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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes November 27, 2006
Maurice Patterson, Texas Co-Chairman, called the meeting to order and gave the opening prayer.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Maurice Patterson.
Maurice introduced the guest speaker for tonight, State Representative Roy Blake, Jr., and said he is a special friend to this group and to this lake. Rep. Blake thanked us for the opportunity to talk with us about becoming involved with a larger organization that shares the same goal as we do in regard to having a healthy lake and economic development opportunity. He went on to talk about the Pineywoods Economic Partnership organization, which he calls a '12-county Chamber of Commerce'. He mentioned he and Gene Nethery served together on the board there, and said Gene may be still serving on the board. PEP is not a governmental organization, but is made up of business owners, elected officials, and concerned citizens. They have a range of goals made up of economic development, health care, tourism, business development, and public education issues. Recently, they have spear-headed the retirement initiative in attracting retirees to Texas, specifically East Texas. Rep. Blake feels Toledo Bend Lake would be one of the major assets in bringing retirees to the area, and it would be advantageous to our group to become involved with a large organization that shares a common interest and concern with us. He thanked the TBBSA for our efforts toward preserving and making the lake a better economic asset. Rep. Blake said he brought an application for membership in PEP with him that we can submit. Gene Nethery offered to take Maurice as a guest with him to the next board meeting of the PEP. He continued to explain how a relationship could be established with PEP. Discussion continued with questions from the group. Rep. Blake was thanked for coming and speaking to our group.
Minutes of the October 23, 2006 meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer Janna Lehman reported there are 16 organizational members and 177 associate members (individuals) now paid in 2006, totaling 2980 people we represent. The current balance is $1,198.71, with $320 pending to be moved from the Legal Account into this account. Balance for the Legal Fund is $8,238.15. Larry Kelly presented a donation of $2,110 from the South Toledo Bend Civic Association to TBBSA. The Treasurer's Report was approved as presented. (Hats are still available at $15 each.)
Old Business: SAVE TOLEDO BEND CAMPAIGN STB-168: PRESENTATION OF FIRST MONTHLY AWARD: Maurice Patterson said the Executive Board decided to give an award to people who do great service to this organization. He presented Award of the Month to Austin and Mary Hill for Unique Bumper Sticker Service Exceeding Standard Expectations in the Save Toledo Bend STB-168 Campaign. Austin and Mary thanked Maurice for the award and then gave a 'pep talk' to the group and asked everyone to stand and thank the members who are giving their all to get ideas and information out to the public.
PROPOSED BY-LAWS CHANGES: Janna Lehman stated the proposed changes to the By-Laws as were read last meeting, and will be discussed this meeting. The changes can be voted on at our next meeting in January. The first change needed is to change our physical address, and the second change is to strike out the lines referring to the voting-in of new members. Janna has listed the new members that must be voted on this meeting, since the changes have not yet been approved.
New Business:
1. APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS: James & Nancy Hively of League City, TX; Les & Micki Cahill of Lufkin, TX; Huey & Karen Schrieber of Orange, TX; Robert & Janet Steinkamp, Marvin & Byrna Morrison, Glen Provost, Loretta Sterle, John & Becky Chiboroki, James Thompson, Billie Ferrell, Michael & Linda Juneau, Billy & Karen Stevens, John & Connie Heefner, John & Letha Peradi, Thomas & Linda Saltz, Tim & Janice Lopez, Jim & Rita Binns all of Hemphill, TX; Ron & Gloria Mercer of Alvin, TX; Michael & Judith Sutter of Shelbyville, TX; Archie E. Isaacks of Newton, TX; Bobby & Charlotte Cole and Marshall & Lucy Thibodeaux of Port Neches, TX; Jimmy & Brenda McGuire of Silsbee, TX; JES, Inc. of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, LA; Sheila Burris of Port Arthur, TX; Kathryn Clark of Liberty, TX; Mary Good of Jasper, TX; Dee W. & Jackie Powell and Rodney Campbell of Milam, TX; Joe Anne Daigre of Friendswood, TX; Dick & Eva Staley of Houston, TX; TG Aucoin of Galveston, TX; Carla Stanley of Beaumont, TX; Sue Stephens of Many, LA; Dorothy Christopherson of Shelbyville, TX; and added tonight- Wayne & Judy Cerniglia of Beaumont, TX; Larry Goodridge of Burkeville, TX were all approved as new members of TBBSA.
MEETINGS ATTENDED SINCE LAST TBBSA MEETING: Maurice listed the following meetings attended by representatives of TBBSA since our last regular meeting: Met with Roy Blake on October 27th; met with Mike Hamilton and others on October 31st; special weekender's meeting at library on November 4th; met with Judge Leath on November 6th and presented a Resolution; also met with GM Water Company and left Bumper Stickers; met on November 7th with Sabine Chamber of Commerce and gave information; met with Wayne Christian on November 10th; on November 13th met with Sabine County Commissioners' Court and presented information; met on November 14th with people of Huxley Bay; hosted a booth at Milam Settlers' Day on November 18th; met with Eagle Estates Home Owners Association. Maurice said more would be said about these meetings later.
RESOLUTION PRESENTED TO COMMISSIONERS' COURT: Glen Provost read the Resolution presented to Sabine County Commissioners' Court. He said he explained to the commissioners that this Resolution is about their constituents that are 100% for this issue. The Resolution was passed unanimously by the commissioners. Glen emphasized a similar resolution is needed from Shelby and Newton Counties.
ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION ON MEETINGS LISTED ABOVE: Maurice led discussion on some of the meetings attended. In response to other questions, Gene Nethery was again introduced. He said he will be working with Rep. Wayne Christian for about a year and has been talking with him about the lake issue and trying to set up a meeting with all the stakeholders to discuss a solution. Glen Provost said our group needs to decide where we are going with our efforts and to also think about outcomes that might come along with agreements. In closing, Maurice encouraged everyone to continue to contact our legislators and thank them for their help and also to continue to distribute Bumper Stickers.
Special Meeting w/SRA-TX: December 5th at 6 P.M. at Fairmount VFD
Next Meeting Date: January 22, 2007 (No Meeting in December)
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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