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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes June 26, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Steve McMahon, Louisiana Co-Chairman.
Steve McMahon gave the opening prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
New members and visitors Pete Calfee, Betty Elliott, Gene and Lida Cooper were introduced.
Agenda was changed to include subject of Joint Board Meeting.
Minutes of the May 22, 2006 meeting were approved as written.
Janna Lehman, Treasurer, reported there are 13 organizational members and 52 associate members now paid in 2006. The current balance is $2,190.50. Balance for the Legal Fund is $3361.26, with 54 donations. Steve mentioned the Toledo Bend Civic Association's $2000 will be available should a lawsuit be filed. Treasurer's Report was approved as given.
Old Business:
CO-CHAIR FOR TEXAS COMMITTEE REPORT: Susan Cowgill reported Gene Nethery suggested the name of Clyde Brewer as a possible candidate for the Texas Co-chairman. She said Clyde Brewer has been very involved with local hospital issues, so she has been unable to approach him, but he is very interested in what we are doing and she feels he would be good as a co-chair. James Clemons and Gene Graham are the other members of this committee. Please contact any of these members with any other suggested names.
SRA OF TEXAS HISTORY BOOK: One 'Las Sabinas' book is available for loan, and Janna is giving it to Gene Graham. Janna will contact other interested members as they become available.
PURCHASE OF TAX ROLL LIST: Janna discovered the CD offered by Harry Johnson was the same 2004 listing as she has, so moved the membership authorize her to purchase a new CD at a cost of $65. Motion was seconded and passed. Steve inquired about any new Louisiana listings that might be sent letters of solicitation. Larry Kelly feels the listing is up to date at this point. In reply to a question about what the legal process is that is talked about, Steve explained that after listing what has been done so far in our efforts, we need legal opinions as to how we can proceed to the next step. The Alliance can then vote on what the next step will be.
New Business:
APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS: Charles and Barbara Watson of Bronson, and Gene Nethery of Milam were approved as new members.
PURCHASE OF NEW HATS: The purchase of 12 new hats at a cost of $13.50 each was approved by the membership.
TEXAS INSTREAM FLOW PROGRAM TECHNICAL WORKSHOP IN DALLAS: Janna read the information regarding this workshop to be held on July 12th in Dallas, and inquired if anyone would be interested in attending. Larry Kelly and Bill Huegel explained the importance of knowing about available water and its uses. Don Driscoll noted our water supply is our 'gold' in this area, and people need to be aware of how it is controlled and used. Bill noted the Water Planning Boards have a web site that has links to information about the Instream Flow Program. Motion for up to $250 was approved for any one person who can attend this workshop on behalf of our membership. Please contact Janna.
TOLEDO BEND PROJECT JOINT OPERATING BOARD MEETING: Larry Kelly said he introduced a motion in the Louisiana SRA Board meeting on June 22nd requesting the Joint Board join the LA-SRA in their request to the power companies that they stop generation at this time due to low lake level and lack of rain, or if stopping generation was not possible to reduce generation as much as possible. Further, if the Joint Board will not join in that request, the LA-SRA will proceed unilaterally to request the power companies stop power generation. The motion was approved. Larry said the Joint Operating Board will be meeting on June 29th at 10:00 A.M. at the Toledo Bend Dam Office of the TX-SRA. He encouraged as many people as can attend that meeting and to speak in support of this request to the power companies, and to let the Texas Board know that you are from Texas.
NEED SOMEONE TO CHECK WITH LOUISIANA SECRETARY OF STATE: Steve and Larry will check with the Louisiana Secretary of State regarding a bill for the TBBSA Corporate dues. Janna says the check for the corporate dues for last year has never cleared, however last year's bill had an erroneous address, so wondered if that was the problem.
EAST TEXAS REGION I PLANNING COMMITTEE: Bill Huegel said the next meeting of the board is about 3 months away, so there is no report. He said there are a couple of things that could impact our water supply. Two proposed new reservoirs, Lake Fastrill on the Upper Neches River and Lake Rockland on the Lower Neches River, were being planned as alternative water strategies. Lake Fastrill has been knocked down by environmental groups getting the Federal Government to establish a Federal Preserve there. Once they do that, they can be used only for that. Efforts are being made to do that to all the areas proposed for reservoirs, and the impact of that is there will be no more reservoirs built in Texas, but there will still be a need for water. Another key issue to us is the Ground Water Conservation District. If our area does not belong to a district, our ground water will be controlled by the rules of other counties.
APPROVAL OF OUTSTANDING BILLS: None submitted.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, July 24, 2006
Meeting Adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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