Called to order at 10:15 by Preston Tyree, Co-President
The February MNA General Meeting minutes are on the website.
Treasurer report – Penny Brandt, Treasurer: (see below for details)
Mueller Commission (PIAC) Update – Michael Jones
- The Mueller Commission (also known as PIAC, for Robert Mueller Municipal Airport Plan Implementation Advisory Commission) is reviewing the March 4 Austin Fire Department and Austin Transportation Department memo to City Council regarding the impact of proposed Fire Code changes. The Mueller Commission and other stakeholders are concerned that previously proposed code changes that limited exceptions to the AFD desired 25-feet street width requirement would have a harmful effect on Mueller.
- The Mueller Commission devoted a large portion of its March 5 meeting to a brainstorming session to identify and discuss questions not covered in past meetings. The topics included the long-term viability of the Affordable Home Program, housing affordability options in general, the maintenance of public parks at Mueller and the city’s 10% limit on Mueller land devoted to non-profit organizations (e.g. the AISD Performing Arts Center, the University of Texas lease).
- All vacant positions on the Mueller Commission have been filled with the appointment of new commissioners Rodrigo Lima (by Council Member Ellis), Christopher Jackson (by Council Member Tovo) and the reappointment of Troy Bodley (by Council Member Harper-Madison).
- The next Mueller Commission meeting is on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at the Chestnut Community Center, located at 1183 Chestnut Avenue. The agenda will include a transportation issues update.
Property Owners Association (POA) Update – Joe Freeland
5 Star is Mueller’s landscaping company (they do row houses, condos, pools, parks, medians, etc).
The pools will open in 2 weeks. Beginning this year, it will only take ½-1 hour for cleaning if a pool is contaminated (not 24 hours as in prior years).
The POA is forming a transition committee to engage more residents in the process by which Catellus, the master developer, will cede authority to property owners for management of Mueller when the project is completed. Currently Catellus has a voting majority on the POA, whereas residents will have a voting majority when the project is 90% completed.
Transportation Update
The MNA is working to encourage the city to keep the width of streets at 20 ft instead of 25 ft as the Austin Fire Department (AFD) has proposed, so traffic moves slower through neighborhood (AFD is looking into getting smaller fire trucks).
Tilley St. is now open from 51st to Manor Rd, but Zach Scott isn’t open to Manor Rd yet.
Block Captains – Dennis Mick
MuellerNeighborhood.org has a map showing neighborhood sections and their block captains (if red, still needs one). “New Neighbor Zero-Waste Packets” are available from the city for new residents. Expenses from approved block parties will be reimbursed (bring receipts) but not for alcohol. Block parties must be open to everyone. Dennis would like someone to take over as Chair of the Block Captains.
Egg Scramble – Joan Quenan
Saturday, April 20, 8:30-11:30, at Ella Wooten Park with bounce houses, face painting, hair braiding and chalking, band Cantaro from Mexico, and food. Joan Q and Sherri Taylor need volunteers to help.
4th of July Parade and Festival – Bill Kirwin
The big 4th of July Parade and Festival will be needing volunteers soon. Parade will be from Paggi to Ella Wooten Park again this year.
Announcements:
Andrew Clements invited attendees and others to attend a free “NXNE” concert at Contigo from 2-6, March 17. There will be three bands, from Ireland, Minneapolis, and Australia, who are staying in the neighborhood with residents. Contigo will be serving drinks and light snacks.
Sherri Taylor is looking for volunteers to help with Capital Ideas, a program that helps people get a college degree.
Taylor Youngblood, Zero Waste Block Captain, responded to a question about recycling: unlike some other areas of the country, all recycled materials from Austin are being put to use, so keep recycling.
If you have shredded paper, you can recycle it if you put it in a paper bag and fold the top securely so the paper doesn’t escape. If you have papers that need shredding, the next big Shred Day will be at Highland ACC on Sat., 4/27.
Home Depot accepts old light bulbs for recycling.
Earth Day will be Sat., 4/13, at Huston-Tillotson University all day; this is also the day of the Mueller neighborhood-wide yard sale from 8-12
Preston Tyree mentioned that Rocket Electric bikes (across from the Alamo Drafthouse) brought some bikes to show everyone. They now have e-cargo bikes and bikes for kids. (Discount for Wisdom Crew members.)
Local Business Spotlight: Lilla and Beth
Meghan and Jess (owner and manager of the new boutique gift shop, “Lilla and Beth”), gave away several raffle prizes. The shop opened last fall and they carry ATX hats and shirts, celebrity candles, Kendra Scott items, Rifle paper, and some Mueller items (Home Sweet Mueller towels sold out quickly). The name comes from how the owner mispronounced her middle name (Elizabeth) when she was little. They offer giftwrapping and shipping. Will be doing “local brand” showcases in future.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM.
Treasurer’s report
| Mueller Neighborhood Association | ||
| Monthly Treasurer’s Report 02/01/19 – 02/28/19 | ||
| Frost Checking Account | ||
| Beginning Balance | $5,020.30 | |
| Revenues | ||
| Membership Dues | $970.00 | |
| Credit Card Fees | $31.56 | |
| Donation + Merch | $25.00 | |
| Sponsorships | $2,000.00 | |
| Total Revenues | $3,026.56 | |
| Expenses | ||
| G-Suite | $5.33 | |
| Payment to Secretary of State | $5.00 | |
| Total Expenses | $10.33 | |
| Ending Balance | $8,036.53 | |
| Frost Savings Account | ||
| Beginning Balance | $5,002.27 | |
| Incoming | $0.00 | |
| Interest | $0.00 | |
| Outgoing | $0.00 | |
| Ending Balance | $5,002.27 | |
| Checking and Savings Combined | $13,038.80 |
Respectfully submitted,
Alison Raffalovich, Secretary