Minutes, June 17, 2025
Minutes from the June 17, 2025 Clarksville CDC Monthly Meeting
Board members in attendance: Aubrey Carter, Amanda Cox, Billy Edwards, BJ Friedman, Malcolm Greenstein, Paula Hern, Felecia Miller, Kim O’Brien, Chris Thomas.
1. Approval of minutes from the April 15, 2025 Annual Meeting and the April and May monthly meetings.
On a motion by BJ, seconded by Paula, the April 15, 2025 Annual Meeting minutes and April and May monthly meeting minutes were approved.
2. Presentation of monthly financial reports
BJ presented the financial reports. Brad Prak, Prak Property Management (PPM), was not in attendance, but submitted a written report.
We were in the black this month. Income included a $2500 rebate on the solar installation at 1611 W. 10th. On the payables front, we continue to make progress. We have paid off all of our outstanding debt except for back payments due to PPM. Kim noted that money is owed to American YouthWorks for construction of 1611 W. 10th. We have money set aside, but costs may exceed the reserve.
Brad’s report noted that we renewed our insurance at rates comparable to last year. The board expressed an interest in being more involved in the insurance renewal process.
3. Monthly property reports:
a. CCDC properties managed by Prak Property Management.
Tenants are scheduled to move into the W. 10th Street duplex this week, which will leave us with 1 vacancy. The vacant unit (1 side of the Waterston duplex) has been occupied by long-time tenants. The vacancy provides an opportunity to make updates to the property.
The board would like to have a discussion regarding this project, including what needs to be done, costs, and proposed schedule.
b. New construction at 1611 W. 10th Street. Kim O’Brien.
Kim reported that we received our certificate of occupancy on June 9. PPM will be repainting the interior and installing miniblinds soon. Current CCDC tenants will be relocating to 1611 as soon as is feasible. We are awaiting a final accounting from American YouthWorks on money owed to them.
4. Update on Bylaws revision. Bylaws Committee: BJ Friedman, Felecia Miller, Chris Thomas.
The Bylaws Committee reported that a copy of the proposed revised bylaws will be shared with members prior to the adoption, along with other pertinent documents. Kim reminded the board that a Special Meeting is required to adopt or amend bylaws. It will be held on the same day as the July monthly meeting (July 15, 2025.) Posting requirements call for a notice of the Special Meeting to be delivered to all households in the CCDC area. Notice will be posted at Fresh Plus and Mary Baylor Park, and an email notice will be sent to all members.
5. Haskell House monthly report.
Mary Reed, Haskell House Manager, reported the following:
Received $345 in donations. $158.33 in expenses. 14 visitors in May, all Austinites.
May activities included a pig roast celebration of the Hezikiah Haskell House Heritage Garden. Mary has reached out to Rep. Hinojosa’s office about her doing a legislative session wrap-up for this Summer’s Community Conversation.
Proposed lighting, to be provided by the Parks Department was discussed. Paula will talk to Mary about what has been proposed.
The Board discussed asking Mary to include a section in her monthly report detailing future plans and events, including budget information, as applicable.
6. Report from OWANA Steering Committee. Paula Hern.
No report was given.
7. Other Business.
Aubrey has offered to print and frame the pen and ink drawings of historic Clarksville properties (originals drawn Ed Jordan) which will be hung in the Haskell House.
Felecia reported on a potential CCDC fundraising event—a Will Taylor concert at the Haskell House. The board was enthusiastic. Felecia will inquire about possible dates in the fall.
The board was reminded of correspondence from the Bethesda African Cemetery Association. Billy will look into this.
8. Executive Session, if necessary.
The Board did not meet in Executive Session.