Old West Austin Neighborhood Association
Owana Steering Committee Meeting Minutes
August 9, 1999 Red Wassenich’s Home Steering Committee Members in attendance: Thom, Steven, Paul, Barbara, Margaret, David B., David S., Red, Jay
Guest: Sam Archer, Mark F., Sharon Beil, Officer Tim Adkinson
1. David B. opened the meeting at 5:30
2. Tim Adkinson, district representative for APD, addressed the specific problems at 1102 Lorraine and all that the department had done to try and substantiate claims of illegal activity. The department feels that they have exhausted all options including surveillance, searches of the home and garbage, and running license plates of all visitors. No illegal activity was noted although the department acknowledges that the home is a nuisance in the noise, litter, transient comings and goings, and etoh consumption. He feels the only recourse for neighbors in this situation is a civil process. He then discussed more general steps. Most importantly, Tim Adkinson is our contact and can direct neighbors to the right divisions and is the liaison. He suggest first that with a crime in progress the neighbor call 911; if it is a noise disturbance he suggest that you warn the neighbor once and then call 911. There is a filing fee for such disturbances that is paid on a one time basis and will require reporting the name, DOB, address etc. The noise must be over 85 decibels. The department will attempt mediation first and have found that 9 of 10 times it is successful, if not there is a 500.00 fee for each disturbance. He then discussed more generally the steps to addressing the most serious problems in a neighborhood. The abatement process is the most extreme and requires that all neighbors document and report all occurrences of illegal activities. The illegal activities that may result in abatement are narcotic charges, firearms charges or prostitution. Lastly, he discussed that there is an ordinance that deals with environmental concerns and would include the throwing of litter in yards.
3. Sam Archer discussed the issue of the median that crosses Enfield along Woodlawn. The Woodlawn Neighborhood association has approached OWANA and offered to landscape the median with ground cover, crepe myrtles, three large trees and two small trees if we in return will purchase the PVC for the irrigation system. Paul Seals moved to authorize an expenditure of up to 150.00 and it passed unanimously.
4. David S. updated all on the Smoot Property and the continued discussion between the Heritage Society and adjacent neighbors. Jim C. and David B. have agreed to attend a meeting at the newly built cottage on Wed. 10th at 7pm. Denise Younger a neighbor has submitted a valid petition against dropping of historic zoning. There was much discussion and clarification that the meeting was an informational one only and that no position or decision for OWANA will be articulated and that OWANA will express the desire that the parties mediate a solution. Discussion resulted that consensus from past history requires that OWANA take no position or side with neighbors when approved. This issue will be presented at the general meeting.
5. Steven discussed Traffic and reminded all that data collection will happen after September and no meeting will occur beforehand.
6. A discussion re: T21 funding being available for historic neighborhood sidewalk construction. State funding of 600,000 will be matched by the city. Steve agreed to call city staff and discuss with Karen the need to coordinate this effort with the traffic calming priorities as sidewalks are listed as a means to calming but there are insufficient funds to address.
7. The Apartments at 1616 6th ST. owned by Royce Gorley were discussed. There will be a meeting next month and there is no additional information or comment by the owner at this time. There is a 30day restraining order and families are on month-to-month leases. There are 26 families who have children at Mathew affected by the changes at the apartment complex.
8. Clemmie Cummins requested that OWANA fund the efforts for outreach on the neighborhood project which would include the costs of mailing two surveys, as well as purchasing the envelopes, doing the stuffing, and collating. It was decided that the request for assistance discussed at the general meeting. Clemmie will be asked to find out if the city will fund the mailing since the generated the original survey and have the names etc…
9. The issue of a vacant spot on the steering committee and the need for a nomination was discussed; this will be addressed at the general meeting.
10. Barbara Day reported that the account has $2500.00 at this time.
Next Meeting Summer General Meeting of OWANA September 14th Mathews Elementary Cafeteria, 906 West Lynn
Return to Meetings Page | OWANA Homepage Posted 10/15/99