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Northfield Neighborhood - Meeting Minutes - July 7, 2008 Minutes for Northfield Neighborhood Association Meeting July 7, 2008 Meeting called to order by President Jody Horton at 7:00pm. Neighbors introduced themselves. Brian Rogers, representing the activist group Stop Domain Subsidies, gave a brief presentation regarding his group's mission to oppose City of Austin tax giveaways for retail developments, in particular, the Domain shopping center, developed by Endeavor and Simon Malls. The November ballot will have an amendment to prevent the City from issuing these tax credits. Brian believes tax credits hurt local businesses. Jody asked what involvement Endeavor had in the City/Domain deal and Brian said Endeavor was a front man for initiating the negotiations with the city, but once the mall was built, the deal was turned over to Simon along with the property. Paul Tomasovic and Moses Rodriguez from the City of Austin Code Enforcement Division gave a presentation on the responsibilities of the Code Enforcement Division and how neighbors can assist with reporting problems. The three main areas of responsibility for the department include Property Abatement, Zoning and Dangerous Housing and Buildings. Anyone can call 311 to report issues. Inspectors typically respond to reports within 48 hours and will first issue a warning if the problem is legitimate. The residents are then given an opportunity to fix the situation before a follow up inspection. If the problem is not fixed by the second visit, a citation and fine can be issued. Fines vary but can run up to $2000 for certain offenses. The department has 41 inspectors for the whole city. Abandoned vehicles and hazardous waste are handled by other City departments, but can also be reported by calling 311. Lindsey asked if the city has a definition of "resident" when it comes to enforcing the occupancy ordinances since many of the Super-Two's in the neighborhood may have the correct number of people on the lease, but additional people stay overnight most of the week. Paul responded that the city does not have a clear policy on how to handle the "extra" tenants but they know it's a problem they need to address. Neighbors can assist with documenting such cases by taking digital photos or video over a 30 day period and contacting the district code enforcement officer. If you do submit evidence regarding an enforcement issue, and the city takes the property owner to court, you should be prepared to appear in court to verify your evidence. There was a question about developers who add rooms to structures after permits are issued. Paul explained that building permits are issued by the Watershed Protection Dept. and there has long been a problem with lack of follow up and improper records retention, making it difficult for the Code Enforcement Dept. to determine the correct action. They are working with the city manager's office to clarify some zoning and permit definitions like "bedroom" and "home office". He also said that in the past his department has mainly pursued tenants rather than property owners, but that is changing. Jody read a letter from Monty regarding code enforcement issues at 615b North Loop, a Timmerman property in gross violation of several city ordinances. Paul and Moses plan to follow up at that address. 615b North Loop is "the Monster" behind Mary Patrick's house where permits and inspections have been questionable. There was a question about reporting suspected truant children. Paul said to direct those concerns to our APD district representative, officer AJ Rodriguez. There was a question about a variance request notice for 5509 Link Ave that several neighbors received and why these notices seem to arrive after the building problem has already happened. Paul said the city and builders have a standing habit of "build first, ask forgiveness later" but if the neighborhood feels strongly about opposing a variance request and follow the procedure, a building problem can still be corrected after the fact. A motion was brought for the neighborhood association to oppose the 5509 Link Ave variance request. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. Jody will follow up regarding the neighborhood association's opposition. The hearing is July 14. Paul asked that when a group of neighbors is motivated around issues with a particular problem property, that the group decide upon a single point of contact to communicate the group's concerns to the Code Enforcement Dept. This will cut down on confusion and conflicting reports about the problem. Lisa Wright is coordinating receipt of free stone for the children's park at 55 1/2 St. as well as discounted masonry work. Jody will resend the park plans over email to the neighborhood list. Treasurer's report from Annie Ervin:
$1341.51 Starting balance Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm
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