LAKE GASTON ASSOCIATION

Minutes (approved) Director’s Meeting – July 2, 2008

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

Inspirational Reading:      Moment of silence

Visitor Introductions:       Press:  Judith Forest, Littleton Observer, Della Batts, Lake Gaston Gazette.  Dominion: Joe Peterson, Carolyn Allen.  Warren County:  Sherman Merchant, Joe Chaney, Jim Jones, Bill & Ann Hoopnagle, Ron Skow, Roland Beauchaine, Doc Daugherty, Warren County WC Public Utilities: Macon Robertson, Linda Evans; Halifax County:  Jim Smalfelt;  Northampton County: Nancy Maguire, Lavetta & Bruce Johnson, Roger West; Mecklenburg County: Joyce Lindenmuth.

Director Attendance:  Present -- Bill Bryant, John Cataldo, Ralph Domach, David Duxbury, Doug Hughes, Larry Jolly, Fred Kneisel,  Laura Kolb, Bill LaMonte, Bill Lindenmuth, Jack Saunders,  Lenny Turner, Vernon Wilson.  Absent – Barbara Burgdorfer, Patrick Dempsey, Calvin DeShields, Joee Hoxter.

Visitor Issue:  Public Hydrilla Treatment:  A visitor living on Pigeon Roost Creek reported concerns and dissatisfaction with treatment on his creek.  Treatment was on June 8^th, 3 days before the posted date of June 11^th.  One side only of the Creek was posted.  He reported hydrilla reductions were spotty and unsatisfactory.  One may report concerns regarding public treatment by: 

• Filing a complaint may be filed to the NC Department of Agriculture where the applicator is issued his license

• Contacting Wally Seco or Tom Wingren of the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council, which awarded the weed treatment contract to the applicator

• Sending a letter to the editor.

Guest Speaker: Water System Installation in Warren County:  Northhampton Director Larry Jolly introduced Macon Robertson, Director of Public Utilities for Warren County, a lifetime resident of Warren County, employed by Warren County for 11 years and in the water industry for over 32 years.  He holds the highest levels of certification issued by the State of North Caroline in Water Distribution and Waste Water Collections.  Macon is an active member of the American Water Works Association and sits on the executive board of directors for the North Carolina Water Works Association.  Mr. Robertson addressed the issue of developing a comprehensive water system in Warren County.  All funding is provided by grants primarily from USDA (not local tax dollars).  The water system is being completed in phases, with Phase II (75% coverage) almost complete and Phase III (90% coverage) is ready to be implemented in a couple of years.  A water pipeline is being installed under the Eatons Ferry bridge to connect both sides of Warren County and reduce the cost of water to residents on the north side of Lake Gaston.  New subdivisions must connect to the County water.  Older subdivisions may connect under certain conditions including:  1) the subdivision makes the request; 2) if the subdivision covenants allow the change from private to public water; 3) the connection does not have to cross Virginia property.  Grant dollars cannot be used to put in pipes on vacant lots or private property.  Total cost of the system will be $40 million.  Fire hydrants:  Warren County has chosen not to mandate hydrants, basing their placement on population density or proximity to structures larger than 500 sq. ft (such as churches).  Each fire hydrant costs $2800.

Secretary’s Report:  Due to the absence of the secretary, the minutes were not approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  Bill Lindenmuth reported that income is greater than outflow at this time.  The February financial report was properly approved and is on file.

Planning & Development:  Jack Saunders (Chair)

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

Nominating Committee: Laura Kolb (Chair) reported that directors are needed for Brunswick, Halifax, and Northhampton counties.

Lake Environment:  Vernon Wilson (Chair)

• Bill Lindenmuth reported that the “Secch Dip-In,” a national water clarity monitoring program, will take place over the next two weeks.  Bill stated that Lake Gaston has some of the best water quality in Virginia, with the Lake Gaston water getting progressively clearer downstream of Kerr Dam.

• Bruce Johnson reported on grass carp:  NC allows 2 grass carp by bow on Lake Gaston.  Letters have been sent to Fish and Wildlife to disallow this practice.  A proposal that carp hunting be limited to 1 fish, larger than 36” will be presented at the January Wildlife meeting public hearing on this issue.

• Bruce asked for volunteers for surveying aquatic plants.  A training meeting will be August 1 at Eatons Ferry Grill.

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

Safety:  Jack Saunders (Chair)

• There will be a Safe Boating Alliance conference call at the end of July.

• Jack moved that Pete Deschanes remain Chair of the Safe Boating Alliance.  Motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.

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

Membership:  David Duxbury (Chair)

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

Government Relations:  Larry Jolly (Chair)

• Lesley Sullivan is August speaker

• Voting rights for part-time residents:  Concerns have been expressed by part-time lake residents that they have no vote in local elections since they have voting privileges only in the primary residence county.  A constitutional amendment would be required to allow voting in two places.  Larry Jolly moved that a letter be sent to the NC legislature to amend the constitution to allow part-time residents to vote in the two local election places in which they have residences.  This was seconded and passed by voice vote.  The GR committee will draft the letter for John Cataldo’s signature.

• Roland Beauchaine (visitor) reported that there are discussions at the NC state level about the state taking control of water resources, meaning that the state can decide on water allocation without local input.  He will be monitoring this area of concern and reporting back to the LGA.

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

Election of Officers:  Laura Kolb nominated:          

John Cataldo – President

Doug Hughes – Vice President

Bill Lindenmuth – Treasurer

The officers were re-elected for another term by voice vote.

Executive Director:  Moira Underwood

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

Old Business:  Jack Saunders referred listeners to check out the BOATUS website regarding a law allowing the EPA to not enforce the Clean Water Act.

New Business:  LGA now has a new committee – Marketing—with Bill LaMonte as chair. 

The meeting was properly adjourned at 11:20 a.m.

Submitted by: 

Joyce Lindenmuth, for Joee Hoxter, Secretary