OWANA Steering Committee

Meeting Minutes for May 9, 2000

Present: David Smith, Thom Person, Barbara Day, Paul Seals, David Sullivan, Pauline Brown, Myrna Lantzsch, Denise Younger, Charles Aubrey, Brian Rogers, Red Wassenich

Neighborhood Plan

David Smith reported on behalf of Mark Stine, chair of the Neighborhood Planning Committee. Final issues need to be resolved as soon as possible. The ballots will be mailed to all Old West Austin residents and business in mid-May. A 60% approval by those returning ballots is required. The mailing will have condensed version of plan. The complete version will be available in paper form and on the OWANA web site (www.main.org/owana).

Upcoming events in the process:

May 17 – Discussion by Planning Commission subcommittee. 12:00-1:30, 1011 San Jacinto
May 23 – Neighborhood Planning Commission meeting, 5:30-7:30. 1011 San Jacinto

June 6 – Full Planning Commission, 6:00, 10^th and I-35.
June 22 - City Council (assuming approval by Planning Commission), LCRA Building

Traffic Calming Plan

Myrna Lantzsch reported the committee will hold an open house in mid-June at Mathews Elementary to have final discussions of their draft plan. She passed around a map showing their proposed measures. The Steering Committee voted unanimously to endorse the plan as proposed. An article in the June newsletter will highlight the ideas driving the plan.

Zoning Variances

Charles Aubrey spoke about the need to develop ways for the Steering Committee to quickly address variances. Often the requests change between our first discussion of them and the city hearings, without there being a scheduled meeting for us to reconsider our stance. The city seems to have speeded up the hearing process.

The idea of having telephone votes by the Steering Committee was discussed. It would require a change in the bylaws. Paul Seals will review the policies of other groups and draft a version for us to consider. Also, due to due to the possibility of Steering Committee positions not being completely or clearly represented if we do not have someone from OWANA present to state our position, it is suggested that we have a member of the Steering Committee or of OWANA attend when an issue with which we are concerned is scheduled. The chair receives their schedule and will monitor.

Clarksville Community Redevelopment Commission

Pauline Brown reported that efforts are ongoing in the courts to oust the remnants of the previous board and to evict nonpaying tenants in CCDC housing. It was suggested she enlist the help of Jeff Jack, new aide to councilwoman Beverly Griffith, and Will Wynn, new councilman, who resides in nearby Pemberton Heights.

West Austin Park

A new sign has been added that dogs must be on leash. There is some disagreement that this is desirable. The skateboard park, formerly in the old tennis court, has been relocated to an area near the Austin Recreation Center.

Town Lake Pedestrian Bridge

This is scheduled to start very soon, just east of the Lamar St. bridge. An extension that would have included a connection to W. 5^th Street has been deleted due to budget. Possible ways to restore it are being explored by the city.

MoPac Noise Abatement Coalition (MoNAC)

This group will meet May 11 to further develop their organization. Dave Sullivan suggested lowering the speed limit to 55, which would reduce both pollution and noise.

The next meeting will be the general membership meeting on June 13, 7:00 pm, at Mathews School.

Submitted by Red Wassenich

Steering Committee Secretary