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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes August 27, 2007
Maurice Patterson, Texas Co-Chairman, called the meeting to order and gave the opening prayer.
Stan Verret presented the flag and joined Maurice in leading The Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.
There was no Special Award presented this month.
Minutes of the August 1, 2007 TBBSA Board Meeting were approved by those board members present. Minutes of the July 23, 2007 TBBSA Meeting were approved as presented.
Janna Lehman gave the Treasurer's Report, noting the printed report no longer contains the long list of members' names. There are 19 organizations and 387 associate members. The current account balance is $9,517.47. In response to a question about previous payments of dues to the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, Janna explained we are no longer members since Larry Kelly was unable to go as our delegate and also, some of our members were already attending as representatives from other organizations. The Treasurer's Report was approved as presented.
Old Business:
DEERFEST: Maurice said we are setting up a booth at Deerfest on September 29, 2007 at the Sabine County Youth Foundation facilities on Hwy 184. Janna has volunteers to cover to 11:30 A.M. and from 3:30 P.M., but she needs a couple more for the time between. Maurice invited Senator Nichols to come again this year, but he has another commitment and cannot be here. Jerry Lehman has made a beautiful slide show presentation to run during the day. Janna has passes for the volunteers.
NOMINATIONS FOR SRA-TX BOARD MEMBER: Bill McCarty sent word his application papers have been received for consideration by the SRA-TX Board. Larry Kelly said he told Bill he should call Senator Nichols to alert him that the SRA-TX Board now has his application papers.
LAST SRA-TX MEETING: Janna did call Ann Galassi regarding the Minutes of the last SRA-TX meeting and she sent a copy. Janna said she read the Minutes and did not see anything of interest to us but there were a number of budget items on their agenda.
REPORTS OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Glen Provost talked about how we needed to let folks know our organization is looking at other issues that need the support of members since the lake level issue has been put to rest, and we want the SRA-TX and the SRA-LA to know we are interested in working together and have some ideas. This prompted the call to the SRA-TX to ask them about meeting with them to discuss these issues and see if they might also be looking at some of these issues. As it turned out, the SRA-TX said they could stop in Hemphill on their way to another meeting north of here on August 8th, but they would have only a half-hour to meet. Janna prepared an agenda with the list of issues we had in mind, with Giant Salvinia being at the top of the list. The meeting lasted about an hour and a half and they said they would willing to work with us to set up some sort of forum or educational meeting to inform the public, but this is really is the responsibility of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, not the SRA. Glen went on to talk about the river channel markers and the difference in how Louisiana and Texas maintain and fund the buoys and the problems the SRA-TX has in maintaining them with only one boat. Someone moved Glen call to see if individuals could contract to maintain the buoys, and he agreed to check with the SRA. More discussion followed about the meeting with the SRA-TX and their concern with the re-licensing issue and the environmental issues. Maurice told members to call the Burkeville SRA Office (listed in Windstream Phone Book) if a property owner or fisherman finds a buoy out of place.
OTHER COMMENTS: Maurice told members on the third Friday of every month at 7:30 A.M., the TBBSA will be on the radio with Faye Broadway, Texas Open Line, on FM 103.9. Maurice was on the program last month, and others can participate. Another thing Maurice shared was about Congressional Representative, Louie Gohmert, District I, sending a lady to Hemphill last week to talk about issues such as Social Security, Veterans Benefits, etc., but a few people talked to her about the Giant Salvinia. Since this issue affects both sides of Toledo Bend, Maurice feels it is time for us to start writing letters to Rep. Gohmert about getting his help in fighting it. Janna said she also talked with the lady from Rep. Gohmert's office about our problem with the lack of cell phone towers around the lake. Glen said the cell phone tower issue was also discussed with the SRA-TX at the August meeting, and they agreed they would be happy to support us in our efforts.
AWARDS: Janna asked Larry Kelly to deliver the Awards certificates to Louisiana members who were not present at the Party.
New Business:
NEW BASS CIRCUIT: Janna passed out brochures regarding a new bass circuit called Texas Forest Country Bass Circuit for Jasper, Shelby, Sabine, and San Augustine Counties on Toledo Bend Lake and Lake Sam Rayburn. She explained about the prizes and the other sponsors and wondered if TBBSA would like to be a sponsor, since we are interested in helping with tourism in our area. The sponsorship is $150. Maurice moved we become a sponsor, it was seconded and after some discussion, members voted to approve becoming a sponsor.
APPROVAL TO PAY BILLS: Members voted to approve payment of $120.23 to Janna Lehman for sending out the new Newsletter. Discussion followed about the need to publish the newsletter on a monthly basis, with the majority feeling that should be done. Corporate Dues for $5 was approved to be sent with Larry Kelly for payment of our annual dues.
WAKE ZONES: Janna asked about having a game warden come to speak about 'Wake Zones and How to Enforce Them', and members felt this would be a good thing, and also to invite press coverage for that talk. Janna will contact him about coming.
MILAM SETTLERS DAY: Members voted to pay the $10 fee for a booth at Milam Settlers Day.
Closing Comments:
Maurice said he contacted a Mr. Elder to come talk about Giant Salvinia. In response to a question about the Fingerling Program, Janna said she would let the individual know when she hears about a date for release. Larry Kelly told members about another good organization to join, Toledo Bend Lake Association, that meets at the Lions' Club on Hwy.191 near Toledo Town on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 P.M.
Meeting Adjourned.
Next Meeting Date: September 24, 2007 @ 6:30 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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