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Toledo Bend Bi-State Alliance
Minutes May 19, 2003
The meeting , held in the American Legion Hall, was called to order by Larry Kelly.
Joe Griffin lead the group in the opening prayer.
Linda Mauer introduced Evelyn Kilgore, a broker for Prime Properties Realty who is licensed in both Texas and Louisiana. Evelyn, a member of TBBSA, in her position as a realtor, has consented to speak at the SRA Board Meeting on the impact of the lake level on the buying and selling of properties around the lake. Evelyn has called and talked with other realtors, and will present about 5 or 6 questions at the meeting.
Larry Kelly asked members and visitors in attendance to introduce themselves and state where they are from. Another visitor to tonight’s meeting was Ron Swanson, Hemphill resident. Larry noted that changes in the meeting night and the location this month probably contributed to the low attendance.
There were no changes to the Agenda.
Minutes of the April 28, 2003 meeting were approved and accepted as read.
Janna Lehman gave the Treasurer’s Report. Current balance is $2103.96. This takes into consideration the last membership, El Camino Bay, giving us 22 organization members and 19 associate members. Expenses include the printing of the posters and postcards, but does not include the postage. Postage for the bulk mailing will be approximately $475, and will be paid tomorrow. Motion was made, seconded and approved to accept the treasurer’s report.
Old Business:
DETDA Report: Charles English, DETDA representative, was not present. Larry feels it is important that we be represented in that organization, and asked members to actively seek someone to be the delegate to replace Charles for the DETDA meetings.
East Texas Regional Water Planning Committee Report: Bill Heugel, representative, was not present.
New Business:
Lake Level: Larry Kelly
LEGISLATION: LA & TX--Larry pointed out the smoothness of the progress made with legislative efforts in Louisiana was through the support and lobbying efforts of the people making the trips to Baton Rouge to speak with all the legislators. He named Frank and Mona Davis, from the Louisiana Toledo Bend Lake Association. Linda Talbert, Ron and Arley Talbott, Don Lemieux, and Jeff & Anita Webb, the Toledo Bend Citizens Advisory Committee, making the trips and writing letters. He commended Rep. Joe Salter in his efforts to get a meeting prior to the legislation actually going to the floor, and getting a dual track mode in getting the legislation passed. The power companies are not lobbying against it this time. There is a House Concurrent Resolution going forward that will put together an Advisory Committee (where we will have representation through the South Toledo Bend Civic Association, The Lake Association and the Citizens Advisory Committee) to work out an amendment to the Power Sales Agreement. If that is not worked out prior to May 1, 2004, and HB 1264 passes the Senate, then HB 1264 will become law on May 1, 2004.
All agreed the letters sent or phone calls made to the LA Legislators made the difference. This Bill will come before the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday, May 21st, and more presentations will be given at that time.
SRA-TX: The Hemphill meeting with the TX SRA Board of Directors to discuss the Lake Level Issue will be at 1:00 P.M. on May 29, 2003 at the VFW Hall. Linda plans to go before the City Council tomorrow night to get support for the Resolution made back in 1998 or 1999. Linda Mauer said Don Iles has agreed to address the SRA Board in support of that Resolution passed a couple of years ago. Janna Lehman approached the Commissioner’s Court and they reaffirmed their support of the previous Resolution. Lynn Smith has agreed to address the SRA Board, but Judge Leath and Fayne Warner both have other commitments. Larry said he had a notice from the news-release that the SRA is putting out, indicating they will provide cards for the people to sign who wish to speak. Linda, as Co-chairman of TBBSA, will be first to speak and then Larry will make a presentation. After that, Evelyn Kilgore and others will speak. Only two of the nine SRA Board members have property that touches the lake, and none live at Toledo Bend, so we need them to hear from all concerned citizens. Representatives from both the Sabine Parish and Sabine County Chamber of Commerce will address the Board. Media representatives will be invited to the meeting. Further discussion followed on plans for the TX SRA Board Meeting. Janna asked members to take the posters and post them in appropriate places. Larry passed out copies of a draft of TBBSA Board’s response to Rep. Wayne Christian’s letter in last week’s Sabine Reporter regarding the TX SRA Board Meeting at the VFW on May 29th. That letter will be printed in the Sabine Reporter this week. The Sabine Reporter’s charge for the response is about $200, and contributions toward that expense were accepted tonight.
Approval of New Members: None
Approval of Payment of Outstanding Bills: Approval was given for payment of $130 for printing of postcards & posters, $208.42 to Janna for Sabine Reporter, and approximately $475 (+/- $25) for mailing costs.
Janna will be absent for the next two meetings, so the checkbook will be left with Linda Mauer.
Next Meeting Date: June 23, 2003
Meeting Adjourned.
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