NACA co-president Jared Noble called the meeting to order at 7:01PM

The minutes from the November meeting were approved with one correction.  The high school for which NACA is purchasing a sign is to be identified in the minutes as Navarro ECHS.

Brian LaCour presented the treasurer’s report.  The year-end balance for our general fund was $2,292.92.  The year-end balance for the Beautification Fund was $13,562.45 of which $3,461.11 is available to be spent in 2024 and $10,101.34 is invested to produce income for future year spending.

The 2024 Budget was presented by Brian.  After several questions and comments the budget was adopted as presented.

Davi Brown has T-shirts available.  They are being sold for $11 for sizes XL and smaller and $13 for larger shirts.

NACA Officer Elections

Jared presented a slate of candidates to lead NACA in 2024.  These are:

Co-President – Jared Noble and Randy Teich 

Treasurer – Brian LaCour

No candidate for vice president or secretary has been found.  It was emphasized that these positions do need to be filled and current and former officers are willing to assist in training and performing office-holder duties.  The co-presidents will take responsibility for choosing someone to prepare the minutes for each meeting until a permanent secretary is elected.  Jared and Randy have agreed to continue to share the co-president positions.  Jared is willing to step down if someone else is willing to take the position as his personal and professional life will be busier in 2024.  Randy is willing to assume a mentoring position for anyone who wants to take Jared’s spot as co-president.

Brian LaCour nominated his wife Cecelia to be co-treasurer.

A vote on the candidates was postponed to later in the meeting.

Ann Teich presented the design proposed for the NACA sign that will be displayed on the fence along Payton Gin Road.  This sign is in support of the Navarro ECHS athletic department.  Mark Grayson made a motion to accept the design and Brian LaCour seconded the motion.  Motion passed.

Ron Rigsby Park Update

Gus Bova spoke on Ron Rigsby Park proposal.  Gus has submitted a Community Activated Park Project Proposal for the park.  This puts us in line to seek funding from Austin Parks Department and the Parks Foundation.

Redfield Update

Jared recognized the newly painted sign at the Redfield Apartments that was recently painted by Ernesto Hernandez.  This beautiful piece is truly welcomed and represents NACA’s hopes for the future of the property.  

Jared gave a progress report on the future of the property.  I reached out to Ramey Ko (Councilmember Vela’s office) and Greg Milligan (court appointed receiver for the apartments) to verify and expand on the status.  Here’s a compilation report:

Jared reported that all current residents have been given notice that they need to move by January 31st.  [Greg Milligan] Certain resident not conducive to a stable property were given notices to vacate as of 12/31/23.  The City asked that we delay that date because finding replacement housing during the month of December wouldn’t be successful.  A member of the City’s Homeless Strategy Office has been onsite working with residents and their case managers to get them moved by 01/31/24 and I’ll get another status update from that person next week.  It was also reported that all apartments not currently occupied have been boarded up and will continue to be boarded up until it is ready to be occupied.  [Greg Milligan] Correct.  Future occupants will not include transitional clients, the profile that produced most of this issues over the last couple of years.  [Greg Milligan] Correct.  It was stated that ECHO would be placing new clients in the future. [Greg Milligan]  There will be no further referrals from ECHO.  The property manager is working with Family Eldercare to refill vacant units.

Gun Safety

Melinda Schiera reported to members that a gunshot came through the roof of their home, entering through the ceiling in their son’s bedroom.  APD officers in attendance confirmed that this was a somewhat common occurrence especially on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the 4^th of July.  It was generally agreed that this was an issue of concern for all of us and that using social media should be one of the tools to be used to address this issue.  Chito Vela will be in attendance at the February meeting and Gun Safety will be a leading topic for him to address.

APD discussed new initiative going into effect on February 11 that will hopefully improve efficiencies and morale.

Mearns Meadow Flood Mitigation Project

John Fletcher reported the project continues to be on schedule. The project will soon move to the west side of Parkfield.  John answered several questions from residents in that area to let them know what inconveniences could be expected while that work is being done.

We returned to the election of NACA officers.  Brian LaCour made a motion to accept the slate of officers (see above).  Rosie Guzman seconded.  The motion passed unanimously.

Mark Grayson made a motion to adjourn at 8:45PM.

Respectfully Submitted

Randy Teich

Secretary for the Meeting

Treasurer’s Report

As of the end of January 2024, we had $2,466.35 in the General Fund.  Our Beautification Fund investments were valued at $10148.60, and an additional $3,562.48 is available for spending.  Membership is currently at 44.

Best regards,

Brian