Lake Gaston Association

Minutes (approved) Director’s Meeting – November 7, 2007

Lake Gaston Baptist Church – 9:30 AM   First Wednesday

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

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 – Jim Jones, Doc Daugherty, Sherman Merchant, Ed Roughton; Northampton County – Bob Hedgepeth, Linda Hedgepeth, Bruce Johnson, Lavetta Johnson, Roger West, Rebecca Newton, Charles P. Vion, Sr., Carol Weigel; Brunswick County – Harold Carawan, Ron George; Mecklenburg County – Jim O’Brien

and Myron Chaney.

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

Guest Speaker – Jack Saunders introduced our guest speaker, William Flynn.   He is the Land Use Administrator in Northampton County.  His background is in building design and building inspection.  His presentation discussed many issues regarding guidelines and regulations for land use and commercial/residential buildings. 

Soil type is categorized by the following:

A  -  good draining  (20,000 sq ft lot)

B  -  pretty good draining  (40,000 sq ft lot)

C  -  acceptable draining  (80,000 sq ft lot)

D  -  poor draining  (need special system – no permit without it)

Maximum building height is 35 ft – residential gable to foundation wall base.

Accessory buildings require building and zoning permits re: garage, storage sheds, etc.

   (They cannot exceed the primary structure in height.)

Accessory buildings must be 10’ from side lot line or any other structure.

Dominion Power Property follows the guidelines of the Watershed Protection Act (’30 from the water’s edge)

Zoning regulations in Northampton County began in 1994.

Buffer zones began in 2002.  There have been 17 or 18 changes since that time.

There is a 25’ buffer in all new sub divisions on all sides except the front to help protect property values.

There must be 200’ between industry (commercial) and residential.   It cannot be a paved parking lot.

Water line buffer guidelines are regulated by Dominion Power Company.

Northampton County permits high density housing with special permit. 

The developers must submit detailed plans to the proper County authorities.  The Health Department controls the public works (septic system requirements).  It is based on the number of bedrooms and other household capabilities.

Northampton County has a “Junk Car Act” where all junk cars may be considered for mandatory removal from an abandoned area or private property.  County has no one to enforce the law. 

Flood Plain Maps are available for the county.  The maps are from 1988.

Northampton County enacted a Sign Ordinance in 1998.  All signs must be registered.  Directional signs are exempt.   $ 200.00 to keep signs registered annually.  Illegal signs may be removed.  We need to be notified by our citizens for removal.

Virginia is very good on enforcement of soil runoff.  Northampton County has had difficulty in effective enforcement.  We have the ability to stop the work on a building project but must be notified by the citizens and neighbors in the area.

The President thanked Mr. Flynn for his comprehensive report. 

Secretary’s Report – Joee Hoxter

The October 3, 2007 minutes were properly approved and are on file.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill Lindenmuth

The October 31, 2007 report was properly approved and is on file.

Committee Reports

Lake Environment  -  Bill Lindenmuth, Chair

In spite of the drought conditions, the level of the lake has been constant and there are no mandatory restrictions at this time.  Bruce Johnson reported several new constructions sites without a silt fence.  The complete report is on file and may be viewed on our web page.

Safety – Pete Deschenes for Jack Saunders, Chair

Jack and Pete met with Michael Wray who agreed to introduce legislation for mandatory boater safety education.  Rep. Wray will set up a meeting with the Wildlife Commissioners to get them on board.  Pete Deschenes has solicited the involvement of 10 NC Safety organizations and 9 responded positively.  He has also contacted a Legislative Consulting Organization (lobbyists) to assist us in our goal.  Lobbyists may cost money.  Use of their organization is under consideration.  The complete report is on file and may be viewed on our web page.

Aquatic Weed – Pete Deschenes, Chair

Motion – The Aquatic Weed committee proposed a new position paper representing the LGA “to change the use of the number of grass carp from 8 per acre to 15 per acre.”  The motion passed unanimously.  The new position needs to be presented to the Weed Council soon.  This concludes their report.

Membership Development – David Duxbury, Chair

The renewal letters went out to all members this month and we are beginning to get our responses.  The Lifetime memberships have been very successful.  Also, Moira resent to the HOA’s letters telling them of our benefits and asking if we could make a presentation to their association.  The complete report is on file and may be viewed on our web page.

Public Affairs – Larry Jolly, Chair

- The Lakeside Commons proposal was approved two years ago.  The 59 condominiums are in need of a “yet approved” septic system.  All of the information is not available yet and it is premature to take a position on the proposed system.  The LGA wrote a letter to the Department of Environmental Quality noting our concerns.  The possibility of treated waste water flowing into the lake has caused the residents of Lake Gaston great concern.  The LGA will follow this matter closely.  Harold Carawan, RRBA, present in our guest section recommended using a drain field. 

- The Lake Gaston Holiday Boat Festival will be held on November 11, 2007 at South Shore Reality Co. on 903 and Eaton Ferry Bridge on the south shore.  Jack Saunders has volunteered the use of his boat for the LGA.  The organization agreed to be a sponsor at $100.00.  The event will be held from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.  The boats will line up in the water away from the dock and register via VHF radio. The parade will begin at 6:00 PM and remain on the east side of the bridge.   The LGA will have a booth and the President is looking for volunteers to man the booth in shifts.

-  The Public Affairs Committee continues to organize and obtain guest speakers for the monthly LGA meetings on the topics of planning and zoning.

-   The Public Affairs Committee sponsored political candidate’s forums.  The last one was in Mecklenburg County.  There were 80 persons in attendance.  We are in the process of planning forums for next year.

-   The Public Affairs Committee coordinates participation for LGA presence in all festivals throughout the year.

-   The Public Affairs Committee reviewed their mission statement.  As a result, they have revised their goals.  The committee believes the name of the committee should reflect the main duties and responsibilities of that committee.  The chair, Larry Jolly, made a motion that “the name of the committee be changed to the Government Relations Committee.”  The motion was unanimously approved.

-    There will be a Town Hall Meeting on November 14, 2007 in Jackson at the Administration Building.  Senator Jones and Michael Wray will be in attendance.  Please attend if you can fit it into your schedule. 

The complete report is on file and may be viewed on our web site.

Planning and Development – Jack Saunders, Chair

Director Patrick Dempsey has agreed to assist the LGA in mapping of the influence zone.  The committee is reviewing the residential density issues.

There are questions re: the Poplar Creek Marina changes.  They have new owners and are now Poplar Point.  Joee Hoxter agreed to do the research on the variance requested and report back to the Directors.  The complete report is on file and may be viewed on our web site.

Nominating Committee – John Cataldo for Laura Kolb

We are still in need of Directors for Halifax and Brunswick Counties.  There are two potential candidates for Halifax that are interested in joining in January.  We continue to look for new Directors.  The complete report is on file and may be viewed on our web site.

Executive Director’s Report – Moira Underwood

Moira reported on all of the ED’s activity during this past month.  The report is extensive and may be viewed on our web site.

Old Business – None

New Business –

-        The issue of crime in the Lake community was discussed.  The recent armed robbery at Andy’s restaurant is of great concern to the citizens in all five counties who frequent the Food Lion and stores in Warren County at River Road and 903.  Jack’s Safety Committee will address the issue.

-        Pete Deschenes asked for a straw poll to support a Lake Gaston Post Office.  Support was marginal.

-        Directors (Larry, Calvin & John C.) attended a meeting with Dominion representatives.  There is confusion on the use of the terms “slip” vs “boathouse”.  The LGA continues to push for clarification on these terms.

-        There was continued discussion on special management areas and eco-sensitive areas.

-        There was discussion on any proposal for 11 or more slips/docks – they should be governed by the environmental officials – not Dominion Power.  This is also being reviewed.

The meeting was properly adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Joee Hoxter

Secretary