Submitted by Scott Swain

MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT of The Wells Branch Neighbors for Responsible Development (WBNRD)

6:30PM • Wednesday, August 8 • Wells Branch Community Center, 2106 Klattenhoff

This meeting of the WBNRD is to invite our Neighbors of Wells Branch to join in our opposition to The Waters at Willow Run Apartment development.

The meeting will be short, with a history of our efforts, a rundown on what is up next, and our needs to meet these challenges. Your skills are needed in this effort.

We have work to do in preparation for a coming meeting in our Neighborhood with The Texas Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs, representatives of Atlantic Housing, and YOU, the Neighbors of Wells Branch.

For more information, click HERE or select the “Community” tab, then “Opposition” drop down.  Thank you!

If you are not able to attend, but would like to participant in this effort, please email me at scottswain@maxavenue.com

Thank you for your support of our Neighborhood,

Scott Swain

Submitted by Chuck Walters, President, Wells Branch MUD Board of Directors

The MUD Board has two meetings monthly whereby the first meeting on the first Tuesday of the month is a Work Session and the second meeting on the third Tuesday of the month is the regular Business Meeting. The meetings start at 6:30pm and are held at the Wells Branch Community Center on Klattenhoff unless otherwise posted.

We will be returning to concentrate on a specific agenda item for the Work Session meetings only.  What will be new is the way we will provide ability for residents to have additional input on the Work Session agenda item.

• The meeting will have the regular ‘Citizen Communication’ at the beginning.

• During the Work Session agenda item, the Board and Committees will set the goal for the discussion and provide an overview or opening comments.

• During the discussion of the item, residents may step to the podium and will be recognized to share their comments with a 3 minute time limitation. Questions from Board on the comments may extend this time.

• In recognition of overall time limits to complete the Work Session item and the entire agenda the Chair may place further restrictions if needed.

This week’s Work Session will focus on the 2012-2013 budget.  Please see the link below to download the agenda.

Wells Branch MUD Agendas

We look forward to having this added opportunity for your feedback.  The Board will evaluate the process as we move forward.

Chuck Walters
President
Wells Branch MUD
Board of Directors

The WBNA has added a lost and found page for missing or found pets (or anything else I suppose).  Please send an email with info and a picture to info@wbna.us for posting to this site and our Facebook page.  Also, if you’ve posted a pet or item, please notify us when it is found or picked up.  Below is the link or click on the “Community” tab, then “Lost & Found”.  Please let your friends and neighbors know about this new feature.  Thanks!

https://wbna.us/community/lost-found/

Submitted by Bob Bauhs

The WB MUD Facilities Committee consisting of Chuck Walters, Chairman; Bob Bauhs, Director; Richard Fadal, Landscape Consultant; Robert Ferguson, Engineering Consultant; and Jesse Kennis, District Manager is inviting citizens to participate in a review of two initiatives.

One initiative is to review and evaluate proposed enhancements to the area around the pond. As a participant you would be able to help evaluate the soundness of the proposals, as well as make your own suggestions for improvements.

The other initiative is to review and evaluate proposed enhancements to the stream banks in the area between Wells Port and Wells Branch Parkway. Once again we are soliciting help in evaluating the soundness of the proposals and looking for other ideas.

Both of these initiatives are in addition to the planned Trees for Trails Plantings that are expected to occur this fall in three separate locations:  The North Meadow, KF Park, and Gaylord Avenue.  We need to determine the feasibility of including these additional initiatives in the coming fiscal budget.  Your commitment to this committee would consist of at least one meeting in August.  Decisions on what to propose to the full board must be completed by the board meeting on September 4th.

To apply, submit an e-mail to:  pdean@wellsbranchmud.com

Or send a letter to: Facilities Committee, 3000 Shoreline Dr. Austin, TX. 78728

Specify:     Attn: Facilities Committee in the subject line.

Provide your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.

State your particular areas of interest.

You will be notified of when the 1^st committee meeting is scheduled.

At the June 4 MUD Board meeting, President Chuck Walters suggested that based on input from the recent Visions and Town Hall meetings, the Board should look at ways to encourage greater resident input and involvement.

• Director Walters proposed “Java Jolts” be held monthly or quarterly  in which individual MUD Board Directors would host coffee house meetings with interested residents to discuss current issues and concerns.  Residents could meet with one or all of the board members over a short period of time to voice their opinions and offer input on matters of interest in a much less formal situation than a MUD board meeting.
• Resident involvement at the committee level was also suggested by Director Walters.  Many times residents aren’t aware of issues being considered on a committee level until it comes up before the whole board.  This would allow those with interests in certain areas i.e. finance or recreation, to attend the committee meetings and view backup documentation before recommendations are made to the board.  Details  regarding implementation and rules will be discussed at the July 2 board meeting.
• At the June 19 meeting Director Walters recommended the board return to “work sessions” at the first meeting of the month.  In the past, the MUD board would focus on specific issues at these meetings, have their committee meetings in between and then have the individual committee reports along with consultant reports at the second meeting (third Tuesday of the month).  Returning to this structure allows for more attention as a board working together on specific issues like disc golf or TCEQ mandates. Director Walters also mentioned inviting citizen communication not only at the beginning of the first meeting, but at points throughout.

Watch for announcements regarding these opportunities in the near future on both the MUD and WBNA websites.  “Like” us (either one) on Facebook and receive updates as they become available.

*As always, the WBNA welcomes your thoughts & suggestions.  What do YOU think about these proposals?  Please respond under “Comments”.

Crosswalks & Traffic Signs

In response to concerns voiced at the last Visions meeting, Tom Cheshire & Janet Maxey (MUD Safety Committee) met with Travis County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt and TNR representatives regarding signage and requests to install a 3-way STOP at the corner of Wells Port & Alpha Collier.  Missing and damaged signs are being replaced throughout  the district.  Traffic flow on Alpha Collier doesn’t justify a 3-way stop at this intersection.  However, the County will be restriping all crosswalks in Wells Branch and is considering additional signage at this intersection.  The possibility of adding a flashing sign that would be activated when residents wish to use the crosswalk is an option but would cost the District $30,000 if they choose to install one.

Wells Branch District Office Relocation & Renovation of Annex on Wells Port

WB MUD will be moving their District Office from its current location at 14205 Burnet Road to the Annex on Wells Port this September.  Renovations to the Annex will begin soon so that it may accommodate District staff this Fall.  Only a portion of the Annex will be used for District offices; both BSA & GS meeting rooms will remain intact.

Mills Pond Dam Compliance & Risk Assessment

Director Janet Maxey requested and the board approved a Risk Assessment before any action is taken.  For more information, watch www.wellsbranchmud.com and check MUD meeting agendas.

Alterations to the Disc Golf Course

These matters are currently under review.  For more information, watch www.wellsbranchmud.com and check MUD meeting agendas.

Wells Branch MUD Board Committee Assignments

Administrative Committee

Donna Howe, Chairperson • Janet Maxey

Facilities Committee

Chuck Walters, Chairperson • Bob Bauhs

Finance Committee

Donna Howe, Chairperson • Tom Cheshire

Information Technologies Committee

Chuck Walters, Chairperson • Bob Bauhs

Recreation Committee

Janet Maxey, Chairperson • Chuck Walters

Safety  Committee

Tom Cheshire, Chairperson • Janet Maxey

Contact Information for MUD Board Directors

Chuck Walters: cwalters@wellsbranchmud.com • 251-6978

Donna Howe: dhowe@wellsbranchmud.com •238-9090

Tom Cheshire: tcheshire@wellsbranchmud.com • 913-3144

Janet Maxey: janetmaxey@hotmail.com • 775-3074

Bob Bauhs: bbauhs@wellsbranchmud.com • 363-7182

MUD District Manager: Jesse Kennis, II • jkennis@wellsbranchmud.com • 251-9814

What you do, support, and how you volunteer your time matters.  YOU make a difference.  WBNA is starting a series on individuals who’ve helped shape our community as we’ve grown over the years.  Many are familiar faces, always present at events, but we’ve never taken the opportunity to get to know them. Watch for upcoming articles on Dianne Koehler (Fall Issue) & WBCC (Holiday Issue).  If there’s someone you’d like to spotlight, please contact us at info@wbna.us.

We’d like to begin by recognizing Chuck Walters as a champion of our community.  Chuck celebrated his 20th year serving on the MUD Board this past May.  An original resident of Wells Branch, Chuck first ran for the board because of his interest in the trail system and strengthening Wells Branch as a community.  He worked with Texas Parks and Wildlife on three matching grants to improve our park system.  The first was for the initial trail system, the second for Willow Bend Pool and the pond, and the third was for the construction of the Recreation Center on Shoreline.

Chuck is Chairperson of the Facilities and IT Committees and serves on the Recreation Committee as well.  During his tenure, he spearheaded the Meditation Grove at the Pavilion, helped facilitate the Leslie Lane Meditation Garden and led the committee responsible for fence replacement along our major thoroughfares which not only changed the face of Wells Branch, but continues to help maintain property values for all Wells Branch residents.  Above all else, Chuck brings two decades of cumulative knowledge to the table when dealing with issues affecting our community.

As our park system has aged, we’ve lost a number of old growth trees.  Together, Chuck Walters and Bob Bauhs (Facilities) have worked with the Trees for Trails focus group over the last year to identify the areas most in need and prioritize plans for adding trees to the trail system.   The efforts of this group as a whole have encouraged an interest in preserving natural areas, stream maintenance and an increased effort to maintain Wells Branch’s natural amenities.  Whether it’s Keep Wells Branch Beautiful or neighbors gathering to clear out the invasive species in what will one day be our Natural Play Park, Chuck is there, working side by side with the rest of the community.

Chuck was instrumental in the creation of the Homestead Board to perpetuate the care and maintenance of the Gault Homestead in the event of annexation.  In addition, he has served on that board since its inception.  The Homestead is the sponsor organization for both Cub Scout Pack 140 and Boy Scout Troop 1409.  For the last twenty years, Chuck has volunteered as the Charter Organization Representative for both BSA Pack & Troop.  He also served as Den Leader for his son, Dane and as a volunteer for the Armada swim team for a number of years.  When there was a shortage of crossing guards at WBE, Chuck stepped up and was out there every morning to help children get to school safely.

Chuck has contributed financially as well with donations to the library, BSA Pack 140 and most recently Wells Branch Elementary to help pay for shade trees by the Merrilltown playground.

Always a strong supporter of the WBNA and community involvement, Chuck volunteers each year at our Easter Egg Hunt and you can always find him at our National Night Out celebration, either at the grill or with a microphone in his hand.  Chuck has always been ready to volunteer his time where needed, whenever asked and has had the honor of being Santa Claus at Luminary Fest more than anyone else in Wells Branch history.

Chuck has wholeheartedly given of himself and his time, and through his leadership has made this community even stronger.  We thank you Chuck, for all that you’ve contributed to Wells Branch.  You’ve made a difference in all our lives.

Written by Karen Mappin

The businesses within the Wells Branch tax district do more than just feed, clothe, entertain, and serve the residents.  A portion of the sales taxes collected from these businesses support our Emergency Services (Fire Dept.) and our Community Library.  So when we utilize their services, we are helping our neighborhood.   It pays to have prosperous businesses in our area.

We are starting a column that focuses on the shopping areas in our district to bring attention to the businesses with consultation from https://tradewise.community/ experts.  that are in our district.  Bratton Square at the corner of Merriltown and Bratton Lane starts the series (14735 Bratton Lane).

Bratton Square has three business categories:  food, health and wellness, and service.  We will spotlight four of the businesses that answered our call for information and list the others in each category.

Starting with food:  Longtime resident and business owner Tracy Yuan operates the Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant where we can get wonderful lunches and dinners for a reasonable price.  The best part about Four Seasons is that they deliver seven days a week.   Four Seasons offers a standard Chinese restaurant menu and will bring it right to your door if you call 251-8827.

Additionally, Mezzaluna Italian Grill is also open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week to provide some wonderful Italian food.  Owners Loretta & Carey Lynch enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere and the camaraderie that pervades the restaurant.  They have a new menu with daily specials listed on the web at www.mezzalunaaustin.com or you can call them at 252-1444.

Other food options are Polvos en La Brisa (Mexican), the Oasis (pizza and sandwiches), or Kenny’s Coffee (breakfast fare and coffee).

Bratton Square is becoming a Wells Branch mecca for health and wellness options.  Michael Massie has been a contributor to the Wells Branch Neighborhood News and owns and operates Fighting Fit Boot Camp.  Mike and his trainers can help our residents stay functionally fit by attending his fitness boot camp classes, fitness kickboxing classes, and with his weight loss coaching classes.  Yes, we’ve still got to do the work, but Mike welcomes us, regardless of our fitness level, to come in and try a class for free.  He can modify any workout to fit any fitness level and help us build from there.  So don’t be afraid of the “boot camp” name!  Come by to talk, check out the website at http://FitnessBootCampAustin.com, or call him at 512-670-9333.

After you work out with Mike, you can hop over to Massage + Yoga where Michael Parrish and Summer Greenlees will make you forget that workout or that stressful day at work.  Their barefoot massage, a technique adapted from standard massage practices, is sure to be a relaxing experience.  Alternatively, if you are into stretching and bending, the wide variety of yoga classes is bound to appeal.  Their schedule for classes or massages are on their website:  www.massageplusyoga.com.  (And don’t forget ladies spa nights on the first Friday of each month!)

For some color pampering or a new “do”, try Bratton Nails or the Shear Images hair salon.

And to round out the businesses at Bratton Square, there are several that offer different services.   The Speedy Stop (gasoline and food mart), Marvelous Mandarin (Chinese classes), Martial Arts, and Potter’s House Christian church on Sundays.

Many of the businesses in Bratton Square are avid supporters of our schools, our Boy and Girl Scout troops, our library, and our neighborhood association. They participate in events such as International Day at Wells Branch Elementary and the Fourth Fest by donating food, gift certificates, and their time and talents.   As consumers, please support our neighbors in return to keep our tax dollars working in the neighborhood and to say “thanks” with our purchasing power.  We love having them so close by!