Board members attending:

Noah Kennedy, Mark Mayfield, Candace Volz, Gail Morriss, Pat Tate, Charles Heimsath, Susan Pascoe, Elizabeth Cash

Board members absent:

Bryan Chester, Bill Britton, Katherine Allen

The meeting was called to order at approximately 7pm and adjourned at approximately 10pm.  A quorum was present; Pat Tate had to leave early.

Agenda Item #1: Review/approve last meeting minutes.

The minutes posted on the PHNA website are correct and include a correction made by Pat Tate to the Treasurer’s information.  The board voted unanimously to approve the minutes.

Agenda Item #2: Old business – liability coverage, meeting with Toby Futrell (City Manager), TxDOT MoPac survey.

Liability coverage:  The board discussed the cost of liability insurance, for which a quote had been obtained for $1500 per year.  The board examined the charitable exemption of Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 84.004 and the characteristics of a Texas Uniform Unincorporated Non-Profit Association.  After investigation in accordance with Article XII of the bylaws, a motion was made and seconded that the board not carry liability insurance at this time.  A friendly amendment was proposed that the motion be contingent upon the Association’s continuing to limit its activities as described in the mission statement in the bylaws.  The mission statement was reviewed.  The amended motion passed unanimously.

Meeting with Toby Futrell:  This has been postponed due to the volume of work currently for both the City and Noah.

TxDOT MoPac survey:  In the short term (10 years), the plan for MoPac is to put in sound walls and acquire land from the railroad right-of-way in order to construct one additional lane each northbound and southbound.  This will be a managed late.  The long term plan for MoPac (30 years) is still in the study phase.  TxDOT is currently requesting feedback on its plan and the PHNA website asks neighbors to forward opinions to the board.  (Update:  this survey has been taken down so that more recent events may be posted.)

The safety plans for the Westover northbound exit discussed at the December 2005 meeting will be executed within approximately two years.

Agenda Item #3: Recent Pemberton Heights Vandalisms and Burglaries.  Meeting with Officer Ricardo A. Vargas.

Officer Vargas reported that two suspects had been arrested four days prior to the meeting.  They are professional criminals and evidence links them to the recent rash of thefts from automobiles in Pemberton.  Officer Vargas does not believe that these two suspects are responsible for the recent stolen vehicle or two burglaries.  However, he noted that a stolen vehicle and a burglary from time to time is not unusual in our neighborhood.  APD is planning to institute an evening/night patrol through the neighborhood, which will include an unmarked patrol car and a bicycle patrol, while Pemberton is still considered to be a potential “hot spot.”  In light of this, there was no motion to hire a private security firm to patrol the neighborhood.  Christie Heimsath has information on security firms if the Association ever decides to reconsider.

Officer Vargas requested that we keep APD updated on any new criminal activity, so that it can be added to the police tracking reports, which enables APD to quickly identify when an area is becoming a crime “hot spot.”  He also recommended parking cars off the street in a garage or near the house and taking all valuables out of cars, especially glove boxes.  It was suggested that leaving front porch lights on at night may also be helpful.  Officer Vargas stated that he would send us additional crime prevention tips.

We learned that the police department holds quarterly “Commander’s Forums” during which neighborhood questions and concerns are addressed.  The most recent meeting for our sector was April 3, 2006 in Hyde Park.  Officer Crowder is our neighborhood’s usual contact at APD for more information.

A newsletter article regarding neighborhood crime was suggested.  Ways that neighbors may stay in touch via email lists or through the PHNA website were discussed.

Agenda Item #4: Presentations on SOS charter initiatives.

Guests Bill Bunch and Mike Blizzard offered opposing views on the proposed city charter amendments regarding the aquifer and open government.  This was an informational session only and no board action was planned or taken.

Noah continues to attend the task force meetings at City Hall.  Updates of task force activities may be accessed through the PHNA website, or from the City website directly.  Noah has been reaching out to various neighbors who have expressed an interest in the proposed permanent development controls ordinance.  

Nine new members have joined since January.  The account balance is $5,443.79.

Minutes prepared on April 3, 2006 by Elizabeth Cash, Secretary.

return to main menu