Minutes of SRCC General Meeting 10/6/08:

1. Bob Drews was unable to attend. No Treasurer’s Report.

2. Heidi Gobel, an architect representing David Wasser, the owner of a condo located at 300 B Academy, presented a request for a variance to allow a common wall connection of slightly less than 17%, rather than the required 50%. The case goes before the Board of Adjustments next Monday, 10/13/08. The structure was originally built as a single-family residence, was turned into a duplex four years ago, and later was sold as two condo units. Due to the structure pre-dating the McMansion Ordinance, a variance is necessary for Mr. Wasser to add a half bath to his condo at the back of the property. This addition will not increase the impervious cover, nor will it exceed the gross FAR limits. The lot is approximately 16,500 sq. ft. A concrete patio will be removed to make way for the addition. The addition will have a smaller footprint than the patio, but due to the City’s requirement to add a second parking space, the impervious cover will be a wash – neither an increase nor a decrease. The new parking space will probably be crushed granite like the existing space.

After discussion, Kenny Hilbig made the motion that if the immediate neighbors do not oppose the variance, and Ms. Gobel will provide confirmation of same, SRCC will not oppose the variance. The motion was seconded and passed.

3. 1406-1506 Parker Ln. Zoning Application and EROC NP Amendment: Toni House moved for approval of a resolution from SRCC opposing the upzoning of single-family properties (SF-3) to multi-family (MF-3) and proposed Neighborhood Plan Amendment. Rezoning conflicts with EROC NP and FLUM; Riverside NPA is already 85+% multi-family, with another 2500+ apartments approved and/or under construction; developer will not commit to home ownership instead of rentals. Motion seconded and passed.

4. Area 8 Wet Ponds – Jeff Kessel reported that City now needs a letter from SRCC confirming that it supports the creation of the wet ponds on property in Area 8 that was donated to the City. Helen Valdez made the motion that SRCC send such a letter; motion was seconded and passed.

5. Area 5 Drainage Improvements – Jeff Kessel reported on the Longbow Storm Drainage improvements: Things are moving forward, but it’s a long, slow process. A permit has to be approved; but the work may finally start in the Spring of 2009. Jeff, Jean Mather and others met with St. Ed’s staff regarding the flooding problems resulting from the flow of water coming off of St. Ed’s property. St. Ed’s had erroneously expected the City storm drains to handle all the water being dumped into the streets due to St. Ed’s increased impervious cover . Obviously, this “solution” was deficient and St. Ed’s is working on solving this problem. SRCC needs to stay on top of this issue and insure that St. Ed’s future construction does not continue to overload the City storm drainage system.

6. Darryl Caldwell, the Program Administrator of the Neighborhood Conference Committee of Travis County, asked for volunteers to participate in a program which has a direct impact on juvenile detention prevention. Volunteers from zip codes 78704 and 78745 are needed. The NCC program is a “collaborative, community-based diversion program for first-time juvenile offenders,” allowing them to “resolve their offenses outside of the formal Court systems.” The neighborhood volunteers receive training and are assigned to committees and work with the case managers assigned to youth who commit offenses in 78704 or 78745. The offender must volunteer and commit to address his offenses through this program. The committee and case manager meet with the offender in a conference setting, gathering initial information from the offender to determine community-specific consequences, holding the offender accountable for his/her actions, and to come up with a course of action designed to restore to the community what was taken or damaged. The program works by having residents of the community that was harmed determine appropriate consequences. Outside of the training, the neighborhood volunteer time spent is only a couple of hours per case, and there is no long-term commitment required. This type of program makes a huge difference with first offenders – it’s early, proactive intervention. The case managers handle the case, but the volunteer committee members set meaningful consequences. I encourage you to contact Darrell Caldwell for more information. His email address is: Darrell.caldwell@co.travis.tx.us and his phone number is 854-4580.

7. David Todd raised a substantial sum of money towards the repair and resurfacing of the Stacy Park tennis courts, which, thanks to the efforts and resourcefulness of PARD staff member Joan Singh, the City matched with the necessary funds to cover the cost of actually doing the work. David asked that SRCC send a glowing thank you letter (which he had drafted) to Ms. Singh, with copies to her supervisors, the Mayor and Council Members, in appreciation of her efforts. Sarah Campbell made a motion for same, seconded by Mary Lovell; motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports:

Danette Chimenti was unable to attend. Her report on the Bat Fest and street closures was postponed to a future meeting.

Norwood House – Wolf Sittler reported that the Austin Parks Foundation has agreed to act as the clearinghouse for tax deductible donations towards the restoration of the Norwood House. The Norwood Posse has been meeting with PARD and has approval to move forward. Unfortunately, PARD missed the deadline to submit a grant application (which could have gone towards a new roof), and it came to light that PARD had allowed the previous application for Landmark Historical Designation to lapse. That process has now been restarted. In January Wolf will begin working full-time on the restoration efforts. The use for the restored Norwood house has not yet been determined. Some suggestions are use as a community rental facility; a Colorado River History Center (LCRA might be interested in partnering in this); a PARD or Trails Foundation office. Due to the limited parking area, PARD recommends a use that does not require a lot of parking space. Wolf met with a UT professor of architecture, who thought it would be a good learning charette for her students. This would not be possible until the safety aspects are addressed, such as asbestos removal and getting a new roof. Fundraising for the restoration will begin in earnest soon. For more information, direct inquires to restorenorwood@yahoo.com or visit the website at www.restorenorwood.org.

Neighborhood Private Security Patrols: This is in the information gathering stage. Please contact Marc Davis at marc.davis@gmail.com if you are interested in this effort.

Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail Boardwalk upcoming meeting on 10/8/08 – Sarah Campbell will try to attend. Request made for anyone who attends, please report on listserve. Survey on boardwalk available on City website at:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/boardwalk/brdwlk_survey.cfm

Voter registration – Rachel McClure reminded everyone of registration deadline and brought forms for anyone who needed them.

Reagan Signs – Bruce Barrick is working on getting owner to agree to attend SRCC meeting to update neighborhood on what it will be doing.

Meeting adjourned.

Prepared by Toni House filling in for Garret Nick.