Board members attending:

Bryan Chester, Gail Morriss, Charles Johanson, Tom Daniel, Candace Volz, Pat Tate, Greg Hybl, Elizabeth Cash

Board members absent:

Susan Pascoe, Matthew Wheeler, Charles Heimsath, Drew Miller

Honorary directors present: None

Visitors present: Scott Kelley, Gordon Maxim-Kelley, John Burks, Lynn Burks, Mark Schwartz

The meeting was called to order at approximately 7pm and adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm.  A quorum was present.

Agenda Item #1: 2520 Jarratt project

Restrictive covenants in Pemberton Heights Section 6 are possibly being violated with the new construction at 2520 Jarratt.  The board discussed its responsibilities under the by-laws and Charles Johanson agreed to meet with the builder to obtain their position on the matter.  At that point the board will meet to discuss whether to send a notice to the neighborhood regarding the situation."     

Post-meeting addendum:  Charles Johanson met with the builder and his attorneys who presented their side.  The issue still needs some investigation prior to the board reaching a decision of appropriate action under its by-laws.

Agenda Item #2: Triangle Update

The Steve and Donna Hicks fund raiser was very successful, raising about $90,000 of the estimated $250,000 needed for the triangles project.  The board extends its thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hicks for their help with this ambitious project.  The following triangles have been adopted by sponsors:  Harris x Windsor, Harris x Wooldridge, Wooldridge x Hardouin, and Gaston East.  Neighbors or groups of neighbors have expressed interest in adopting the following triangles:  Jarratt x Leigh, Westover x Wooldridge, Claire x Wooldridge, and Gaston West.

The City waived the $2000 survey fee.  The $425 licensing fee check has not cleared yet.

A second fundraiser is being planned, tentatively set for June.  Work is set to begin on three triangles.

Agenda Item #3: Web Site Revamp

We were not able to find any webmaster candidates via the “Hire a Longhorn” program.  However, they recommended an individual who charges $60/hour.  It was suggested that we ask him for a flat fee bid rather than a per hour bid.  Suggestions for the job include: fixing broken links, creating an application to join PHNA, a survey mechanism, and a crime watch bulletin board.  We determined that revamping the website format is probably a good idea also, to make it easier to navigate.  It was also suggested that we check with other neighborhood associations (specifically ANC and WANG) to see how they handle their website maintenance.  Charles Johanson volunteered to do this.

Nichole Nykaza has resigned as an honorary director due to increasing family obligations.

Agenda Item #4: Legislation negating “McMansion” ordinance

Currently before the state legislature are two bills that would have the effect of negating the McMansion ordinance that was passed by the City last year.  Elizabeth presented a letter that WANG has sent to our state representatives asking for their support in opposing the bills.  The issue is whether the PHNA board would be interested in writing a similar letter.  It was decided that we would review the neighborhood planning surveys at the next board meeting to get a sense of the neighbors’ support for the McMansion ordinance.  If there is a majority in support, we will draft at letter to our representatives asking for their opposition to the bills.

Agenda Item #5: Board member liability

Elizabeth made the annual presentation regarding the statutory protection for members of volunteer organizations, which the board relies upon.  The mission statement for PHNA was reviewed.

The booklet has been drafted and Elizabeth is working on:  1) getting permission to use images taken from the internet, 2) acquiring images from the Austin History Center, 3) acquiring a couple of images from the holder of the photographs for the National Register District, 4) notifying neighbors whose homes are featured in the tour, and 5) acquiring permission to identify certain neighbors by name.  The board voted to grant enough money for the purchase of 11 images from the history center to be used in the booklet.  It was also suggested that it should be made clear to the owners of the homes featured that they are under no obligation to open their homes or allow people taking the tour onto their property.

Charles Johanson reminded the board that content is needed each month by the 10th for the newsletter.  May content is finalized.  Possible articles for June include an article regarding parks, and one or two articles relating to the Austin History Center.

**The next meeting is Thursday,   May 17, 2007 at 7pm.  Guests will include Crispin Ruiz of the Wastewater Program and John Kelly from TxDOT regarding MoPac plans.

Minutes prepared by Elizabeth Cash, Secretary

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