Minutes
Minutes, October 18, 2016
Minutes from the October 18, 2016 CCDC Monthly Board Meeting
[Prior to the meeting, the Finance Committee met. (Board members present: Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Teri Taylor. Others present: Rose Gabriel.) Rose reported that she will share monthly credit card statements with the Finance Committee and will see that Mary receives copies of the timesheets when they are sent to the payroll processing firm. The proposed budget was discussed (specific notes included below under Agenda Item #2.)]
Board members present: Aubrey Carter, Paula Hern, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Terry Taylor, Chris Thomas, Gregory Tran
Others present: Rose Gabriel (property manager)
1. On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Teri, the minutes from the September 20, 2016 monthly board meeting were approved.
2. Rose gave the financial report. In September, we showed a net gain of $1601. The checking balance is $9861.53, and savings balance is at $129,000.
Teri presented the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The budget shows $269,750 in income, and $284,491 in expenses, a net loss of $14,741. Since we ended the previous fiscal year with net income in the amount of $219,142, there will be ample funds to cover this imbalance. Three items on the budget were highlighted for discussion. Under Income/Grants, the $50,000 included anticipates returning to the Austin Housing Finance Corporation to request additional bond funds for the Alley Flat; if received, this will cover costs we had planned to pay from our own sources. Under Expense/Local Historic District, $4000 is included should we decide to pursue the LHD designation process. Under Expense/Loan Payment, $6000 is included to cover payments to HomeBase, but it is not known at this time if these payments will be required.
The budget included a 12% pay increase for property manager Rose Gabriel, a well deserved pay increase, and her first in a number of years.
In response to a question about the Expense/Renovations, repairs, supplies, Teri explained that the $28,404 budgeted is a ballpark figure and includes adding insulation and tankless water heaters to units, work that can only be done when there is turnover in tenants.
On a motion by Chris, seconded by Aubrey, the budget was approved unanimously.
3. Rose presented the property management report. One tenant remains behind due to a work-related injury, but is on a payment schedule and is getting caught up. The lease on the Neighborhood Center will be up at the end of the month. She is waiting to hear back on whether they will renew or not. Another lease that is up for renewal will be discussed next month in Executive Session
4. The foundation has been poured, lumber is on site, and framing is scheduled to begin on October 19. Rose will be taking photos as the project progresses. These will be shared on the CCDC blog (ClarksvilleCDC.org)
5. Mary reminded the board of the upcoming Halloween Haunted House, Saturday, October 29. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Admission will be $3/child. Tenants Brooke and Kate will be decorating the outside. Aubrey will work on this inside.
6. There was no Other Business
7. The board did not meet in Executive Session.
Minutes, September 20, 2016
Minutes from September 20, 2016 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Meeting called to order by Mary Reed, CCDC Board President at 6:30pm.
Board Members present: Mary Reed, Teri Taylor, Aubrey Carter, Gregory Tran, Malcolm Greenstein, Chris Thomas, Paula Hern, and BJ Friedman
Others present: Rose Gabriel (CCDC property manager) and Jerry Greenmeyer, neighbor,
Note: at 5:30 pm, prior to the CCDC Monthly Meeting, the CCDC Tenant Selection committee met and chose a new family to move in to 1720 A West 11th on October 1, 2016.
Meeting Minutes:
1. On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Malcolm, the July 2016 minutes were approved. On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Chris, the August 2016 minutes were approved
2. On a motion by Malcolm, seconded by Aubrey, BJ Friedman was approved to complete RuthAnn Brown’s term on the CCDC Board.
3. Rose presented the financial report. August 2016 net gain of $1,617, checking balance $12,269, savings balance $79,003.
4. Rose presented the property management report. All but one tenant is current on rent and they owe $577.50.; 1729 A West 11th has a new tenant who will move in on October 1, 2016
5. The Alley Flat foundation has been formed and plumbing line cut and set. Rebar to be installed next week
6. Mary and Rose met with Councilmember Kathy Tovo’s office to discuss their proposal that the CCDC be allowed to build an affordable single family home on a vacant lot owned by the City and that the City relocate the health center located at 1000 Toyath and allow the CCDC to build additional affordable homes there. Kathy was very receptive to the ideas and agreed to do some research on our behalf.
7. Mary announced that 1826 West 10th is for sale again. Because of personal issues, the new owner cannot renovate the house and build an additional structure on the lot. She told the board that she contacted the listing agent for the property to let her know that the house contributes to the Clarksville NRHD and that the CCDC would oppose any efforts to demolish it or make any changes to the house that would make it noncontributing. She said that the realtor was very sympathetic. Malcolm recommended that Mary follow up her phone conversation by putting everything in writing. That way, the realtor is obligated to share Mary’s information with all potential buyers. Mary said that she would do so.
8. Other business. Texas Appleseed is planning a series on gentrification and affordable housing and met with Mary because it wants part of the series to focus on Clarksville. As of now, the Clarksville event is scheduled for sometime in January 2017 at the Haskell House is January of 2017. The event will include a walking tour of the neighborhood and participants will receive a copy of the CCDC’s walking tour brochure.
Aubrey has agreed to spearhead the Haunted House again this year. The date and time are Saturday, October 29th from 6pm to 8pm.
RuthAnn Brown presented her ideas for a Clarksville Reunion to benefit Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church. She asked if she could use the Pauline Brown Neighborhood Center parking lot for some of the music. On a motion from Chris Thomas, seconded by Paula, the CCDC board approved RuthAnn’s request. The event will take place on Saturday afternoon, November 5, 2016.
9. 7:20PM – The Board adjourned and went into Executive Session.
NOTICE OF BOARD ACTION TAKEN VIA ELECTRONIC VOTE:
On August 17, 2016, the board voted to send a letter to the Historic Landmark Commission stating our support of the current plans for the construction of a new house at 1102 Charlotte. This item was on the board’s August 16, 2016 agenda, but could not be voted on due to a lack of quorum. The item was time-sensitive and could not wait until the next scheduled meeting.
Minutes, August 16, 2016
Minutes for Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
August 16, 2016
6:30 p.m.
Pauline Brown Clarksville Neighborhood Center
1807 W. 11th Street
Persons Present: Mary Reed, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Gregory Tan, Aubrey Carter
Others Present: Kevin Brown
1. The minutes from July 19 were not approved as there was not a quorum.
2. There had not been a meeting of the finance committee. Feedback from the previous meeting was to have a financial audit every two years, do not use personal credit cards and meet more regularly. The CCDC account has moved to Frost bank and there is a CCDC credit card. It was also recommended either Mary or Teri look over Rose’s receipts and reconcile the credit card bills. It was noted the checking account will start going down due to construction costs of the alley flat.
3. An update on the property management report is being worked on. The one update mentioned was regarding 1729 A West 11th. A redo of the house is needed.
4. The foundation for the alley flat has not started yet due to the recent rains.
5. There was an update on 1826 W. 10th, a contributing home. Mary talked with the owner on August 16. He now wants to save the current home and add a unit on the back of the lot. There are no plans yet due to the owner’s personal issues. The house will not be on the HOC agenda until September.
6. There was an update on 1102 Charlotte Street, a new home. The plans for the home have been revised to conform to HLC requests which has put this house on their agenda perhaps August 22. Mary will draft a letter stating CCDC’s approval of the revised house plans.
7. Mary reported on the Neighborhood Potluck at Mary Baylor Park, July 24. She said it was a nice event, but there was lower attendance. Board members and renters did show for the event. There was a book exchange that had mild interest.
8. There was discussion of the CCDC Ice Cream Social, August 28. Everyone was asked to be there at 2:30 to help set up before the event at 3. Gregory will bring gift certificates. Aubrey will get ice cream and ice. And Mary will bring the balloons.
9. In other business, Mary said Ruth Ann continues to say she wants to resign the CCDC board. Mary reached out to BJ Friedman and she is willing to serve on the board. There will be a vote in the September meeting on her membership.
Minutes, July 19, 2016
Minutes from July 17, 2016 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board Members present: Mary Reed, Teri Taylor, Aubrey Carter, Gregory Tran, Malcolm Greenstein, Chris Thomas
Others present: Rose Gabriel (CCDC property manager)
Note: at 6:00 pm, prior to the CCDC Monthly Meeting, the CCDC Finance committee met. Discussed at the meeting were:
-Form 990 for the fiscal year of 2014
-Debit Card transactions for the month of June 2016
-Annual Conflict of Interest forms for Board Members
Meeting Minutes:
1. On a motion by Malcolm, seconded by Teri, the minutes were approved with a correction to entry 5. regarding the proposed development at 1102 Charlotte. The correction, pointed out by Mary, was as follows: the sentence: "After much discussion, the board decided to send a letter...stating our support..." should read : "After much discussion, the board decided not to send a letter...stating our support...".
2. Rose presented the financial report and discussed upcoming renovations.
3. Rose presented the property management report:
- 1729 A West 11th and 1821 Waterston are slated for renovation.
- 1007 B Charlotte lease expires in 2017.
- late August will see Tenant Selection Committee meeting.
4. The Alley Flat project is to be staked out next week (week of July 24).
5. Discussion of meeting with owner/developer of 1826 W. 10th. Members discussed the history of the house and the owners apparent softening of his approach to the project. Members also discussed the project at 1102 Charlotte which was not well received by a subcommittee of the Historic Landmark commission.
6. Members discussed placing a "Little Free Library" in front of the Pauline Brown Neighborhood Center. There was a general consensus on the idea and Aubrey volunteered to produce a replica of the Haskell House.
7. Members discussed the Potluck dinner coming on Sunday, July 24.
8. Members discussed the Ice Cream Social, coming up on August 28. There was a discussion of the amount of store-bought ice cream we need to have.
9. RuthAnn Brown resigned from the board. After she left, however, the board discussed whether or not she may have a change of heart. Mary will call RuthAnn and talk with her.
Minutes, June 21, 2016
Minutes from June 21, 2016 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board Members present: Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Teri Taylor, Chris Thomas, Gregory Tran
Others present: Rose Gabriel (CCDC property manager), Barbara Harlow, Dick Clark, Mark Vornberg, Ed Stevens, Kevin Brown
1. On a motion by Greg, seconded by Paula, the minutes from the May 17, 2016 monthly board meeting were approved.
2. Rose presented the financial report. Expenses for tree work and the total renovations of the bathrooms at 1011 A & B Charlotte led us to a monthly net loss of $269, but overall, our balances are healthy: $17,656 in checking, $42,397 in savings.
3. Rose presented the Property management report. Two tenants are behind: one due to a on-the job injury, will catch up when Workers Comp payment arrives; another is one month behind, but only on a portion of the total, Section 8 portion is current.
4. Rose reported that we finally have received the building permit for 1817B W. 10th Street. (Alley Flat project, 850 sf.) On a motion by Chris, seconded by Teri, the board approved a contract with AVision, General Contractors, LLC, in the amount of $158,212 for construction of the house. ($108,000 of the total is coming from COA affordable housing bond money, the remainder from HomeBase.) AVision worked on some of the Guadalupe NDC homes that were moved from Rainey Street. ACDDC is going to monitor the project, along with Rose. AVision (Art Ramirez) is ready to start work immediately. The estimated finish date is December.
5. Dick Clark and Mark Vornberg of Dick Clark & Associates presented plans for a new house to be located at 1102 Charlotte, a current vacant lot. The home will belong to Sherry Matthews, who wants something that “settles into the neighborhood,” is private and low maintenance. The home will be 2000-2200 s.q. No variances will be required. Sherry wants to work with the CCDC to devise a plan the fits the neighborhood. The plan proposed a rusted steel wall facing the street. After much discussion, the board decided to not send a letter to the Historic Landmark Commission stating our support for the project, but will talk with Sherry about other materials for this wall.
6. Owner Ed Stevens and builder Kevin Brown presented plans for 1826 W. 10th (a NRD contributing property.) Ed stated that his original plan was to save the house but now does not believe that is possible. The plans presented are for the replacement of the current house with a side-by-side duplex, each unit approximately 1600 s.f. Garages will face 10th Street and there will be two driveways. The units are planned for the front of the property, leaving yard space at the back. Ed said he wants to create a family-friendly property. We suggested that he talk to Aubrey and /or Tom Blackwell to pursue alternative ideas to optimize the property while saving the current house. Ed was not interested in pursuing those suggestions, saying he’s been around construction most of his life and does not believe the house can safely be saved. No agreement was reached. Their request for a demolition permit will be on the June 27 Historic Landmark Commission agenda. CCDC will argue against demolition.
7. On a motion by Paula, seconded by Greg, RuthAnn Brown, Teri Taylor, and Chris Crane were reappointed to the Tenant Selection Committee. They will serve 2-year terms, ending May 2018.
8. There was no discussion regarding the installation of a Little Free Library in front to the Pauline Brown Clarksville Neighborhood Center.
9. Mary reported that the Clarksville History Scavenger Hunt, held on May 21, was a huge success. Well attended, and many of those in attendance were new to CCDC events. Preservation Austin did a terrific job and everyone in attendance had a good job. Thanks to Zocolo/Galaxy who provided ample food and coffee.
10. The Neighborhood Potluck at Mary Baylor Park will be held on Sunday, July 24, at 4 p.m. so as to not conflict with Sweet Home MBC’s 145th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, July 17.
11. The CCDC Ice Cream Social will be held on Sunday, August 28 (the week after school resumes.) The event time is to be decided.
12. There was no Other Business
13. The Board did not meet in Executive Session.
Minutes, May 17, 2016
Minutes from May 17, 2016 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Aubrey Carter, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Chris Thomas, Greg Tran
1. On a motion by Malcolm, seconded by Greg, the minutes from the April 19, 2016 Annual and monthly board meetings were approved.
2. Mary presented the financial reports. We showed a net of $3,196 in April, and had $22,107 in checking and $42,322 in savings. We have moved our banking to Frost Bank.
3. Mary presented Rose’s property management report. The reports states that all but one tenant are current on rent, but a payment from that tenant was in the mail box. Major expenses this month include erosion control and tree work at the Neighborhood Center.
4. On a motion by Malcolm, seconded by Chris, the following officers were elected: President, Mary Reed; Vice-President, Chris Thomas; Secretary, Kim O’Brien; Treasurer, Teri Taylor. They will serve until May 2017.
5. Terms for three members of the Tenant Selection Committee are expiring this month: board member representatives Chris Thomas and RuthAnn Brown, and community member representative Chris Crane. The board members are interested in serving another term Kim will contact Chris Crane to see if he wants to continue to serve. This item will be on next month’s agenda
6. Kevin Sims, owner of 1701 Waterston Avenue, presented plans for the home he is planning on building. It will be located behind the existing house on the property (which is a contributing house he has recently rehabilitated.) Kevin intends to live in the back house when it is completed, and rent out the front structure. He has obtained a variance to build the back house, but needs a historic review so that he can obtain his building permit. Kevin stated that he has done his best to adhere to CCDC guidelines and Department of Interior design standards. The proposed house will be 1623 square feet (twice as large as the front structure, but Kevin has intentionally designed a lowroof ridge so the back house will essentially be the height of the front house. Kevin is sensitive to the Haskell House being next door. There will be a functional design difference between the contributing house and the new one, but it will mostly be concealed from the street. And there’s a 12 foot wall of bamboo between the Haskell House and Kevin’s new addition, so it will not be visible from there. Siding on back house will be board to board. Roof will be a slight butterfly membrane material.
On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Kim, the board unanimously agreed to send a letter of support to the Historic Landmark Commission.
7. Mary reported that marketing for a development going in at 1010 West 10th Street, located a block west of N. Lamar, has been touting the project as being located in Clarksville Mary contacted the developer to protest this statement. She was passed her on to the president of company they hired to market the project, who stated that it’s general opinion that all of Old West Austin is considered Clarksville. Malcolm and Mary then sent letter to him stating that marketing the development as being in Clarksville was a deceptive trade practice. In response, they agreed to change their marketing materials, and promised the billboard advertisement located on N. Lamar would come down in two weeks. Malcolm suggested a a blog post on the CCDC website to document their willingness to correct their mistake.
8. There was no discussion regarding neighborhood history marketing efforts.
9. Last Sunday’s Family FunFest was a great success. Sadly, attendance was down some, probably due to the inclement weather, but everyone who attended had a great time. Bonzo Crunch, a new addition to FFF was a big hit. Preliminary numbers look like we brought in about $1000 less than last year. The Silent Auction earned only $100 less than last year.
10. The Clarksville History Scavenger Hunt, presented in conjunction with Preservation Austin, will take place next Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m. 35 kids have signed up, a number Preservation Austin is very happy with. There will be 5 sites, with activities for the kids at each. Food and coffee will be provided by Galaxy/Zocolo.
11. Under Other Business, Mary reported that she, along with John Henneberger and two City representatives, were on a panel talking about “missing middle housing.” One of the City representatives, who is working on Code Next, stated a goal of Code Next is to address this issue. As a side note, John argued that the code will be slanted toward developers which will allow the problem to continue.
12. The board did not meet in Executive Session.
Notice of Electronic Vote:
On May 9, 2016, via electronic vote, the board agreed to contract for an annual audit. This action was of an immediate priority and could not wait until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Minutes (Annual and Monthly Meetings), April 19, 2016
Minutes from the April 19, 2016 Annual Meeting
Board members present: Aubrey Carter, Malcolm Greenstein, Rushmi Kumar, Mary Reed, Teri Taylor, Chris Thomas, Gregory Tran.
1. Mary Reed, CCDC President, presented the “State of the CCDC” Annual Report: We did these things this year to support our 3-pronged mission statement: Helped advance mission of advancing and preserving history of Clarksville by finally completing the walking tour brochure (which we started in 2005, put it on back burner, but now decided it's time), developing anew website, and sponsoring a scavenger hunt project (5/21/16) 21st, partnering w/ Preservation Austin; Supported our affordable housing program by making improvements to existing housing, finalizing details of affordable bond fund money, final details for low interest loan from HomeBase, and planning for the new house on Theresa Avenue; and, encouraged community involvement with successful events such as the FunFest, the Ice Cream Social, the Halloween Haunted House, and the Holiday Caroling event (events saw an uptick in volunteers.
2. Teri Taylor, CCDC Treasurer reported on the CCDC’s Annual Financial Status. We made about $160,000 last year, and spent only less. We showed a net gain of $33,000 and ended the year with no debt.
3. Rose Gabriel, CCDC Property Manager, reported on the CCDC’s housing program. We were able to perform many housing improvements because of tenant turnover. 1817 W. 10th saw the biggest improvements--gutted interior, bathroom, kitchen, interior/exterior paint, foundation work. At 1821 Waterston, demoed the bathroom, flooring, exterior paint. We also replaced the windows at the Haskell House.
4. Rose Gabriel, acting as the Election Administrator, announced the results of the Board Election. Six people—BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, and Chris Thomas--were vying for 5 seats on the board. Malcolm, Paula, Kim, Mary, and Chris received the highest number of votes, and will begin serving 2-year terms in May 2016.
Minutes from the April 19, 2016 Monthly Meeting
1. On a motion by Chris, seconded by Teri, the minutes from the February 16, 2016 monthly board meeting were approved with the following correction—add “Hunt” to “History Scavenger” in item #9. (Note: there was no monthly meeting in March.)
2. Rose and Teri reported that our finances are in good shape, showing a net gain for the past 2 months. There was an expense for work on the LHD, paid to Alyson McGee.
3. Rose gave the property management report. A couple of tenants are behind on rent. Maintenance in February and March was light--cleaned out crawl space under neighborhood center, removed mattresses from 1729A W 11th, plumbing and AC repair on two properties.
4. Mary reported on neighborhood history marketing efforts. The Walking Tour brochure was distributed door-to-door. GOt 4 inquiries for housing on the website
5. Mary gave an update on plans for the Family FunFest (Sunday, May 15, 1-5 p.m.) We are down to the little details. Food will be chili pies with fixings, and RuthAnn BBQ plates. We intend to charge more for BBQ this year. The entertainment is set and it’s a great line-up, but sadly, Aubrey’s band will not be playing. Like the BBQ, we will charge more for face painting this year. Bonzo Crunch, this year’s clown, wll be making balloon animals and also entertaining. The poster is great, wondrously whimsical.
6. Mary gave an update on the upcoming Clarksville History Scavenger Hunt, Saturday, May 21, 9 am-noon. Plans are progressing nicely. There is a blurb about the event in Preservation Austin’s newsletter.
7. Under Other Business, Mary announced that she will be on a panel May 7th discussing missing middle housing in Clarksville and Old West Austin (Note: “middle housing” is 2- and 4-plexes and small apartments)
8. The Board met in Executive Session regarding a housing matter.
Notice of Electronic Vote:
On April 7, 2016, via electronic vote, the board agreed to move our banking from Horizon Bank to Frost Bank. This action was of an immediate priority and could not wait until the next regularly scheduled meeting.
Minutes, February 16, 2016
Minutes from Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting, February 16, 2016
Board members present: RuthAnn Brown, Aubrey Carter, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Teri Taylor, Chris Thomas, Greg Tran
Others present: Rose Gabriel, David Webber, Rick Hamer
1. On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Ruthann, the minutes from the January 19, 2016 monthly board meeting were approved.
2. Rose presented the Financial Report. In January, we showed a net gain of $5,327. The checking balance was at $7,405, the savings balance was $42,322. We are still negotiating the Home Base loan for the Alley Flat house, reworking the documents so that we will receive three $50,000 draws—one in April, one sometime in the Fall, and the final one sometime next year.
3. Rose presented the Property Management Report, stating that one tenant is 3 months behind in rent his/her portion of the rent; the remaining portion is subsidized and CCDC continues to receive this amount. The board authorized Rose to notify the tenant of pending eviction if the arrears are not taken car of immediately.
Texas Gas is providing us with free furnaces for all units. We will only have to pay for installation and increased insulation. And plans are in the works to replace all hot water heaters with tank-less ones, with one shared unit per duplex.) This will cause one “half” to have a slightly higher gas bill, but this can be addressed by a rent off-set.
4. Regarding the landscape plan for the Pauline Brown Clarksville Neighborhood, Rose believes that it’s too late in the year to plant new trees (we lost 6 trees last year as a result of the drought), but we will move ahead on this and get the work done after the summer heat. Rose plans on purchasing pop-up tents to be used for FunFest and other events. On a motion by Aubrey, seconded by Greg, the board approved an expenditure of $4290 for grading by the driveway, along with addition of steps and a platform near the storage space.
5. Mary reported that progress is being made on the new website. She hopes to have it finished by the end of the month. The Walking Tour brochure has been a bigger source of frustration, with multiple problems with from the printer; but hope springs eternal, and Mary and Teri hope that it will be complete soon.
6. David Weber and Rick Hammer presented plans for the remodel of 1106 Toyath, a contributing home. The front of the house will not be altered. The planned addition on the back is modern-looking, but due to the slope of the back yard, the addition hardly will be visible from the street. The board approved of the plans.
7. Kim reminded the board that 5 seats will be up for election on April 19, 2016. Current board members whose terms will expire are Malcolm, Rushmi, Kim, Mary, and Chris. Kim reported that she will be out of the country beginning the week prior to the election, during the absentee balloting period. Chris volunteered to be the collection point for absentee ballots. Kim will contact Barbara Harlow to see if she will serve as the Elections Administrator. She will also contact Rushmi to see if she is interested in running for another term on the board. (Malcolm, Kim, Mary, and Chris will be running for an additional term.)
8. Mary reported that plans for the Family FunFest (Sunday, May 15, 1-5 p.m.) are firming up. She has secured community donations for all of the activities. The photo booth will be different this year, and a much more tech-savvy set-up. Also, the balloon clown promises to be a bit hit.
9. Mary gave an update on the Clarksville History Scavenger Hunt. We are working with Preservation Austin. Mary and Brooke have identified 6 sites. Each site will have an activity for kids to do. In some case, we’ll need to get permission from adjacent property owners so that there is room for these activities. The hunt will be focused on neighborhood history.
10. No Other Business was discussed.
11. The board did not meet in Executive Session.
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.