Minutes, July 16, 2024
Minutes from the July 16, 2024 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members present: BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Thomas Schiefer, Chris Thomas
Others present: Randi Shade
1. On a motion by Chris, seconded by Thomas, the minutes from the June 18, 2024 monthly meeting were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak, Prak Property Management.
Brad was unable to attend the meeting but the monthly financial reports were reviewed. The profit and loss for June shows a deficit of $47,000. $35,000 of this is due to expenses related to 1817A W. 10th. Money will be moved when the work is complete to balance much of this out. Rental income is slowly climbing back up.
3. Monthly property reports:
a. CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management.
Brad Prak was unable to attend the meeting, but the following was discussed: we anticipating having have all but one unit filled by the end of September. No update was available on move-in plans for 1817A W. 10th.
b. New construction at 1611 W. 10th Street. Kim O’Brien.
Kim reported that J. R. Concrete Pros, LLC, has submitted a $10,000 bid for the driveway, approach, and back landing, and preparation of all areas. (This bid is $7000 less than the second subcontractor, and $4000 less that the original subcontractor.)
The pre-pour inspection is scheduled for tomorrow. The concrete work can begin after that.
Questions were asked about landscaping plans, wondering if we should postpone some planting until the fall. BJ will ask her friends about plants. Mary has a landscaper who may be able to donate some of his time. Board members might need to pitch in, too.
4. Haskell House Advisory Group report. Felecia Miller.
Felecia reported that the HH AG has put together a budget that they will share with the board. Potential children activities for Austin Museum Day are being discussed. Additionally, they are looking toward coordinating with other Freedom Colonies, sharing information and experiences.
Mary will share information on Preservation Austin grant possibilities. .
5. Report on June 23, 2024 Clarksville Conversation: Sundays at the Haskell House event—Ailisha Macharia speaking on “One Woman’s Story About the Transformative Power of Growing Food.”
Mary reported that Ailisha gave a great talk, relating the transformational aspects of gardening based on her own life experience. She was an engaging speaker, who spoke for over an hour and answered questions. It was a small crowd, but very engaged.
Thomas mentioned that it’s worth having a discussion about having the speakers inside the Haskell House when it is so hot outside.
6. Report from OWANA Steering and Zoning Committees.
Paula reported that OWANA is supporting Zydeco Development’s request for onsite parking on W. 12th Street. OWANA is working to gain more members, both general & businesses. Donna Osborne is now the newsletter coordinator. Paula also reported on the 4th of July parade, which was a great success and a lot of fun. Meghan Yancy, Zydeco Development, designed a OWANA t-shirt and stickers, which includes an image of the Haskell House. Both committees continue to consider the proposed changes to the Lake Austin PUD (Hartland Plaza.). Two issues are contentious—the pickleball court (OWANA is insisting that it be enclosed and the project’s desire for a cocktail lounge in the complex (OWANA wants restaurant only, not a bar.) This project may go before the Planning Commission as early at August.
7. Other Business.
Mary provided an update on her possible participation on a proposed panel for the Texas Museum Conference in April 2025. After a lot of back and forth with the panel’s sponsor regarding balance on the panel, she has decided not to participate.
Mary reported on Austin Museum Day (September 22, 2024.) She has solicited a few people to help with planning. Last year we served homemade cookies and lemonade, and had Haskell House images for coloring and Haskell House jigsaw puzzles for visitors to work on. These are activities we’ll have again this year. Other possible swag is being considered. One thing agreed upon is creating handheld paper fans to sell at the event. Astound Broadband has provided funding for the event. It was agreed to approach Zydeco Development to ask if they would be interested sponsoring.
The Board discussed various efforts underway to spiff up the Haskell House prior to Austin Museum Day. Paula has purchased a utility closet for the bathroom. Aubrey was unavailable to give the status of the photo caption project. He and Thomas will work together to design, create, and install a shelf in the backroom. Paula stated that she has some long-leaf pines boards that could be used.
Kim reported that our final grant report is due to the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation on August 1. TSAHC provided $10,000 toward the renovation of 1817A W. 10th Street.
Mary reported that we were contacted by a family reunion who wanted to visit the Haskell House and take a guided walking tour, but the group was 100+ people, far too large to be accommodated. Thomas offered to reach out to them and to see if there were any options we could offer.
8. Executive Session, if necessary.
The Board did not meet in Executive Session.
Action taken via Electronic Vote: On July 8, 2024, the board voted to renew the Clarksville CDC’s $50,000 line of credit with Frost Bank. This matter was time sensitive and could not wait until the July meeting.