WOOTEN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
 
Minutes of May 12, 2008
 
Vice-President Carolyn Spock called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
 
The minutes of the March 10, 2008 WNA meeting were unanimously approved.
 
Treasurer’s Report: Janie Riley reported that WNA has $1,330.92.
 
Guest speakers were Dana Munguia and Armando Rodriguez, senior police officers and our new District Representatives (DRs) from the Central West Area Command of APD.  The Central West Command is staffed for five DRs, but they currently have only three, so the DRs are sharing the area within the boundaries of the Wooten NA.  Baker 3 sector, where WNA boundaries lie, cover Anderson on the south, 183 on the north, I-35 on the east, and Mopac on the west.  DRs Munguia and Rodriguez will try to be present at all WNA meetings.  They have driven through our area, and gone out with representatives from Code Enforcement to familiarize themselves with our neighborhood.  Two events to be sponsored by the Central West Area Command are VIN etching from 10:00 – 2:00 pm on Thursday, May 15 in the parking lot of 2538 W. Anderson, and the Commanders Forum at 6:30 pm on May 22 at the Highland Hills Baptist Church on Balcones.  To address the problem of increase in burglary of vehicles during the summer, the DRs described Operation Mousetrap.  Officers put flyers on cars in parking lots “grading” drivers on security of their car and car’s contents (i.e., purse on seat, door unlocked, CDs visible).  Officers Munguia and Rodriguez distributed business cards to those in attendance.  Contact information:
 
Dana Munguia, 974-5440, <dana.munguia@ci.austin.tx.us>
Armando Rodriguez, 974-4527, <armando.rodriguez@ci.austin.tx.us>
Lucy Monsivais, Admin. Asst., 974-5340, <lucita.monsivais@ci.austin.tx.us>
 
Ad hoc committee reports:
 
·        Technology – Victor Engel: Carolyn Spock reported in Victor’s absence.  Victor has upgraded the software for the website.  All postings continue to be submitted to Victor first.  He will post instructions on joining the wootenna yahoo group and tutor officers in maintaining the website.  It was suggested that membership forms be put on-line.  A member asked if Wooten NA should invest in a post office box.  Carolyn Spock informed the group that P.O.s have their own zip codes (Northcross PO is 78766), and Wooten NA would not appear on the city web page when someone is searching by zip code.
·        Budget and Finance – Janie Riley:  (no report)
·        Crime and Code Enforcement – Adam Turner:  Adam met the new Sergeant of Baker Sector two weeks ago, and planned to meet the new DRs.  Adam encouraged members to go to the Commander’s Forum on May 22.  Steve Rodriguez, from Code Enforcement explained to Adam that Baker Sector is ten times larger than Ida (our previous APD sector), and the sector is currently understaffed.  Participation from the community is a must to uphold the livability of our neighborhoods.  Mary Lou Gibson described a good experience with code enforcement officers in the cleanup of the property of the Lulen Apts, at 2301 Ohlen Rd.  Kay Tuohy asked the WNA to opt-out of the lawn-parking ordinance.  She and her husband live on Wooten Dr, and they were ticketed for having an RV in their front yard that was unscreened.  The family was fined $2000.  She questioned why we were turning each other in.  They had to move their RV to the back yard, damaging the side of their house in the process.  Never before has she had a problem with her neighbors, and now she feels like she can’t trust people anymore.  Kay asked that WNA form a neighborhood support team.  Steve Rogers reviewed the history of WNA and its decision to initially not participate in the yard-parking ordinance.  Then the feeling of the group changed as it realized that the ordinance helped the police enforce the law when needed.
·        Social and Fundraising – Sarah Reams:  Sarah announced plans for the 1st Annual Wooten NA October Bash on Saturday, October 18th, 2008.  She distributed a handout requesting volunteers.  The tentative location for the event is Wooten Park.  There will be music, food, costumes, candy and activities for the kids, and a silent auction.  Volunteers are needs to help make this event a success.  Volunteers are needed for activities, entertainment, food/beverages, logistics, public relations, silent auction, and sponsorships.  Contact Sarah Reams at sarah_reams@yahoo.com, or 924-1619, and let her know how you can help.  Question from audience:  “What will the money be used for?”
·        Membership – Betsy Thaggard:  no report.  Carolyn Spock reported that another effort to contact everyone in our area will be made between now and July.
·        Community Relations – Marilyn Rogers:  no events to report.
·        Transportation – Beverly Kimbrough:  no report
 
Old business items discussed were the Neighborhood Contact Team and the library.
 
The Neighborhood Contact Team was established in 2004, but somehow the Wooten NA “fell through the cracks”.  Originally Wooten NA was paired with Crestview NA.  WNA has the option to continue to be paired with Crestview, or have a separate development plan.  Members of the Neighborhood Contact Team must include a representative from WNA, a business owner, a resident landlord, and a resident renter.  This Team becomes the lead contact when changes are requested from zoning requests.
 
The library being built on Steck and Burnet projects an opening date in January 2009.  Progress is being made on the roof and rainwater collection.  North Shoal Creek NA wants the name to remain North Village Library.  There was no objection from the membership regarding the name.  
 
New business items included announcements and questions.
 
Michelle Smith from Texas Action for Healthy Kids has grant money available for a natural park to include walking trails and garden areas.  Wooten School is one of three schools being considered for this grant.  The support of the neighborhood is being requested.
 
Progress on the playscape at Good Shepard Church on Putnam was questioned.  The playscape was closed after being constructed by the Austin Police Department during Project Hope, because the ground cover was not safe.  Texas Parks may have grants for improvements such as that.  Marilyn Rogers will continue to dialogue with Pastor Ruiz to look at all options.  Presently, the elders of the church are concerned about liability issues regarding the playscape.
 
Steve Rogers announced Beautification Day at Burnet Middle School on Doris from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 17.  Volunteers are needed.
 
Again the question was raised about what we are doing with Wooten NA money.  Response from officers was pay for a direct mailing to all residents within our boundaries, and help supply ground cover for the church.
 
Allan Shear lives on Kromer, and granite slabs are being ground behind his house.  He encouraged members to come look at the dust that is constantly present.  Adam Turner suggested contacting Code Enforcement.
 
Adam Turner motioned to adjourn the business meeting, seconded by Debbie Danforth. The motion was approved, and the meeting adjourned at 8:07 pm.
 
Next meeting is scheduled for July 14, 2008 at 7:00 pm.
 
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Rogers
WNA Secretary
 
 
 
 
 
 

President Danny Langfield called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. Christina Muller, a personal fitness trainer, from “Passionately Fit”, sponsored the meeting.

Jim Bedrich moved to accept the minutes of the January 14, 2008 WNA meeting. Debbie Danforth seconded the motion. The minutes were unanimously approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Carolyn Spock reported for Janie Riley that WNA has $1,295.92, and 31 paid members.

Ad hoc committee reports;

Danny explained the structure of the committees. The Ad-hoc Committees act as an advisory to the Executive Committee, and propose recommendations. The Executive Committee is to be held accountable for ideas stated to the general membership.

· Technology – Victor Engel: The front page of the WNA website is new. It contains information of the next meeting, contact people, map of our boundaries, and minutes. The forum and yahoo groups can be accessed from this main page. The email list has been removed. Members are encouraged to use the yahoo group as a vehicle for sharing information. Victor should be notified if members are registered with the yahoo group. Victor will give a tutorial about posting to the forum to the Executive Committee and committee chairs.
· Budget and Finance – Janie Riley: (no report)
· Crime and Code Enforcement – Adam Turner: He is fielding emails re noise in the area. Members should note dates, times, and address of disturbance. Call APD or 311. Some people have approached the violators directly. Contact Adam via the Web page. Christina Muller filed a complaint form on-line to report a situation, and said it is easy to complete. Steve Rogers reminded the audience that effective March 30, the Wooten NA area would be under the police of Baker Sector, rather than Ida. Boundaries of sectors were changed at the department level.
· Social and Fundraising – Sarah Reams: She is looking for volunteers for the Social Committee. Some activities proposed for fundraising events are a car wash, garage sale, craft sale, coupon book, and having a restaurant give a percentage of proceeds to the WNA on a specified evening.
· Membership – Betsy Thaggard: A plan was proposed to hand deliver flyers to each house within the boundaries of the WNA. May 1 is the designated evening to stuff the mailers. The itemized budget allotment for Membership is only $500, which is insufficient to cover a direct mailing. The recruitment plan also includes asking each member to bring a neighbor, calling those without email on the phone, and distributing a printed handout. A possible solution is the redeployment of yard signs. Dale Ritzen was asked to look at the current locations. Sarah Reams suggested finding sponsors for new yard signs. Imron Goldstein reported that Zingers hardware store has been supportive of neighborhood efforts, and may be a source to approach for funds.
· Community Relations – Marilyn Rogers: She reported that the new library being built on Steck had to postpone its opening date to January 2009 due to the roofing contractor quitting the project. Clean Sweep activities will be on Saturday April 5. Neighborhoods are encouraged to fix an eyesore in their areas with supplies being provided by the City of Austin.
· Transportation – Beverly Kimbrough: This committee is being reinstated. Adam Turner requested monitoring of pedestrian safety at the rail crossing at Anderson and Wooten.

Old business concerned the Website www.wootenna.com. WNA needs one place where people can go for information. Comments, and inquiries should be posted to yahoo group, and considered the primary source of communication. Yahoo automatically gets forwarded to your home email if the user requests that option. The Forum is more topic-oriented, and considered more permanent. Go to the Forum for information on various topics.

Christina Muller was introduced to the group. She is a personal fitness trainer at “Passionately Fit”, located at 38th and Lamar. Her business helps with strength training, cardiovascular exercises, and muscles. She sponsored this meeting because she cares about the neighborhood.

New business items included yard parking, mobile food application, and committee recruitment.

Yard Parking: Vice-President Carolyn Spock investigated Wooten Neighborhood’s current status re restricted parking in yards. Our Association’s boundaries are “in” until we “opt-out”. No further paperwork needs to be filed.
Committee Recruitment: President Danny Langfield recruited members to serve on the various committees. The committee chairs (x) will serve their terms for the remainder of our fiscal year to be joined by:
Technology: (Victor Engel) Betsy Thaggard, Carolyn Spock
Budget: (Janie Riley)
Crime and Code Enforcement: (Adam Turner) Steve Rogers, Victor Engel, Andy Casey
Social and Fundraising: (Sarah Reams) Laura Langfield, Imron Goldstein, Debbie Danforth
Membership: (Betsy Thaggard) Danny Langfield, Marilyn Rogers, Joanne Clem
Community Relations: (Marilyn Rogers) Elaine Granoff, Carolyn Spock and Adam Turner
Transportation: (Beverly Kimbrough) Steve Rogers, Joanne Clem
Mobile Food Vendors: President Danny Langfield explained that WNA could apply to the City to have extra limitations put on where food vendors can have their business, based on the time of operation, and how close they are to homes. All vendors must be licensed by the Health Department. The application is due March 11, and must be accompanied by a copy of the WNA minutes, and an affidavit from the President of WNA. This application can be resubmitted in February 2009. Marilyn Rogers moved to postpone filing this application until January 2009 to study the various mobile food vendor locations in our neighborhoods, and document possible violators. Ginny Vragel seconded this motion. The motion to postpone filing was carried by majority.
Open Discussion: Elaine Granoff expressed that the value of the neighborhood decreases with people parking in their yards. Also, mention was made of noise ordinances in the City re musicians playing in their homes.

Betsy Thaggard motioned to adjourn the business meeting, seconded by Adam Turner. The motion was approved, and the meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Guest speakers were Steve Ramirez and staff from the City of Austin Code Enforcement Department. They presented a 20-minute video on what code violations look like, and responded during a question and answer session.

Next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2008 at 7:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn Rogers
WNA Secretary

There will be a Wooten Neighborhood Association meeting Monday, May 12, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Redeemer Lutheran School Cafeteria, 1500 Anderson Lane (Burrell side). Meetings are normally on the second Monday of odd-numbered months.

There will be a Wooten Neighborhood Association meeting Monday, March 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm at the Redeemer Lutheran School Cafeteria, 1500 Anderson Lane (Burrell side). Don’t forget that we are now in Daylight Saving Time.

ANNUAL DUES of $5/person is due for everyone at this meeting if you did not pay your dues in November. Bring cash or make checks payable to Wooten Neighborhood Association.

President Danny Langfield called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm. Mi Tienda sponsored the meeting.
Dale Ritzen moved to accept the minutes of the November 12, 2007 WNA meeting. Betsy Thaggard seconded the motion. Janie Riley noted a correction that the Treasurer reported a balance of $655.32. The minutes were approved as corrected. Treasurer Janie Riley reported that WNA has $750.32, and 27 paid members. Ad hoc committee reports;· Technology – Victor Engel: needs help with website, particularly with items to report. Imron Goldstein volunteered his housemate at a potential helper.· Budget and Finance – Janie Riley: tracking how expenditures go according to the Budget.· Crime and Code Enforcement – Adam Turner: He is in regular contact with Officer Lee Davis. Members are to submit their concerns to Adam who will collect concerns that need addressing and collaborate solutions with Officer Davis. Members were encouraged to call the APD District Representatives (DRs) for a free home security check. Victor Engel expressed concern over the increase in serious crimes in our area. Laverne Stauffer is concerned about criminal activities in the parking lot at St. Louis Church. · Social and Fundraising – Sarah Reams: no report.· Membership – Betsy Thaggard: Betsy encouraged members to join the yahoo group (www.wootenna@yahoogroups.com) to share information about concerns and interests in the neighborhood. To build our membership, bring a neighbor to the meetings, and add business members.· Community Relations – Marilyn Rogers: will continue to send announcements re matters that concern our community to members via email. Old business concerned the new library being built on Steck Ave. Beverly Kimbrough encouraged members to suggest a name for the new library. Send Marilyn Rogers all suggestions to be forwarded to the City. New business items included an update on WNA’s website, restricted parking, budget overview, and sponsorship updates.

Website Update: Victor Engel has set up www.wootenna.com as a clearinghouse for all information for the Wooten NA. It should be ready for testing in 7-10 days. Members were encouraged to sign up for the listserve and/or forum. Imron Goldstein remarked that he knows a handful of people who don’t have computers, and maybe the Membership Committee could get information to those members by phone.
Restricted Parking: President Danny Langfield received a reminder from the City to re-new WNA’s commitment to enforce the no lawn-parking ordinance. Steve Rogers reviewed the history of WNA’s involvement. Initially, WNA did not opt-in because of the perceived infringement on personal rights. In 2006, WNA opted-in after an incident arose and it was to the benefit of the neighborhood in requesting assistance from the Austin Police Department. Beverly Kimbrough lives in an old neighborhood that does not have adequate space for parking. Officer Davis reminded members that the restricted parking ordinance is enforced only when a citizen files a complaint. Police do not survey the neighborhoods looking for violators. A motion was made by Adam Turner to opt-in again, and seconded by Janie Riley. The motion passed by majority.
Budget: President Danny Langfield gave an overview of the budget. Income is generated through memberships and sponsorships. Expenses incurred are purchase of the domain name for the website, signage to acknowledge sponsors and meeting announcements, copies and supplies, and 20% for reserve. Dale Ritzen requested that the budget be posted.
Sponsorship Updates: Christina Muller, a personal fitness trainer, offered to sponsor the March meeting for $250.

Steve Rogers motioned to adjourn the business meeting, seconded by Victor Engel. The motion was approved, and the meeting adjourned at 7:44 pm. Guest speakers were John Michael Cortez, Capital Metro (CMTA) Commuter Rail representative; Officer Lee Davis, WNA’s District Representative from the Austin Police Department (APD); and Ken Weiss, candidate for Place 3 on the City Council. Mr. Cortez reported that 32 miles of the Commuter Rail would be operating between Leander and the Convention Center in the Fall 2008. He reviewed the stops and distributed a handout on safety. These vehicles are currently being stored north of Burnet and 183 and are being tested at night. Questions from the members revolved around: the commuter trains’ compatibility with freight rail; speeds; pedestrian safety; stops; schedule of freight trains; and quad gates. Mr. Cortez responded that commuter rail couldn’t be run at the same time as freight. CMTA is upgrading crossings with quad gates. The WNA is designated as a quiet zone, which means no whistles at crossings. Mr. Cortez could not answer the questions re speeds and the freight line schedule. CTMA is installing fencing in high pedestrian areas. One stop will be located just north of Burnet and 183. Officer Lee Davis is working with Adam Turner through WNA’s Crime and Code Enforcement Committee. The 2008 Resource Manual is available for whom to call for what. Crime has gone up in our area. Officer Davis blamed it on the holiday season. He encouraged members to call APD and schedule a free home security survey. Call 911 to report suspicious characters in the neighborhood. Contact Adam Turner through our website to voice where WNA wants restricted parking enforced, and other complaints about criminal activities and code enforcement issues. Christina Muller wants Crime Watch signs posted in our area. The creation of Neighborhood Watch groups was encouraged. Ken Weiss, a candidate for Place 3 on the Austin City Council, to speak of his positions on the environment, toll roads, and police/fire departments and small business issues. Next meeting scheduled for March 10, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Respectfully submitted,Marilyn RogersWNA Secretary