Lake Gaston Association

Minutes (approved) Director’s Meeting – December 5, 2007

Lake Gaston Baptist Church – 9:30 AM    First Wednesday

Mission:  To identify lake issues affecting our members and pursue resolution with the responsible organization

Location:    Lake Gaston Baptist Church

                  Littleton, North Carolina

Convened:   9:30 AM by President John Cataldo

Pledge of Allegiance:  Led by the President

Moment of Silence:  The President asked us to remember our sons and daughters in the military serving in areas around the world.

Visitor Introductions:  Warren County – Roland Beauchaine, Sherman Merchant, Joe Chaney, Doc Daugherty, Lewis Bryant, Charles Haislip, Anthony  Manack, Don Vandegrift, Ron Skow, Becky Walker, William La Monte, Ed Roughton, Richard Stimson, Ann Hoofnagle, Bill Hoofnagle, Art Schindehette, Charlene Schindehette; Mecklenburg County – Jim O’Brien, Joyce Lindenmuth, Fred Taylor; Northampton County – Lavetta Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Carol Weigel, Roger West, Becky Newton; Brunswick County –

Harold E. Carawan, Sarah Raible, Paul Piluso, Wally Sayko, Ron George; Halifax County - Hank Dewald; and Skip Wiegersma.

Director Attendance:  Present – John Boyle, Barbara Burgdoerfer, John Cataldo, Pete Deschenes, Calvin DeShields, Ralph Domach, David Duxbury, Joee Hoxter, Doug Hughes, Larry Jolly, Laura Kolb, Bill Lindenmuth, Jack Saunders, Lenny Turner, and Moira Underwood. Absent – Bill Bryant, Patrick Dempsey, Johnna Fross, Fred Kneisel, John Slaton, Jim Smalfelt and Vernon Wilson.

Guest Speaker – Ken Krulik, Warren County Planning Director.  Roland Beauchaine introduced our guest speaker and reminded everyone that Mr. Krulik is no stranger to the LGA.  He was an important consultant to our Planning and Development Committee prior to obtaining his new appointment with the Warren County Planning Department.  He was the senior planner with Vance County for 3 1/2 years before returning to Warren County. He is with us today to update our organization on the progress of a land use plan in Warren County and land development with ways to look at growth management.  An outline of some of his comments, questions and answers follows:

-        My presentation today will focus on “growth management for counties and communities.)

-        The Basic Premise of Land Use Law exists a) protect public health and/or welfare

        b) protect property from inappropriate uses c)  provide for regulated use of the

        land and d) permit approved interesting mixed uses.

-        In Warren County the zoning is out of date and ordinances need revisions

-        Education is needed for developers on how to best use a land plan.

-        Growth management supports a) sustainable development that meets current and future needs of the land and b) low impact design criteria – multiple uses considering esthetics, enhancing environment & quality of life “better image return”.

-        Increased buffer requirements are suggested

-        A temporary suspension on development in lake areas while re-zoning is examined (in place of a moratorium).

-        What options are available?  a)  revise zoning ordinances b) update zoning map in “lake area” (work on the lake map began in October) c) pursue educational options for developers to use low impact designs.

-        There are court cases across the country that support the case for growth management.

-        Planners and staff should be able to draft necessary ordinances.

-        Support from the community for land use plans is necessary.

-        Ultimate decision is that of the commissioners (or supervisors).

-        Each county needs to look at what is current.  Many zoning laws around the lake are 22 years old.

-        New laws are needed to address abandoned houses, etc.

-        New laws are needed to address erosion.

-        The state may not have the manpower needed to monitor or implement a viable plan – it may be up to local officials to control land management issues.

-        Measures we can support to protect the land ….

a)     advocate buffers

b)     must file plans with the appropriate agencies

c)      citizen advisory group to look at zoning – keep in touch with commissioners (supervisors).

d)     volunteer to monitor specific issues

e)      VA has sedimentation laws (use them as model for other counties)

f)      Ken has agreed to share his information with neighboring counties  (coordination is important).

Mr. Krulik answered many questions from our Directors and LGA members in our audience.  If anyone has a need for additional information he may be reached at the following:

Ken Krulik, CZO

Planning and Zoning Administrator

542 West Ridgeway Street

Warrenton, NC 27589

(252) 257-7027                  email address:  kkrulik@co.warren.nc.us

The President thanked Mr. Krulik for his presentation. 

Secretary’s Report – Joee Hoxter

The November 7, 2007 minutes were properly approved and are on file.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill Lindenmuth

The treasurer indicated that an audit by an accountant will cost approximately $ 500.00.  This is an unbudgeted item.  He also stated that several categories have been changed to match the needs of the current board.  A Federal Form 990 must be completed due to our income exceeding $ 25,000.  The total asset less liabilities is $ 27,496.  The November financial report was properly approved and is on file.

Committee Reports 

Nominating Committee – Laura Kolb, Chairperson

We continue to search for candidates to fill the Director positions where needed.  All members are asked to assist in the search.

Lake Environment – Bill Lindenmuth, Chairman

The Lake Gaston Community is in a drought condition along with the rest of the southeastern states.  We need to be conservative with our water.  The LGA Environment Committee would like to be notified if the lake is unexpectedly low.

The complete report is on file.

Safety – Jack D. Saunders, Chairman

Be aware that when calling “911” from a cell phone you must give your exact location (there is no automatic address presented on the police department’s computer). The complete report is on file.

Aquatic Weeds – Pete Deschenes, Chairman

The committee approved the use of 15 carp as opposed to 8 carp to be referred to the Weed Council.  Skip Wiegersma stated that he is now an independent contractor in the lake area and is seeking the support of individuals who need “weed treatment” near their docks.   Bruce Johnson gave information to the members on the use of the monies from the acquired grant.  Location of large mats has not be noted yet.  The complete report is on file.

Membership Development – David Duxbury, Chairman

A presentation was made in the Ferncliff subdivision in November.  The committee has been present at the Festival of Lights.  Our Lifetime memberships are going well.  Realtors have been slow to respond to our “introductory package” due to the decrease in home sales.  There were 1230 households as members before the renewal letters were mailed.  The complete report is on file.

Government Relations – Larry Jolly, Chairman

The LGA sponsored a boat in the November 17^th boat parade.  Our participation on the water and as a vendor was successful.  Harold E. Carawan indicated that he would like to represent the RRBA and participate with the LGA in any negotiatons re: the proposed waste water treatment facility on Pea Hill Creek.  The LGA does not agree with Dominion Power’s interpretation of the concept and /or usage of the terms “dock” “slip” and “boathouse” in the application from Eaton’s Crossing.

Motion  “The LGA recommends to FERC “not to approve the application of Eaton’s Crossing regarding the number of docks/slips.”  The motion was approved unanimously.  (Please see the detailed description of the concern in the Planning and Development November 16^th committee minutes.)  The complete Government Relations report is on file.

Planning and Development – Jack D. Saunders, Chairman

The committee reviewed issues regarding the Eaton’s Crossing subdivision, the waste water treatment facility proposed by Lakeside Commons on Pea Hill Creek, the concept of “incorporation of a Lake Gaston town”, and other matters.  Patrick Dempsey is working on our mapping project.  The complete report is on file.

Executive Director’s Report – Moira Underwood

The Executive Director indicated her many duties throughout the past month.  The renewal letters have been sent and follow-up letters will be sent at the beginning of next year.  She produced the December 2007/January 2008 Bulletin with input from committee chairs, the president and herself.  The complete report is on file.

Old Business –  None

New Business  -   None

The meeting was properly adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Joee Hoxter