ANA Executive Committee Meeting 2-22-06

submitted by Kay Newell

John stated that he, his wife Cynthia, and Phyllis Brinkley spoke to the McMansion issue during the public input phase. There was a general discussion on zoning & replatting.

Tom would like to see the NA articulate what its exact position is on zoning. This will help to eliminate the confusion surrounding what the NA is saying as opposed to one person’s opinion. The suggestion was made that the rhetoric be toned down. 

The NA will solicit input on and draft a position statement for the Executive Committee's  consideration before posting it on the listserve. Too much confusion exists as to the intent of the NA as relates to zoning and replatting.

Patrick said the city is beginning work to fix a leaking sewer line behind Bull Creek. Next year the city will come back work on the creek itself to reduce neighborhood flooding.

Gretchen said Allandale’s Neighborhood Planning will take place at the end of the year. Allandale NA could join with Highland Park Balcones West Area NA, Shoal Creek North NA, and Rosedale NA in the neighborhood planning process. Anyone interested in participating in this process, please contact Gretchen. An initial meeting will be held early this summer.

Dain is working on submitting a request to the city council for a commercial overlay for the proposed liquor store at 6800 Burnet Rd.

Zoning & platting has approved the change to CS-1, the next step is the city council hearing. Paul will write the letter to the city council requesting an overlay, stating the space can be used only for a liquor store in an attempt to prevent the liquor from becoming a cocktail lounge, adult oriented business, etc in the future.

Grace Garcia who has previously been to the Executive Committee meeting concerning Varsity Properties and six unrelated over 18 in a single family home. Grace said that this will be included in the McMansion code and it will be reduced to four unrelated over 18 in a single family home. Paul motioned that ANA sign a letter approving of the amendment change from six unrelated to four unrelated over 18 in a single family home. Jeff seconded the motion. All voted in favor. The letter was signed and given to Grace to present to the Austin City Council.

Cynthia Keohane will accept the position as ANA’s representative to ANC (Austin Neighborhood Council) whose meetings are the same time and day as ANA’s. John stated that ANC requires $35 for membership. Jeff motioned to write a check to ANC for ANA’s $35 membership. Gerri seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

Consuelo Akin expressed her concerns over the emails to the City Council concerning the sidewalks having the appearance of begin backed by the neighborhood association, and having expressed the opinion that the sidewalks be placed on only half of Shoal Creek without consulting the neighborhood.

In the future no one associated with ANA in the capacity of Board Member, Executive Committee Member, Chair, or any other position with the NA will use the name of the Allandale Neighborhood Association or their NA position in any manner when expressing their personal opinion.

Gretchen will call Brewster’s office in the next couple of weeks to determine what the city’s intent is as to the Shoal Creek Sidewalks. Gretchen will check with the city to find out a timeline for the removal of the curb islands.

John is arranging for Allandale neighbors to participate in the ANC (Austin Neighborhoods Council) City Council Candidate Forum to be held March 22, Austin Energy, 721 Barton Springs Rd, 6:45pm Networking, 7:00pm Program.  The candidates will be provided with a questionnaire prior to the meeting.  At the forum, additional questions will be asked as well as having questions from the audience. More information will be posted on the listserve and website as it becomes available.

Thanks to John for setting up the AISD Board Candidates Forum for places 4, 8, & 9.  It will take the place of an ANA General Meeting on April 26th @ 6PM, Ralph Yarbrough Library.  We will have a social time/mingling from 6-6:30pm, where you will be able to meet the School Board candidates.  At 7 we can have the candidates address the members.  Then have a question and answer period following their talks.  We look forward to a strong response from the neighborhood for this important event.

Paul discussed It’s My Park Day – the city has done some dead wooding and will continue with this in August or September. Ball moss removal will be done in colder months. The Parks Foundation wants It’s My Park Day to involve a more proactive approach to caring for the oak trees along Shoal Creek at Allandale. The city will provide gloves, water, etc to volunteers. They would like to have the dirt removed from the roots of the oak trees, drill holes and put sand in them to facilitate water reaching the roots of the oak trees. Paul needs someone to head up this project – if you are interested please contact Paul.

Each year ANA gives Gullett & Lamar $500 each to use for items cut from the school budget. This year we are giving an additional $500 to the Gullett Teaching Garden. Susan made the motion to write the three checks. Patrick seconded the motion. All voted in favor.

No one has come forward to act as the July 4^th Parade coordinator. It would be a shame to end this tradition after 40+ years. Anyone interested in being the coordinator or participating in a July 4^th Parade committee, please contact Gretchen.

The meeting was adjourned.