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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes January 26, 2009
Maurice Patterson called the meeting to order and gave the opening prayer.
Jerry Lehman presented the flag and joined Maurice in leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Maurice asked those present to stand up, introduce themselves and state where they live. Among those present tonight were Stephanie Corley of the Sabine Reporter, and longtime member Otto Buenger.
Minutes of the October 27, 2008 TBBSA Meeting were accepted as written.
Janna Lehman gave the Treasurer's Report. There is a balance of $6,699.05 total funds available. All the bills are paid except one just received for the newsletter in the amount of $93.073. For 2009, dues have been paid for 2 organizations and 13 associate members, plus a number received tonight. Treasurer's Report was approved as given. Janna had a few remaining cards available with dates of the TBBSA Meetings scheduled for 2009. She also said the Alliance received a 'Thank You' note from Gene Cooper for the donation made in memory of Lida Cooper.
Old Business:
SAVINIA: Janna shared brochures of the TBCAC (Toledo Bend Citizens Advisory Committee) showing nice pictures of the Giant Salvinia. The brochure tells about the organization and the fight to save Toledo Bend from this destructive plant. The brochure has an application form and information on joining the organization to help in the fight. Janna has been concerned about the need to get information regarding the salvinia and other aquatic plants to out-of-town fishermen and other visitors to Toledo Bend. She feels our organization should do more to make them aware citations and fines may be given if the salvinia is left on the boat trailers. A lengthy discussion followed about ways in which we might be of help. Some suggestions mentioned were providing signs, trash drums, notices in the Lakecaster Magazine, going to fishing tournament meetings, and signs at marinas. Someone mentioned needed information about the tournaments is available at FishingWorld.com website.
Maurice said our first step should be to get a list of the fishing tournaments, and to prepare for distribution a flier or brochure quoting the regulation or law, and possible fines. Janna will work on getting the brochures printed. Maurice and Janna did not feel we need another public meeting at this time. Someone noted Louisiana has allocated funds for spraying the salvinia, but Texas has not. TPWD feels spraying should be left up to the TX-SRA, and the SRA doesn't have the manpower or equipment to spray.
CELL TOWERS: Janna reported the companies that filed here at Toledo Bend to put up cell towers found there would be no companies to provide cell phone service, so that has been scrapped. Janna still feels that we can go through Rep. Louie Gohmert's office and get him to help us pursue this issue based on safety needs on the lake. Members were asked to talk to people and get suggestions regarding cell towers. Maurice said he will call Rep. Gohmert.
New Business: None
Other Comments:
GIANT SALVINIA: Maurice said if members have any ideas or suggestions about controlling the salvinia, call him, Janna, or another board member. All ideas and suggestions are welcomed.
EAST SABINE NUTRITION CENTER: Maurice invited everyone to the nutrition center on February 7th at 5:30 p.m. to celebrate the 29th Anniversary of the center. BBQ will be served.
VFW SWEETHEART DANCE: Janna said on February 14th at 8 P.M., the VFW is having a Sweetheart Dance and 'Taste of Hemphill'. Cost is $10 per person; all proceeds go to the VFW.
Hemphill merchants will each be providing a food dish for the 'Taste of Hemphill'.
HUXLEY BAY MEETING: Tom Trussell offered to host a TBBSA meeting at Huxley Bay VFD, but will need a little help in setting it up. Discussion followed about other places that might be available. Maurice and Janna will get back with him about the details.
Next Meeting Date: April 27, 2009 @ 6:30 P.M.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:20 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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