NORTHFIELD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING JAN 4, 2010
The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Mary Patrick, Co-secretary, presiding over the meeting tonight in the absence of the President and Vice President. Introductions were made.
TREASURER'S REPORT
Annie Ervin, Treasurer, reports for Nov & Dec. 2009 :
Beginning balance $ 929.54
Income 217.00 (total)
( Newsletter ads 195.00
Memberships 10.00
Donations 12.00 )
Expenses 654.07 (total)
( ANC membership 35.00
Holiday party 58.33
Newsletter printing 560.54 )
Current Balance 492.47
Annie adds that income is expected to grow as ad sale money comes in.
"THE LOOP "
Orion Archung and Brian Roland, business owners, announce the plans to open a wine boutique in the North Loop commercial area. Wine will be sold by retail only, no onsite consumption. Plans include a deli with cheese, local bread , books and onsite education about wine and possible wine /food pairings with Farah's restaurant.
Brian reports a zoning change will be needed (from GR to CS 1 or CS as the group discussed) and to prepare for the zoning hearing, a letter of support from the NNA (and from the North Loop Neighborhood Planning Team) would be most helpful.
The following website provides "The Loop" business plan and floor plan:
http://nlnpt.org/zoning/theloop/
Mary will post an online vote (NNA members) prior to a support letter being written.
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS OF NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN
Damon Howze reported on this organization whose mission is to have neighborhoods come together to gain concensus, focused on the development of open , pedestrian friendly spaces in areas zoned for mixed use ( Vertical Mixed Use - VMU) in North Central Austin. The organization has had good support from the Mayor and City Council and has held candidate's forums prior to local elections. It differs from the Austin Neighborhood Council in that it is more focused on specific topics .
Current NA's who participate are Allendale, Crestview, Wooten, Highland, and North Shoal Creek. Last year's concern was focused on Anderson Lane. This year's focus is the Airport Blvd. corridor.
There are no dues. Membership is gained via participation of a representative from the Neighborhood Association (s). Meetings are held on an as-needed basis.
Benefits of participation include being part of a larger "voice", hence more power, in communicating with the City of Austin and having large support for local projects, ie perhaps the "walk" through the State Cemetary.
To become officially part of this organization a vote would need to occur and a representative identified to be the NNA's representative. Among the attendees of tonight's meeting, interest was high.
More information and voting on this will occur at the February meeting.
Please see website for further information;
www.snaustin.org
COA "MATCHING" PROGRAM
In Sept. 2009, Councilman Bill Spelman proposed that the City of Austin have a "matching" program for neighborhood projects (sidewalk repair, beautfication etc) in which the COA and the neighborhood would split costs, labor for projects. City Manager Mark Ott is to come up with the plan and present it to the City Council in January 2010. Mary will investigate the plan's status.
Mary informed us that the above plan is different from a "CFA" which happens when a citizen contacts the city with a specific request and the council responds by issuing a Citizens Form. The CFA is NOT a process to gain funding for projects.
HOW TO GROW THE NNA
Mary initiated discussion of the need for the NNA to grow. Short discussion occurred regarding the importance of social events. This will be an agenda item for discussion at the February meeting.
Prior to the February meeting an email will be sent to the nnadl/nndl to inquire if anyone in the community has an item for the agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pastor Jackson Boyett reports that a truck parked/locked at the Dayspring Chapel was broken into and stereo stolen sometime between Christmas and New Years. He reminds us to lock cars, hide valuables, keep up our Neighborhood Watch.
Annie Ervin reports she has been contacted by Scott Johnson who has stepped down from his role as the NNA representative to the Austin Neighborhoods Council. This position needs to be filled and involves attending 1-2 monthly meetings. Anyone interested ?
The next meeting is Monday Feb. 1, 2010
The meeting was adjourned at 8 PM
Thank you Mary for chairing this meeting !
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Seward
Co-secretary
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