LAKE GASTON ASSOCIATION

Minutes (approved) Directors Meeting – April, 1 2009

Lake Gaston Baptist Church –9:30AM, First Wednesday

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

Location:  Lake Gaston Baptist Church

                  Littleton, North Carolina

Convened By:  President John Cataldo at 9:30AM

Pledge of Allegiance:  Led by President Cataldo

Moment of Silence: Led by President Cataldo 

Visitor Introductions:  There were 20 guests representing the five counties.  Press included Judith Font from the Press-Observer, Bill O’Neill Lake Gaston Gazette and Della Batts from the Daily Observer. 

Director/Executive Attendance:  John Cataldo (President), Moira Underwood (Executive Director), Bill Lindenmuth (Treasurer), Larry jolly, Ralph Domach, Quinton Qualls, Patrick Dempsey, Jack Saunders, Ron Skow, Laura Kolb, Fred Kneisel, John Boyle, David Duxbury, and Bill La Monte

Special Presentations:  The LGA presented plaques of appreciation to Gasburg Central Rescue Squad (Captain Richardson accepting) and the Warren County Rescue Squad (Chief Rupert Hagwood accepting).  This is a continuation of the LGA’S efforts to recognize every EMS service organization in the five counties surrounding Lake Gaston.

Guest Speaker:  Sheriff Brian Roberts, Brunswick County, VA.  Sheriff Roberts spoke on the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and it’s activities.  Some of the items discussed were:

…The sheriff’s office is responsible for providing one officer each to the Brunswick County Middle and High School.

…That he is responsible for implementing the inmate work force which in 2008 collected 10,000 bags of trash off County roads and that his use of inmates to cut County property has saved over $87,000 in tax payer monies over the last 2 years.

…That Brunswick, Mecklenburg and Dinwitty Counties are in the process of trying to build a regional jail that will save thousands of dollars for each of the County’s.

…The biggest drug problem in his County is Crack Cocaine and Marijuana and that in 2008 the County has benefited in over $106,000 in ‘forfeited’ monies and has seized over $375,000 in drugs and  related items. 

…He is concerned that the family morals, integrity and honor within family’s is failing and this is leading to a rise in drug related crimes.  This is evident in the fact that almost one-third of all inmates are 22 years of age or younger.

…That County Law Enforcement Personnel are funded by the state and that support items (IE uniforms, radios, vehicles, etc) are funded by the County.

…He has a deputy work force of 13 which usually leaves one deputy, per shift, to cover a 600 square mile territory.

…He has a staff of seven to specifically cover all court related items/issues.

…There were 1,331 arrests (for all reasons) in 2008 compared to 770 in 2002.  The good thing being that crime is down to 514 in 2008 VS 672 in 2004.

…Around the lake (in his County) there were only 8 crimes committed, BUT there were 32 false alarms (from homes and businesses) his deputies had to respond to.

…His office received over 12,000 calls in 2008 and his deputies (as part of their shift responsibility) did 9,816 business checks (to ensure the business was secure, there were no visible safety hazards, etc).

There were numerous questions from the audience.

President Cataldo thanked Sheriff Roberts for his presentation.

Introduction of New Director:  President Cataldo introduced Mr. Ron Skow as the newest Director and all of the Directors present restated the Director Oath with Mr. Skow.

Secretary’s Report:  For March was approved.

Treasurer’s Report:  A brief summary of funds taken-in/spent for the year to date was presented.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Planning & Development:  Jack Saunders: 

…Reported the IRS has received and acknowledged the “Friends of Lake Gaston” tax exempt status and should have formal response within 2-3 weeks.   

Nominating:  Laura Kolb

…Stated a continuing need for new Directors and for the need for volunteers for upcoming events the LGA will participate in.

Lake Environment & Aquatic Weed:  Jack Saunders

…Reported the Aquatic Weed Control Committee has gotten a commitment for almost 7,000 new grass carp to be added to the lake in 2009.

…That there is a drastic increase in municipalities wanting to get water from the Kerr Lake Inter-Basin and that there would be public hearings in regards to these water requests.

…That uranium mining in Virginia is still an open item that could effect Kerr Lake and Lake Gaston.

…That the Army Corps of Engineers will soon be looking for volunteers to help in planting local vegetation in/along the lake.

Safety:  Jack Saunders

…Reported a group went to Raleigh to help promote the N.C. Boater Safety Bill now making its way around the state house.  He emphasized the need for the public to voice their opinion and there are various state web sites the citizenry can access to voice their opinion.

…A member requested that the LGA consider leading an activity to research establishing a fire fighting capability from the water during the March general meeting.  We reviewed that at our March committee meeting and learned that O’Sail was pursuing that objective; we therefore contacted O’Sail to invite them to meet with us at the committee meeting and they advised that no assistance from us at this time.  Jack then recommended that the LGA Safety Committee take no further action and not interfere with anything being done by O’Sail.

Membership:  David Duxbury

…That, to date, there are only 145 non-renewals from2008 and that there are over 1,400 total members, up considerably from 2007 numbers.

…That there is a continued effort to promote the Realtor Gift Membership and Home Owner’s Association programs.  He emphasized the need to remind potential members/members of the benefits of being an LGA member.

Government Relations:   Larry Jolly 

…Reported the Committee will soon finalize the Letters to Commissioners stating the LGA’S position on tax rates and the 2009 Budget.

…That Halifax County has reported they will not be building any new schools in the foreseeable future.

…Littleton N.C. has a new business opening soon and will eventually employ over 100 people.

…The LGA Annual Meeting will be June 13^th starting at 10AM.  The guest speaker will be Mr. Tom Skinner and he will speak on Home Owner Association Covenants.

…That if the proposed  N.C. Safe Boating Bill is not considered favorably in the review committees in the State House and Senate or when voted on by the full House or Senate, the Bill will be rendered dormant for two years before it can be brought before the House again.

Marketing:  Bill La Monte

…Reported the new Business Membership is doing well with 13 Business Memberships signed in March.

…That the 20^th Anniversary Picnic is set for May 16^th  from 11AM to 2PM.  There will be BBQ sandwiches, cole-slaw and drinks for a $2.00 per person charge.  The C.G Auxiliary, Lake Gaston Chamber of Commerce and Lakeland Arts Theatre have been invited to participate in the picnic.

…Join the LGA signs are being placed around the five counties.

Executive Director: Moira Underwood:   The Executive Director’s full report can be found on the web page.

…Presented all the Director’s an updated Emergency Alert Call List for their Director Handbook.

…The Executive Director main issue is updating the web site.

…Has assisted Marketing in mailing out business membership applications.

President Comments:  President Cataldo thanked everyone for attending and reminded all of the upcoming picnic and annual meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:    None

NEW BUSINESS:   None

The meeting was properly adjourned at 11:20AM

The next meeting will be Wednesday, May 6^th at 09:30

Respectfully Submitted, William La Monte, Secretary