[NENA] Brief Minutes Of D4 Coalition Meeting, June 21st

[Joe and Jean Yardumian]

                                                                                                                  June 25,2006

  BRIEF MINUTES OF THE JUNE 21st D4 COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD                                                                                                                                         ASSOCIATIONS MEETING


Two sets of Guest speakers.
Eric Webster discussed the MRCOG 2030 Metro Transportation Plan.  Recognizes that population will continue growth from 750,00 to 1,000,000 people, and that growth will generally be to the West and South.  The plan assumes introduction of tech changes to facilitate movement of traffic and possibly shifting traffic lane directions to accommodate morning and evening rush hour.  Also better traffic flow monitoring and alerts to commuters, and lanes dedicated for car-pooling, etc.  All of the proposals have been tried elsewhere, with varying success.  NO NEW BRIDGE CROSSING over the Rio Grande is planned, despite the I-25 Sector Plan calling for it.

Don Newtom and Stephani Winklepleck from ONC introduced Shannon Watson, head of the ADR (Alternate Dispute Resolution) Office who discussed the program.  This was not new for D4 as many of the Neighborhoods and developers have met early in the development process to discus concerns and work to develop a win-win result. A professional Moderator conducts the meetings and takes copious notes of concerns and agreed resolutions. The report is then provided to the attendees and to the Planning document as official input in the planning process.  This is a very useful and effective program which is offered to neighborhoods and developers early in the planning and development process.  She also discussed a Community Mediation Program which was established 6 months ago, to address disputes or aggravations such as disagreements about stucco colors planned for an existing home, barking dogs, Etc.  The Mediation Office contacts both sides of a dispute to arrange a voluntary meeting to attempt to resolve the problem amicably.

Councilman Brad Winter discussed the proposed Ethics Reform Bill which failed to pass as it got 6 votes but needed 7.  It will now be put on the ballot for the next election and has a very good chance of passing.  There was considerable discussion concerning the Mayor's proposal to spend $4.5  million to develop a park near the City/County Govt. building on land currently used for parking.  General consensus was not favorable.

The rep. from Del Ray NA gave a brief overview of the of the EPC unanimous approval of the Site plan for Del Rey and the subsequent City Council Approval.  This has been a 17 month long and agonizing process for the residents of Del Rey who were facing eviction when the land owner decided to sell.  Centex Homes has worked with the City and Del Rey residents to provide an  acceptable alternative  Assuming that the remaining steps in the process are equally successful, the result should be a win-win for the residents and the developer and the city, in providing affordable housing and  more expensive single family homes in the same development.

The city has a phone number to report Vandalism,  768-2030

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM
Respectfully submitted
Joe Yardumian, NENA Rep to District 4
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