Introductions:
NACA GENERAL MEETING
Thursday August 19, 2010 Little Walnut Creek Library
Eleanor Langsdorf called the meeting to order at 7:03pm.
Announcements
The June meeting minutes were distributed and approved.
Eleanor stated that NACA has $8,175.58 in beautification funds and $2,012.01 in general operating funds.
Linda Moore stated Ann Teich and John Greene were nominated in serving for Vice President of NACA to replace Joshua Tallent. Both candidates were given an opportunity to speak.
Ann Teich stated she has lived in NACA area for over 20 years and went to Lanier High School. She has a passion for code enforcement, voter registration and city council awareness of NACA issues.
John Greene has lived in NACA for 12 years. He wants to enhance communication with the City of Austin and the Austin Police Department.
A vote was taken from paid NACA members. Ann was elected as Vice President.
NACA needs a new representative to the North Austin Coalition of Neighborhoods (NACN). Doris Williams discussed the resolution to suspend the comprehensive plan and to draft a new plan. Doris’s personal opinion was not to suspend the comprehensive plan. Linda made a motion not to suspend the plan. The motion was seconded; and a unanimous vote was taken.
The Quail Creek Park renovation project will not commence until the dam project at the park is completed. Projected completion for the park renovation is Spring 2011.
The Ron Rigsby park grant work has been completed. The watering system was installed.
Ann Teich attended a NACN meeting that focused on voter registration. Voter registration drives will be held at the back to school nights.
Austin Police Department National Night Out is October 5th.
General Meeting: Speaker; Tim Arndt, Municipal Project Professional, Austin Energy
The City of Austin ECAD Ordinance affects single family, multifamily and commercial properties.
The ordinance was created under the Buildings Plan of the COA Climate Protection Plan. One goal is to offset 800 megawatts during peak power demand. Another goal is to reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions from 32 to 23%.
The Buildings Plan makes code amendments by 2015 that requires new homes to be 65% more energy efficient. The focus is on making energy efficient improvements before the home is sold.
Exemptions include the following; for homes that have had 3 or more Austin Energy improvements in the past 10 years; a home with more than $500 in rebates or one that has
participated in the Free Weatherization Program. Other exemptions are for manufactured housing built on a permanent chassis, a condominium or if the home is not 10 years old. Other exemptions are extended to foreclosures; pre-foreclosure, eminent domain, gifts, court orders or probate or decrees.
Energy efficiency upgrades include duct sealing, attic insulation, energy efficient windows and air conditioning upgrades.
The goal is to get a certificate of Home Performance with Energy Star that includes all the following; attic insulation, window shading, duct sealing, weatherization, and a SEER (Seasonal energy efficiency rating) rating of 14+ for HVAC.
If you do not fall under the exemptions, you must have an energy audit to determine the efficiency of your home before you sell it. This will look at the attic insulation, duct leakage, windows and AC. They will make recommendations on improvements.
Variances can be applied if the buyer applies for a permit to “substantially” remodel the home no later than 6 months after the sale and if the buyer applies for a permit to demolish the home no later than 6 months after the sale.
Zero percent loans are available for 3 years. A 4.5% loan is available for 5 years.
Go to www.austinenergy.com/go/rebates to contact an Austin Energy registered contractor to do the energy assessment and to determine what work is needed. After work is performed a final on- site inspection is performed by Austin Energy. When approved, a certificate and rebate check will be mailed. The certificate will exempt you for 10 years.
A self audit check is available on the web site where you can download variance forms, find ECAD auditors.
The ordinance is not part of the TREC seller’s disclosure form. The COA is not part of the closing. This will not stop a transaction. Energy efficiency improvements are not required; however, you must disclose this to the potential buyer.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm.