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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes January 24, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Linda Mauer.
The opening prayer was given by Steve McMahan of the South Toledo Bend Civic Assoc.
Linda welcomed Steve as representative of the So. T.B. Civic Assoc., replacing Larry Kelly. Members and visitors were asked to state their names and associations.
Changes to the Agenda under New Business: The Estuary Issue.
Motion was made by Larry Kelly, seconded by Janna Lehman, to accept the Minutes of the November 22, 2004 meeting as written. Motion passed. Stan Verret is acting secretary for this meeting, in absence of Betty Griffin.
Janna Lehman, Treasurer, reported a balance of $1,476.53 at the end of the year. There were 20 Organizational members paid in 2004 and 2 listed on this report as paid for this year with another 2 paying tonight. There were 20 Associate members paid in 2004, with 2 listed as paid on this report, another 4 or 5 have paid tonight. 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.
Documents on Projected Power Distribution Costs: Larry Kelly reported no further information will be available from Entergy and CLECO regarding the figures used as best and worse case scenarios for power usage. Linda and Larry agreed the information we already have could be placed in a Memo, and Linda could complete the letters to Sen. Staples and Representative Hamilton.
CO-Chairman for Louisiana: Larry is still trying to get someone, perhaps Steve McMahan, to take the position.
Data Base Collection Progress: Larry has all the names in the data base, with the exception of the largest subdivision. He had that subdivision’s data base, but it was in a format that he was unable to open, and now he has all the names in a format he can use.
The next step will be to get the names and addresses of the legislators for each of these names. At some point, property records may need to be looked at to get names of owners who do not live here. Larry led discussion on the need to look at the by-laws of our organization, perhaps changing the structure to include more individual members instead of just organizations as was originally set up. A membership drive is needed, and some means of reaching the members and distributing information to all members needs to be addressed. The postcard mailings reached a number of potential members, but mailings are expensive. An increase in dues was suggested.
Larry reviewed the history and goals of the TBBSA for the new members and visitors. He offered to furnish any more information anyone would like.
Linda announced there are still hats for sale at $12 each, if anyone is interested.
New Business:
Texas CO-Chairman: The Acting Texas CO-Chairman, Linda Mauer, is moving to Vidor, TX and will not be able to participate. Don Driscoll offered to take it, and several agreed to help him, if he would take charge. Linda thanked him for stepping up.
Pre-filing of Bills: John Crisp said Representative Hamilton has agreed to pre-file 2005 legislation similar to the Bill filed by Sen. Nixon, if we would send him the background on the original legislation and any other information that might help. Rep. Hamilton will need a sponsor in the Senate. Once we have the Bill number, we need to start contacting our legislators about supporting it. Larry will help with letters for Don to send to our Texas senator and representative.
Estuary Issue: Lower Sabine Priority Instream Stakeholders Meeting:
Larry explained this meeting is to look at how much fresh water is going to be needed to maintain the estuaries and bays downstream. In case of a drought, we as stakeholders might be affected by having the inflow water taken to maintain the estuaries instead of going into the lake. Larry and John are enrolled to attend this meeting in Orange on Feb. 3rd at the Garden District. Janna will put that notice on our website bulletin board.
Change of Membership Status: Motion was made and seconded to propose changing
the membership status of TBBSA to 1) Individual, 2) Family, 3) Organizational, with each having voting rights. Recommendation is leaving Organizational dues at $25, Individual dues $10, and making Family dues $15. This proposal will be posted on the website’s Bulletin Board, and can be voted on at our March meeting.
Approval of New Members: Membership approved Associate members, Dan and Carol Aaron of Hemphill, and also Alan Marcus and Karen Neumann of Hemphill.
Approval of Outstanding Bills: Stan Verret moved to approve payment of $125 for dues to the Louisiana Wildlife Federation for 2005, Janna seconded the motion, and it was approved. Larry Kelly moved to approve payment of $15 dues to Sabine County Chamber of Commerce, seconded by Stan Verret, and approved by membership.
Next Meeting Date: Monday, February 28, 2005
Meeting Adjourned
Transcribed by Betty Griffin, Secretary.
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