Minutes, February 17, 2026

Minutes from the February 17, 2026 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting

Board Members present: Aubrey Carter, Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Paula Hern, Malcolm Greenstein, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas

Others present: Brad Prak, Prak Property Management

1.     Approval of minutes from the January 20, 2026 monthly meeting. Kim O’Brien.

On a motion by BJ, seconded by Paula, the minutes from the January 2026 monthly meeting were approved.

2.     Presentation of monthly financial reports. Brad Prak.

CCDC showed a net gain of $10,100 last month. We are paying down our line of credit (current balance $28,000.)

January 2026 financial reports can be found at the CCDC website.

3.     Monthly property reports--CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management. Brad Prak.

All units are rented, save the 1 that is awaiting renovation.

Brad reported that the lowest bid for renovating the Waterston unit, making it an accessible unit came in at $55,000. He anticipates this could rise to $60,000 depending on what is found as the renovation gets underway. Tom Estes submitted the lowest bid. The price includes painting the entire duplex. Estimated time to complete is about a month. Some gutting has happened already. A refrigerator and washer/dryer have been donated. On a motion by Chris, seconded by Billy, the board voted to accept the lowest bid and begin the project.

4.     Discussion of Prak Property Management responsibilities. Brad Prak.

This item did not need to be discussed.

5.     Discussion of bylaws. Felecia Miller.

The Board discussed amending the bylaws to allow Clarksville descendants to become CCDC members. Current bylaws require that a Special Meeting be held to approve bylaw changes. The Board agreed to call a Special Meeting in March to make this change. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 17, the same date and time of the regular monthly meeting. 

6.     Discussion of upcoming Annual Meeting (April 21, 2026) and board of director elections. Kim O’Brien.

Five board positions are up for election in April. Members who are interested in serving must express their interest in running by March 21. A notice will go out to members approximately March 1 sharing this information. 

7.     Haskell House monthly report, January 2026.

The board reviewed the January 2026 report submitted by Mary Reed, Haskell House (HH) Manager. 

Highlights include: Expenses: $236 (pest control services, yard maintenance, cleaning); $112 in donations; 142 visitors signed the Visitors Log. Monthly activities included: coordinated replacement of posts and railings; hosted 2 groups of 3rd graders from Mathews. 

Upcoming: Clarksville Conversations

3/9: Professor Tara Dudley will talk about two women in old Clarksville who amassed wealth via real estate and their influence on the community 

4/12: Stephanie Lang, topic to be determined.

7/12: Bob Ward, Travis County Historical Commission chair, will talk about the many Freedom Colonies that were settled in the Austin area.

8.     Reminder of Amplify Austin Day, March 4-5, 2026. Kim O’Brien.

Fundraising appeals will be shared with members and supporters. 

9.     Announcement of upcoming events:

·      Don Baylor Park naming ceremony. Saturday, February 28, 10 a.m.

·      “Clarksville Conversations with Dr. Tara Dudley.” Women entrepreneurs in historic Clarksville. Sunday March 8.

·      Rise: Freedom Communities Festival. Sunday March 29, 2-5, Kingsbury Commons in Pease Park. CCDC is a community sponsor of the event and will have an information table. 

10.  Other Business.

Kim brought up the idea of installing a CCDC bulletin board by the side of the Haskell House similar to the Community Garden’s. It would provide an opportunity to share both CCDC info and Haskell House information (to reach people who visit when the Haskell House isn’t open.) Kim will contact garden manager Becky Thomasson for details about theirs.

Felecia reported that Hannah Michaels will make a presentation to the board sometime soon about her research into Charles Clark. She also might be able to help sort through documents currently stored by Mary Reed. Felecia also reported that she will be talking at Sweet Home next Sunday for Black History Month.

11.  Executive Session, if necessary.

The board did not meet in Executive Session.