Minutes, November 21, 2023
Minutes from the November 21, 2023 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members present: Aubrey Carter, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Mary Reed, Thomas Schiefer
Others present: Felecia Miller
1. Approval of minutes from the October 17, 2023 monthly meeting.
On a motion by Malcom, seconded by Thomas, the minutes were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak, Prak Property Management.
Brad was unable to attend the meeting but presented the following written report: “The biggest challenges lie in vacancy. We have had our tenant in the office/center move out at the end of Oct. We also have lost the residents at 1009 B and 1007 B Charlotte and are losing our residents at 1729 A W. 11th as well at the end of Nov. This is a large amount of vacancy, coming to approximately $5,120 a month. The center needs some work in order to be leased out again as an office (has no kitchen). We would hope to get the same $1,995 a month, but that may not be practical with lots of people working from home. The houses that are empty, we would lease up once available. The first one will be 1729 A, as it doesn’t need any foundation work. We would expect to lease this for $1,550 a month. The other two, would be $1,350 (1009 B Charlotte) once its leveled and $1,200 (1007 B Charlotte) once the household from 1817 A is no longer temp living there.
Minutes from the November 11, 2023 Finance & Operations Committee meeting appear at the end of these minutes.
3. Monthly property reports:
a. CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management.
Brad Prak was unable to attend the meeting but presented the following written report: “We are in the process of getting 1009 Charlotte's foundation leveled. We also are in the process of 1817 A W. 10th tenants being relocated to 1007 B Charlotte temporarily while their house has the foundation leveled and other work performed.”
b. New construction at 1611 W. 10th Street. Kim O’Brien.
Kim was unable to attend the meeting but presented the following written report: “We continue to wait for the City of Austin to issue the ROW permit needed to pour the driveway. Until we receive that, no work can take place. Legal action against the original concrete/driveway subcontractor is proceeding.”
4. Report on efforts to obtain needed repair funding. Mary Reed. Mary reported that all materials have been compiled to create our comprehensive funding “ask.” Aubrey will reach out to Tito’s and BSM.
5. Report on strategic planning initiative between CCDC and SVP Austin. Mary Reed. Mary reported that the strategic planning initiative process is underway and will continue into the early months of 2024.
6. Discussion of CCDC fundraising on Giving Tuesday (November 28.) Kim O’Brien.
Kim was not at the meeting but had shared the following information with the Board: “Next Tuesday, November 28, is the global Day of Giving. While CCDC will focus our fundraising campaign on Amplify Austin next Spring, we are doing a "soft" reach out to our mailing list for this Giving Day. I've attached a copy of the letter Mary sent out to CCDC members and supporters. In addition to the email, we'll likely have some mentions on social media & maybe a blog post. We're not expecting great returns, but any money we raise is a good thing. If you feel inclined to do a Day of Giving reach out to folks in your network, please do.”
7. Consideration of donations requested for Haskell House rental. Mary Reed.
The Board decided to raise the requested donation amount for renting the Haskell House to $100 for the first hour, $50 for every following hour, or portion thereof.
8. Update on Haskell House Advisory Group. Mary Reed.
Mary reported that there has been a positive response from the people who have been approached to serve on the HH Advisory Group. Their first meeting is anticipated to take place in early 2024.
9. Discussion of CCDC/OWANA Holiday party.
The party will take place on Sunday, December 17 at the Haskell House, with Paula coordinating activities and food. OWANA is contributing $200, CCDC will cover the remaining costs.
10. Reminder of meeting to discuss proposed project at W. 12th/West Lynn (Nau’s, etc. property) to be held Wednesday, December 6, 6:30 p.m., Haskell House. Mary Reed.
Mary reported that project developer Zydeco Development will also be presenting their plans at the OWANA General Membership Meeting on December 5 at 7:00 p.m.
11. Other Business.
No other business was discussed.
12. The board did not meet in Executive Session.
Minutes From the November 13, 2023Finance & Operations Committee Meeting
1. BJ and Mary reviewed the October financials.
2. Mary reported that the City is still slowing down the process of completing 1611 West 10th Street. Ashley with American Youth Works has sent proof of fee payment to Luis Gamez in the Development Department, but we are still waiting for him to acknowledge the payment so that the new cement company can pull a permit to pour the driveway. Kim has asked Ashley for an estimate of when the work will be done, but has not got an answer yet.
3. Mary reported that Prak has had an initial meeting with the Rays about their move to 1009B Charlotte and will be having another one soon.
4. Malcolm has told Tony’s attorney that the CCDC will settle its lawsuit for $8,000. He has not heard back from the attorney yet.
5. Mary and BJ discussed the fact that the CCDC is facing a lot of vacancies: 1007B Charlotte, 1817A West 10th once the tenants there move into 1009B Charlotte, and the Center. The vacancies will put a strain on the organization. The work at 1611 West 10th needs to get completed ASAP. 1007 cannot be released until the foundation there is repaired.