Minutes: GM Meeting 10/21/2025

SRCC GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
(www.srccatx.org)
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 7:00 PM
In-Person Meeting, Good Shepherd Church on the Hill 1700 Woodland Ave.
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ckxTgfLGRQepJXpF8cXvVQ
SRCC:  See the future. Shape the future.

Minutes
Sign up or renew your membership at www.srccatx.org. There is a 28-day holding period before you can make/second motions or vote. For questions: membership@srccatx.org. 

1.  Meeting called to order at 7:08  Welcome and Announcements
*Update on Housing Navigation Center, IH-35 & Oltorf 
*Request volunteers for upcoming Blunn Creek clean-up [date]
*Congratulations to EROC for improvements to Heritage Oaks Park!
*Congratulations to Communications and especially Ruth and Meghan for recently distributed newsletter!
Presenter: President,  Mary Fealkoff 

• HSO is establishing a community board for the Housing Navigation Center, a call to discuss this was scheduled in the near future
• SRCC Member, George Morales, announced his candidacy for Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 4
  • https://www.georgeforcommissioner.com/
• SRCC Member, Ard Ardalan, announced his candidacy for Austin City Council, District 9
  • https://ardforaustin.com/
• The Heritage Oaks Park improvements have been completed
• Mary Fealkoff greeted and acknowledged new SRCC members that were present at this GM meeting
• The Upcoming Blunn Creek Clean-up is scheduled for November 1, 2025

2.  Meeting Minutes from previous GM Meeting September 20, 2025, were approved without changes.
GM Meeting minutes available at: www.srccatx.org. 
Presenter: President, Mary Fealkoff 
Minutes were approved without changes.

3.  Request for Funds

Request $400 expenditure from SRCC Funds for Halloween Walk street closure from THB to Little Stacy (cost sharing with THES parents) [VOTE ANTICIPATED] Shout-out to member donor David Szabo for individual donation!

Presenter: President, Mary Fealkoff 

• This motion was withdrawn 
• Former Constable, George Morales, volunteered to cover the cost and logistics of additional constables on the route of the Halloween Walk with Travis Heights Elementary School

4.  7:25  Discussion of Proposition Q tax increase ballot measure
Speaker in Favor of Prop Q: James Monks & Jason Lopez
Speaker in Opposition to Prop Q:  Jefferey Bowen & Robin Rathers
Guest Speakers:

• Mary Fealkoff announces the break down of time for this agenda item is as follows: 10 minutes for, 10 minutes against, and 10 minutes for Q&A
• In Favor
  • Jason Lopez
    • Jason Lopez has 19 years of service to the City of Austin
    • Mr. Lopez has lived in Austin since 2001
    • He is pro “City maintaining regular offerings of service.”
    • Proposition Q keeps programs funded at a modest level due to state-imposed revenue caps
    • The city’s ability to raise revenue was restricted from 8% to 3.5% in 2019, creating a structural deficit
    • Without Proposition Q –  Library’s hours of operation will be limited, as well as Austin city park maintenance
    • “If Proposition Q fails the Austin City Council members will not be personally affected, [the impact] will be felt by the community.”  
    • The community would suffer from reduced city services without Proposition Q
  • George Monks
    • George Monks is the President of the Austin EMS Association
    • Due to inflation, the city has less money with which to negotiate
    • Ambulance, and paramedics services will be amplified by Proposition Q
    • Positive implications of Proposition Q include:
      •  a triage headset allowing 911 calls to be better triaged 
      • Single-response providers
      • Clinical Navigation Division to handle less severe medical calls deploying ambulances
    • Proposition Q will ensure improved efficiency and effectiveness with time and effort of first responders – ultimately saving money in the long term
• Against
  • Jefferey Bowen
    • Austin is too unaffordable
    • Austin Mayor Kirk Watson was quoted saying “We have to be balanced, disciplined, and stable in this difficult process.  We don’t want to inappropriately contribute to the problem we say we’re trying to solve.”
    • Where is the accountability? 
    • Where are the performance standards?
    • Under Texas Law any property tax increase above 3.5% triggers a voter election
    • Austin City Council is spending like sailors, and should balance the budget within the means of the standard 3.5% annual increase, and not the 20% property tax increase included in Proposition Q
    • Austin City Council members have been irresponsible with public funds
  • Robin Rather
    • Robin Rather is appreciative of Jason Lopez’ and George Monks’ work as a part of the EMS
    • However, instead of saving lives, they are lobbying for budget increases
    • This is the most spendiest Austin City Council
    • The Austin City Council should protect the interests of Austin residents
    • The Austin City Council wants to cut services we as citizens need, then blames state and federal causes
    • In 2015 the budget was $30.6 Billion, now in 2025 the budget is $64 Billion 
    • The population amount in the City of Austin is inversely correlated to the size of the budget of the City of Austin, for as the budget increases – the population is decreasing
    • Single divorced moms are moving out of Austin
    • Let’s protect the slated budget cuts from being cut, while also turning down Proposition Q
    • This will protect people on the cusp of being priced out of Austin, ultimately having to leave town
    • Lets keep Austin from getting more unaffordable
• Q&A, and comments
  • If the homestead exemption for senior citizens passes, senior citizens taxes will increase $27 and not the complete tax increase that the rest of the City of Austin Residents will pay?
    • This is True.  
    • The exemption amount will raise from $154,000 to $192,000 for City of Austin residents that are 65+
    • The City of Austin residents that are 65+ will be taxed on the market rate of their property less the exemption amount
    • https://travis.trueprodigy-taxtransparency.com/taxTransparency/propertySearch
    • travistaxes.com
  • City of Austin residents 65+ that are renters will not benefit from the homestead tax exemptions
  • Saveaustinnow.com 
  • State lawmakers were interested in reducing state taxes on Austin by 2.5% this legislative session, this failed however because the Texas House wanted a larger tax reduction for City of Austin tax payers
  • Small businesses also will not benefit from the homestead tax exemptions 
  • Funding for the Homeless Services Office is included in Proposition Q
  • Will spending cuts be included in Proposition Q?
    • The city of Austin Budget is a 1368 page document
    • Austin City Council  has to be asked why they have not found any spending cuts
  • Proposition Q is not backed by the Austin American-Statesman
  • Jefferey Bowen is not a member of SaveAustinNow, he is an independent citizen
  • Robin Rather is also not a member of SaveAustinNow, “they aren’t homeowners”
  • The City of Austin’s General Fund, supported by sales and property taxes, is separate from enterprise funds and voter-approved initiatives – that cannot be redirected for other purposes – like:
    • Project Connect is not a part of Proposition Q
    • The $80 Million Austin Convention Center expansion is also not a part of Proposition Q
    • Public Health funds are separate from the funds in the City of Austin’s General Fund, and is not a part of Proposition Q
  • Proposition Q’s tax rate increase would result in a relatively small additional cost for most residents, while emphasizing the importance of protecting essential services, and programs
  • Community organizations are in support of Proposition Q as to not lose city jobs, nor essential city services 

5.   8:15  Treasurer’s Report
All reports available upon request: treasurer@srccatx.org 
Presenter: Treasurer, Will Andrews 

• The treasurer shared income, expenses, and current balance for the month of October this year, including Historical Preservation funds
• All Treasurer’s reports are available upon request: treasurer@srccatx.org

6.   Membership Report 
Members must pay dues to participate in SRCC business and actions, such as voting and making motions. Try the subscription option for automatic annual renewals. 
Presenter: SRCC Membership, Mary Janecek-Friedman 

• Membership has grown over the past year.

  7.  Reports from Standing Committee Chairs
a) Planning and Zoning; b) Historic Preservation; c) Finance; d) Mobility; e) Public Safety; f) Parks and Environment; g) Schools; h) Communications 

• Planning & Zoning
  • Anita Tschurr mentioned the Endeavor Real Estate Group project at the site of Cidercade that is on the horizon
  • A letter will be drafted as this project is proposed through proper city channels
  • Light rail concerns were also addressed, as attention was drawn to ongoing negotiations with the city
• Historical Preservation
  • Barbara Cilley mentioned the proposed demolition project at 1709 Drake Avenue, and the historical preservation committee plans to engage
  • A permit application (PR-2025-095243) was filed to demolish the circa 1925 single-story Craftsman bungalow residence
  • This property is a contributing resource to the National Register historic district of Travis Heights-Fairview Park
  • The plan is to construct a new two-story single-family house in the same location
  • Another demolition project on the horizon has been postponed
• Finance
  • No Update
• Mobility
  • Mark Thompson mentioned that there will be 2 speakers at the November GM meeting
  • There will be new signs
  • Money is available through the City of Austin Living Streets Program for projects around the neighborhood

• Public Safety
  • Tom Groce mentioned that we are recruiting for the Neighborhood Watch
  • If interested, please contact the SRCC Public Safety Chair at:: tgroce71@gmail.com
• Parks & Environment
  • David Todd mentioned an Oct 30, 2025 Bella Rodriguez event at 6:00pm that will promote decreased use of synthetic fertilizer is used on yards to protect soil and water quality
  • It’s My Park Day is November 1, 2025 9am – 12pm,  volunteers can register at : https://austinparks.org/impd/
  • The committee is seeking an Austin Parks Foundation Grant to fund trail improvements and erosion control, as well as tree preservation efforts in local parks
• Schools
  • Gretchen Otto mentioned that AISD is consolidating schools within the school district resulting in school closures
  • Students from certain closing schools will be attending schools in our neighborhood
  • The President of the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association spoke on the closing elementary school in his neighborhood
  • Comment cards are the key to moving the needle
  • Current comment card is over until Nov 14, 2025 before the next School Board vote on the topic on Nov 20, 2025
  • Comment Cards can be found here: https://www.austinisd.org/consolidate
• Communications
  • Betty Weed mentioned that this was SRCC’s first hybrid meeting
  • New audio equipment is currently being researched and purchased to improve the hybrid meeting experience
  • Betty needs help with audio hardware at hybrid meetings, anyone knowledgeable please reach out: bweed11@gmail.com
  • Ruth Casarez mentioned that the newsletter was successfully delivered
  • Distributors of the newsletter, and contributors to the newsletter were sincerely thanked
  • Nathan Hernandez was thanked for his services as a designer
  • Submissions for the next newsletter will be collected in about 3 months

9. 8:45  Reports from Area Coordinators and Group Representatives 
a) Area Coordinators; b) TECHS CAT; c) ANC; d) SCC; e) EROC; f) GSRC NPCT; g) SCWAB;  h) St. Edward’s 

• Gayle Goff provided an update on the Time Insurance property zoning issue
• She also mentioned the finished Heritage Oaks Park improvements, and encouraged volunteer participation in park maintenance 
• Area Coordinator list to be updated

Meeting was adjourned at 8:53pm.
Remaining 2025 Meetings:
GM (3rd Tuesday) Nov. 18, Dec. 16
EC  (1st Tuesday) Nov. 4, Dec. 2

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH: contact Tom Groce, SRCC Public Safety Chair at: tgroce71@gmail.com  

If you have questions about using the Neighborhood ListServ: https://groups.io/g/SouthRiverAustin

Check crime reports and statistics here: https://www.krimelabb.com/_basic/view/v_welcome.php

The next Executive Committee meeting is November 4, 2025
The next General Membership meeting is November 18, 2025 

Frequently used acronyms: ACF-Austin Community Fund; ANC-Austin Neighborhood Council; BoA-Board of Adjustment; CDC-Community Development Corporation; EROC-East Riverside/Oltorf Combined Contact Team; FLUM-Future Land Use Map; GSRC NPCT-Greater South River City Neighborhood Planning Contact Team; NCCD-Neighborhood Conservation Combining District; NHPA-National Historic Preservation Act; NPCT– Neighborhood Planning Contact Team; PC-Planning Commission; PUD-Planned Unit Development; SCC-South Central Coalition of neighborhood associations; SF-Single Family zoning category; TECHS CAT-Travis Early College High School Campus Architectural Team; ZAP– Zoning and Platting

Minutes Prepared by Ken Burnett, covicepresident@srccatx.org 

Please check www.srccatx.org for updates