July 8 and August 9 AMLD Board Meetings
Greetings Neighbors!
I hope everyone had a wonderful summer! As we wrap up the season of sunshine and pool time, many of us are preparing for back-to-school routines, gathering supplies, adjusting schedules, and getting kids ready for a new academic year. Whether you're sending little ones to their first day of school or helping older students transition into new grades, I wish your family a smooth and exciting start.
July 8th Board Meeting
Citizen Communication
We appreciated the thoughtful citizen communication at the July 8 meeting—thank you to all who took the time to speak. Below is a brief summary of the topics discussed:
A resident and professional photographer offered her services for the summer—thank you for taking such beautiful photos!
A resident raised concerns about a deed violation report he submitted that lacked follow-up. He requested monthly updates on violation resolutions.
Another resident voiced concerns about the hiring and promotional practices in the district, and requested the board review current policies.
Legal Representation Discussion
Mr. Leone from Fowler Law Firm presented his background and expressed interest in assisting the district with legal enforcement of deed restrictions. Our current attorney, Zac Evans, noted the board could consider confirming Mr. Leone as legal counsel. This matter is still under advisement.
Deed Restrictions & Legal Letters
The board reviewed restriction violations and agreed to move certain items forward to legal.
Pool Hours & Staffing Review
Thanks to input from Amber Mitchell and Dillon Harmon on our aquatics staff, we've made improvements to pool operations, including extended hours and lap lane availability at El Salido. We hope these updates have added to your family's summer enjoyment. The changes have also allowed for longer fitness center access for our residents.
Becca, our programs and events coordinator, presented results from the recent events survey and made fall programming recommendations. These included continuing after-school care and Kids Night Out, introducing a new yoga program, bringing back the Candy Crawl while combining the Gingerbread Party with the Polar Plunge, offering stroke conditioning and diving classes, and identifying cost-saving opportunities, such as removing inflatables from events.
Fall/Winter Activity Guide
The Fall Guide is being finalized after board review and edits, with plans to approve it at the next board meeting. We're also working to enhance its content and reduce overall production costs.
District Manager Compensation
The Interim District Manager has gone above and beyond in supporting our operations. The board voted to compensate her for her additional time and commitment. Thank you, Monique Watford, for your dedication!
Budget Committee
Preparing for the annual budget vote, including adopting the tax rate and holding a public hearing. We encourage residents to attend and participate.
Personnel Committee
Director Hogle praised the new Aquatics Director’s quick improvements to the program.
Solid Waste Committee
We’ve notified the current service provider of the contract termination, and we’re in the final stages of preparing the RFP for release to the public.
Parks and Landscaping Committee
The committee welcomed a new community member and extended an invitation to AMNA to attend the next meeting. We also discussed the timing of the court and dog park key changes scheduled for August.
Facilities, Operations & Safety Committee
They are actively working to complete the full facilities audit to support upcoming capital improvement planning.
Community Engagement Committee
The committee reviewed summer events, including the cancellation of the July 4th celebration, and discussed survey feedback alongside community involvement.
Communications Committee
Shared the July newsletter and and outlined a communication strategy with a possible Town Hall scheduled for November.
Architectural Control Committee
Welcomed a new community member and discussed the potential formation of a new committee to support the ACC’s expanding responsibilities.
Board Reports
Director Hogle discussed creating a new committee to help the ACC by splitting up responsibilities for deed restrictions and working with the City of Austin.
Director Chaney shared that he appreciated a resident’s suggestion to allow citizen comment before each agenda item—something the board may consider implementing in the future.
I attended the City of Austin’s Emergency Preparedness Pop-Up at the Spicewood Library, where valuable safety resources were shared with the community. I also had the opportunity to visit the historic Anderson Mill with AMNA and learn more about this local landmark and its significance. Additionally, I thanked Director Watford for representing our district in a recent panel discussion and shared some key takeaways from the conference.
District Manager Report
Update on Insurance Claims: All insurance claims have been reviewed, settled, and officially closed.
Damaged Doors: She noted that the district is exploring options to replace the damaged doors at the firehouse.
RRISD 5K: North Park would need substantial work to be ready for a 5K event.
Roof Leak: The community center roof has experienced leakage, and the Facilities Committee is expected to develop a recommendation for the board's consideration.
WILCO: Shared a vehicle use fee update will be coming from the WILCO Sheriff’s Department.
Security Report
Discussed concerns about children riding e-bikes in parks, homelessness at Lake Creek Parkway and Schoolhouse Lane, and frequent stop sign violations on El Salido Parkway.
August 9th Board Meeting
Citizen Communication- None
Security Patrol Update
After discussion with Lt. New, the board approved increasing patrol hours starting in October to better serve the community.
HR & Payroll Platform
Monique Watford identified inefficiencies in our current payroll system. After reviewing options, we approved a more effective and affordable platform.
Capital Investments Discussion
We spent a big part of the meeting going over audit results from the committees and figuring out which safety fixes are the most important for our parks and facilities. We're starting with the urgent needs and will keep making progress as our budget allows.
District Organizational Chart & Staffing Recommendation
The board is evaluating a potential restructuring of roles to improve operational efficiency and optimize the use of staff, facilities, and program resources.
Upcoming Meeting
We’d love to see you at the board meeting tomorrow at 6:30 PM! We encourage all residents to attend—especially if you have thoughts on the budget or tax rate. Your voice matters.
Take a moment to check out the agenda so you know what we’ll be covering. And don’t forget—Citizen Comment is your time to share thoughts, ideas, or questions.
We’re making small steps toward a bigger, stronger future for our neighborhood. From thoughtful programming to smart investments in our parks and facilities, every effort is rooted in creating a connected, safe, and vibrant community.Thanks for helping make our community strong and involved.
Reminder
As an AMLD Board member, I want to remind everyone that this newsletter is not the official notes from the meeting. These are my personal thoughts on the items that were discussed at the meeting. Please see the link if you would like to see the official notes from the past board meetings. Meeting Minutes