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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes September 22, 2003
The meeting was called to order by Larry Kelly.
J. B. Meyers lead the group in the opening prayer.
Larry reported that Linda Mauer is back home from Rehabilitation, but may be re-entering for further rehabilitation. Larry asked members and visitors to introduce themselves and tell where they are from.
There were no changes to the Agenda.
Minutes of the August 25, 2003 meeting were discussed and approved. Approval of Minutes of July 28, 2003 was postponed until next meeting, when copies of the minutes are available online for all to view.
Janna Lehman gave the Treasurer’s Report, stating the current balance is $ 1,690.63. The organization’s checkbook is still with Linda Mauer. There are 22 Organization Members and 23 Associate Members paid. Also, there are new members to be voted on by the organization. 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.
East Texas Regional Water Planning Committee Report: Bill Heugel, representative, reported the Sabine County’s Population Figures are being upgraded. It is thought that with this area becoming more of a retirement community, the figures for the older population may increase slightly.
New Business:
Lake Level: Larry Kelly
Larry said the Louisiana Governor did issue an Executive Order forming The Toledo Bend Conservation Pool Advisory Council consisting of 17 members. The Council will have 2 representatives from the Toledo Bend Civic Association, 2 from the Lake Association, 2 from the Citizens Advisory Committee, 2 from each of the two power companies, 1 from the LA SRA, 1 from the LA Public Service Commission, 1 from the Governor’s office, 1 from each of the House and Senate Commerce Committees, and 1 At-large member. The Governor will appoint the Chairman of the Council. Larry said the list of appointees has not yet been seen, but names from each of the organizations have been submitted to the Governor’s office.
Larry said the Associations are going to try hard to get the meetings held somewhere near Toledo Bend. As soon as word is received regarding the Council, Larry will post the information on the Internet. In response to a question as to how Texas will be bought into the picture, Larry said it would go to the Joint Board of the SRAs. Discussion followed regarding the power companies and their interaction with other stakeholders in adjoining states. Rates for water withdrawals by individuals in Louisiana are currently $50/yr. The latest proposal to increase the rate to $75/yr. was authorized at last month’s SRA meeting down south, so this month’s public meeting will be held at Toledo Bend so people can express their opinions. That SRA-LA meeting will be this Thursday at 11 A.M. Another topic on the agenda of that meeting will be in regard to the Audit report of Cypress Bend’s Operations where it was disclosed that funds had been shifted from a tax-free fund to the operating fund, and not replaced until reported in the Audit. A question was asked about the lawsuit Larry filed with the District Attorney regarding the SRA-LA’s violation of the Open Meeting Law. Larry said that was resolved last month with the District Attorney reaching an agreement with the La. SRA’s Executive Sessions would be recorded in the future so if there was a question about violation, the D.A. could review the tapes. Larry was agreeable to that. The SRA of TX has not met since the last meeting, so Larry has not heard any more on the moving of 300 thousand acre feet of water to the north, or on the progress of the feasibility study. The SRA of LA voted at the last meeting to authorize the sale of the water, based upon the feasibility study. Larry feels if this water sale comes to pass, it will be a good thing for the lake, and will put more water in the lake than we have had previously. Also, he has mailed letters to each of the power companies regarding the generation of power, has given a copy to each of the SRAs and made a presentation at the SRA Board. Aubrey Temple tried to make a call to CLECO during the last SRA-LA meeting, but was unable to get through, and said he would continue to try to contact them. Generation schedules are issued for each month by the power companies, and must be followed according to the Power Agreement.
Other Comments: Larry said the Executive Order signed by the Governor does require a report from the Council on March 1, 2004, and again on April 1, 2004. Larry will let members know if he should get more information on the Council and its membership. This Bill will be more effective because of the Governor’s Executive Order, and though this governor will not be there when it goes into effect, all new Executive Orders remain in effect for 90 days after the new governor comes on board.
Discussion followed regarding getting Todd Drischoll in to speak on Stripers in the lake. It was suggested we might increase interests in others coming to the meetings by addressing other Lake issues at our TBBSA meetings.
Approval of New Members: Susan McCulley of Milam, Joe & Phyllis Romero of Hemphill, Ronald & Rosella Krick, William & LaRetta Sayers of Mid-Lake were approved as new Associate Members of TBBSA.
Approval of Payment of Outstanding Bills: A bill for the Domestic Corporate Annual Dues to the State of Louisiana for $5.00 was approved for payment.
Next Meeting Date: October 27, 2003
Meeting Adjourned.
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