Special Meeting minutes, June 20, 2023
Minutes from the June 20, 2023 Special Meeting of the Clarksville CDC Board of Directors
The meeting was held outside the Haskell House.
Board members present: Aubrey Carter, BJ Friedman, Paula Hern, Malcolm Greenstein, Kim O’Brien, Mary Reed, Thomas Schiefer, and Gregory Tran.
Others Present: Mary Arnold, Hadley Hughes, Brad Prak, Katie Van Dyk, and Michael Willard.
1. Discussion and vote on the sale of 1807 W. 11th Street.
The board made it clear that they are not taking the option of selling this property lightly. The CCDC needs a substantial amount of money to do all of the needed repairs on its aging properties, and to build a budget reserve. Until contractors can get into the properties and make assessments, the exact figure is not known, but is estimated to be as high as $1 million.
Mary reported that John Henneberger, neighborhood resident and founder of Texas Housers, responded to the Special Meeting flyer, hoping to assist in finding funding that would negate the need for selling 1807 W. 11th Street. Mary, BJ, and Kim have had two meetings with John and Karen Paup (also with Texas Housers) to discuss needs and potential funding sources. Melissa Beeler, Senior Policy Analyst in Council Member Qadri’s office attended the second meeting, and afterward toured CCDC properties. Information is being gathered to pursue these options.
Additionally, suggestions were made to pursue individual donors and to contact Congressmen Casar or Doggett to see if there was assistance they could provide.
In response to questions as to why the board would vote to sell the house when there were still options to pursue, the board responded that their intent was to not sell the property until all other options had been pursued. A motion to postpone a vote on the sale for 1 month failed 5-3.
After much discussion the board unanimously approved the following motion: Authorize CCDC President Mary Reed and her designees to explore the sale of 1807 W. 11th Street, with a decision deadline set for December 31, 2023.
2. Discussion and vote on drawing down on the existing Line of Credit.
On a motion by Kim, seconded by BJ, the board unanimously approved drawing down on the CCDC’s existing $50,000 line of credit to cover the costs of needed repairs.
3. Discussion and vote on securing a home equity loan.
On a motion by Gregory, seconded by Thomas, the board unanimously voted to apply for additional financing options to cover the costs of needed repairs.
4. The Board did not meet in Executive Session.