NACA GENERAL MEETING
Thursday May 17, 2007 Wooldridge Elementary 1412 Norseman Terrace
Greetings & Introductions: The meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by Anthony Williams. Announcements: Minutes from the April meeting were distributed and unanimously approved. Do not take down street signs that are illegally posted; however, call 311 to report the violation.
Larry Hardison, President of the the Northcreek-Georgian Acres Neighborhood Association, discussed the Neighborhood Night Out gathering on August 3, 2007 from 7pm to 9pm. He has lived in the neighborhood for 12 years. He met with the Senior Security Advisor with Motel 6. He asked for help from NACA. He wants to have their Rundberg night out on Friday and have as much media presence as possible. He would like to have enough participation to shut down Rundberg from IH 35 to North Lamar. Contact Larry at 339-4164 or at [email protected] to support this event.
ANC Update: Anthony wants to start with the August issue adding an ANC update in the NACA newsletter to get peoples input and ideas.
Tracey Cortez discussed the relocation of the Agriculture Facility which was established in 1962. It is more of project center which involves up to thirty students raising rabbits, pigs and goats for shows. Crime problems have plagued the current area which has become dangerous for the students and staff. They discussed relocation to the Lanier High School campus. The owner of the current location is now going to build on that property to be completed in three years. Most students don’t have transportation to get to another location. They discussed relocating the area to a half acre space. The safety of the students and animals is the major concern. Cameras would be installed in various areas of the space. Electricity, water and internet availability are factors on where it is relocated. The higher visibility of the location by the pool would be best. Tracey said it must be 50 feet away from a residence or building. August until February is the timeframe when the animals would be on the agriculture facility. All fecal matter is hauled away twice a week. For next year, it will start at the existing location and transition to the new location. Contact Tracey at [email protected] for more information on the relocation on this project.
A motion was made and passed to send a letter to Curt Shawl at the City of Austin supporting a relocation of the agriculture facility to the Lanier campus.
Officer Dale Cooper discussed Operation Good Neighbor targeting Colony Creek, Galewood and Northgate. They will go to every landowner on each of the three streets and send a letter to each resident on what it takes to be a good neighbor. This will be in Spanish and English. Lee Davis has done security surveys of each property on the three streets. Call Kay Vargas at 974-5722 to report a violation.
Anthony mentioned that one third of the proceeds from the NACA garage sale will be devoted to the refurbishing of the Clock Tower located at Stonebridge at Rutland.
Program: Energy Efficiency, Jerrel Gustafason with Austin Energy
He discussed various residential programs that are offered by Austin Energy.
He briefly discussed the Austin Climate Protection Plan to reduce gashouse emissions. One goal is to make all COA facilities, fleets and operations totally carbon neutral by 2020. Another goal is to have 30% of all energy provided by renewable energy sources such as windmills.
The Energy Star Home Performance Program is for homes 10 years or older. Rebates are available for these homes that install high efficiency air conditioners and solar screens, window shading and attic insulation.
Air Conditioning rebates are available from $180 to $600 for high efficiency a/c units.
The Duct Sealing Program is to test for leaks. The charge is $50 per central ac system. An airflow test is also performed.
There is a free weatherization program to install solar shading, attic insulation, caulking and weather stripping.
Refrigerator and freezer recycling are also available. You can get paid $50 to get rid of your old unit. Old units are recycled in a responsible manner. Call 1-800-452-8685 to sign up.
The Power Partner Program includes free thermostats and insulation which can be installed.
Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL’s) saves up to 66% on your lighting bill and lasts up to 10% longer than incandescent light bulbs. Austin Energy offers instant coupons for using CFL’s. A concern was about the proper disposal of the old bulbs and the inconvenient hours and location of the City of Austin Household Hazardous Waste location which can take the old bulbs. A north Austin facility is being discussed.
A resident mentioned that T-8 fluorescent bulbs are more energy efficient than old style bulbs. Call 974-7827 or go to www.austinenergy.com to get more information on any program. Rain Barrels are offered through the city of Austin. Malibu solar lights with the three beams are suggested to use for walkway lighting.
Next Meeting: June 21st 7:00pm at YMCA Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:50pm.