The Pemberton Journal
The Pemberton Journal O fficial Publication
of
Pemberton Heights Neighborhood Association
Gail Morriss Memorial Plans are being drawn up to relandscape the triangle at Wooldridge and Harris, adding rose bushes and a tree with a plaque or a similar type of memorial to Gail, who spent so many hours working to make our neighborhood the special place that it is today. If you would like to make a contribution, please send a check made out to PHNA with “Gail’s Triangle” in the memo to the PO Box below. Although you can contribute to triangles online, there is not an easy way to earmark the funds specifically for Gail, so it is better to send a check to the PO Box for this project. PO Box 50388 Austin TX 78763-0388 We hope to have this completed by the first of the year so that we can have a dedication in February. Please contact laurabennettnew@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you, neighbors!
O ctober 2011, Vol V, I ssue V
Continuing Drought Forces Stage 2 Watering Restrictions and Fire Concerns The unprecedented heat and drought conditions just do not want to end. Demand for water has forced the city to institute Stage 2 watering restrictions beginning September 6. Odd numbered addresses may water only on Saturdays. Even numbered addresses may water only on Sundays. Irrigation systems are not allowed to run between 10 in the morning and 7 at night. Hand watering is allowed, but preferred to be in the cooler hours before 10 am. Vehicles may only be washed prior to 10 on the designated watering day. Pools and ponds are not allowed to use automatic refill valves and outdoor fountains are allowed only where fish need moving water to survive. Paved surfaces such as driveways and patios may not be washed at a residence until these restrictions are lifted. Due to the extreme hazard of fire, residents in Pemberton should exercise the utmost caution when doing any open flame cooking outdoors, take care to avoid parking on dry grass and watch for any possibilities of creating sparks with machinery. Several grass fires along Mopac have been started by these activities, including by dragging a chain from a vehicle.
New Fire Sprinkler Permit Requirements for Homes Betty Trent, AIA LEED AP Austin is implementing enforcement of a new requirement of the new International Residential Building Code. The new policy will essentially require fire sprinkler systems to be installed in new and remodeled homes over 3600 square feet. The city will require new and remodeled homes over 3600 square feet to have the Fire Department verify the water flow and pressure at the nearest fire hydrants. Each new test will cost $100. Where the existing pressure or flow is less than the requirement, the homeowner will be required to install a residential quality sprinkler system. These systems start at about $1.00 a square foot. Installing a sprinkler system will also require an upsize of the water meter to 1” from the usual 5/8”. The added cost for the meter would be approximately $ 4300. This will effectively require a new home or a remodel to add $8000 to the cost of the project. The good news is that there should be a break on the premium for homeowner’s insurance. Early conversations with the city indicate our neighborhood might be affected by low pressure and flow. A homeowner looking into building should have their architect contact Jerry Sharpe at the fire department at 974 0197 to schedule a test of the closest fire hydrants to verify whether the project will require a sprinkler system.
Mark your calendars! PHNA Annual Picnic October 23 • 5-7pm • 1402 Wooldridge Drive • Fun – Food – Fellowship $50 a family covers your annual dues and your picnic meal - See you there! Copyright © 2011 Peel, Inc.
The Pemberton Journal - October 2011
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