Minutes & Financial Reports
Minutes, November 18, 2025
Minutes from the November 18, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Amanda Cox, Paula Hern, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas
Others in attendance: Alison Frazier, Lou Rigler
1. Approval of minutes from the October 21, 2025 monthly meeting. Kim O’Brien.
On a motion by Paula, seconded by Amanda, the October 21, 2025 minutes were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports.
Brad Prak, Prak Property Management, was unable to attend the meeting, but submitted his report. Highlights include: October 2025 financials show $39,294 in income and expenses of $25,433, for net income of $13,861. Final payment was made to American Youthworks for the construction of 1611 W. 10th Street. All aging payables have been paid—we owe no one! We will begin making $2000 monthly payments to the line of credit balance. PPM is preparing to write off some aging debts due from former tenants that they do not believe are collectible. As this is the first month of the fiscal year, no year-to-date report was prepared.
3. Monthly property reports—CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management.
Brad’s report stated that our units—save the Waterson unit awaiting renovations—are full.
4. Haskell House monthly report.
The board reviewed the October 2025 report submitted by Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager.
October: expenses, $0; donation, $156; 66 visitors signed the Visitors Log, including a visitor from Guatemala. Monthly highlights include: Communicated with Ellen Colfax at PARD about the drawings for the new railing and posts at the HH that Aubrey is working on; broken window pane at the HH replaced; talked to a group of 30 people who are members of a continuing education group at UT (UT OLLI) about the history of Clarksville and the HH and led them on a tour of the neighborhood; researched new ideas to promote the HH and Clarksville in 2026.
5. Reminder of CCDC/OWANA Holiday event (Sunday, December 14, 2025.) Paula Hern.
Paula reported that plans are set. Galaxy will provide tamales and queso. Notice of the event will be sent to all CCDC members and publicized by OWANA.
6. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
A meeting with OWANA Steering Committee members (Steve Amos, Evelyn Fujimoto, Charlie Rice) and CCDC Board members (Felecia Miller, Chris Thomas, Paula Hern) took place to talk about OWANA’s possible name change. It was a good meeting with honest communication. CCDC Board members explained our reasons for opposing “Clarksville” becoming an official part of any new name. Everyone was civil and everyone was heard.
Paula announced that she will be revolving off the Steering Committee at the end of the year. No one on the board is able to take her place.
City Lights Bookstore is making plans to move into the former St. Luke church.
Discussions continue regarding the proposed development at the Y. OWANA’s primary concerns are the height of the residential towers and traffic.
7. Other Business.
The following was discussed:
Aubrey shared drawings for the back railings at the Haskell House. Next steps are obtaining bids and determining PARD’s role in replacing the rails.
Chris brought up the idea of street sign toppers to designate historic Clarksville. Chris and Aubrey will look into this.
The board thanked Felecia Miller for making the Thanksgiving project for CCDC tenants happen. Thanks to HEB, as well, for providing the turkeys.
The closing of the neighborhood health clinic was discussed. It is scheduled to close in December, possibly to be repurposed. No more details were available.
8. The board did not meet in Executive Session.
NOTE: The board will not meet in December.
Minutes, October 21, 2025
Minutes of the October 21, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members present: Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas
Others present: Brad Prak, Prak Property Management
1. Approval of minutes from the September 16, 2025 monthly meeting. Kim O’Brien.
On a motion by BJ, seconded by Billy, the minutes were approved with an amendment made to the Haskell House report. Kim will check with Mary Reed, Haskell House manager, on the status of the broken window pane repair.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak.
Brad reported that the CCDC’s financial picture continues to improve. In September, we collected $24,297 in revenue, and had $13,929 in expenditures for September. The net income for the month was $10,368. We have made our final payment to American Youthworks for the construction of 1611 W. 10th (payment will show in October financials.) We have begun making payments on the draw-down of our line of credit. Monthly payments will continue until it is paid off. CCDC insurance is now part of a pool policy with PPM’s other clients, substantially reducing our costs.
3. Monthly property reports--CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad Prak.
Brad reported the following: All but one unit is filled (the vacant unit is awaiting major repairs); inspections of all units are scheduled for next month; there is a problem with the recently installed flooring at 1817A. Both the floor vendor and the foundation contractor have been called in to determine what is causing the problem; PPM is looking to schedule tree trimming at some of the properties; money is being earmarked to paint our two 2-story units. Cost will be approximately $13,000 for each, with the hope that by the end of November we’ll have the funds to paint the first one.
Billy shared information about a City program to assess wildfire risk and make recommendations regarding mitigation. The board agreed we should be proactive. Billy will share contact information with Brad who will pursue.
A question was raised about lawn care at the properties. Brad reported that PPM handles mowing.
4. Haskell House monthly report.
The board reviewed the September 2025 report submitted by Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager. Highlights include: There were no expenses; 57 people signed the visitors log; Mary and Aubrey are working with the Parks Department on replacing the back railing.
The board will contact Mary to learn the status of the Parks Departments plans to replace the broken window pane.
5. Reports on Austin Museum Day and Will Taylor and Strings Attached concert/ fundraiser. BJ Friedman, Felecia Miller.
BJ reported on a successful Austin Museum Day. The Haskell House was filled with visitors throughout the event. AMD coincided with a reunion that morning at Sweet Home, which brought many church members. Soul Man Sam and his band were a crowd favorite. Big Thanks to Astound and board member Aubrey Carter for their financial support of the event!
Felecia reported on a delightful and successful evening of great music at the Will Taylor and Strings Attached concert/fundraiser at the Haskell House. It was a beautiful night with a good-sized crowd. CCDC split the proceeds of the evening ($2,400) with Will. Thank you, Felecia, for organizing this event!
6. Announcement of CCDC/OWANA Holiday event, Sunday, December 14, 2025. Paula Hern.
Paula reported that plans are being set. Festivities begin at 4:30, with snow, children’s crafts, and refreshments. Caroling begins at 6. Erica Taylor and Rick & Phyliss Patrick will lead the caroling. The lights are already up at the Haskell House (thank you, Aubrey!) and the rest of the decorating will be done in early December.
7. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
Paula reported on efforts being made by both CCDC and OWANA to improve regular communication between the two organizations.
8. Other Business.
Chris shared with the Board that he does not have the time required to continue serving as CCDC president and needs to step down. The board voted on 2 motions: to accept Chris’s resignation as president and to appoint current CCDC vice-president Felecia Miller to serve the remainder of his term as president; and to appoint Chris to serve as vice-president for the remainder of the term. Both motions passed unanimously. The appointments are effective immediately, and will extend until new officers are elected in May 2026.
9. Executive Session, if necessary.
The Board did not meet in executive session
Minutes, September 16, 2025
Minutes from September 16, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members in attendance: Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien
1. Approval of minutes from the August 19, 2025 monthly meeting. Kim O’Brien
On a motion by BJ, seconded by Billy, the minutes were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak.
Income in August was $25,284, expenses $14,255. There were no major expenditures this month.
3. Monthly property reports--CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad Prak.
Brad was unable to attend the meeting. There was no property report available.
Yard maintenance was brought up, and a request made to discuss this at the next meeting.
4. Discussion and adoption of FY 2025-26 budget. BJ Friedman.
On a motion by Kim, seconded by BJ, the budget was adopted with the understanding that there are tweaks needed on some of the line items. A copy of the budget will be included on the website.
5. Discussion of plans for Austin Museum Day at the Haskell House (Sunday, September 21, 2025.) BJ discussed plans for the event. Docents will be on hand throughout the event. Soul Man Sam will play at 2 p.m. Homemade cookies and lemonade will be served. There will be kids’ activities and a raffle of gift cards. Thanks to Cipollina, Taco Flats, and Galaxy Café.
6. Haskell House monthly report.
The board reviewed the August 2025 report submitted by Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager. Highlights include: expenses: $158; significant financial support from Astound for Austin Museum Day; trained 2 new docents; booked three speakers for the 2026 Clarksville Conversations speakers series; participated in the inaugural, invitation-only meeting of the Austin Historical Preservation & Public History Working Group organized by Ted Gordon, Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies & Executive Director of the Contextualization and Commemoration Initiative; prepared and submitted Haskell House FY2025-2026 budget; began groundwork needed to replace the handrails at the back of the Haskell House; contacted Mathews principal to discuss student visits; began thinking about new ways to promote the Haskell House.
Upcoming events:
Austin Museum Day, September 21.
2026 Clarksville Conversations: Tara Dudley, March 8; Stephanie Lang, April 12; Bob Ward, July12 or 26.
Event at the HH as part of the Pease Conservancy’s Greater and Greener Tour, June 13, 2026. Details to come.
7. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
Paula reported about the recent General Membership meeting. OWANA is undertaking a long-term strategic planning process, looking toward the future of the neighborhood. They also are looking at ways to increase membership. Paula presented information to the members about Austin Museum Day and the Will Taylor and Strings concert.
She also noted that her term on the Steering Committee is coming to an end soon, mentioning that another board member might want to step up.
8. Other Business.
The following items were discussed:
BJ and Felecia will meet soon with the UT Law Clinic to discuss whether we can legally give rental preference to former Clarksville residents. They will keep the board informed.
The upcoming concert/fundraiser was discussed. Will Taylor and Strings will be playing on Saturday, October 11. Half of the proceeds of ticket sales will go to the musicians, half to the CCDC.
“Haskell House and the Story of Clarksville,” the documentary prepared by Austin Parks and Recreation, will be awarded a Preservation Austin 2025 Preservation Merit Award in November.
9. Executive Session, if necessary.
The board did not meet in Executive Session.
Action taken via Electronic Vote:
On August 27, 2025, the board voted to adopt the proposed Haskell House Policies and Procedures. This matter was time-sensitive and could not wait until the September 2025 meeting.
Minutes, August 19, 2025
Minutes from the Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting of August 19, 2025
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien
1. Approval of minutes from the July 15, 2025 monthly meeting. Kim O’Brien.
On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Paula, the minutes were approved as written.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak.
Brad was not in attendance. BJ presented the monthly financial reports. Total revenue in July was $22,381 ($22,286 from rents); expenses were $7896 (nothing out of the ordinary); net balance was $14,485. Outstanding payments have been reduced to $2538 (note: this does not include 1611 W. 10th expenses due to American YouthWorks.)
3. Monthly property reports--CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad Prak.
No monthly property report was available.
4. Discussion of repairs and renovation to CCDC Waterston property. Brad Prak.
BJ and Kim will work with Brad to prepare a proposed budget for this project and report back to the Board.
5. Discussion of FY 2025-26 budget. BJ Friedman.
Priorities for next year’s budget will be repaying our line of credit, funding needed repairs at the Waterston duplex, and remaining payments on 1611 W. 10th. A proposed budget will be presented at the September meeting, for adoption prior to the October 1 start of the next fiscal year.
6. Discussion and adoption of Haskell House Policies & Procedures. Paula Hern & Billy Edwards.
Amendments to the current draft were discussed. Paula and Billy will make the agreed upon changes and distribute a revised draft to the board.
7. Discussion of Austin Museum Day at the Haskell House (Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1-4 p.m.)
Docents will be on hand during the event. Soul Man Sam will perform at 2 p.m. There will be children’s activities, lemonade and homemade cookies, and a raffle of gift certificates from local businesses. Aubrey has made all arrangements related to Soul Man Sam and sound man John Medina. Haskell House Manager Mary Reed has prepared a “day of” list of responsibilities.
8. Haskell House monthly report.
The board reviewed the July 2025 report submitted by Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager. Highlights include: No donations received or expenses. 37 visitors signed the log. July activities included a visit from 20 residents from Westminster Manor; prepared Austin Museum Day plan. Other items of interest: Coordinated replacement of broken glass pane with PARD. Upcoming events: Invited to attend initial meeting of an invitation-only Austin Historical Preservation and Public History Working Group; new docent training (8/30); Austin Museum Day (9/21, 1-4 p.m.); visit from UT’s OLLI Forum (tour of HH & Clarksville.)
In response to a question from Mary, the Board agreed that a $5/person fee for neighborhood walking tours is a reasonable fee/donation request. The board also agreed that there might be instances in which it would be appropriate to waive that fee, and reserved the authority to do so.
9. Report on Ice Cream Social.
The Ice Cream Social was a great success. Paula Hern was crowned the first Ice Cream Queen, winning with delicious Mint Chocolate Chip. Meghann Rosales was the runner up with tasty Strawberry.
10. Report from OWANA Steering Committee.
Paula reported that there is dissatisfaction with the proposed height of the residential towers at the Y project. Also, the owner of the 6th and Walsh Street project backed out of a restrictive covenant that had been agreed to. The status of that project is pending. CCDC will get at least 2 sets of ACL tickets. OWANA is receiving 2 more than usual. Paula asked for 1 extra set, but no agreement has been reached as of yet.
11. Other Business.
The Will Taylor and Strings Attached concert flyer will be sent out tomorrow, to all CCDC lists. Felecia is handling chair rental details. The concert is Saturday, October 11, meet and greet at 7 p.m., music at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.
12. Executive Session, if necessary.
The board met in Executive Session.
Action taken via Electronic Vote:
On August 5, 2025, the board voted to authorize BJ Friedman, CCDC Treasurer, to sign the engagement letter with Maddox & Associates for the FY 2024-25 audit. This matter was time-sensitive and could not wait until the August 2025 meeting.
Monthly Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025
Minutes from the July 15, 2025, Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas
Others in attendance: Terry Snider
1. Approval of minutes from the June 17, 2025 monthly meeting. Kim O’Brien.
On a motion by Billy, seconded by Felecia, the minutes were approved as written.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak.
Financial reports show that we were in the black this month. Monthly revenue was $22,244—including $21,097 in rental income, $779 from the City’s final loan payment for 1611 W. 10th, and $165 in donations. Expenses (less depreciation) were $20,668. Large expenses were $1800 in grounds maintenance and $7000 for a new a/c at one property. Utility costs to the CCDC are down significantly now that units are rented.
Brad Prak, Prak Property Management (PPM), was not in attendance, but his written report stated that all but one unit is leased and we have cleared all but one of our payables. The one remaining payable is PPM. He commended Linda Parson of his staff for working with our vendors and getting our bills paid.
Kim noted that the above does not take into account money owed to American YouthWorks for construction of 1611 W. 10th. While we have $31,200 remaining in the 1611 account, outstanding payables will exceed this amount. We are still awaiting a final accounting from AYW to know by how much.
3. Monthly property reports--CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad Prak.
Brad’s written report reminded the Board that one unit of the Waterston duplex will remain empty until significant repairs and upgrades are made. This unit was vacated when long-term tenants moved into another CCDC unit. The vacancy provides an opportunity to do work that was not possible when the unit was occupied. The needed work will be balanced with our recovering financial situation.
Brad also reported that exterior painting is scheduled for the W. 10th Street duplex.
4. Discussion and adoption of Haskell House Policies & Procedures. Paula Hern & Billy Edwards.
The draft policies and procedures were shared with Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager, who suggested some minor revisions. Her suggestions will be incorporated and shared with the board. This item will be placed on next month’s agenda.
5. Haskell House monthly report.
The board reviewed the June 2025 report submitted by Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager. Highlights include: Received $165.15 in donations. $87.50 in expenses. 37 visitors signed the log. June activities included a visit to the Haskell House by Kye Haskell descendants (a video of this event is posted on the CCDC website and on the CCDC YouTube channel); docent recruitment; meeting with PARD officials to discuss lighting installation. Other items of interest: Money from the donation jar went missing. To avoid this happening in the future, Mary will purchase a cash box, and notify all docents of a new cash management policy. A window pane was broken. Mary will work with PARD to get it replaced. CCDC is responsible for the expense.
6. Discussion of upcoming events.
a. The annual Ice Cream Social will take place on Sunday, August 17, 2025. Details were discussed. The board determined that Amy’s ice cream gift certificates would be appropriate prizes for the homemade ice cream winner and runner-up.
b. Austin Museum Day at the Haskell House will take place on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Mary is planning the event, but will be out of town that day. BJ has volunteered to be the day-of coordinator. Thanks to Aubrey’s generosity, Soul Man Sam will be playing at the event. Board members were tasked with soliciting gift certificates from neighborhood business for the AMD raffle.
7. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
Paula reported that most of the recent Steering Committee meeting concerned Zoning Committee issues (proposed development of the Town Lake Y property, the 6th and Lamar development.) So far, there has been no interest in the St. Luke property. Rain cancelled OWANA’s 4th of July parade. Chris reported that he and Steve Amos, OWANA Steering Committee chair, met recently, and Steve invited him to come to a General Membership meeting to introduce himself and talk about CCDC.
8. Other Business.
Will Taylor is set to perform at the Haskell House on Saturday, October 11. This will be a CCDC fundraiser, with half of the proceeds going to Will, half to the CCDC. Felecia is working with Will on arrangements. In the event of rain, the concert will be rescheduled.
Billy discussed the need for gathering CCDC documents and digitizing them. The board agreed that this was needed. He and Aubrey will discuss this project further and come back to the board with a plan.
9. Executive Session, if necessary.
The board did not meet in Executive Session.
Special Meeting Minutes, July 15, 2025
Minutes from the July 15, 2025 Clarksville CDC Special Meeting
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas
Others in attendance: Terry Snider
1. Approval of revised bylaws.
On a motion by BJ Friedman, seconded by Chris Thomas, the amended bylaws were approved, with all board members in attendance voting in favor. A copy of the adopted bylaws can be found on the CCDC website.
Minutes, June 17, 2025
Minutes from the June 17, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas.
1. Approval of minutes from the April 15, 2025 Annual Meeting and the April and May monthly meetings.
On a motion by BJ, seconded by Paula, the April 15, 2025 Annual Meeting minutes and April and May monthly meeting minutes were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports
BJ presented the financial reports. Brad Prak, Prak Property Management (PPM), was not in attendance, but submitted a written report.
We were in the black this month. Income included a $2500 rebate on the solar installation at 1611 W. 10th. On the payables front, we continue to make progress. We have paid off all of our outstanding debt except for back payments due to PPM. Kim noted that money is owed to American YouthWorks for construction of 1611 W. 10th. We have money set aside, but costs may exceed the reserve.
Brad’s report noted that we renewed our insurance at rates comparable to last year. The board expressed an interest in being more involved in the insurance renewal process.
3. Monthly property reports:
a. CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management.
Tenants are scheduled to move into the W. 10th Street duplex this week, which will leave us with 1 vacancy. The vacant unit (1 side of the Waterston duplex) has been occupied by long-time tenants. The vacancy provides an opportunity to make updates to the property.
The board would like to have a discussion regarding this project, including what needs to be done, costs, and proposed schedule.
b. New construction at 1611 W. 10th Street. Kim O’Brien.
Kim reported that we received our certificate of occupancy on June 9. PPM will be repainting the interior and installing miniblinds soon. Current CCDC tenants will be relocating to 1611 as soon as is feasible. We are awaiting a final accounting from American YouthWorks on money owed to them.
4. Update on Bylaws revision. Bylaws Committee: BJ Friedman, Felecia Miller, Chris Thomas.
The Bylaws Committee reported that a copy of the proposed revised bylaws will be shared with members prior to the adoption, along with other pertinent documents. Kim reminded the board that a Special Meeting is required to adopt or amend bylaws. It will be held on the same day as the July monthly meeting (July 15, 2025.) Posting requirements call for a notice of the Special Meeting to be delivered to all households in the CCDC area. Notice will be posted at Fresh Plus and Mary Baylor Park, and an email notice will be sent to all members.
5. Haskell House monthly report.
Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager, reported the following:
Received $345 in donations. $158.33 in expenses. 14 visitors in May, all Austinites.
May activities included a pig roast celebration of the Hezikiah Haskell House Heritage Garden. Mary has reached out to Rep. Hinojosa’s office about her doing a legislative session wrap-up for this Summer’s Community Conversation.
Proposed lighting, to be provided by the Parks Department was discussed. Paula will talk to Mary about what has been proposed.
The Board discussed asking Mary to include a section in her monthly report detailing future plans and events, including budget information, as applicable.
6. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
No report was given.
7. Other Business.
Aubrey has offered to print and frame the pen and ink drawings of historic Clarksville properties (originals drawn Ed Jordan) which will be hung in the Haskell House.
Felecia reported on a potential CCDC fundraising event—a Will Taylor concert at the Haskell House. The board was enthusiastic. Felecia will inquire about possible dates in the fall.
The board was reminded of correspondence from the Bethesda African Cemetery Association. Billy will look into this.
8. Executive Session, if necessary.
The Board did not meet in Executive Session.
Minutes, May 20, 2025
Minutes from the May 20, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Amanda Cox, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien
Others in attendance: Brad Prak, Lou Rigler
1. Approval of minutes from the April 15, 2025 Annual and monthly meetings.
These minutes were not available for approval.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports.
Brad reported that we are in the black this month, and are catching up on paying off our bills--$18,000 remain (from a total of approximately $50,000.) Prak Property Management’s overdue bills will be the last paid.
3. Monthly property reports:
a. CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad reported that all available units will be filled in June.
b. New construction at 1611 W. 10th Street.
Kim reported that 1611 has passed its final electrical inspection, and its solar inspection. There is a problem with the plumbing final inspection. American YouthWorks has learned that the project’s plumbing subcontractor, SPS Plumbing, is no longer in business. (note: they completed their work on the project in mid-2022.) It took AYW a number of weeks to find a plumber willing to take on the project and call for the inspection. CMM Plumbing will charge us $750 to check the work done by SPS and call for the inspection. The final group inspections—plumbing, mechanical, and building—are the last step. They must all be called at the same time. As soon as CMM completes the necessary paperwork, the inspections can be called.
Austin Housing was able to get another extension from HUD regarding the completion date of the project. We must have a Certificate of Occupancy by June 9 or the City will have to repay HUD the $77,900 we were loaned.
4. Update on Bylaws revision. BJ Friedman, Felecia Miller, Chris Thomas (Bylaws Committee.)
The board decided to share the draft developed by the committee with the members, along with a request for any comments or suggested revisions. Comments will be due on June 6, 2025.
5. Election of officers. Felecia Miller..
On a motion by Malcolm, seconded by Amanda, the following officers were elected unanimously.
Chris Thomas: President
Felecia Miller: Vice-president
BJ Friedman: Treasurer
Kim O’Brien: Secretary
Their terms of office will run through May 2026.
6. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
Paula reported the following:
· There had been a suggestion floating around that OWANA consider changing its name to include Clarksville in order to increase visibility. That idea is no longer being considered. Related to this, Mary Reed, at OWANA Chair Steve Amos’s suggestion, wrote an article for the OWANA Owl giving a history of Clarksville and describing its historic boundaries (a copy of this article can be found on the CCDC website.) Additionally, Chris Thomas and Steve Amos had a productive meeting.
· The big topic at the recent general membership meeting was the proposed development at the Y’s lakefront property. A new Y facility will be built while still utilizing the current one. Two market-rate high-rise housing towers are proposed for the land where the current facility sits, along with a smaller affordable housing building (to be operated by Foundation Communities.) The proposed high-rises will require a zoning change due to their height which far exceeds what is allowed on that portion of Lady Bird Lake.
7. Other Business.
Under Other Business, the following was discussed:
· A report prepared by Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager, was shared. It details all Haskell House activities from January – April 2025, as well as number of visitors, donations received, and future plans and programs. Mary also shared with the board a detailed list of the duties of the Haskell House manager. Going forward, Mary’s report will be monthly.
· On Thursday, April 22, the City Council is considering a resolution to rename Westenfield Park in honor of Clarksville native Don Baylor. The CCDC has submitted a letter in support. Malcolm will attend the Council meeting to represent the CCDC
· Aubrey brought copies of Ed Jordan’s pen and ink drawings of historic Clarksville houses and Sweet Home MBC, which he’s enhanced. Paula will get them framed so that they can be hung in the Haskell House.
· Aubrey is working on enhancing a copy of the photograph of the Haskell family to better show Kye Haskell. When completed, it will replace the copy that currently hangs in the Haskell House. The board was reminded of the photograph’s history—Kathy Tyler found it in the house’s walls after Kye Haskell, Jr. moved out of the house.
· Paula brought a piece of wood that the Board agreed would be good for creating a shelf in the utility space of the Haskell House. Paula’s husband can install the shelf.
8. The board met in Executive Session.
Monthly Meeting Minutes, April 15, 2025
Minutes for the April 15, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
The meeting began upon adjournment of the Annual Meeting
Board members present: Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas
Others present: Emily Green, Lou Rigler, Randi Shade, Heather Way
1. Approval of minutes from the March 18, 2025 monthly meeting.
On a motion by BJ, seconded by Billy, the minutes from the March 18, 2025 monthly meeting were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak
Brad reported that we are in the black for the first time in a while. We have outstanding payables of $50,000, however. Vendors (including Prak Property Management), are allowing payment plans and we will chip away at the balance over time. Our investment in our properties was necessary, and with units being filled, the income side is improving. Projection is that we will pay off our debt by the end of the year, perhaps by the end of the fiscal year (October.)
There is one property that will need rehabilitation when the tenants move into 1611 W. 10th when it is complete. Repairs could be as high as $30,000.
3. Monthly property reports:
a. CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad Prak
Brad reported that we have applicants lined up to fill all vacant units.
b. New construction at 1611 W. 10th Street. Kim O’Brien.
Kim reported that we continue to wait for needed inspections to take place. Currently, the hold up involves work that needs to be done by the electrical subcontractor. When completed, they will call for the electrical inspection, and when that is completed, we can call for the remaining inspections.
4. Discussion revised bylaws draft. 30 minutes.
BJ Friedman, Felecia Miller, Chris Thomas (CCDC Bylaws Committee), along with Emily Green and supervising professor Heather Way of the UT Law Clinic, described the work that they have been doing to create an updated version of the CCDC bylaws. (Note: Ethan Hunter was also a participating member of the UT Law Clinic team. He was not able to attend the meeting.)
A draft of the revised version is almost ready to circulate to the board. After the board has reviewed it and made any needed changes, it will be shared with the members for comments.
Paula noted that there is no mention of the Haskell House in the bylaws. Professor Way responded that bylaws are usually about governance. After discussion, a suggestion was made that since operating and maintaining the Haskell House is a big part of what the CCDC does, a specific mention of the Haskell House should be included in the mission section that addresses preserving Clarksville history.
Additionally, Paula brought up an issue that the board has discussed before—what is the history behind including Francis, Augusta, and Jennie within the boundaries of the CCDC. More research is needed to determine when and why this happened, including talking to Paul Seals (former chair of OWANA) and Kathy Tyler (worked at Clarksville Neighborhood Center in the 1970s.) This item is tabled for now.
The board expressed its thanks to the UT Clinic for their contributions. Their participation made the process both smooth and efficient.
5. Report on recent Clarksville Conversation.
Mary submitted the following report on the May 10, 2025 Clarksville Conversation event: Floris Sorrells, an elder from Manchaca, whose grandparents had been enslaved, was a wealth of information about the old ways of life among Black people in her community and one can assume, in Clarksville as well, although Manchaca was a farming community. She talked about the food that was grown and how it was prepared, big Sunday meals, homemade cures for measles, mumps, chickenpox, whooping cough and colds, ice cream making, and a whole lot more. Floris was charming and everyone who attended yesterday's event was very engaged, asking lots of questions, including several questions about preparing poke salad. Many people stayed on to talk with Floris. Sixteen people attended, including the city's Community Gardens Program Manager and the long-time, and now former, chair of the Historic Landmark Commission. Floris' presentation was video-taped. Mary will find out if we can obtain a link to the video.
Felecia suggested that a system be established to get feedback from Clarksville Conversation speakers. Their input on their experience would be valuable in planning for future events. The board agreed that this is something that should be done going forward.
6. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
Paula reported that there was discussion about the widening of MoPac from Cesar Chavez to Slaughter, and Natalie George, the new president of the Flower Hill Foundation, made a presentation
7. Other Business.
No Other business was discussed.
8. Executive Session, if necessary.
The Board met in executive session.
Annual Meeting Minutes, April 15, 2025
Minutes for the April 15, 2025 Clarksville CDC Annual Meeting
Board members present: Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas
Others present: Emily Green, Lou Rigler, Randi Shade, Heather Way
1. Presentation of the “State of the CCDC” Annual Report.
Chris Thomas, President.
A copy of the President's Report is posted on the CCDC website.
2. Presentation regarding the CCDC’s Financial Status.
BJ Friedman, Treasurer.
A copy of the Treasurer’s Fiscal Year 2024 report (October 2023-September 2024) and other documents are posted on the CCDC website.
3. Presentation regarding the CCDC’s housing program.
Brad Prak, Property Manager.
Brad reported that it was a challenging year. Over the past two years, we have reinvested in our housing stock, taking on needed major repairs. Costs have been high. And often, units had to be empty in order to take on the projects, meaning revenue was down. Our vendors have been understanding and we’re able to pay them in installments. In addition to empty units due to repairs, for a variety of reasons, our tenant turnover has been higher than usual. In the short term, we are limiting expenses, while taking care of regular maintenance and tenant issues. As repairs have been completed and units are refilling, our bottom line is improving.
4. Announcement of Election Results.
Kim O’Brien, acting as Election Administrator.
23 members voted, a 12% participation rate.
Aubrey Carter, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, and Felecia Miller were elected to serve 2-year terms, which will end at the end of April 2027.