HomeJoin the NNAAbout NorthfieldMeetingsProjectsOfficersNewsletterDiscussion ListNeighborhood WatchPhotosNewsEventsRecommendedLinksBy-LawsContact Us |
Northfield Neighborhood - Meeting Minutes - 11/5/07 The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Sebastian Wren, President. Introductions were made of the approximately 60 people in attendance. A visiting reporter from News 8 Austin was present for a possible future story for their weekly "In the Neighborhood" feature. ANNOUNCEMENTS/UPDATES The next meeting is our Pot Luck Social Mon Dec 3 at Dayspring Chapel. At that time, the NNA gives a donation to the Chapel and to Pastor Boyett in appreciation for all they do to assist our association. The "hat" was passed at the meeting and Sebastian is available to continue collection of any further donations prior to the Pot Luck Social . Howards Nursery Site: Endeavor developers backed out of the contract to purchase this site and the property is again for sale. Endeavor remains the agent for the Parker's site and is on the Board of Adjustment's schedule for a variance hearing on Dec. 10, 2007 Newsletter: Sebastian is nearing completion on the Fall newsletter and it will be ready for distribution soon. It is hoped that the newsletter will be distributed in time for people to plan to come to the Pot Luck Social. Congratulations: to Sebastian and Annie who walked down the aisle last weekend. Best wishes! CRIME AND GRAFITTI Per COA Crime Statistics website, there have been 38 reported break-ins in our neighborhood (zip code) since January '07. Concern has been great as well for the apparent increase in graffiti in our neighborhood. Sebastian reports contact with with detective in charge of graffiti. The detective discussed possible all night stake out at a local business. Monty reports that a grafitti-ist was arrested and given a jail term. Michelle Page initiated discussion about the neighborhood joining the Crime Watch program (details to follow). A committee made up of Michelle, Jody, and Scott will the the organizers. Police officers Vargas and A.J. Rodriguez led the meeting to inform us of the following information: * We are not alone in our increases in crime and graffiti. Other neighborhoods ie Hyde Park, Tarrytown are also experiencing these problems. * Establishment of a neighborhood Crime Watch does result in decreased crime. * Crime Watch is organized by a Coordinator (of Block Captains) and Block Captains. * A Block Captain's sphere should be within visual range, usually 8-10 homes (recommended). The Captain attends initial training, contacts homes within it's sphere to assess who wants to take part, organizes telephone trees or email list,talks to neighbors to get to know people's general schedules, autos etc, attends monthly meetings with district police representatives, and provides neighbors with news related to the Watch. * Neighborhood Crime Watch signs are purchased by the individual blocks for a cost of $20-40 depending on the quality of the sign. The City of Austin will install 10 signs free of charge. Police representatives will assist to determine strategic sign placement sites. * Businesses have their own separate program "Businesses on Watch" as do apartment complexes "Apartment Residences on Watch " (AROW). Officers Vargas and Rodriguez discussed and answered questions regarding the recent wave of "kick in" thefts. Officer Vargas states this type of crime is very difficult because there is little evidence ie no prints; the thieves generally do not penetrate deeply into the house as they take what they can grab quickly and are gone within minutes. There has been descriptions of 2 male suspects and a "get-away" truck given to the police. The officers offer the following advice: * Call 911 if suspicious activity, suspicious vehicles etc are identified. * Call 911 if you arrive home and discover your front door open. Two police will be sent to "clear" the home. * The jamb of the door is the weakest spot for a "kick-in". A second deadbolt may be helpful. A "kick guard" (reinforced plate on the jamb) is also helpful. Cothrons or any locksmith can provide these. * Free home security checks are provided by the Police Dept. * Our new District Representative officer is A.J. Rodriguez. He may be reached at 974-4527 or by email at armando.rodriguez@ci.austin.tx.us. Also, call Officer Rodriguez to arrange for a home security check. For further information regarding the Neighborhood Watch and/or to indicate potential interest in becoming a Block Captain, please call Scott Johnson at 389-2250 or email Jody Horton at jodyhorton@mac.com. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:10 PM Don't forget: Monday Dec 3, 2007 from 6-8 PM (note earlier start time!) Pot Luck Social at Dayspring Chapel. No formal meeting . Come, bring a dish, and have a great holiday visit with your neighbors. Respectfully submitted, Jan Seward
|
