ANA EC Meeting Minutes: January 24, 2008

Mary Jean Matus

Executive Committee members in attendance:  Tom Linehan, Joe Reynolds, Dan Jones, Donna Beth McCormick, Margie Gordon, Mary Jean Matus, George Roman.

The meeting was called to order at 6:45 pm.

Secretary Alan McMurtry was absent; the November 13, 2007 ANA EC meeting minutes were read by Tom Linehan. It was noted that the meeting minutes from October 25, 2007 had not yet been approved. In addition, Dan Jones noted that he had previously submitted corrections to the November meeting minutes and that they may not have been incorporated; he wished to investigate further. Donna Beth McCormick made a motion to defer approval for the October and November meeting minutes; it was seconded by Dan Jones. The motion passed.

Architect Tom Hurt gave a presentation on preliminary plans for landscape improvements at St. John’s Methodist Church located at Wynona Avenue and 2222. Plans include the installation of a series of 7’ to 9’ trellises along the sidewalks flanking the church entrance and extending along Wynona. Although solid fencing is allowed at property lines, the landscape structures they propose will require a variance. Mr. Hurt’s intention was to provide information, address any concerns, and accept suggestions and/or feedback from the neighbors. ANA members in attendance did not identify any negative consequences stemming from the project but suggested that St. John’s contact their most immediate neighbors and/or hold an open-house allowing others to view their plans; ANA offered to assist if needed. Mr. Hurt was very receptive to the idea and assured the ANA that St. John’s would like to proceed with these plans in a neighborly fashion, ie, with due notice, open communication, and constructive dialog.

Next, resident Tim Knotzon spoke to the ANA about safety concerns on Shoal Creek Boulevard, specifically in front of his home just south off 2222. Repeatedly, northbound cars have been traveling at unsafe speeds as they navigate the curve just prior to the stoplight at Shoal Creek and 2222. This has resulted in several accidents including one car crashing into the newly installed retaining wall and another smashing into a parked vehicle. Mr. Knotzon is particularly concerned about pedestrian and bicycle safety and appealed to the ANA for assistance in getting speed control measures implemented. Several ideas were raised as to how this might be addressed. The issue was referred to the ANA Traffic Committee for follow-up and possible actions with the City.

Tom Linehan reported that ANA received a notice regarding the City of Austin’s ordinance that allows neighborhood associations to prohibit the parking of motorized vehicles on the front and side yards of single family residences. The ordinance designated February as the month for neighborhood associations to submit an application to prohibit such parking. George Roman made a motion that the ANA complete the application to the City of Austin; it was seconded by Donna Beth McCormick. The motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer’s report by Joe Reynolds:

    Regular ANA - $15,882.66
    Legal Fund - $0
    Total - $15, 882.66

ANA legal debts to Blazier, Christensen, Bigelow & Virr, have not been finalized, and are not expected to be until resolution of Lincoln’s fees associated with the lawsuit. The EC had previously approved a monthly payment of $2000/month until the debt was retired. Joe expects to negotiate a revised payment plan, preferably one based on timings of fundraising events. Therefore, Dan Jones made a motion that the ANA rescind the previous directive to pay $2000/month to Bigelow. Joe Reynolds seconded the motion and the motion passed. A future payment plan must be approved by the EC.

Northcross Committee by Tom Linehan:
In the absence of a representative from the Northcross Committee, Tom reported that we have not received the final judgment from the trial because the amount of legal fees owed Lincoln Properties for the case has not yet been determined. It also prevents Allandale from moving forward with an appeal.

Nominations Committee by Joe Reynolds: 
The Nominating Committee recommended Cynthia Keohane to serve on the EC.  Cynthia has been an active member of the ANA, has served on the Fundraising Committee, and is currently representing the ANA at the Austin Neighborhood Council (ANC).  Her nomination was unanimously approved.

Alan McMurtry was nominated and approved as Vice President (thereby vacating the position of Secretary). Mary Jean Matus was nominated and approved as Secretary.

Zoning and Planning by Tom Linehan
ANA filed their VMU application in September. No action by the City has yet been taken. ANA is preparing for the upcoming review of its application, currently anticipated to take place in late March, by meeting with Planning Commission members and city staff to go over the rationale behind its application.

ByLaws Committee by Dan Jones
The Bylaws Committee has been reviewing ANA bylaws and has identified areas that warrant attention and possible revision.  A formal report of these findings is pending.

Other Committees:  A Safety Committee has been organized in response to growing concerns of a perceived increase in crime in the neighborhood. Regardless of whether the crime rates have actually increased or not, the nature of these crimes - burglary of homes and cars, sometimes in broad daylight and with residents at home, have alarmed many of our residents. Panhandling in and around the neighborhood has also been a source of concern. The committee had their first meeting on January 23.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.