tom Wise for a great job done!
We are looking for folks to form a Nominating Committee. And we are seeking smart, dedicated folks to be nominated for two year terms to the Board seats turning over this April: Chair, Secretary, and 2 at large seats. It is a great way to learn about and participate in government and what it can/cannot do in support of its communities. Questions? Please call me: 907-841-3421.

CAP criteria:
Thanks to Steve Charles, Barb Ensley, Lisa Schooler-Nuss and Wes McClure for drafting a set of criteria for soliciting grant requests for the annual CAP funds: Community Assistance Program These are state monies that flow to communities that meet specific criteria and administered by each borough. For the last many years, somewhat over $15,000 has been available to distribute. The borough staff member in charge of the program is not yet ready to give us timeline and information about this year’s process, but we will post the WACO criteria on the website so that those seeking grants will see what WACO will be looking for in the process and keep everyone posted as we learn more information. We are looking for 2 more folks to be the CAP reviewers and bring the recommendations to WACO as to which groups will be funded this year. Please contact me if you are interested.
WACO agenda: Oil/Gas Lease update & WCC use guidelines:
At this meeting Wed Feb 2, an important issue affecting many, many in Willow and surrounding communities will be updated: the state allowing oil & gas leases for exploration in a large section of land north and west of the Parks highway starting about mile marker 74…; we will also be reviewing how we have been scheduling/renting out the WCC. Please join us to discuss.

Youth Forum
Newman Memorial Park
It’s winter and snow blankets the grounds. Still a lovely time to walk, snowshoe or ski the Shem Pete, or take your dogs to the dog park…. Great access to the many, many miles of groomed trails.
We are so excited that the Arctic Minimotor Sports Club once again is using the park for kiddee snocross. See their website for the winter’s schedule. They keep the parking lots plowed along with other wonderful folks who keep it open…. New kids allowed to join but see their website for costs and process. Everyone needs to bring their own machine….
Those of us on the working group remain working on funding for summertime work. Currently still working on the grants for the bike park and funds to install the last 4 of the educational panels along the Shem Pete. In the end their will be a total of 10, all beautifully developed, printed and full of excellent information about the animals, birds, foliage around us. And we are likely to apply again this spring for state monies to build a greenhouse and raised beds… Please join us Thursday Feb 3, 7-9p WCC.

60th year of the Willow State Winter Carnival!!
We are so excited at the schedule that we have put together! One weekend only this year: March 11-13, 2022. Carnival rides, fireworks, kids games, food & coffee trucks on Friday later afternoon and evening. Saturday and Sunday a long list of outdoor events: snowshoe softball, snowshoe scavenger hunt, geocashe adventure, kids games, food & coffee trucks, outdoor merchandise vendors, dog events, snowmachine events, bonfire, pie & dessert auction and more… The only indoor event: bingo both Friday and Saturday nights if covid allows. The schedule is in the very last stages of being finalized so SOON it will be posted on line!! If you are interested in helping at the Carnival, please contact me: 907-841-3421!! Next Carnival meeting: Feb 21, 2022 6-8P at WCC.

Linda Oxley

The month of January has been a busy one for sure. Activities are picking up for use of the WCC, with pickle ball being the number one activity to date.

Other than the situation of the ice jam and leaking of roof into the auditorium on the stage, things have been pretty quiet.

On January 20th, Tom Wise contacted me to let me know we had a serious leaking problem on the stage with water build up and it was still leaking. I contacted the borough and went to WCC with calls out for assistance. Sabrina Chrisley, Tom Wise, and Maura Shea were there to assist with water cleanup and placement of water catch buckets. We stabilized the situation for that evening. Friday, Sabrina contacted me early that morning to let me know the leaks got worse. A call was put out and Tom Wise, Maura Shea and her husband John Shea came to our assistance. Contacted the borough and relayed we wanted someone there today as the condition has worsen

I want to thank Tom, Sabrina, John and Maura for the timely response to our issues and help which consisted of many hours and hard work.

That afternoon, a crew from the construction company came and got the ice off of the roof and made some type of improvements. Will be following up with the borough as to what the situation will be moving forward.

Sincerely,
Christine Stitt
V Chair WACO

LIBRARY
I will be out of state during the next WACO meeting.
Library Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday noon – 8:00pm Wednesday and Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday 10:00am – 3:30 pm.
Library will be closed February 21st for President’s day.
Storytime: Thursday’s at 11:00am
Computer Classes : Friday 2/11 Basic Mac Friday 2/25 Q&A on any computer topic
“Wind” Science Workshop Saturday 2/12 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Mystery Book Group Tuesday 2/8 Till the cows come home by Judy Clemens
WEKA Covid testing Monday’s Noon- 4:00pm
Julie Mitchell
Willow Public Library
PO Box 129
Willow Alaska 99688
907-861-7656 desk
907-982-4265 cell

Willow CERT Consent Agenda for WACO February 2022
Willow Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) meets monthly by Microsoft Teams provided by the Mat Su Borough Dept. of Emergency Services. We will have trainings as well via Teams until the community spread of Covid-19 has decreased.
Willow CERT featured in Region 10 FEMA Webinar
In January, Talon Boeve, Mat Su Borough Emergency Operations Specialist did an excellent presentation on the Mat Su CERTs as part of the FEMA Region 10 (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho) CERT Best Practices Webinar. She highlighted activities, trainings and accomplishments of Willow CERT and 4 other CERTs in the Valley. Brenda McCain, Willow CERT team lead leader spoke briefly about their team’s community activities promoting safety such as the July 4th parade, Trunk or Treat, and Willow 300 Sled Dog Race. Participation in these events serve the dual purpose of keeping our skills of in teamwork, radio use and crowd and traffic management current for use in the event of disasters.
3rd Su Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair in Willow
May 7, 2022 (after a 2 year delay) Willow CERT and Talkeetna CERT will be hosting this exciting event at the Willow Community Center. When last held in May 2018,, we had 20 exhibitors with inside and outside. This event has been a success in past because so many community members volunteered to support CERT in hosting it. This may be an entirely outside event this year, like the Farmers Market, depending on the prevalence of Covid.
Community Involvement
Willow CERT again volunteered to help promote safety at the Willow 300 Sled Dog Race. Our team was asked to keep all but Musher’s trucks from going down on to Willow Lake
More info on CERT
Because of COVID-19, it is not possible at this time to have an in-person CERT Basic Course, that is required to join CERT, but we will as soon as it is feasible.
Persons that are interested in CERT are welcome to join in our meetings, trainings and activities, however.
Interested in CERT? Contact Brenda McCain at: [email protected] or call 907-355-1418
For more info about Emergency Preparedness in the Mat Su Borough go to the Borough Preparedness site. ready.matsugov.us/pages/home

Brenda McCain Willow CERT Program Manager/Team Leader

Willow Trail Committee Report
Providing safe and enjoyable recreational trails for Willow residents and visitors. Current trail conditions are challenging to say the least. When trail conditions are soft, either at breakup or during mid-winter thaws, please stay off the trails or use them with the least impact possible. It is challenging for our volunteer groomers to smooth out the ruts and bumps when things start freezing up and it can be hazardous for users on skis or runners. Weather permitting, the Willow trails will be the venue for special events the next couple of months. Hopefully the Willow 300 Sled Dog Race will have taken off from the Willow Community Center by the time you read this. Later, starting from Dream a Dream Dog Farm the Willow Jr 100 using the Haessler/Norris Trails on February 11-12th. The following week, the 19-21st, the Susitna 100 Race, featuring bikers, skiers and runners coming through from Big Lake and use the community center for checkpoint. Finally, the Jr. Iditarod will be finishing in Willow sometime on the 27th. Busy month! Wow! Quite a list of donors this month. Thank you Angela Liston, Cindy McCann, Craig Keppers, Jon Fuglestad, Rudy Whittshirk, Mary & John Witte, Brenda McCain, Stephanie Moll, Randy Bedard and Dianne Lapham for your generous contributions to the WTC!
To get good information on Willow’s winter and/or summer trails, , visit: www.waco-ak.org/committees/trails/ The Willow Trail Committee meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month, 7pm at the Willow Community Center. All are welcome. Join us on Facebook: Willow Trail Committee

Willow Recycling

We continue as normal. Really working to see the volunteers do not get overworked and only need to volunteer a few times a year. It is my understanding the Solid Waste Division has a new staff person to which we relate. I am anticipating a call from her to get introduced and need her to answer a few questions ... See MoreSee Less

Willow Area Community Organization

2 months ago

Willow Area Community Organization
P.O. Box 1027 - Willow - AK 99688 907-495-6633 www.waco-ak.org
MEETING MINUTES

Date: December 1, 2021
Occasion: General Board Meeting
CALLED TO ORDER: 700PM
QUORUM: 6 BOARD MEMBERS – 8 COMMUNITY MEMBERS
PLEDGE of allegiance

APPROVAL OF NOVEMBER MINUTES DEFERRED TO NEXT MEETING
AGENDA APPROVED

Lisa has officially resigned. Chris has stepped in to hold Vice chair position until the end of the term in April 2022. Trygve motioned to approve Chris as Vice Chair, 2nded by Debbie and unanimously approved.
Steve put through a proposal to the state for a grant for Pickle Ball and received 1000.00 which was used to purchase Pickle Ball equipment. Pickle Ball will be open to the public. Trygve motioned to recognize Pickle Ball as an official club in Willow. 2nded by Debbie and unanimously approved. Jan and Maura will be heading up the Pickle Ball Club.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussed liability insurance. Our current policy with Integra is 3776.00 plus a 250.00 broker fee. Integra advised that we have just about outgrown what they can do for us.
Church Mutual advised that after personalized adjustments to our needs a policy would be 5500.00 – 6200.00 and they will not charge a broker fee. Special form coverage would cover us for anything not mentioned whereas we are currently only covered for things that are mentioned. Only thing not covered would be Winter Carnival. All park structures and the ice rink would be covered. Linda could set up a ZOOM meeting to discuss insurance needs with Clay regarding ice rink. All insurances use the same special event coverage so that would not be different.
Trygve motioned to accept Church Mutual insurance proposal, Debbie 2nded and unanimously approved.
Kitchen use – Linda proposed to modify non-use of kitchen to allow the Jonsers monthly use for their business needs. Trygve motioned approval, Debbie 2nded, unanimously approved. All other use of the kitchen is otherwise closed. The kitchen hood was brought up to code and a large piece of foam has temporarily been placed in it to avoid airflow until further remedy can be reached. Sabrina will move the foam as a part of her duties.
Punch List -
Sprinkler heads are still being figured out. More cages are needed as accidental bumping could set them off and currently to only recourse would be to call the Fire Dept. to shut the water off.
Trygve is now in the loop to find out about protecting the fire alarms.
There is concern about the drainage ditch behind the community center. If there is a lot of snow, there could be backed up drainage which could become a safety hazard as there is a kids playground nearby.
We now have 2 propane tanks – one for the kitchen and one for the library fireplace.
Offering any unused or unwanted furniture to Willow Rose or otherwise give away.
Lions Club will be putting the display case back in the hallway. Unwanted display cases can go to the Log Cabin.
Discussed the current AV system and whether or not it should be replaced. Tam advised they were told we have an excellent system in very good shape. We may need to make adjustments to placement on the walls but there is room for it.
Tam spoke to the borough and there are still some funds to be used to finish some things in the community center renovation. This would be under a different contractor.
We will also need to look into cleaning of the stage curtains in the future as they need it badly.
Chris’s husband Mike offered to paint the inside walls of the CC at no charge if we get everything taped off. Chris is meeting with someone regarding free paint that would just need tinting. Tam advised Chris to speak with Jim Jensen as far as possible funds to help with paint and other finishing items.
White’s cleaning service gave an estimate of 1500.00 to thoroughly clean the CC starting this weekend with kitchen except dishes. A new vacuum is also needed and Sabrina gave an estimated of 450.00 for a new one. Trygve moved to spend 2000.00 to clean the CC and purchase a new vacuum. Chris 2nded and unanimously approved.
There are 8 keys for the community center and we need to decide who should have them.

LIBRARY – Julie – consent agenda.

DOG MUSHERS – N/A

LIONS CLUB - Will be getting a Giving Tree to the library. Will be cleaning the upstairs and moving everything to one spot. The Parade of Trees will be 17&18 December.

WHWF – meeting 7pm tomorrow night at the library.

Fire – hiring a 2nd full time position and splitting the cost with Caswell.

PTA –GARDEN CLUB – ICE - N/A

Persons to be Heard
Tom – Road Service meeting 630pm on 8 December for all road concerns.
Barb – Long Lake, Emsweiler Lake and Crystal Lake are all marked.
Linda – Youth Meeting tomorrow and Carnival Meeting 20 December.

840pm adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Debbie Cook

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WACO SECRETARY DATE

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WACO CHAIR DATE ... See MoreSee Less