South Lamar Neighborhood Association
Meeting Notes
April 18, 2002
· Bryan called the meeting to order and introduced Kenny Nash, the APD District Rep.
· Kenny Nash went over the latest crime stats
o Burglary of vehicles was the most report crime. Many times doors are left unlocked and/or things are left in plain view. Kenny reminded everyone to lock doors and not leave items visible.
o Burglary of residences is the 2nd most reported crime. People can request a free home security survey from APD. Contact Kenny if interested at 974-8241.
o Auto theft is also a problem in SLNA. There is a free VIN etching available on 5/11 at the Mailboxes, Etc.
o Operation identification – engravers are available for people to etch their Tx DL numbers on valuable items such as TV’s and stereos. This helps immensely in recovering stolen property, and alerting pawn shop owners (e.g.) that an item might have been stolen. Call 974-8241.
· Parking Ordinance
o The current version of the parking ordinance is available online at http://www.southlamar.org/city_notices.htm (Requires Adobe acrobat.)
o We will vote to opt in or opt out of being covered by this ordinance as a neighborhood.
o The vote will take place at the next meeting, June 20th, at 7PM. Please read the ordinance and be prepared to vote at the next meeting.
o Only paid SLNA members will be able to vote.
· Bylaws Amendment
o Bryan proposes the following changes to the bylaws: 1) the meeting schedule should be changed from monthly to every other month, and 2) consider adding a “hardship clause” for those people who cannot pay SLNA dues.
o We will vote on these changes at the June meeting.
o The current bylaws can be found at: http://www.southlamar.org/Bylaws.htm
· Patricia Fiske reported on the sidewalk committee
o On March 23 there was a workshop hosted by the Trans Texas Alliance with Charles Gandy, pedestrian consultant.
o Bryan showed some of Charles Gandy’s slide presentation
o The SLNA website has a directory of city services for more information
o Any ideas for proposals for sidewalks and byway improvements should be given to Patricia Fiske pfiske@austin.rr.com.
· Bryan gave some neighborhood updates:
o Lamar storage. There is a consultant from Dallas due in on 4/24
o Carol Gibbs carol.gibbs@unisys.com needs more volunteers to help with the newsletter distribution. Contact Carol if you are willing to help.
o The SLNA web site is http://www.southlamar.org
o The South Austin Culture Club will be holding their event called “The Whole Enchilada” on May 29th at the Miller-Crockett House Bed and Breakfast located at 112 Academy. Tickets are $10. For more information see http://www.southaustinculture.org .
o Bobby Hubertus reported that the treasury currently has about $1300.
o There is a candidates forum on April 25th at 807 Cumberland at 5PM. Bring a covered dish.
o Brad Ellers introduced himself as a Capital Metro representative.
o Jim Walker is soliciting comments on the new ACC campus to be located at the old Albertson’s location on the NE corner of Manchaca and Stassney. There is a questionnaire on the ACC web site: http://www.austin.cc.tx.us
o Friday night social hour continues at Maria’s. On April 26, however, we will meet at the Changos Taqueria Anniversary Party at 3005 S. Lamar in the parking lot. 6PM – 8PM. Music, food, drinks.
· Oak Wilt Workshop
o There is an oak wilt workshop on May 18, 9AM at the home of Kenny Accord, 4016 Valley View. Jay Culver, arborist for the city of Austin, will be on hand to demonstrate the procedures for treating a live oak tree with fungicide.
· Collin Clark from SOS
o Colin Clark gave a presentation about Barton Springs, the Edwards Aquifer, and the Save Our Springs Alliance
o Collin encourages people to 1) Swim 2) Join SOS 3) Vote 4) Stay informed and participate.
o There is an email list you can subscribe to
o For more information see their web site at http://www.sosalliance.org or call 477-2320.
· Kevin Lewis gave an election update and went over several important propositions that are on the ballot. The election is May 4. Early voting is going on now. For more information see the League of Women Voters guide at http://www.leaguewv.austin.tx.us or contact Kevin at klewis@wholeearthprovision.com.
· The next meeting will be June 20th. We will vote on SLNA opting in or out of the parking ordinance, vote on the bylaw changes, talk about the ACC campus at Manchaca/Stassney, hear from Doug Balleau about bicycle/pedestrian concerns, and more.
· For corrections to these minutes contact Hilary Dyer hilary@texas.net