Read the PDF version here.

DNA Meeting With APD 27 July 2023

by Ave Bonar

We had a good meeting yesterday. Four district reps attended as well as a good number of neighbors. Our DNA president, Julie Woods, and Council Member José Velasquez were both there, too.

The cops explained what we already knew, that they’re 400 cops shortand it’s getting worse because of morale, the political climate.They didn’t use the word defunding, but they said they’ve lost 3 academy classes. They said APD used to be a premiere cop job in the state, but that for the past three or so years there have not been enough qualified applicants, and many qualified applicants don’t see being a cop as a long-term career path like they have in the past but rather a stepping stone to something else. The attrition rate is higher than the hiring rate as cops are leaving for smaller surrounding towns. It sounds as though the cops, at least these district reps, spend most of their time dealing with the homeless population. They said DPS is still here but that they are mostly traffic enforcement. APD and DPS do share radio calls, and DPS can provide backup for APD. Regarding 911 calls, this is the order of their priorities for responding:

  1. Crime in progress.
  2. Something serious happened and suspect still on scene.
  3. Suspect has left.
  4. Something happened but is no longer in progress.

Gone are the days when they responded to barking dogs calls.

They said that 5 minutes is the required response time for a 911 callreporting a crime in progress. They wish it were more like 3 minutes.They said that the best way to get faster police service on low-priority calls is to file a report at ireportaustin.com. Stolen cars have been dumped in our neighborhood. They said one of the reasons they choose our neighborhood is that it’s close to home and referenced the public housing complex on Durwood/Wilson.

Next Meeting

Monday, October 9, 6:30PM at the South Austin Neighborhood Center at 2508 Durwood (between Durwood and South 1st)

We meet on the 2nd Monday of February, April, June, August, October, and December.

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Newsletter Editor:
Eliot Kimber, drmacro@gmail.com

Dawson Elementary School

Thanks to our sponsor!

Dawson Elementary serves children ages 3 to 12 years.
Please contact Dawson’s principal, Tania Jedele, at 512-698-9151, to set
up a time for a tour.

APD’s Crime PreventionSuggestions

You can help prevent crime and property loss.

Cameras are good, but only after the fact.

APD recommends:

  • Keeping garage doors closed.
  • Buying a package lock box.
  • Locking gates.
  • Having motion lights.
  • Not leaving lawn equipmentout.
  • Kia and Hyundai owners should use a club on thesteering wheel as those cars can be started with a thumb drive.
Minutes of Dawson Neighborhood Association June 12, 2023

Venue: Cosmic Coffee, 6:30 pm

Julie Woods, President, called the meeting to order. Well attended.

Minutes approved.

Old Business:

  1. Most proposed zoning changes in this Texas legislative session did not pass.
  2. The city council approved an ordinance that new buildings in Austin do not need required parking.
  3. Neighborhoods are using parking apps.
  4. Debate continues regarding plans for Zilker Park – Austin PARD’s vision plan vs Zilker Rewild.

New Business:

  1. When construction sites dumped cement in East Bouldin Creek, water quality representatives were quick to respond.
  2. Julie will send information on new road work via group email.
  3. Gillis pool is not open this year due to need for repairs.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes of Dawson Neighborhood Plan Contact Team, April 10, 2023

Martin Harris, Chair, called the meeting to order

Venue: Cosmic Coffee, 7:30 pm

  1. Approval of April Minutes—minutes were approved by member vote
  2. Old Business
    1. Gillis City Pool still closed according to City website. According to Aquatics there are Electrical problems, needed asbestos removal, and pump problems. Some work to be started around July 17,2023, and the electrical and pump later. Nothing has been done since last year, when it was originally closed. Insurance and bidding process held up getting work done. It will not open this year.
    2. Alpine Pond wild flowers cut early again twice this year. This is not a park and when wildflowers get cut while Johnson grass and poison ivy grow along with duck weed and algae. Weeds need to be cut if over 4 ft tall.Small pond drying up again.
    3. Twin Oaks Shopping Center (HEB) to be redeveloped as MU sometime after new HEB finished. Just a notice online, no plans listed at this time, just a notice that it is in planning stage.
    4. Light rail approved by Council 6.06.23 Goes to Oltorf only now
    5. City planning to start using license plate readers again on 40 intersections, storing information for 30 days.
    6. There have been numerous traffic delays around area due to construction and road work lately in our area.
  3. New Business
    1. Cosmic Coffee Music Permit reapply notice from the city.
    2. The following city council notice items were combined as attempts integration to densify neighbor areas to multi use living spaces, reduce the need for on-site parking, and an attempt to get more use out of mass transit in the city.
    3. Parking code changed for development in city to allow less parking overall. Mention was made to be combined with discussion of Light rail notice and height changes and space property borders to allow for taller buildings on properties and reducing the distant now needed.

Meeting adjourned.