submitted by Chuck Walters, WB MUD Board President

Operating expenses have been reduced over $350,000 through 1. Restructuring:  reduced overtime, consolidated customer service and weekend two-man crew, 2.  Negotiating new electric rates for District accounts as well as new cell and landline phone rates, and 3. Saving costs by modernizing the vehicle fleet and by declaring excess equipment surplus.

Trees for Trails has been implemented, beginning with adopting a master plan, removing invasive species, and completing three tree plantings already.  Funding for this plan is supported by single stream recycling.

Implemented Green initiatives include single stream recycling, updated pool heaters, modernized pump station equipment, rainwater harvesting and irrigation system repairs (including well monitoring), a new air conditioning system for the Rec Center, a new thermostat for the CC, and the acquisition of an electric ATV.

Enhanced security patrols complemented  security camera installations at critical facilities and  neighborhood crime watch programs were supported as more neighborhoods became involved.

Repairs on the CC roof have been completed and the Annex roof has been replaced.  Rec Center counter and office space were remodeled.

Certain recreation programs were enhanced (including a Zumba class) as the registration/membership tag renewal process was improved.

Continue reading Glance at the Past – Recent MUD Accomplishments →

The Austin Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) production of their 2nd Annual Texas Young Composers Concert will be held Thursday, April 26, 7:30pm at the Long Center’s Dell Hall.  ASO will present the world premiere of new orchestral works composed by Texas students age 18 and under.

Among the nine orchestral works featured and conducted by ASO Maestro Peter Bay will be that of Wells Branch Resident and High School Sophomore Jocelyn Chambers. More information can be found at http://www.austinsymphony.org/events/2nd-annual-texas-young-composers-concert/

Come and support Jocelyn!

Submitted by Mendy Barnett

Cub Scout Pack 140 is chartered by The Wells Branch Homestead, and parents work diligently with their young boys to teach them strong values, how to be a strong leader and that character counts. There is one scout that has learned all of this and has taken it to the next level.

Sean Johnston joined Cub Scouts in 2007 when he was in 1^st grade. He has had a lot of fun in Cub Scouts, and has accomplished a lot in the last 5 years. Sean has participated in many service projects, received numerous patches including the Chili Pepper patch for camping in over 100 degree heat at Camp Tom Wooten, attended Scout Jam, spent the night at NASA Space Center in Houston, earned several patches while visiting Washington DC last summer, earned the 9/11 patch for participating in the 9/11 Memorial Celebration last September, sold over $7000 in popcorn to raise money for his Pack, and earned the Leave No Trace patch.

Continue reading Sean Johnston Exemplifies Scouting →

The WBNA will be hosting the Silent Auction during the annual FourthFest on July 4th. This is our BIG fundraiser for the year – how we pay for the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out, our participation at Halloween, Luminary Fest and New Year’s Eve as well as all the meetings we host throughout the year.  We are seeking donations of merchandise, gift cards/certificates, theme baskets, services…. to auction. Some ideas are: Gift certificates for movie and dinner for 2; body care products; unique candles or household items; sports memorabilia; gift certificates for babysitting…. use your imagination!  In return, you receive exposure for your business at the auction, through flyers, a special “Thank You” section in the September issue of the WBNA Neighborhood News and on our website with links to your site. If you have items or services to donate OR if you would like to help solicit items, please email us at info@wbna.us.

Click on individual photos to see entire picture.

On February 25, around 50 residents gathered at the WB Community Center to dream and create a Vision for our community. This meeting was the brainchchild of twelve year resident George Holcombe and new resident Scott Smith. The following was presented before the actual brainstorming began:

Reason for Visioning: To gather our vision from the community to use in planning
and acting out the future.

What a Vision is and is not:

•  A vision is not something we do or a plan of action
•  A vision is an underlying image that motivates us, defines us, is a reason for being
•  When we complain or boast about our community, we are making judgments based  on our unspoken vision.

Why are Visions important: They are alive and dynamic – they move us – the clearer

we are about our visions, the clearer our actions tend to be.

Once the purpose and examples were given, residents were invited to share what they felt were the gifts and challenges of our community. Mr. Holcombe and Mr. Smith facilitated the rest of the session encouraging residents to to participate and collaborate to build a rational chart. Click  Shared Vision for Wells Branch to view the chart. 

2nd “Visions” meeting planned for April 1, 4-6pm, WBCC

If you missed the February meeting, the next opportunity is scheduled for April 1, 4-6pm at
the WB Community Center on Klattenhoff. The discussion will focus on the challenges to achieving
our vision.

Refreshments provided.  Please join us and share YOUR vision for Wells Branch.

Nothing new on the home front for W2A Road Acceptance or the Affordable Housing project behind Willow Run.  Please check our website (wbna.us) periodically for updates.

RRISD Update:  On February 16, RRISD Trustees voted to move children north of Merrilltown and west of Bratton to McNeil High School.  Students currently enrolled in Cedar Ridge will be allowed to continue there thru graduation.  Bus service to both campuses will be provided.

WB Resident, Michael Farris, met with Superintendent Jesus Chavez on February 24.  He was told by Dr. Chavez that he would grant a transfer to any Wells Branch child that is currently attending Chisholm Trail Middle School, or will be going next year, thus allowing a path to keep RRISD Wells Branch students together through elementary, middle and high school.  It is not known at this time whether any transportation services will be provided.  Please check our website for updates.

Wanted: Wells Branch resident to run for the RRISD Board of Trustees.  Our voices have been ignored by this school board for too long.  We need someone to fight for Wells Branch.  Deadline to file is: 8/20/12.  See www.roundrockisd.org for more details.