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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes February 25, 2008
Janna Lehman, Treasurer, in the absence of Maurice Patterson, called the meeting to order and gave the opening prayer.
Janna Lehman led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
Since the attendance was small and there were new people, Janna asked that people stand, introduce themselves and state what area they were from. A special welcome was given to James Clements, as this is his first time back after being out with a serious illness and health problems.
A Special Award that was delayed for several months, was presented by Janna to Stan Verret.
Janna said the Award is a sort of 'roasting' for the member, but this one says, 'Couldn't Think of a Thing to Make Fun of You, Stan Verret '.
Minutes of the January 28, 2008 TBBSA Meeting were approved as written. Also, Minutes of the February 12, 2008 Board of Directors Meeting were approved as written.
Janna Lehman gave the Treasurer's Report. There are 18 organizations and 160 associate members paid for 2008. The account balance is $9,749.17. All bills are paid. The report was approved as given.
Changes and Additions to the Minutes: Under Old Business, Maurice Patterson is not present to talk about writing letters about the Giant Salvinia. Jim Binns will give an Update on the Giant Salvinia.
Old Business: GIANT SALVINIA UPDATE: Jim Binns said a lot of talk and other communication have been going on recently about the Giant Salvinia. He visited the Six Mile area and can assure us the Salvinia is all over the main lake area, and not just fragments. After over-hearing people asking what it is, the first priority he brings to TBBSA tonight is to get a Public Awareness Program going and get the 'customers' involved. Jim went on to discuss some ideas mentioned in the Lakecaster and to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Along with signs at the boat ramps, he wondered about having large dumpsters where the plant could be tossed after cleaning off the boats and trailers. Perhaps a picture of the plant could be placed on the side of the dumpster. Jim would like to see TBBSA suggesting and supporting ways of cleaning the trailers when they come out of the water. A Task Force was mentioned before, but Jim feels the Texas and Louisiana SRAs, the legislators, TBBSA and other interested parties should all get in the same room and discuss what each is doing or planning to do to eradicate the Giant Salvinia.
Janna said she has available small cards with the names and addresses of our legislators, and we all need to write, E-mail, or call about the need for funding to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, because that is going to be the first thing needed to fight this weed. More discussion followed about getting the organizers of bass tournaments educated and how TBBSA could help in that manner. Jim reminded us that Howard Elder said we are going to have to get the 'boom system' working to stop the drifting of the plant. Additional discussion followed about having another 'brainstorming' session. Jim said there is another player in our problem, and that is the Federal Government, but no representative has been seen. Pictures of the Giant Salvinia are available on a website maintained by Jim Binns. The web address is www.tb-guide.com
TEXAS FOREST COUNTRY PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL BANQUET ON 3/25/08:
Jim Binns said this is a group of representatives from 13 counties in the East Texas area, centered around Chamber of Commerce organizations, that address economic, tourists, historical, legislative, transportation and education type issues. TBBSA is a member of this organization. Maurice Patterson and Gene Nethery attended last year at their own expense, but Jim is suggesting this year TBBSA pay for a table that will seat 8 people. The cost of the table is $500.
This will put TBBSA in a position to be seen by many high ranking officials who will be attending, and perhaps taking note of our efforts. Discussion followed. Jim Binns moved the TBBSA represent the organization by sponsoring a table at the annual banquet in Lufkin. Joe Kelley seconded the motion. After more discussion regarding where, when, and who would attend, motion passed.
GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD FISHING TOURNAMENT - 2009: Cara Martin, committee chairperson, said their committee met one time to discuss having a big tournament in June of 2009. There are now 7 or 8 people on the committee, and they will begin meeting once a month on the third Thursday at noon at Fausto's Restaurant. Janna said she will put this information into the Newsletter. Cara said Maurice Patterson is going to work on sponsors, and anyone wanting to work with him is invited to join his sub-committee.
GRANDPARENT-GRANDCHILD FISHING TOURNAMENT - 2008: Joe Kelley said some of the members of the TBBSA felt we needed something going to keep our organization in front of the public, and it was suggested a small Grandparent-Grandchild Fishing Tournament held this year would do that. The Board met recently to discuss that possibility and came up with guide lines and rules. The tournament would probably be held in June of this year, and be open to members of TBBSA. There would be a '5-Fish Stringer' rule per boat, one grandparent and one grandchild per boat, a $50 entry fee per boat. Lowe's Creek Marina and Ronnie Greer's marina have offered to hold the tournament. Lowe's Creek is more centrally located, so probably would be the choice. However, Joe says the only thing that will make this event work is to have someone to run the tournament. If we can't find someone willing to run it, then it won't be held.
Janna said Glen Provost is supposed to be contacting a possible chairman. Joe said we will be having some kind of food for the kids. Janna reminded Joe that invitations will be going out to members of the TBBSA, but it will not be advertised to the public, and we won't be asking for sponsors. There will be an age limit of 18 yrs for grandchildren. In response to a question about licenses, Jim Binns suggested the tournament be held on the National Fishing Day, and then a license would not be needed. Cara Martin moved TBBSA have a Grandparent-Grandchild Fishing Tournament in 2008, on the contingency that a chairman is found. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
New Business: Jim Binns had two items to bring up, one being the recent appointments by Governor Perry of 5 new members to SRA-TX Board of Directors. One of the appointments was David Koonce of Center. Jim had met David Koonce a couple of months ago, not knowing this appointment was coming up. David gave him a call and they chatted, giving Jim an opportunity to ask if he was involved with the Giant Salvinia. David went to Jim's website and read about the Salvinia, and then called back saying that is definitely a problem. Jim says David is a very active and intelligent person, and feels from talking with him that he would not be opposed to working with us, so perhaps Maurice could follow up with him.
The second item Jim Binns wanted to share is the calendar date of a Toledo Bend Summit about the Process of the Development of Toledo Bend. The meeting will be held on April 12th at the Wesley Center of the First United Methodist Church in Jasper. The cost is $10 per person, which includes a catered meal. The meeting is open to the public. Registration is from 8:00 to 9:00 A.M. The meeting will probably begin about 10:00 A.M, breaking after lunch to caravan down to the dam and be given a tour of the facility.
Closing Comments: In response to a question about any progress on getting cell phone towers on the lake, Janna said she had sort of dropped the ball on that. Louie Gohmert's office needed a lot of information, including tourism numbers, and Janna has been unable to find a way to gather those numbers. discussion followed, and Janna invited anyone to give her ideas on getting tourism numbers.
Janna informed members having TBBSA Meeting Dates cards prior to January, there is a wrong date for the June meeting, and corrected lists are available. She also had copies of the procedures & formulas for the insecticide usage on Giant Salvinia.
Meeting Adjourned.
Next Meeting Date: March 24, 2008 @ 6:30 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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