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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes August 22, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Don Driscoll, Texas Co-Chairman.
The opening prayer was given by Joe Griffin of Pendleton Harbor Subdivision.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was lead by Don Driscoll.
There were no new members. Two visitors, Thomas Pevito and Charlie McKibben, were welcomed to the meeting. They are neighbors of Joe Kelley.
There were no changes to the Agenda.
Minutes of the July 25, 2005 TBSSA Meeting were not available, however, the June 27, 2005 Minutes were approved at the last meeting.
Janna Lehman reported there are 18 Organizational Members and 25 Associate Members paid for 2005. The new balance is $1775.22 Janna noted a breakout for Bank Charges in the amount of $5.20 is listed in the Expenses column for the current year. Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the Treasurer’s Report as given.
Old Business:
East Texas Region I Planning Committee: Bill Huegel, representative was not present.
Guest--Robert Nichols: Don Driscoll received a call from the secretary of Robert Nichols, our expected guest for this meeting, and said Mr. Nichols (candidate for Texas Senate) would be unable to attend. He is tentatively rescheduled for our November meeting.
Committee Reports: None
Lake Level Legislation: Don asked Larry Kelly about the pending lawsuit filed by the power companies against the Louisiana SRA Board. Larry said at the last Texas SRA meeting, their board voted to enter the lawsuit as a “necessary party”. The LA SRA had to answer that suit and that has been done. There is no further information available at this time. The outcome of this lawsuit will determine whether the Louisiana law is a valid law under the federal guidelines.
Discussion followed regarding the problems arising from the low lake level that is continuing to drop. Many boat ramps are already unusable and this may affect whether or not the Oilman’s Classic Bass Tournament will be held here in September. That tournament reportedly brings in 700 to 900 boats to Toledo Bend Reservoir. Visitors are calling about the lake level prior to coming to the lake, and the marinas are losing business. Power generation will continue until September 30th, or until it is physically impossible to generate, which is at 162.2 msl. Larry also noted there has never been positive inflow to this lake in the month of August, and shared with the group the information that must be given to the power companies on the 14th of the month regarding the water available for power generation. More discussion followed on the terms of the power agreement regarding the peaking power months (May through September) when they are allowed to produce 65,700 megawatts of power. Discussion continued on ways and means of getting information out to the people through articles and letters to newspapers and other publications that may have a connection to Toledo Bend. Larry encouraged attendance at the next meeting of the Joint Board of the SRAs which will be held this Friday, August 26th at 9:30 A.M. at the Toledo Bend Dam office. He will be unable to attend because of other commitments.
By-Law Changes: Copies of the final printing of the New Proposed TBBSA By-Laws were mailed out to the membership. There being no questions or other changes suggested, the new Proposed TBBSA By-Laws will be voted on by those members present at the September meeting.
New Business:
September’s TBBSA meeting will be a “Strategy “ meeting.
October’s TBBSA meeting will have Todd Driscoll, Regional Biologist of the TPWD, as our guest. Have questions ready on the fisheries and hatcheries.
Approval of New Members: None
Approval of Outstanding Bills: During the Treasurer’s Report, a motion was made, seconded and passed to approve payment of $5.00 for the Association’s Corporation dues for 2005.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, September 26, 2005
Meeting Adjourned at 7:50 P.M.
Respectfully Submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary
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