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  June 2009

8/4 at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Michael Beitler (LIB) US Senate Candidate - DETAILS

  

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LAKE GASTON ASSOCIATION

Minutes (approved) Director’s Meeting – June 3, 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 13 guests and three members of the press: The press included Hank Dewald new Editor of the Lake Gaston Gazette, Judith Forrest Littleton Observer and Della Batts Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald.

 

NOTE:  Several guests spoke about the unfair tax burden being placed on lake residents and the fact the County Commissioners seem to have no interest lowering the county budget to get to a revenue neutral base (see more on this below).

 

Director/Executive Attendance:  Present: John Cataldo, Doug Hughes, Moira Underwood, Bill Lindenmuth, David Duxbury, Joee Hoxter, Jack Saunders, Ralph Domach, John Boyle, Linda Hedgepeth, Fred Kneisel, Vernon Wilson, Quinton Qualls, Bill Bryant, Larry Jolly, Ron Skow, Laura Kolb, and Bill La Monte 

 

Special Presentation:  Jack Saunders and President Cataldo presented a plaque of appreciation to Stan Brothers and Jo Taylor of the Churchill/Five Forks Volunteer Fire Department.

 

Guest Speaker:  There was no guest speaker. Instead, the discussions continued about the unfair tax practices in the counties, weed control/weed control funding problems and watershed/runoff protection for the lake and the lack of Warren County citizens participating in the various budget meetings.

 

The big concern with the tax issue is that half the lake residents do not live at the lake and do not maintain their permanent address at the lake. This makes it impossible for them to vote in local county elections and therefore, we at the lake can do nothing to influence the various counties’ elected officials. Nor do we have the voting power to vote them out of office and try and get someone elected who would support the lake citizenry. In Warren County’s situation, most of the county (non-lake area) residents are seeing little or no tax increases with this current property valuation and some are seeing a decrease in property taxes. Therefore these folks have no reason to be unhappy with the current County Government. The tax issue is a lose-lose situation for the residents of the lake.

 

Secretary’s Report:  Bill La Monte – The Board accepted the May 2009 Minutes.

 

Treasurer’s Report:  Bill Lindenmuth – The Board accepted the May 2009 Treasurer’s Report.

 

Committee Reports:

 

Marketing (Bill La Monte)

  • There are now 44 businesses which have joined the LGA.

  • The 20th Anniversary Picnic was held on May 16th with about 75 members attending.

  • Was a sponsor of the LGCofC Battle of the BBQ Memorial Weekend.

  • Will be a sponsor at the LGCofC Golf Tournament.

  • Starting to get ideas for the 2010 Marketing plan.

  • Will attend/sponsor various events throughout the rest of the year.

Planning & Development:  (Jack Saunders)

  • Discussed the ‘Friends of the LGA’ grant of $2,500 that will be used to sponsor a forum designed to discuss the protection of the lake watershed, storm water runoff and the fisheries. It will be 27 June at 1:30PM at the Littleton Community Center.

 Nominating:  (Laura Kolb)

  • Reported that there are several Directors who will be nominated for a second term or for full term status after serving in a fill-in status this past year.

 Lake Environment/Aquatic Weed:  (Vernon Wilson)

  • The Lake Gaston Weed Control Committee met on May 14th with no set plan established for weed control in 2009. This is because Northampton County has decided not to fund their share this year. Brunswick County is only funding ½ their requirement. Halifax & Mecklenburg Counties are fully funding their share and Warren has not yet passed a budget; even though they have indicated full funding.

  • There will be no Virginia state funds allocated to the weed control project.

  • 6,500 grass carp were released into the lake in April.

  • There have been complaints about ‘low lake levels’, but Dominion power has been managing the lake within the guidelines required.  Lake levels are posted at midnight and 8AM daily on the Dominion web site.

  • The Army Corps of Engineers plans to do local lake plants revegetation on June 9-11.  This project needs volunteers and includes building protective cages to protect the plants.

Safety:  (Jack Saunders)

  • Discussed the planning for improved services via the LGA web site.

  • Senate Bill 43 (safe boater training in N.C.) is being considered in the House for adoption.  An amendment was added stating anyone over 25 did not have to take the course.

  • There is a Federal requirement for anyone under 13 in a boat must wear a life jacket.

  • LEM Training will be in mid-July (date yet to be determined)

 Membership:  (David Duxbury)

  • Exploring ways to gain/retain members.

  • Reviewed the mission statement to ensure it’s in compliance with LGA goals.

  • Emphasized the need for the LGA to attend the various county meetings (in the five counties) and get the word out to the membership from each county.

Government Relations:  (Larry Jolly)

  • Stated this is his last meeting as a Director and Committee Chairperson

  • Reported the guest speakers for the Annual meeting will be Attorney Tom Skinner from N.C. and Attorney Russell Slayton from VA. They will talk about Home Owner Association laws and rules as defined by their state.

  • Advised that the LGA sent letters to each county’s leadership urging them to keep EMS services at or above current levels and to work towards Revenue Neutral Budgets.

  • The Mecklenburg County budget is completed, Brunswick votes on theirs on June 17th, Halifax on June 16th, Northampton on June 30th and Warren on June 22nd. NOTE: A discussion was started on trying to achieve a Revenue Neutral Budget for Warren County.  Residents, led by Doctor Dougherty, wanted to know why the County has such a large ‘Undesignated Fund’ and why $2.4 million can’t be used to allow the County to get to a revenue neutral budget.

  • The LGA voted to develop a letter to Warren County Commissioners asking the County to divulge just how much money is in the undesignated fund and why it can’t be used to help this year’s budget.

 

Executive Director:  Moira Underwood

  • This report is available on the web page.

Old Business:  None

 

New Business: 

  • Joee Hoxter presented that ‘seasoned boaters’ in Virginia can take the Boater Safety Course without having to attend classes. The cost is $15.00 and it takes up to 2 hours.

  • That Mecklenburg County and the lake Gaston Fire Department are looking for up to 14 EMS volunteers to provide better service to the county.

The meeting was properly adjourned at 12 Noon

 

The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 1st at 9:30AM.

 

Respectfully Submitted

 

William La Monte

Secretary