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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes March 27, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Janna Lehman, Acting Texas Co-Chairman.
The opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance was given by Joe Griffin.
Janna welcomed visitors and members and asked all present to stand and introduce
themselves.
Minutes of the February 27, 2006 meeting were approved as written.
Janna Lehman, Treasurer, reported there are 11 organizational members and 44
associate members now paid in 2006. She noted the increase in the total associate
members was due to the counting of couples individually, according to the newly
revised by-laws. The current balance is $2,067.78 and in the Separate Lawyer Fund
the total is $2600. The Treasurer's Report was approved as given.
Old Business:
Only one Hat available for sale at $12 each.
EAST TEXAS REGION I PLANNING COMMITTEE: No report.
SRA OF TEXAS MEETING: Janna and Jim Clemons attended the TX-SRA Board
meeting held on March 16, 2006. Janna gave a synopsis of the meeting, reporting
the main topic for discussion was regarding money received from FEMA in the
amount of $210,000. The bulk of this money will be used mostly for generators for
the General Authority Office in Orange so that the SRA will be able to continue
operation in the event of another hurricane in that area. She said the SRA has
approved three more Community Assistance Grants of $10,000 each. (GM Water
Company in Hemphill was given $10,000 approximately a year ago). She said the
board talked about the Drought Contingency Plan and also about Sabine Lake.
APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS: Marion & Nina Robbs of Hemphill, and Gene
& Linda Graham of Hemphill were approved as new members.
APPROVAL OF OUTSTANDING BILLS: Approval of payment was voted for the
following bills:
1) $25.35 General postage on 3/1/06;
2) $135.74 Mass mailing postage on 2/28/06.
3) $43.80 Postage for dues & mass mailing on 1/25/06.
4) $16.28 Postage for dues notices to members on 7/5/05 ( Receipt just
turned in.)
New Business:
SRA OF TEXAS HISTORY BOOK: Jim Clemons has purchased and made
available for loan four copies of a new book by Bob Bowman entitled 'Las
Sabinas'. The book contains a lot of historical data about the area and the Sabine
River Authority operation. Books may be borrowed for one month at a time. Jim
noted a library copy is also available.
SHORT HISTORY OF TBBSA: Janna apologized to those people who came to our
meeting last month expecting to learn about TBBSA organization, and because of
the number of political candidates that spoke and our late start of meeting, there
was no time left for the regular meeting agenda. Tonight, Janna has made available
brochures on TBBSA, our by-laws and other information on Toledo Bend Reservoir.
It was pointed out that Rep. Roy Blake, candidate for state senator, spoke of the
need for a SRA Board member from our county, and the other political candidates
agreed. Janna reminded everyone that in order to get someone from our area on the
SRA Board, that person has to be recommended by a senator and supported by a
representative before approaching the governor to appoint that person. Richard
Barnett, candidate for Sabine County Judge, spoke up and enumerated the
unwritten qualifications needed to be considered for a member of the TX-SRA
Board.. Richard will be meeting next week with Republican candidates for state
senator and has offered to take and submit a name as recommendation from
TBBSA. The name of Gene Nethery was lifted as a possible suggestion. Janna
continued by reading a short history of TBBSA for those unfamiliar with this
organization. Discussion followed on where our efforts are at this time. One
suggestion was to get news articles out that include the names of companies
benefiting from this lake and taking away from recreational use by land owners,
businesses and visitors to Toledo Bend Reservoir. Janna noted the Internet website
for TBBSA, www.toledo-bend.com/alliance has a link for SRA Meetings, Regional
Board Meetings, Minutes of the TBBSA and other information.
OUR CURRENT FOCUS: A Lawyer Fund has been established in order to
eventually file a Mandamus Law Suit on behalf of TBBSA. Some solicitation letters
have gone out and $2600 has been deposited to the account. Janna asked for
volunteers to help in creating mailing and E-mail lists. Motion was made, seconded
and passed to send out an additional sampling of 200 solicitation letters.
OTHER ITEMS: Don Driscoll submitted his resignation as Texas Co-Chairman of
TBBSA. Janna offered to chair the monthly meetings until another Co-Chairman is
elected. Motion was made, seconded and passed to submit the name of Gene
Nethery as a possible recommendation for TX-SRA Board member. Richard
Barnett will follow up with him.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, April 24, 2006
Meeting Adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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