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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes June 25, 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.
Minutes of the May 28, 2007 monthly meeting of TBBSA were approved as written.
The Treasurer's report was given by Maurice in Janna Lehman's absence.. There are 19 organizations paid, with 4 member organizations still due. There are 383 associate members paid, with 7 still due. Total Funds available $9,729.13. The 'Fish Bowl' at the Party yielded $446.00 The Treasurer's Report was approved as presented.
Maurice passed out several copies of the new Operating Guide Rule Curve and said it is interesting to compare the old Guide with the new one.
Our Party: Maurice thanked everyone who helped with party, saying they did a 'Bang-up' job. Jerry Lehman did a fantastic job as Emcee. Three of the women recognized received a Gift of One Hour's Massage, and Janna was overheard saying she wanted hers 'right now'. We were disappointed that no one from the power companies or the City of Hemphill attended. Maurice said he spoke to Don Isles, City Manager, about the lack of representation for our city.
Old Business: NOMINATIONS FOR SRA-TX BOARD MEMBER: Maurice said the list of Nominations has been sent, but we have had no reply. Application forms are available on the Internet.
New Business: PLANS FOR THE FUTURE: Maurice feels now is the time for us to push for other issues. As mentioned earlier, the maintenance of the buoys is certainly a concern. Also, one of our active members, Mike Sutter, from Shelby County is moving to Smith County near Tyler to have better access to medical help, so he will be missed in Shelby County where, Tom Trussell of the Huxley Bay area would like to see something done about the Giant Salvinia problem. Communication around the area is another big problem. SRA and Parks and Wildlife Departments are very concerned, citing a recent incident where rescuers were delayed in getting phone service for a boating accident and the person drowned. Some residents have been told Verizon is no longer available around the lake since they have lost the contract with local towers.
Maurice has in mind getting a small group from Sabine County to go talk with Ann Galassi of SRA-TX about what problems they have and how we could impact those problems. Steve McMahon said he had been talking to SRA-LA about doing that, also. Maurice would like to do that before the next meeting if possible.
EAST TEXAS REGION I PLANNING COMMITTEE: Bill Huegel, representative from TBBSA, said it is neat to know we have accomplished a lot here with our group, but it is not over. Sabine County along with about 15 or 16 other counties do water planning for the state in our area. The committee meets about once every 3 or 4 months in Nacogdoches. The committee just received approval for funding to move water out of Toledo Bend Reservoir to Dallas and North Texas. They will be doing this study over the next five years. Bill went on to explain why he supports this moving of water to needed areas. The first study will be a 'Demand Coordination Study' with those being impacted. Then, there will be 'Routing Studies' using topographical maps and availability of land, etc. Next they will look at potential conflicts such as environmental conflicts and others. Also, this group will again meet with those being affected by this project and the paths this project will take. They will look at the mitigation or compensation that might be involved in this project, so that the estuaries and streams get enough water to keep them healthy. However, should there be a dire need by the people for this water, they will get it first. There will be a cost study done on this pipeline project, and the group losing the water needs to be compensated for the loss of that water. Bill feels this is why we need to attend these public meetings and get involved in the movement of this water. Further questions were answered by Bill. The Water Planning Board has a website that can be accessed.
Maurice noted something Bill said about the Timber Industry losing its ability to generate funds for Sabine County, so we may be in trouble. With this in mind, Maurice said the roads and bridges in Sabine County do not get a nickel of your property taxes. All the money for the roads and bridges comes from the forestry industries at this time, for the sale of the preserves. Maurice thanked Bill for the report.
Closing Comments: In closing, Maurice enumerated the things TBBSA will work on: 1) obviously the buoys; 2) parks and recreation areas; 3) Salvinia; 4) mitigation; 5) communication towers. More discussion followed about some of these issues. Also, Maurice said he has heard Sabine County is interested in reinstating the Hotel/Motel Tax, and we might be interested in being on that committee. Maurice said if anyone has any other comments to please give him a call. He will be going down to see Ann Galassi about the second week of July. Steve McMahon wondered about considering a bi-monthly TBBSA meeting now that we don't have letters to write and calls to make. Maurice said that is definitely a consideration, but we would talk about it at the next meeting. Maurice had a chat with Senator Nichols and found there are other problems around the lake the Senator would like to talk with us about, so we may still be in touch with him on those issues.
Next Meeting Date: July 23, 2007 @ 6:30 P.M.
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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