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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes October 23, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Janna Lehman, Acting Texas Co-Chairman.
Joe Griffin gave the opening prayer. Janna led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Janna introduced Joe Kelley who nominated Maurice Patterson to serve as the new Texas Co-Chairman of Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance. Joe
changed the nomination to a motion which was seconded by Bill McCarty. Maurice was asked to stand and be recognized. Janna called for the
vote and Maurice Patterson was elected as the new Texas Co-Chairman for TBBSA. At this time, Janna turned the meeting over to Maurice.
Maurice began by saying the Agenda would probably be changed in a few places, and then introduced Charles Watson, candidate for County Judge
and invited him to say a few words. Maurice cautioned members and visitors that Mr. Watson could not discuss political questions, so must stick
with our current issues of low lake levels. Political speeches and campaigns are strictly not permitted in the Library's auditorium. After having said
that, Maurice turned the floor over to Charles Watson who explained he was here as a citizen of Sabine County, because he is concerned about our
county's welfare. He said he understood the importance of the lake in the economic outlook of the entire county, and continued to answer
questions regarding his knowledge of the problems of low lake level and how he might be able to support our issues.
Janna said Richard Barnett, Republican candidate for County Judge, was also invited to our meeting, however he is still out of the country and
unable to attend. Mr. Barnett did send a copy of his speech in hopes it could be read at our meeting. Janna was under the impression it could not
be read in the library, so did not bring the speech. However, she will send a copy of his speech to anyone requesting it.
Minutes of the September 25, 2006 meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer Janna Lehman reported there are 16 organizational members and 114 associate members (individuals) now paid in 2006. The current
balance is $1,202.12. Balance for the Legal Fund is $8,908.15 from 174 donations. We owe a special thanks to Cindy at Frankson's Printing for
donating the printing of 1,000 brochures. The Treasurer's Report was approved as presented. ( Hats are still available at $15 each.)
Old Business:
REPORT FROM WATER BOARD PLANNING MEETING: Jerry Lehman gave a brief summary of Texas Water Development Board Meeting that he and Janna attended at Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches on September 27th. He showed a booklet given them when they entered the meeting. It is an 'Overview of the State Plan', which Jerry said is an abridged version of a very thick book of the 2007 Water for Texas Proposal Plan. The board talked about the difference in the districts and the regional planning areas, of which there are 16. We are in Region I.
One of the areas that wants our water is the Dallas-Fort Worth-Tarrant County area, which is in Region C. This meeting was an open forum for the public to express questions and concerns regarding the proposal that will eventually be put before the people for a vote. Basically, the board talked about the immediate need for water because of the drought conditions. The drought conditions are referred to as the Palmer Drought Index, and it covers the entire State of Texas. Using this Drought Index, the future water needs and usage are forecasted up to 2060. Region C is the area of greatest concern because it is predicted to have greatest rate of growth. Jerry went on to say they talked a lot about conservation plans and was very much in favor of inter-basin water transfers from Region I (Toledo Bend Lake). Reclamation plans were also discussed. Jerry said this was a very informative meeting. Bill Huegel added a few more comments and answered questions about the Water Planning Board. He says we need to get a member from this area on the SRA-TX Board, and recommended Gene Nethery. The next meeting of the Region I Water Planning Board is set for 12/13/06 at 10 A.M. at Nacogdoches Public Library.
SRA-TX MEETING IN CENTER- Janna reported approximately 25 guests were present, and the SRA Board gave ample time to the guests to make comments. The meeting was extended about an hour to accommodate those guests wishing to address the Board. Janna said she had never known them to do that. A Power Point presentation was given showing the effects of the drought on the Sabine River Basin. Not all the questions were answered, and the answers given were not satisfactory. Janna encouraged anyone who had questions to call the Sabine River Authority.
NOMINATION OF GLEN PROVOST TO ADVISORY BOARD- Just prior to asking Glen Provost to tell about the meeting with Senator-Elect Robert Nichols, Janna Lehman nominated Glen Provost to the TBBSA Advisory Board in a Legal Capacity. The motion was seconded. Maurice said Glen Provost is his neighbor and a lawyer. After confirming Glen agrees to serve, the membership voted to elect him.
MEETING WITH ROBERT NICHOLS- Maurice asked Glen Provost to tell about a recent meeting with Republican Senator-Elect Robert Nichols. Attending the meeting along with Maurice Patterson, was Glen Provost, Larry Kelly, Janna Lehman and Joe Kelley. Maurice said Mr. Nichols knew exactly why the group was there, asked the most penetrating questions, and with no clock on the wall the meeting lasted about 2 and one-half hours. Glen began by commenting on the letter-writing campaign to our legislators that members did, and how it was very evident that his suggestions from last month were taken seriously. Glen said he feels sure that Mr. Nichols will be talking with the SRA, the power companies, the down-river folks, and his colleagues in the legislation, and will be getting answers for himself. Mr. Nichols was also glad to talk with TBBSA representatives face to face to find we are not just a bunch of radicals or 'Rebel Rousers', as had been rumored. Maurice suggested members write
thank-you notes to Senator-Elect Nichols for taking the time to meet with our representatives.
BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS ON NEXT STEPS: Glen Provost, after assuring everyone he has not been retained or paid as legal counsel for his opinion, told members he has reviewed all the documents to find out whether or not there was legal authority to regulate or restrict power generation at some level above 162.2 msl. He concluded he is in agreement with the Louisiana attorney. The SRA is bound by the Power Sales Agreement, and must follow that Agreement. However, that Agreement does contain provisions that would allow the SRA to cease generation at a level other than 162.2. Although the SRA is bound by the Power Sales Agreement, they do have the flexibility to stop generation at a different level, if they so choose. The SRA has taken the position that they are bound by the Consent Decree, the FERC order, and the Power Sales Agreement. Glen feels on all three counts, that is incorrect, and he continued to explain why he believes so. The legal bottom line is the SRA has the right to generate down to 162.2, but does not have to do it, Glen says. He enumerated three things that can occur: 1) The SRA could change their position; 2) The utility companies could change their position; 3) The legislative change, as Louisiana has done. He went on to explain the problems he sees with a legislative pursuit at this time. Having explained all this, Glen went on with the second part by passing out copies of a Draft of Plan to
Discuss Tonight. He has bumper stickers that say 'SAVE TOLEDO BEND, KEEP 168 ' and 'Push Cards' to distribute giving our reasons for our campaign. He encouraged everyone to take and distribute the stickers and push cards. More are available free at Antique Connection. The third part he thought should be done is to have posters made that say 'Save Toledo Bend, Keep 168', and get them placed in all the businesses around the area. It is going to take everyone working to get this message out, so Glen asked people to sign up to chair one of the campaign committees listed on the Draft that was distributed. Janna asked people to think over the needs and get back with her at the bi-statemail@valornet.com E-mail address. Maurice explained about the cost of the materials for the Save Toledo Campaign and wanted to know how people felt about using some of the monies sent for the Legal Fund. After some discussion, Janna moved we contact some of the contributors to the Legal Fund and ask them if it could be put into the General Fund, or would they like the money returned. Motion was seconded, and further discussion followed.
Janna amended her motion to say we contact the contributors to the Legal Fund and ask if the money can be put into the General Fund and leave some in the Legal Fund, if they so choose. The amended motion was seconded. The amendment and the motion both passed.
New Business:
PROPOSED BY-LAWS CHANGES: Maurice asked that the By-Laws be amended so that new members did not have to be voted in for membership. Janna noted there would be two places that changes would be needed. One change needed is the Principle Office Address from a Post Office Box no longer in use to the Anacoco address, and the other change is to strike out the lines referring to the voting-in of members. Changes must be proposed at one meeting, discussed at the next meeting, and then voted on at the third meeting, which will be the January meeting.
APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS: Fifty-two (52) new members were approved as Associate Members: Dixie A. Scott, Tim & Pam Sykes, Steve & Alma Gray, J.R. & Patricia Sanders, Pat Payne at Healthy Solutions, David & Donna Dailey, Art & Sherry Thibodeaux, Marshall & Jimmie Lou Williams, Burl & Barbara Ivy, Lloyd & Ginger Buckheit, John & Cara Martin, Layman & Patty Saltz, all of Hemphill, TX. Wesley & Norma Vice, George Neil, all of Orange, TX. Marc & Paula Hoover, James & Margreat Daniels, Thomas Aiken, Mr. & Mrs. Donald Bates, all of Houston, TX. Charles & Paula Pearson of Many, LA. Homer & Virginia Carroll of Milam, TX. John & Elizabeth Gardemal of Port Arthur, TX. Ray & Mary Ener of Bridge City, TX. Gene & Donna Parker of Baytown, TX. Thomas Tripp of Katy, TX. Mike & Penny Harris of Buna, TX. Howard & Charlotte
Robinson of Deer Park, TX. Bryant & Michelle Embree of Cypress, TX. Dalton & Margie Morris of Vidor, TX. Eddie Smith of Cleveland, TX.
SPECIAL SATURDAY MEETING FOR WEEKENDERS: A special Saturday meeting for weekenders who are unable to attend our regular meetings was discussed. On Saturday, Nov. 4th at 5 P.M., Maurice and Janna will hold an informational meeting at the Library. Janna will E-mail those with addresses, Maurice will send postcards to those with no E-mail.
APPROVAL TO SPEND GENERAL FUNDS: Motion was made and seconded to spend the available funds for Posters, Push Cards, and more Bumper Stickers. Some of the people present tonight offered to change their donations from the Legal Fund to the General Fund. Motion passed.
Next Meeting Dates: November 27, 2006 & January 22, 2007
Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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