Neighbors,
Our 29th Annual Creek Cleaning Party was a resounding success!
Close to 80 neighbors and community members hauled out about 60-70 bags of trash plus larger items out of East Bouldin Creek and Nicholas Dawson Park, as well as Ricky Guerrero Park and the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt. In addition, we widened trails, weeded beds and removed cats claw.
Thank you all so much!
When we were done, we enjoyed tacos donated by El Mercado (their 29th year of supporting our efforts – please be sure to thank them when you visit) and pizza contributed by the BCNA Parks fund. We also had the pleasure of previewing GiGi Miller’s art and creating tiles that she will use in her Art-in-Public-Places installation at Ricky G.
Altogether, a beautiful day.
Please follow this link https://flic.kr/s/aHsmLQETsE to see photos from Saturday’s creek cleaning and park maintenance, as well as GiGi Miller’s art presentation and tile-making session. Thanks, Ingrid Weigand BCNA Parks Committee 512-663-4632
Hello neighbors It’s My Parks Day is on March 7th and this year Bouldin is pairing our 29th annual Bouldin Creek cleaning with a community art project by Austin artist, Gigi Miller, the local artist who was selected by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program to create a sculpture for Ricky Guerrero Park. The clean-up kicks off at 8:30am at Ricky Guerrero Park with coffee and some breakfast snacks. From there we shall spread out to various locations along the creeks. Please bring gloves and be prepared to get muddy; wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes. We’ll supply trash bags.
At 11:30am we return to Ricky Guerrero Park for lunch from local vendors. From 11:30am-2:00pm we will have a community art presentation with artist Gigi Miller.
Gigi Miller (http://www.gigimiller.com) is the local artist who was selected by the City of Austin’s Art in Public Places program to create a sculpture for Ricky Guerrero Park. She spoke at our last General Assembly meeting in February about two possible designs for sculptures for the park. Over the coming weeks, she is asking for community feedback on which design the residents of Bouldin would prefer to see implemented, pending AIPP Panel approval. Gigi created two working design models for the neighborhood to vote on. They are fun, interactive, and take the history of Austin, Bouldin, and Ricky Guerrero into account.
The beauty of Gigi’s designs is that they are collaborative. Community members will be invited on March 7th (11:30am-2pm) to come to Ricky Guerrero Park to make ceramic tiles that will incorporated into the finished work. Your tile will be seen on the sculpture for decades to come, so please come and participate in this community event. We’ll also be voting on which design you like best. If you are unable to attend the event but still want to provide feedback, please email Gigi at art4rickygpark@gmail.com
SC meeting agenda
6:45-50–Review prior minutes (Matt)
6:50-55–February GA meeting recap (for my benefit) & brief RPP update (Jesse)
6:55-00–LDC update & brief discussion (Jesse)
7:00-05–Discussion of Travis County GOP petition to criminalize homelessness (Jesse, see below)
7:05-7:10–Sector reassignment update (Kate, Stephanie, et al.)
7:10-15–Waterfront board & SoCo parking study updates (Jeff, as needed )
7:15-25–Parks update including grant & upcoming Park Day (Ingrid)
7:25-30–Budget update (Ronnie, as needed)
7:30-35–Zoning update (Paul, as needed)
7:35-7:50–Communications discussion, including listserv & website (Mimi, Matt, Gary et al.)
7:50-55–Sector updates (as needed)
Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin in the spring. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events/happenings from our neighbors. Missing something, let us know. Thanks
Hot off the press is the Dec.-Jan. Bouldin Bulletin. The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. With more election information HERE but note a correction for Secretary position-still open.
BCNA Officer Elections – December 10, 2019
The Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association will hold its annual officer’s election at the next General Association Meeting on Tuesday, December 10.
We are a volunteer organization and depend on those neighbors who are willing to donate time and energy to make sure our interests are represented at City boards and commissions, at the Austin Neighborhood Council and with Austin City Council. Our officers and committees deal with zoning issues, traffic problems and neighborhood parks; manage our funds, maintain the web site and publish newsletters.
As always, we will take nominations from the floor at the meeting. You have to be a registered member of BCNA as of November 30, in order to be a candidate or to vote.
Below is a slate of candidates that have announced their intention to run for office at this time. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on Committees for Parks, Traffic, and Zoning issues. We asked each candidate to provide us with a short statement. In the spirit of the League of Women Voters, these statements are unedited.
Note that we still need 3 volunteer candidates-Secretary, Lavender and Blue Sector Representatives.
The President is the primary spokesperson of the BCNA. S/he presides at all meetings of BCNA general membership and the Executive Committee, makes appointments with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, and cosigns all checks drawn on the account of BCNA. Candidate: Jesse Moore, Incumbent I am terminally ambivalent and therefore tend to be more process-oriented than results-oriented. My main goal as President is to foster an environment that encourages people to both listen to each other and speak up. I find this to be a very challenging job and I know my fellow committee and officer volunteers do as well. I cannot express my gratitude to them and to all BCNA members who participate in their own way year after year, decade after decade.
The Vice President – Neighborhood Issues shall assist and support committees related to zoning, development, parks and traffic. S/he will preside at BCNA meetings when necessary due to the absence of the president. Candidate: Kate Francis, Curent Lavender Sector Re In the 2 short years I’ve been involved with BCNA, my favorite part has been meeting new neighbors and getting to know all of the stories and histories of Bouldin Creek. I’d like to have more community get-togethers in the coming year so that the neighborhood association continues to grow with both old and new faces – events like happy hours, park pot lucks, movie and theatre outings and the like. I’m hoping to organize another monthly social meeting in addition to last-Friday-of-the-month Happy Hour at El Mercado. If you are a local business owner and want to host an event, please get in touch!
The Vice President – External Affairs shall assist and support activities related to community ambassadors, neighborhood-wide social events, creek clean ups, neighborhood outreach, resource persons and serves as the Austin Neighborhood Council Representative. Candidate: Paul Strange, Incumbent When I was working there was a lot of travel involved in my job. Consequently, volunteer activities were not an option. Now that I’m retired I have an opportunity to get involved and there is no better place to do it than in the community in which we have chosen to live. I started out delivering Bulletins and then was elected as the Orange Sector Representative. Now as VP External Affairs I get to represent BCNA and share our interests and concerns with the Austin Neighborhoods Council and other community groups. I’m running for reelection to continue in that important position.
Communications Director – shall assist with and support activities related to information dissemination, newsletter publication, web sites and other mass media. Candidate: Mimi Martinez McKay As a longtime Bouldin resident and property owner (1994), I’ve reaped the benefits of the terrific work of all those actively contributing to BCNA and am ready to give back by serving as the Communications Director. I trust my professional background in communications for several government entities (including federal, state and county) will be valuable should you select me for this position. The specific focus of my work over the past 20 years has been on implementing policies to improve services for those dealing with serious mental health issues which is certainly a critical issue for Bouldin and many other neighborhoods throughout our city.
Treasurer – shall assist and support activities related to finance, including account record keeping, fund deposit and withdrawals, and other related business management with respect to fundraising. The Treasurer shall co-sign all checks drawn on the account of BCNA; s/he will give a full report of all accounts on a monthly basis to the Executive Committee and shall keep the General Association apprised of all transactions on BCNA accounts. Candidate: Ronnie Dittmar I’ve been Treasurer several times in recent years, subject to term limits. Since the current Treasurer is moving back to his former office of Yellow Sector rep, I hope to step back in to continue to keep the financial accounts updated, reconciled and reported to the Association. My qualifications include 23 years of Association membership, mostly in an officer capacity, including my current role as Bulletin (newsletter) Coordinator, and Parks Committee member. I’m also a CPA, which has its own requirements for competence and ethical standards.
The Secretary shall record minutes of the General Association Meeting and the Executive Committee meetings, as well as assist and support activities related to records and agenda keeping, membership validation, and database managing. Candidate Needed:
Sector Representatives – must live in the sectors they represent. The Green Sector: N/S borders: Oltorf to Mary E/W borders: Railroad tracks to South First Candidate: Nick Saragossa, Incumbent Long time Austin resident, son of career Air Force officer who transferred to Austin in 1971. Graduate of Lanier high school, then the University of Texas, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. Earned commission as US Navy officer in 1983, and designation as a Naval Aviator upon completing pilot training in 1984. After leaving active duty in 1989, Nick chose to pursue a career in the high tech industry, where he has worked with several leading companies, including IBM, Dell and Motorola. Nick has been with NXP (formerly Freescale) in Austin since 2006, and holds patents in the area of high speed communication technology If elected, Melynda Nuss, former VP of Neighborhood Issues, will serve as back-up representative.
The Lavender Sector: Oltorf to Johanna South First to S. Congress Need Candidate
The Blue Sector Mary to Monroe Railroad tracks to South First Need Candidate
The Yellow Sector Johanna to South of the School for the Deaf South First to S. Congress Candidate: Jeff Seiden/Jody Zemel I have volunteered with BCNA for 5 years as Sector Rep and Treasurer. I participate on the Zoning Committee and have a particular focus on Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility, Traffic, Parking and Safety issues facing Yellow Sector residents. As Sector rep, I will work to balance Bouldin’s historical neighborhood feel with the numerous changes to our area proposed by the CoA. I’ve been an Austin resident for over 22 years and moved to Eva Street 9 years ago. When I am traveling, I will be assisted in the Yellow Sector rep role by Jody Zemel, a long time Bouldin resident with deep experience in both BCNA and CoA neighborhood, development and planning issues.
The Pink Sector Monroe to Gibson between Railroad tracks to South First Gibson to Christopher between S. 5th & South First Candidate: Scottee Downing, Incumbent It’s been said that the best protection for your home is to get to know your neighbors. When I moved to Austin, I was looking for community and a place to grow some roots. This past year was my first experience being involved with BCNA, and I have never felt more at home. While our neighborhood is rapidly changing, I am committed to staying educated on internal and external factors that will affect our homes and families. I have received more from my Bouldin neighbors than I could ever give back, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve in this role.
The Orange Sector Gibson to Christopher between RR tracks & S. 5th Christopher to Barton Springs Rd between RR track and Bouldin Candidate: Sue Mercado, Incumbent I have served as the Orange Sector representative for this past year. There has been a learning curve but I feel that this coming year if elected, I will be better equipped with a year under my belt. I would like to encourage more input from my neighbors in this zone. I feel that I offer a fresh perspective and have some new ideas that I can bring to the table. I’m born and raised in Austin, and have the history, knowledge, and love for the city and this neighborhood.
The Brown Sector Copeland to Barton Springs Rd S. 2nd to South First Candidate: Stephanie Scholten, Incumbent As representative for the past two years, I have done my best to keep Brown Sector residents informed and to encourage more diverse voices in the neighborhood association. It has been so rewarding to see many of you now regularly attending BCNA meetings and getting involved with issues that will affect your daily life (whether you’re currently aware of it or not!) I hope to see even more new faces next year so that we can all try to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable community for everyone.
December Events Affecting Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Please Note: Heavy traffic and various parking restrictions will impact Bouldin Creek Residents Ballet Austin Nutcracker School Shows – December 7th through December 23rd Location: Long Center and Parking Garage https://balletaustin.org/performances/thenutcracke
Austin Trail of Lights – Friday December 13th – 23rd , 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Location: Zilker Park, Traffic impact Zilker Park Neighborhoods https://austintrailoflights.org/
EVENTS DOWN THE HILL Palmer Heavy Traffic December 2019 HERE
Whether you’re interested in avoiding traffic, parking issues, or strolling to a good time, here are the websites to discover the goings-on of which to be aware: LONG CENTER http://thelongcenter.org/events/
Dog owner note: The Common Law Dogs and nuisance issues (poop, leashes, and noise) https://www.austinchronicle.com/columns/2019-02-08/the-common-law/
.Meeting Schedules: BCNA Meeting Schedules: BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month BCNA Steering Committee Meeting: 1st Monday, each month BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month Meetings at The High Road, 6:45pm 700 Dawson Road, Unless otherwise noted.
Hello neighbors, a lot going on in Austin. We try to inform folks of events impacting the ‘hood. We also try and update events and happenings from our neighbors. Missing something, let us know. Thanks
BCNA elections 2019 Neighbors, Our annual Officers elections are coming up at the next General Association Meeting on Tuesday, December 10. In order to vote , or to be considered for an office, you need to be a registered member of our association by November 30.
Registration is easy: just mail or e-mail our Treasurer: Jeff Seiden-BCNA Treasurer PO Box 3683 Austin TX 78764 Or treasurer@bouldincreek.org Please state your name, phone, e-mail address and mailing address. We do appreciate a $25 annual membership donation but it is not necessary to become a member.
If you have attended General Association meetings this past calendar year and have indicated on the sign-in
sheet that you wish to become a member, you are already registered. Not sure whether you are currently registered?
Please contact the Treasurer and he’ll let you know.
Thanks,
Ingrid Weigand
BCNA Election Committee
Election Information Neighbors, Each year, we elect members of our neighborhood to present our interest in front of City officials, Boards and Commissions and the Austin City Council.. These are volunteer positions and we appreciate all of you who have donate your time and energy to make sure our voices are heard. Below is a list of officers and a description of their roles. Several current officers have expressed interest in running again, but we are always looking for new neighbors to join. A list of all known candidates will be published in the upcoming BCNA newsletter; in addition, we will take nominations from the floor at the General Association meeting on December 10. If you have any questions about any of the roles below, please contact one of the current officers or the Election Committee.
Thanks,
Ingrid Weigand
BCNA Elections Committee
The President is the primary spokesperson of the BCNA. S/he presides at all meetings of BCNA general membership and the Executive Committee, makes appointments with the advice and consent of the Executive Committee, and cosigns all checks drawn on the account of BCNA.
The Vice President – Neighborhood Issues shall assist and support committees related to zoning, development, parks and traffic.
S/he will preside at BCNA meetings when necessary due to the absence of the president.
The Vice President – External Affairs shall assist and support activities related to community ambassadors, neighborhood-wide social events, creek clean ups, neighborhood outreach, resource persons and serves as the Austin Neighborhood Council Representative.
Communications Director – shall assist with and support activities related to information dissemination, newsletter publication, web sites and other mass media.
Treasurer – shall assist and support activities related to finance, including account record keeping, fund deposit and withdrawals, and other related business management with respect to fundraising. The Treasurer shall co-sign all checks drawn on the account of BCNA; s/he will give a full report of all accounts on a monthly basis to the Executive Committee and shall keep the General Association apprised of all transactions on BCNA accounts.
The Secretary shall record minutes of the General Association Meeting and the Executive Committee meetings, as well as assist and support activities related to records and agenda keeping, membership validation, and database managing.
The Sector Representatives are the eyes and the ears of their specific part of the neighborhood. They must live in the sectors they represent. The Green Sector: N/S borders: Oltorf to Mary E/W borders: Railroad tracks to South First
The Lavender Sector: Oltorf to Johanna South First to S. Congress
The Blue Sector Mary to Monroe Railroad tracks to South First
The Yellow Sector Johanna to South of the School for the Deaf South First to S. Congress
The Pink Sector Monroe to Gibson between Railroad tracks to South First Gibson to Christopher between S. 5th & South First
The Orange Sector Gibson to Christopher between RR tracks & S. 5th Christopher to Barton Springs Rd between RR track and Bouldin
The Brown Sector Copeland to Barton Springs Rd S. 2nd to South First
SoCo parking study The Downtown Austin Alliance and mobility consultants, Nelson Nygaard held a workshop on November 5 at the High Road. They presented findings and strategies for the SoCo parking study. We were joined by the SRCC. What: South Congress Parking Study Resident Workshop. More info. HERE SoCoParking_Fact-Book-2019-10-11
Thom,
Below is the information for Neighborhood Night at the Trail of Lights. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you, James Russell
On one of our private nights, we invite area residents to walk the Trail before it opens to the public for a special Neighborhood Night during an evening dedicated to our STARS at the Trail program. The Austin Trail of Lights will be open to Zilker Park’s neighbors from 7:00pm-9:00 pm on Wednesday, December 4th. We’re offering Zilker area neighborhood residents 4 free tickets to access the Trail on this special night with their families.
Tickets are required for everyone 12 years and older. Tickets not required for children ages 11 and under with a ticketing adult. 4 ticket limit per household please.
*Note: This is a private, special event and food vendors and bars will not be operating. Trail of Lights 2019 Neighbor Night ~ Wed 12/4/19 – 7pm-9pm LINK HERE
Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association
Passcode = BOULDINTOL19
225 tickets
In addition to the 12/4 Neighbor Night offer, we also have 100 discount Preview Party tix available for our neighbors at $42.50 + fees.
The same access codes can be used to unlock this special offer (while supplies last) on the Night Lights purchase
Park’s Day November 2 Neighbors, Now that the weather is cooler (and we had that wonderful rain) it’s time to share some love with our green spaces. We’ll have a quick clean up of both Nicholas Dawson Park and the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt next Saturday, Nov 2, from 9 am to 11 am Meeting place is the entrance to Nicholas Dawson at South First and Gibson, next to the El Mercado parking lot.
From there, we’ll spread out to several locations. Please bring gloves and be prepared to get muddy; wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and sturdy shoes. I’ll have coffee and some breakfast bars ready; we’ll also supply trash bags. It’s fall – let’s celebrate and play outside! Ingrid Weigand BCNA Parks Committee 512-663-4632
Hot off the press is the Oct.-Nov, Bouldin Bulletin. The same good stuff you might have read while drinking a cup of coffee —but in digital form. HERE:
Fall / Winter 2019 Events Affecting Bouldin Creek Neighborhood HERE
EVENTS DOWN THE HILL
Whether you’re interested in avoiding traffic, parking issues, or strolling to a good time, here are the websites to discover the goings-on of which to be aware:
Palmer Heavy Traffic November 2019HERE PalmerHeavyTraffic_Nov2019 LONG CENTER http://thelongcenter.org/events
Meeting Schedules: BCNA Meeting Schedules: BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month BCNA Steering Committee Meeting: 1st Monday, each month BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month Meetings at The High Road, 6:45pm 700 Dawson Road, Unless otherwise noted.
Hello neighbors–The next general membership meeting of the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association will be next Tuesday, April 9, beginning at 6:45 pm at the High Road on Dawson, 700 Dawson. Hope to see you there. Here is the currently envisioned agenda:
–6:45: Intros
–6:55: Event announcements
–7:00: Parks Committee update
–7:10: Call for volunteers for Communications and Traffic Safety & Parking Committees
–7:15: Zoning update, including review of vote on support for Board of Adjustment variance for 1301 S. 5th St.
–7:25: Green Pastures update
–7:35: Brief presentation on “Affordability Unlocked” zoning changes
–7:45: Adjourn
Hope to see you all there, thanks!–Jesse, BCNA Prez
Meeting Schedules:
BCNA Meeting Schedules:
BCNA General Association Meeting: 2ndTuesday, every other month
BCNA Steering Committee Meeting:1st Monday, each month
BCNA Zoning Committee Meeting: 3rd Monday each month
Meetings at The High Road, 6:45pm 700 Dawson Road,
Unless otherwise noted.
