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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes August 28, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Steve McMahon, Louisiana Co-Chairman.
Steve gave the opening prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Visitors and members were welcomed and asked to introduce themselves. Steve thanked everyone for coming to the meeting and mentioned hand-outs are available concerning our organization, if anyone is interested. He also said Larry Kelly was probably the most knowledgeable of the group if there were
questions about the TBBSA.
The Agenda was changed to include under New Business two options for mailing out the Letter of Solicitation that Janna Lehman has prepared.
Minutes of the July 28, 2006 meeting were approved as written.
In the absence of Treasurer Janna Lehman, copies of the August 15th report were distributed showing 15 organizational members and 56 associate members now paid in 2006. The current balance is $2,094.60. Balance for the Legal Fund is $3490.30, from 56 donations. An additional $2000 is available in the event of a lawsuit. Treasurer's Report was approved as presented.
Old Business:
HATS AVAILABLE: TBBSA hats are available for sale at $15 each. The increase in price is due to shipping cost.
CO-CHAIR FOR TEXAS COMMITTEE REPORT: Susan Cowgill talked with Clyde Brewer as a possible candidate for the Texas Co-chairman. Steve said Clyde Brewer is still very involved with local hospital issues, so we should still be looking
for other possible candidates. James Clemons and Gene Graham are the other members of this committee. In answer to a question about what is involved in being Co-chairman, Larry Kelly gave some of the issues and background of TBBSA and the efforts that have been made. He said this person needs to be someone who will attend SRA meetings and speak to the SRA Board about our issues. More discussion followed. Steve emphasized this person needs to be someone who will always show up for meetings and be interested in the lake issues.
SRA OF TEXAS HISTORY BOOK: A copy of 'The Gift of Las Sabinas' book was loaned to Gene Cooper.
STATUS OF LOUISIANA CORPORATE DUES: Larry Kelly has been given a check to mail to the Louisiana Corporate Dues for the 2006 application.
New Business:
APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBER: Betty Elliott of Hemphill, Texas was approved for membership.
REVISED LETTER OF SOLICITATION: For the benefit of visitors and new members, Steve gave a brief statement of how Louisiana was able to get legislation passed, and how we are now working to get funds for legal advice on how to get
legislation passed in Texas. Copies of the revised Letter of Solicitation were given out. Steve read the accompanying letter from Janna regarding past distribution efforts and two options to discuss and consider for paying to distribute the new letter. Janna has refined the Sabine County Property list of 18,700 names by deleting all duplicates, tax exempt and incomplete addresses and now has a current list of 9,839 for which she has made labels. Two options for funding the mailing of the Revised Letter of Solicitation were given in Janna's letter. Option A would use only the money available in our regular account and would fund only 5000 letters, Option B would combine the
available funds from our regular account plus the remainder from the Legal Fund account to mail all 9,839 letters. A motion was made and seconded to go with Option B, however, after much discussion regarding the possible inappropriate use of the Legal Fund monies, the motion was rescinded. At this time, a new visitor, John Woodward, Esq., was introduced. Mr. Woodward, a recently retired attorney from California, offered to give his opinion regarding the legality of mixing funds from two separate accounts. More discussion followed and John Woodward emphasized we need to start by contacting our local elected officials, then district and state politicians, and do that on a constant basis. And not back off! Motion was made and
seconded to take the $1780 from our general treasury and send out 5000 letters (Option A). Motion was approved. Janna will be notified to mail out the 5000 letters. After more discussion, it was suggested that a copy of the letter be appended to the TBBSA website. Raffles and other ways to raise funds to mail
additional letters were discussed. There were questions about whether or not marina owners and other business owners have been contacted.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Gene Graham, President of the River Bend Association, shared copies of a letter he drafted to be mailed to our elected state officials, along with a list of their addresses. He said this letter was sent to all the River Bend property owners, so wondered if anyone else would like to put their names on a copy and send to the governor, senator and
representative. He wanted folks to know this letter has not been approved by TBBSA in any way, but is available if one would like a copy.
Steve thanked everyone for coming and participating tonight. In closing comments, lease back payments were a topic for discussion, and it was noted that payment of those charges gives permission for use of that property between the lake and 175 msl.
APPROVAL OF OUTSTANDING BILLS: None submitted.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, September 25, 2006
Meeting Adjourned .
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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