Minutes (approved)
Director’s Meeting – April 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 organization.

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:   Joyce Lindenmuth read an inspirational reading.

Visitor Introductions:     Warren County – Roland Beauchaine, Joe Chaney, Lewis Bryant, Larry Weaver, Mark Frizzell, Barney Watson, Benny Campbell, Barbara Newport, Knobby Libernolki, Bill Smith, Bill Hofnagle, Ken Krulik, Olive Hutton, Sandy Schmidt, Art & Char Shimke, Pat & Frank De Jesu, Misty Lane, Ron Skow, Bette Elser, Barbara Biser, Ulysses Ross, Carolyn Ross-Holmes, Sherman Merchant.  Halifax – John Espenshade, Gaby Espenshade, Jean Gardiner, Jim Hayner, Robert Brown, Hal Gardner.

Brunswick County – Wally Sayko, Jerry & Sandy Papi, Jerry and Mary Lee Thompson,

Robert C. Clary, Sr., Northampton County – Linda Hedgepeth, Bob Hedgepeth, Lavetta Johnson, Bruce Johnson, Sandra Brant, Dave & Lee Hoaglan, Charles P. Vion, Sr., Paul Meleney, Delores Meleney, Dave Pennington, Hank Barker, W A Gregory, Roger West, Faye Grettum.  Mecklenburg – Jim O’Brien, Joyce Lindenmuth, Marcia Kneisel.  Joe Peterson (Dominion), Della Batts (Lake Gaston Gazette), Diebold (Herald), and Marcia Kerr.

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

Guest Speaker – David Lawrence from UNC is a Professor of Public Law and Government.  His topic for today will be to provide information on what is involved to incorporate a town.  He was introduced by Roland Beauchaine who stated that Mr. Lawrence is recognized as an expert in many areas of government.  He has been in the field since 1968, is a graduate of Princeton University and has a law degree from Harvard University.  He is currently on the faculty of University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC teaching in the School of Government.  He is an expert on the formation of a city.  Mr. Lawrence indicated that he would provide unbiased information to the Lake Gaston community and will speak only on NC law – not VA.

Following are some of the highlights of his presentation and a few of the questions and answers:

-        The General Assembly must approve all incorporations.

-        Legislators in the targeted area must approve.

-        If the people who live in the area are in favor of the change – it will pass.

-        A referendum may determine how the registered voters approve/disapprove.

-        A community committee may be assigned to look at a) boundaries b) cost c) signatures of registered voters d) population density e) strong taxation base and  f) review of package of information needed for incorporation.

-        What does it mean to be a town in NC? The residents want something that a town can offer. (Land use control, services that a city can provide, revenues from the state to assist with additional services – police, fire, infrastructure, trash and/or garbage collection)

-        Under legislation in 1999 – if town wants state revenues, it must provide 4 of the 8 services needed. (Zoning, water, solid waste removal, construction , lighting, police, fire,  etc.)

-        Why would residents not incorporate?  They do not want additional regulation and the services may add extra taxation.

-        The 5 county 2 state boundaries may complicate the concept.  You cannot have a single town in two states.  The three counties in NC are not a big issue – this has been done before.

-        There are differences in taxation policies in both states.  Incorporation of a town will add another level of government and taxation.

-        Current local officials may support or oppose the incorporation effort.

-        There is no difference between a town and a city.

-        New towns use county services until the town can afford to assume the additional responsibilities.

-        Do all monies to operate a town come from property taxes?  No, sales tax can also be used.

-        The state may share the tax base.  Electric tax and Wine (beverage) tax may be used.

-        Can a town un-incorporate?  Yes, the same way residents incorporate.

-        Senator Doug Berger made remarks including that he “would support whatever decision the residents want regarding incorporation”.

-        The concept of incorporation developed out of the research that the LGA Planning and Development Committee is doing to discover better ways to control the land use in the Lake Gaston community.

-        The LG Chamber of Commerce also put together a committee to evaluate the subject.  There are common problems with services in the lake community.

-        What kind of staff does a town need?  Town Manager-Mayor, Clerk/Finance Officer, Budget Officer, Governing Board, Tax Collector (or may use county collector).

-        Is there a tax increase for the new town population?  It could be a wash.

-        Incorporation has no effect on county boundaries.

-        The LGA Planning and Development Committee is developing a map with the boundaries for an area of influence, part or all of which might be used to establish boundaries for a town.

-        Will the new town get sales tax?

-        How does VA fit into a plan for incorporation?  We have not looked into it yet.

-        Warren County Commissioner Ulysses Ross mentioned that a request for an LG Post Office has been made.

-        A new town has little or no effect on county responsibility.

-        Assessments will not change if a Lake Gaston town is created.  The County will continue to be responsible for assessments.

-        Post Office employee stated if incorporation occurs, the addresses would remain the same.

-        The President thanked Mr. Lawrence for the information he provided to our membership today.  He reminded the audience that the LGA is sponsoring forums on this issue for discussion and not promoting a city.

Secretary’s Report – Joee Hoxter

The Secretary thanked Julie Jolly and Joyce Lindenmuth for recording the minutes in her absence.  Also, Barbara Burgdoerfer for bringing the name plates to each meeting.  Many thanks to the Directors and friends for the cards, condolences and gifts, they were greatly appreciated. 

The minutes of March 5, 2008 were properly accepted as reported and are on file.

Treasurer’s Report – Bill Lindenmuth

The total income YTD is $ 45,755 and the complete report is on file.  The treasurer’s report for March 2008 was reconciled and accepted as reported.

Committee Reports

Planning and Development – Doug Hughes for Jack Saunders

The P and D Committee are continuing to identify boundaries.  We are also looking for more LGA members to join our effort.  There is a complete report on file.

Nominating - Laura Kolb

No report. 

Lake Environment/Aquatic Weed – Vernon Wilson

The water levels have been observed and we have attended the Weed Council meeting.  There was a 53% reduction in hydrilla in 2006-2007.  There will be an LG Alert this spring.  Erosion control continues to be an issue.  There is a link on our web site to report sedimentation problems.  The complete report is on file.

Safety  -  Pete Deschenes for Jack Saunders

July 1, 2008 will begin the enforcement of Boating Safety.  The VA laws will be phased in and enforced over the next eight years to include the complete recreational boating public.  There is a joint meeting in April in North Carolina

to explore mandatory boater education.  The complete report is on file.

Membership – David Duxbury

We currently have 1061 households on our rolls.  Members are asked to canvas neighbors, make phone calls and do outreach to encourage others to join our organization.  Calls are being made to households (216) who did not renew.  The complete report is on file.

Government Relations – Doug Hughes for Larry Jolly

We continue to look for speakers for meetings and the June Annual meeting.  We are presenting two public forums.  The number of docks are in question in a new subdivision in Hubquarter Creek.  The complete report is on file.

Executive Director’s Report – Moira Underwood

Moira continues to email members by county of the government activities within each respective county.  The complete report is on file.

Old Business

The results of the investigations on Pea Hill Creek indicate that the DEQ will present the necessary criteria to the contractor if the project is approved.

New Business

John Cataldo made a motion to oppose the Warren County Occupancy Tax.  It was carried.   All ayes.

John Cataldo made a motion to support the Brunswick County Sheriff’s proposal for 6 new deputies.  It was carried.  All ayes.

The meeting was properly adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Joee Hoxter

Secretary