FYI- Having lived in Hyde Park, here is what I have learned.

The Transportation Dept with the City of Austin receives all event permit requests including those that require street closues. http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/specialevents/maps.htm

That particular department reviews the route plan (sometimes a year in advance) presented by the event holder and there is also a neighborhood notification process whereby if a certain percentage of residents are opposed to the route plan for an upcoming event then the event planner will be asked to reroute. The notification process would take place in conjunction with the permit process, thus we would have to voice our concerns early on - not just weeks prior to the event.

The events come into the Transportation Department sometimes a year in advance - particularly if they are annual events. The Transportation Department also have a website posted so residents can see what events are seeking permits.

Point being we do have a voice and I wonder if the HOA is just OKing everything on our behalf? One would have to express their concerns before the ball gets rolling. Sometimes it just a matter of rerouting one part of the run/walk, etc..
Also, there are to be police escorts at every major closure so that if residents have to leave or enter the neighborhood - they help facilitate that process.

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/specialevents/maps.htm

Melissa.

In my pre-baby life, I worked for city council and this is my advice...

Decide as a group how many events per year that Mueller is willing to host/support/tolerate and negotiate that with the city. I know many of you have moved from neighborhoods that have frequent street closures and events. And I also know that a large group of you are comfortable with hosting these events.

It is unbelievable the number of organizations requesting to hold their events at parks around town and additionally, the number of street closure requests that go along with them. Other neighborhoods are starting to tire of the burden so you will see Mueller start to shoulder some of these events. You'll want to be proactive about how much Mueller can handle as a community and negotiate limits. I believe one person may have mentioned this but it's worth repeating: it's easier to set limits now than to try to cut back later. Try to strike a balance between being supportive of community events and maintaining the quaint qualities of the Muller neighborhood.

I too lean in favor of allowing Mueller to be used for these good causes. Mueller should be a destination, not a private enclave. But I do think that we need to prioritize, using Mueller for those events that may not fit into one of the other neighborhood parks.
I also think that the events should be spread within Mueller - unfortunately due to the slow progress of Phase 3, there aren't any other public facilities besides Lake Park to serve as the focal point. And until there are, we should probably not host that many events simply because that over-burdens the people living around Lake Park.

According to the Parks Dept. Lake Park is not a "destination park" which means something like this: intended for local/neighborhood use; no organized sports like soccer leagues; no ACL Fests........

Another thing to consider is that there are commercial destinations whose entry/exit may conflict with street closures: Mosaic, the retail center, and the Town Center, once it gets going. Do/would the retailers consider such events a net advantage or otherwise?

Great discussion on this topic everyone, and yes we do have a voice! The next task is how do we channel that voice into a win/win proposition for all. We want to be good business partners with the event planners, and provide the guidance up front so that all expectations are known and met.

The Leukemia Walk is Saturday 10-24-09, and they anticipate 2000 attendees. The JDRF is the following Saturday 10-31-09 and they anticipate 3,500 people. In order to be good Hosts, it’s important to look at the impact logistically. We can estimate that half of those people will drive to the events, and approx 50% of them will probably bring one or more dogs along for the walk.

We need to discuss with HOA Rep Jenifer Harvey: jharvey@allianceonline.net what is negotiated in these event contracts. The City and our HOA dues pay for the Lake Park maintenance, so who is responsible for what? For example:
*** Who is responsible for post trash pickup? Are dumpsters brought in, what is the timeframe for the clean up to occur by? Is poop scooping included in the package? Does the HOA pay for scooping bags? *** Who is responsible for maintaining the wear & tear on playground equipment, bathrooms and trails after used by 3,500 people. What is the time frame for repairs to occur. *** Who is responsible for the water bill at Lake Park? Does the HOA pay it after 3,500 use the restroom and wash their hands? ** How many events per year are acceptable to the HOA? *** What is the associated financial burden of these events to the HOA and how will it affect our future Mueller dues?

Most neighborhood parks don't host these type of mega events, and there is nothing unfriendly about wanting to be informed and engaged business partners. Therefore, I can see the need for a "Friends of Lake Park" committee who would be a part of negotiating the event contracts that the HOA enters into. Thoughts?

Tonight's HANGAR meeting is also an opportunity to be enlightened & involved in our Mueller Comunity;
http://www.citicite.com/index.php?module=Events&op=view&EventID=312

I honestly think some are getting a little worked up over 2 events happening this month. We are not talking about hosting ACL next year or anything near that.

.02,
Felicia

Attached you will find the map for the Ronald McDonald Lights of Love 5K and Mueller street closures for 12-4-09. This event will occur on the same night as the Mueller NOEL Tower lighting. Please plan accordingly.

Kat's approach seems pretty reasonable. Should there be no limit to the number of events? Should we not understand the process, who is accountable, etc?

Kat, looks like you forgot to attach or include a link ?