|
Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes February 28, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Don Driscoll, newly appointed Co-Chairman for Texas.
The opening prayer was given by Steve McMahan of the South Toledo Bend Civic Assoc.
Members and visitors were asked to state their names and associations. Janna requested those in attendance to list names, addresses and e-mail addresses on a sheet being circulated.
Minutes of the January 24, 2005 were accepted as recorded by Stan Verret and transcribed by Betty Griffin.
Janna Lehman, Treasurer, reported a balance of $1,583.53 plus $20.00. There are 7 Organizational members paid for this year, and 16 Associate members. Motion was made, seconded and passed to accept the Treasurer’s report as given.
Old Business:
East Texas Region I Planning Committee: Bill Huegel, representative, was not present.
Fund Raiser: Plans to have a fish fry to raise operating funds for the organization were again discussed. Harry will get in touch with Stan Verret about obtaining a building in which to hold the event, with dates of either April 23rd or April 30th suggested. Janna Lehman and Bill Sayers offered to help Stan Verret with preparations.
By-Laws Changes: Janna sent letters out to each Associate Member and one to each Organization, explaining all the small changes needed to address a change in the way members are eligible to vote. Under the current By-laws, each Organization has one vote and Associate members have a collective vote of one. In order to gain more voting members who are active in attending meetings, it has been suggested each Associate member be given a vote, each family membership be given one vote, and continue with one vote per Organization. Several members offered suggestions for change, and shared how other organizations’ by-laws are structured. Some felt the dues for individuals should be $10, family memberships should be $15, and leave the organizational memberships at $25. Janna will re-write a draft of changes discussed regarding dues, membership status, board of directors vs. board of councilors, and present it at the next meeting.
New Business:
Pre-filing of Bills: John Crisp spoke with Rep. Hamilton today, and with one of his staff members last week. Rep. Hamilton, told him we need to get Sen. Staples to sponsor the bill in the Senate at the same time the bill is filed in the House of Representatives.
However, after speaking with Sen. Staples today, Rep. Hamilton said there are problems right now with filing the bill because there is a lot of negative information being given by Entergy and the TX-SRA on two issues associated with the 168 msl Lake Level. One of the issues is the flooding problem down below the dam, and the other issue is the FERC ruling regarding the 168 msl Lake Level. With all the negative comments, Sen. Staples feels we should wait another year or two to submit a bill regarding the 168 msl level. Rep. Hamilton is still willing to submit a bill, but someone from the Senate will need to sponsor the bill at the same time, or it would be of no use what-so-ever for him to submit the bill. Larry said Joe Kelley has told him Sen. Whitmire, who is a property owner in his subdivision, might be willing to sponsor the bill in the Senate. Joe confirmed this and said with Sen. Whitmire having the same problems with a low lake level as we experience, he probably would be willing to sponsor a bill. Joe said there is also a lobbyist in his neighborhood who knows Sen. Whitmire and would probably be willing to speak to the Senator. Joe will attempt to call the lobbyist tonight, but with the legislators in session, they are very busy right now. Larry has been working with John Crisp and Bill McCarty preparing a letter to distribute to their association members for mailing to Rep. Hamilton and Sen. Staples requesting the filing and vigorously supporting legislation requiring that power generation be stopped at 168 msl, with certain exceptions that are well known. Larry said Sabine County members need to do the same for Senator Staples and the new Representative for Sabine County, Roy Blake. Larry feels we need to make an appointment with Roy Blake to present the data to him, and send the Power Point Presentation on a CD to Sen. Staples. Rep. Ritter might be willing to co-sponsor the bill, too, so letters might be sent to him as well. Further discussion followed on how to go about informing Rep. Blake and Rep. Ritter about our issues. Bill suggested the “pros & cons” type format be used, so the negative information can be countered with factual information.
Lake Level: In response to a question about why the lake level is being kept low, Larry explained the Operating Curve being followed. The previous day’s level was approximately 2 feet lower that the Full Pool level of 172 msl.
.
Approval of New Members: None
Approval of Outstanding Bills: Two bills were submitted for approval and payment: Postage in the amount of $22.80, and ink cartridge in the amount of $24.99.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, March 28, 2005
Meeting Adjourned
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Griffin, Secretary.
|
