Minutes, January 19, 2016

Minutes for the January 19, 2016 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting

Board members present: Aubrey Carter, Malcolm Greenstein, Rushmi Kumar, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Teri Taylor, Chris Thomas, Greg Tan

Others present: Rose Gabriel

1.     On a motion by Malcolm, seconded by Aubrey, the minutes from the October 20, 2015 monthly board meeting were approved.

2.     Rose reported that in October we showed a net loss (-$190!)for the first time in 5 years, but only because some rents came in late and checks were cashed late; no worries, merely caught off guard. Losses in October and November were offset by gains in December (a net gain of $6,441.)  Unusual expenses included contracts with Austin Housing Finance Corporation and Home Base, and $3,600 in electrical upgrades to properties. In regard to the Home Base loan, Rose is preparing an addendum for Malcolm’s review to clear up provision regarding our financial agreement, to show that it is more of a line of credit, rather than a traditional loan.

3.     Rose reported that one tenant is 2 months behind, but is catching up. Lots of improvements/repairs have been done to properties, including electrical upgrades in all bathrooms and kitchens, exterior improvements at 1009 Charlotte, and new bathroom flooring at the neighborhood center.

4.     The presentation of a landscape plan for Pauline Brown Clarksville Neighborhood Center was postponed until next month.

5.     The board decided that a committee (made up of board members) was the best way to tackle consideration of any possible changes to the current CCDC policy regarding changes in tenant qualification status during term of lease. This group will bring any proposed changes back to the board. Mary will email board members looking for committee volunteers. Rose will send out current information on how we currently qualify our tenants.

6.     In regards to the board’s neighborhood history marketing efforts, Mary reported that the walking tour brochures are at the printers. She and Teri hope to see a mockup within the week, and maybe the brochures by the end of the month. The website is slowly moving along; the copy is done, and photos are being selected and positioned. It should be completed in February. The history scavenger hunt, coordinated with Preservation Austin, will take place on Saturday, May 21, the week following the Family FunFest. The first meeting with Preservation Austin will take place on February 10, 11:30 at the Haskell House.

7.     Mary presented information regarding plans for 1622 West 10th Street, a historically contributing house. The board has already supported a variance request for this property. Builder Tom Blackwell is now seeking support for a partial demolition permit for an addition to the house that is non-contributing. On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Chris, the board voted to send a letter to the Historic Landmark Commission stating our support of this request.

8.     Mary reported that she and Aubrey have met with the owners of 1612 West 11th Street, a historically contributing house. The owners have an interest in preservation, as does their architect, Richard Hughes. They are requesting a partial demolition. Mary and Aubrey made suggestions as to how all of the original house could be preserved, and the owners were receptive. The partial demolition is for a 1970s addition (non-contributing.) On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Rushmi, the board voted to send a letter to the Historic Landmark Commission stating our support of their request.

9.     In Other Business, Mary discussed plans for the annual Family FunFest. The event is scheduled for Sunday, May 15, 1-5. A new addition this year will be Bonzo Crunch, who will make balloon animals, as well as be part of the entertainment line-up. RuthAnn will be making her delicious BBQ plates again, but Margaret Bruch, who in the past has donated her time and resources for much of the food at the festival, has moved out of state, so this year other board members will have to step up by donating both money and time to buy, prepare, and serve food.

10.  The board met in Executive Session to discuss a tenant issue.