NACA President Randy Teich called meeting to order at 7:05pm.

Introductions of all attendees. 2 residents first time at NACA meeting.

Mark Greyson motions to approve minutes. Send by Davis. Approved unanimously.

Randy Teich presented July’s Treasurer Report. No questions.

Felicity Maxwell

Discussed EV charging initiatives, lowering the minimum lot size for units to encourage affordable housing, revising design standards to build more infill housing, revised compatibility standards to reduce distance between multifamily or commercial to single family homes to use commercial corridors more effective, efforts to encourage useful development near Project Connect rail line public transportation including incentives for building housing and prohibit unwanted activity close to public transit.

Questions:

How is planning commission talking about food availability and food deserts with agriculture lands being pushed out? Allow indoor farms?

CM [name? (far south austin)] starting to address that issue and floating ideas

Madison – “Agrihoods”

All use prohibitions only apply to 5 blocks next to public transit?

Yes. Don’t want to be overly prohibitive, and may be more conversations to extend past half mile.

Project to displace residents?

Don’t want to impact key communities; efforts to be equitable. Incentives for affordable housing. Really trying to prevent bad outcomes seen in other cities. Putting in rules before hand to safeguard the development around the public transit.

Update to challenge to Project Connect?

In appeals, and there will be a hearing to see if the way financing Project Connect is legal. Some things on table to make sure this project moves forward.

EV near Project Connect?

New businesses moving to Austin creating investment conversations. Interest in repurposing gas stations to EV.

Given reduction in lot sizes, does that affect the height of buildings?

Yes, safe guards put in during Phase 1, height limits depending on how big the lot size is and how many trees are on the lot.

On impervious ground cover, does that include the dwelling?

Trying to keep Austin-vibe (e.g. lots of green), and so yes that was considered in developing safeguards.

Planning Commission meets every other Tuesday. Welcome to come.

Melinda Schiera – National Science Foundation Grant Awarded

History of why we pursued the grant and a brief description of the study and what the technology is that’s supported by the grant. Phase 1 Feasibility includes $10k to NACA for community awareness and engagement. After feasibility is performed, will need to apply for Phase 2 Implementation. 

Randy Teich – Heard from someone at community coalition meeting that Google likes to get involved in projects like this, so I forwarded a contact name that I received to Brian LaCour.

Heard fireworks on 4th of July?

Yes. Called it in. Chito Vela called me to ask and he wanted to know how many other people heard gun fire. I need help with community communications. I posted about this meeting on Facebook and Nextdoor to remind people to come, and encourage more people to do that.

Melinda Schiera – Quail Creek Sign at 9500 Mountain Quail on Rutland, west of Parkfield

Brick structure was part of when community was first developed. People sit there to wait for the bus stop. Drunk driver drove into the structure. Insurance won’t cover it. I paid to get it fixed. Received 3 quotes, lowest was $1,175. 

Mark Greyson motions to reimburse Melinda Schiera using part of the beatification fund. Second by Randy Teich. Discussion: n/a. Approved unanimously.

Melinda Schiera – Upkeep of Traffic Island

We received a grant to maintain the traffic island. James maintains and gave us an update, and mentioned that summer can be an issue for overgrowth as well as litter buildup and constant accidents. Got a call from NPP that it needed to be tended to. Received informational support from Austin Native Plant community.

Regular agenda updates needed for this, Ron Rigsby Park and Jamestown Park. Add to calendar.

Susie – Funding for “Plastic Sucks”

Librarian talked to teachers who weren’t very excited about adding that activity.

Mark Greyson moves to adjourn for ice cream. Second by Davis. Approved unanimously.

Meeting adjourns at 8:18pm.