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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes May 22, 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.
There were no changes to the Agenda.
Minutes of the April 24, 2006 meeting were approved as written.
Janna Lehman, Treasurer, reported there are 12 organizational members and 47 associate members now paid in 2006. With the Hills joining tonight, the total for associate members is now 49. The current balance is $2,125.50. Balance for the Legal Fund is $3086.26, with 52 donations. Steve mentioned the Toledo Bend Civic Association has voted to set aside $2000 to be used should a lawsuit be filed, so that additional amount may be available to the Legal Fund. Treasurer’s Report was approved as given.
Old Business:
EAST TEXAS REGION I PLANNING COMMITTEE: No Report.
CO-CHAIR FOR TEXAS: Discussion followed on the need and expectations of someone to serve as Texas Co-Chairman for TBBSA. Steve asked for volunteers to serve on a committee to locate someone. James Clemons, Susan Cowgill, and Gene Graham have agreed to serve as a committee to find someone to serve as Texas Co-Chairman.
LEGAL FUND: Motion was made and carried to change wording in our solicitation letter to reflect the need for advice, not suggesting a lawsuit. A new updated letter of solicitation of funds for legal advice will be sent out in July or August. Janna requested authority to obtain a new mailing list. Harry Johnson offered to make available a newer list he has. Discussion followed about ways to get names and addresses in Newton and Shelby counties.
NAME TO CONTACT RE: LEGAL ADVICE: Ann Landry, a paralegal with a law firm and whose name was given to Janna by members from Beechwood, works with a firm that is interested in our situation. Janna was given the firm’s name of Harris, Lively & Duesler, LLP. and the phone number, so that information is available when needed. Members shared experiences with expensive and long drawn-out lawsuits that we should not get involved with. The B.A.S.S. Federation may be of help to us in our struggle.
SRA OF TEXAS HISTORY BOOK: The available “Las Sabinas” book has been given to Don Driscoll. Janna will contact other interested members as books become available.
SRA OF TEXAS APPOINTMENT: Susan Cowgill contacted the Texas SRA office in Orange and was told there will be two openings for appointment, or re-appointment, in July. Susan also distributed a sample letter to Governor Perry stating the qualifications of Gene Nethery as our nomination for appointment to the TX-SRA Board. Each member was urged to write a similar letter to Gov. Perry and send copies to our area legislators. Please do this right away.
GENE NETHERY: Steve introduced Gene Nethery and asked him to speak to the members. Gene thanked him and talked about the best opportunity for Sabine County to make a difference is to focus on economic development. A law has been passed that allows us to market our area as a “Retirement Destination”, and we are missing an opportunity if we don’t take advantage of this marketing tool. The Sabine County Chamber of Commerce has been approached about being the sponsor of the application that must be submitted to the Texas Department of Agriculture in order to become certified as a “Retirement Destination”. This designation allows Sabine County to be marketed nationally by the State of Texas, as well as by our county. Gene says local support is a great need, and getting our application into the first “wave” of applications is of the utmost importance. Robert Wood, Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture, is in charge of this program and wants to make sure it is successful. So the county needs to be getting the application into the Dept. of Agriculture within the next three months. Gene feels this program would go a long way toward helping our goals for Toledo Bend Lake and a better working relationship with the Texas Sabine River Authority. There is a $5000 fee that must be submitted with the application, and certification is only for five years. Gene says if appointed to the SRA Board, he will do his best to represent the counties surrounding Toledo Bend Reservoir.
New Business:
COST OF BULK MAILING: Janna reported the bid for printing, which includes the postage, the printing and mailing would cost 26 cents each for totals of 200 to 10,000 copies. This does not include envelopes.
APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS: Austin and Mary Hill of Hemphill, TX were approved as new members.
APPROVAL OF OUTSTANDING BILLS: None submitted.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, June 26, 2006
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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