South Lamar Neighborhood Association

Meeting Notes

February 20, 2003

President Kevin Lewis called the meeting to order and everyone introduced themselves. There were approximately 12 people in attendance. Kevin gave the following information:

• Election update
• Kevin reminded everyone that the upcoming election is on May 3^rd and early voting starts April 16^th.
• Bill Stoughton is a Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar, and as such may receive completed voter registration cards that he will pass along to the registrar’s office. Registration may also be completed online. See http://www.travisvoter.org . (HD note: this site does not appear to be available. Try http://www.state.tx.us/travisco/voter/home.htm.)
• Marci Roberts suggested that we distribute voter registration cards along with the newsletter.
• It was noted that we have the lowest turnout of registered voters in the 04 zip code.
• It was suggested that we always have voter registration cards available at the meetings for those who may need them.
• Carol Gibbs mentioned that precincts still often need volunteers on election day.
• There will be an ANC Candidate Forum in April. Check the website for exact date: http://www.ancweb.org

• Noise
• Noise ordinance – city council passed the noise ordinance, with 3 of the 4 amendments. See the city website for details of the noise ordinance: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/2003/noiseordinance.htm
• Train quieting – Jake Billingsley is spearheading reforms to the audible warning system. This may alleviate some of the noise issues in our neighborhood.  (HD note: Here is more information: http://www.railroadcontrols.com/ahs/)

• ANC update – Bryan King
• ANC meets the 4^th Wednesday of every month at the First English Lutheran Church, 3001 Whitis (30^th&Whitis) at 7PM. Everyone is welcome to attend.
• The February meeting will feature: a special program with Tracy Watson on arbitration as a method of dispute resolution, Pat Forgione, and the Austin Parks Foundation
• The March meeting will start 15 minutes later than usual, and features Herman Munn (sp?) giving a class on “BOA 101”, Board of Adjustments.
• There are a large number of robin bird deaths being reported. It is not known what is causing this, but one theory involves chinaberries (or other berries) having an intoxicating effect on the birds.
• The UT Law School is providing free law seminars on 2/22. See http://www.travisbar.com for details
• Rain barrels will be available 2/22 at 4005 Airport (40^th & Airport) from 9AM to noon. They will be $75/each which is significant savings.

• Treasurer Report – Bill Stoughton
• 2002 report: Combined savings and checking balance $1535.17 at year end 12/31/02. $715 in membership dues, 53 paid members.
• 2003 – Current balance $1982.00. $510 this year in paid dues. $20 more received during meeting.
• Expenditures – ANC membership $35, renew domain name (southlamar.org) for another 5 years $99.95.
• Bryan King suggested amending the bylaws such that if someone joins during the 4^th quarter, then their membership is paid through the following calendar year.

• Newsletter update – Carol Gibbs
• Need a few more people to cover delivery routes
• Suggested we post newsletters in various places at Run of the Oaks apartments, and put a sign there
• Suggested we put signs with document tubes by the duplexes and apartments
• A motion was made to purchase new sign tubes. The motion was seconded. Marci Roberts will look into getting some at a discount.
• Bryan will get more posts and work with Hilary to attach the new tubes.
• Carol will be out of town for the April newsletter until 4/5. So we will need coordination to get the newsletter ready on time. Kevin will coordinate this effort.
• Carol received kudos for her article on dogs, and the new dog ordinance
• Carol distributed the SLNA phone list.

• Newsletter Advertising – Marci Roberts
• We have commitments from Office Depot, Changos, and the Kung Fu Athletic Academy

• Kinney Mues Presentation – 2409 Kinney
• Nathan Munk, Architect, Wellstone Partners
• Sinclair Black, Architect
• Bruce Melton, Civil Engineer Mesa Engineering
• New development on the site of the old Mary Lee Foundation, Charlene Crump group home, 2409 Kinney
• Mr. Munk discussed the goals of the development namely pedestrian-friendly, neighborhood development in concert with current neighborhood atmosphere.
• Mr. Black showed plans of possible building layouts and current trees that will all be preserved with the development.
• Average 1500 sq. ft., 2 BR-2BA, median price in area $275,000. Range from 1200-1900 sq. ft., 2BR to 3BR. 2-story, <25’ height.
• 8 buildings, 16 units, condo regime duplexes
• Hand-crafted cottages
• Will work with current zoning, no variances required
• Mr. Melton discussed some engineering issues regarding drainage
• Discussion of filtration treatment of storm water through underground filter system, and detention
• Discussed water treatment provided by the builders for Ravey
• Homeowner’s Association will be responsible for maintenance of the filter treatment system
• Driveways will be 11’ wide. Looking at ‘Geocell’ block subsurface over which grass can be grown (thus increasing permeable cover area), yet still could support the weight of a fire truck. This would allow narrower paved driveways.
• This development is likely to be similar to Elm St. development in Clarksville.
• Paisley Roberts voiced many concerns. Among them, parking, construction, and cooperation with the neighbors.
• These gentlemen plan to return to the next SLNA meeting with more plans, designs, and discussion.

· Development News

· See the SLNA scoops for latest: http://www.southlamar.org/scoop.htm

o Diamond-Shamrock (Kinney/Lamar) – building has been leased and new tenants want to put in a used car lot. Currently the lot is zoned SF-3 however so they would need a zoning change. (HD note: Bryan K. has since found out this is zoned CO so no zoning change would be required. The COA site was out of date or erroneous. Bryan is checking on the ROW setback where the new tenants are installing the metal posts.)

o Russell’s Bakery – Bluebonnet/Lamar – continued ongoing discussion of zoning of rear of property.

o Morgan/Bannister – auto body shop is planned for this location

o Sayther Automotive – neighbors have noticed a lot of cars parked in the streets

o 2414 Thornton – developers are trying to get admin approval for this

o Lamar Storage – survey markers have been seen in the area

o Del Curto/Bluebonnet – the current rumor is that part of the trailer park has been sold to Walgreens. Another rumor has it that Walgreens has bought the WOHarper lot.

For corrections or updates to these meeting minutes contact Hilary Dyer hilary@texas.net