Lake Gaston Association

Approved Minutes of Director's Meeting – November 5, 2008
Lake Gaston Baptist Church-9:30 AM

Mission: to identify lake issues affecting our members and pursue resolutions with the responsible organizations.

Meeting was convened at 9:30 by President John Cataldo who led the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Visitor introductions: Press: None. Dominion: Joe Peterson. Brunswick County: Bob Biggs. Mecklenburg County: Al Potter, Bob Jennings, Joyce Lindenmuth, and Fred Taylor. Warren County: Ron Skow, Sherman Merchant, Tony Moran, Arlene Bice, Roland Beauchaine, Joe Chaney, and Marlene DiPasquuale. Northhampton County: Bruce & Lavetta Johnson, Bruce and Jan Parizo, Durwood Foster, and Chuck Vion, Sr. Halifax County: None.

During the introductions, Roland Beauchaine made the comment that the Warren County Reappraisal Forum was abysmal. They needed strict time controls. Residents were repetitive in their comments that Warren County raises taxes and they get nothing back. There were over 200 people at the meeting. He encouraged that these forums be continued.

Guest speaker-Larry Jolly introduced Retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Dave Johnson, the former director of the Air Force Weather Service and the National Weather Service. General Johnson had 30 years in the Air Force. He said that the air drop operation into Bosnian soccer stadiums required information on wind velocities. His complaining got him the job with NOAA. He said the average year brings us 6 hurricanes, 6000 tornadoes, and 50000 floods. Weather watches mean be aware, while weather warnings mean, "Do something!"

He emphasized that everyone should purchase a $20 weather radio. He also said that the country that receives the most severe weather on the planet is the United States.

NOAA/NWS Overview:
They observe data including sunspots and solar flares and look at Doppler Radar. Data goes in super computers to process. This goes to Central Guidance. Then it is interpreted by local offices. Next it goes to the media and then to a feedback loop, i.e. did we have the right information?

In the short term weather forecasts are very accurate, but after 3.2 days computers beat people at forecasting.

Tsunami forecasts from Hawaii and Alaska predicted the Indonesian tsunami.
Global Warming: In the Arctic the ice cap is breaking up. Permafrost is no longer permanent. The ice in the Arctic melts earlier each year. Warming is definitely affecting the North.

The South Pole is not melting and is actually getting colder. The Earth has warmed 0.8 degrees in the past 100 years. Carbon dioxide has increased from 320 to 360 parts per million. Water is the greatest green house gas. The sun is producing a little more radiation than before.

Secretary's report: approved

Treasurer's Report: Bill Lindenmuth said the annual budget is $40,000 and we have $31,000 in current assets. He added that LGA members can do an online credit card payment. Pay Pal takes a small cut.

Committee Reports:

Planning & Development: Larry Jolly said the Lakeside Commons waste water treatment plant request was withdrawn from the DEQ. The Committee is also working on creating an organization with 501C3 status that could compete for grants, since we can't because we are a 501C4. The group would be something like the Friends of the LGA. The committee has also spent time talking about infrastructure and things like storm water run-off.

Nominating: Laura Kolb said that we are still looking for directors.

Lake Environment/Aquatic Weed: Vernon Wilson and Bruce Johnson discussed the progress of the aquatic plant survey. Seventy per cent of the lake shore has been raked. There are missing areas west of the Eaton Ferry Bridge. Three new plants were discovered on the lake. Also many bryozoans, single cell animals, were found on water willow. Bryozoans live in colonies like coral. It has been a heavy year for hydrilla and a lot is topped out. The Remetrix survey is complete. They throw every 2000 feet while we throw about every 200 feet. They did about 840 rake throws around the lake.

Safety: Jack Saunders said they are trying to revitalize the community watch program. Two plaques have been awarded to local Fire or EMS squads and Litteton is next.

Membership: David Duxbury said we got 58 new members from our mailings to Halifax and Northhampton County.

Marketing: Bill LaMonte said that they are trying to get businesses to join. They also need people to sign up to go to festivals to showcase the LGA.

Government Relations: Larry Jolly announced that Tom Skinner is scheduled to speak in March about North Carolina's law 47F that covers home owners associations. In February our program will be to talk about the Retreat. The question came up as to whether we should use LGA dues to give cash to support other organizations. The Officers said, "No."

Submitted by Fred Kneisel