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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes January 26, 2004
The meeting was called to order by Larry Kelly.
Joe Griffin led the group in the opening prayer.
Larry asked that members and visitors go around the room and introduce themselves and tell where they are from.
Linda Mauer was in attendance for the first time since her auto accident.
Changes to the Agenda were as follows: Stan Verret asked to speak after other business; Janna wishes to add the subject of dues for Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Wildlife Federation; Larry asked to add Louisiana Wildlife Federation Convention.
Minutes of the October 27, 2003 were reviewed by Larry Kelly. Minutes of the November 24, 2003 were not available for approval. Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the October 27, 2003 Minutes.
Janna Lehman gave the Treasurer’s Report, stating the current balance is $1,740.63. $75 for 2004 dues has been paid and 4 more memberships have been received tonight. Notices for dues will be going out. Motion was made, seconded and passed to approve the Treasurer’s Report as given.
Old Business:
DETDA Report: Charles English, DETDA representative, was not present. Larry again asked for a volunteer to replace Charles as representative for TBBSA at DETDA. If no one acts as representative to this organization, Larry feels we should not renew our dues for this year. He will check with the members again next month.
East Texas Regional Water Planning Committee Report: Bill Huegel, representative, was not present.
New Business:
Lake Level: Larry Kelly
Larry explained how the SRAs, particularly the Louisiana SRA, would be in trouble financially if the Lake does not rise enough to meet the operation guidelines for power production. In January, the lake level must be above 168.5 to generate, and in February, the level must be above 169 msl, except for the minimal flow. Today’s lake level was at 168.3. In regard to the effort being put forth to have the power companies stop power generation when the level drops below 168 msl, Larry said a meeting was held on November 19th at Cypress Bend Resort. The Lake Level Advisory Committee met. Bernie Boudreaux of the governor’s office is chairman. A decision was made to form a sub-committee, consisting of the power companies, the SRAs, and one representative from each of the civic organizations, that would meet to discuss rate schedules that would help the power companies recover money lost when power generation was stopped at the 168 msl. The sub-committee met as a committee in mid-January in Alexandria to work on the problem. Larry said the meeting was very positive on the part of the power companies, and a representative from the PSC said the rates could be worked out to accomplish their goal. The sub-committee will meet again in mid-February in Alexandria, to show how this could be done. This plan will be taken back to the full Lake Level Advisory Committee. If accepted there, the plan will go to the SRA and Joint Board, and possibly the PUC of Texas. Then, our organization will have to go to the Texas legislators for their support in getting adjustments on the rate schedule. An e-mail has been sent out about the Joint Board meeting at the TB Reservoir Dam office on February 5th at 10:00 A.M. One of the agenda items will be discussion of the LA HB 1264. Everyone is invited to attend. Larry read the other agenda items.
Larry did send a reply to the FERC’s Preliminary Ruling and has heard nothing back. His reply is posted on the Internet.
The SRA -LA has its board meeting on January 29, 2004 at 10:30 A.M. Stump cutting, shoreline lease-back and water withdrawal fees will be discussed. The regular board meeting is at 1:00 P.M. where the Martinez Island Survey, auction of used equipment; finances, water sales and other items will be discussed.
Dues in the amount of $15 to the Sabine County Chamber of Commerce were approved for payment. Harry Johnson agreed to continue to represent TBBSA.
Dues in the amount of $125 to the Louisiana Wildlife Federation were approved for payment. Larry is the State Director and Convention Delegate. The State Convention will be held in New Iberia on Feb. 27-29. Convention costs of approximately $68 for Larry was approved for payment.
Harry asked that a schedule of meetings be sent to the Library. A donation in the amount of $125 was approved to be made to the Library for use of the building for our meetings. Harry announced the upcoming Womanless Beauty Pageant being presented as a fundraiser by the Library.
Stan Verret reminded the members of the February 1st Anniversary of the Columbia Shuttle Crash. A memorial service will be held at the VFW at 8:00 A.M. on Sunday morning. An extensive program has been planned. Stan asked Larry to invite the Louisiana folks that were involved in the recovery. That afternoon at 2:00 P.M. a dedication program will be held at the site for the new Columbia Shuttle Memorial. This is the area where the nose-cone was found. Harry mentioned the Commemorative stamps and cancellation being offered by the Post Office in Hemphill, in memory of the Columbia.
Larry announced the Toledo Bend Lake Association and Bass Unlimited would be having a banquet and auction again this year. There will be another fully rigged boat raffled off. The profits are used for re-stocking and other projects on the lake. He will put out e-mail notices regarding the information.
No word has been received as to the possible appointment of Red Davis to the Texas SRA Board.
Approval of New Members: None
Approval of Payment of Outstanding Bills:
Those stated above:
· Sabine County Chamber of Commerce dues of $15;
· LA Wildlife Federation dues of $125;
· $125 donation to the J. R. Huffman Library.
Next Meeting Date: February 23, 2004
Meeting Adjourned.
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