LAKE GASTON ASSOCIATION

Minutes (approved) Directors Meeting – March 4. 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 48 citizens, from all 5 counties, in attendance.  Our best attendance in months.  Press included:  Judith Font Press-Observer, Bill O’ Neill Lake Gaston Gazette

Director/Executive Attendance:  John Cataldo, Lenny Turner, Bill Lindenmuth, Moira Underwood, Fred Kneisel, David Duxbury, Joee Hoxter, Ralph Domach, Quinton Qualls, Jack Saunders, Laura Kolb, Larry Jolly, Linda Hedgepeth, Patrick Dempsey, Bill La Monte

Special Presentation:  Patrick Dempsey presented a Plaque of Appreciation to the Southside Rescue Squad.  Tommy Young accepted the plaque on behalf of the rescue squad.

Guest Speaker:  The scheduled guest speaker, Tom Skinner, called in sick.  Warren County Commissioner Ulysses Ross gave an impromptu presentation on some issues involving Warren County.  Some items discussed were:

…Property revaluation and how it effects lake residents and their future taxes.

…That the county is budgeting the $116,000 for weed control.

…That the county is planning a 7% cut on county spending and has initiated a hiring freeze.

NOTE:  One guest asked if the county was planning on trying to get some of the Economic Stimulus money from the Federal Government to help with school and other building costs so the tax rate can stay as low as possible.   Commissioner Ross said Warren County is submitting “projects for consideration” to the state for just that purpose.

…That the Planning Commission meeting cancelled on 2 March will be held on 6 March.

Commissioner Ross thanked the LGA for their support and commended the work the LGA is doing in support of lake issues.

Secretary’s Report:   The February 2009 Minutes were approved by the board.

Treasurer’s Report:  Was approved by the board.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Planning & Development:  Jack Saunders briefed on the “Friends of Lake Gaston Association” progress and its attempt to get grant money.  The first grant request is for the ability to hire professional help to determine the needs of the lake area to preserve and protect the watershed and fishery.

Nominating:  Laura Kolb had nothing new to report, but asked the membership to consider getting involved on the board.

Lake Environment & Aquatic Weed:  Jack Saunders reported that larger NC towns/cities are petitioning for more water from Kerr Lake.  This includes current and non-current users.

…That Warren County is studying a proposed Noise Ordinance suggested by some because of the noise generated at the Motocross Track outside Littleton.

…Reported that there was an apparent reduction in Tuber and Turins in regards to the hydrilla problem on the lake that might have been connected to a dramatic decrease in hydrilla mats on the lake.

…That there will be about 2,000 grass carp incorporated into the lake in 2009.

…That bow hunting for grass carp has been outlawed in Virginia and North Carolina is trying to limit the bow hunting take to only one grass carp per day.  This initiative is through the N.C. Wildlife Commission.

Safety:  Jack Saunders requested that all emergency responder agencies be awarded honorary membership in the LGA.  This was approved by the board.  He also reported that

... The N.C. Boating Safety Training legislation has been assigned to committees in both the NC House and Senate. 

…The Virginia statute passed in 2007 requires mandatory boater safety training for all persons 20 and under to operate Personal Watercraft by 1 July 2009.  In 2010 the age goes up to 35 or younger. 

NOTE:  The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary reported their first boater safety class is March 21st

…Mr. Saunders suggested everyone with a cell phone place an I.C.E. (in case of emergency) contact in their cell phone.  He suggested at least one backup in case your ICE person is with you.

…He also suggested every home owner place their “911 address” at the road and on their homes.

NOTE:  One guest spoke of the need to have ‘fire boats’ available to the lake.  The Safety Committee will investigate this potential need.

Membership:  David Duxbury reported LGA membership currently stands at 1376 and of that there are 83 Lifetime members.  He also reported on the contact process for trying to get non-renewing members to reconsider. 

Government Relations:  Larry Jolly reported our next guest speaker would be Sheriff  Roberts from Brunswick County and he would talk on ‘Neighborhood Watch’ programs.

…Reported that the Northampton County Commissioners Forum had over 200 residents in attendance.

…That Northampton County is reviewing flood plain maps, and it seems the county does not have a flood problem.

…That Warren County is looking into a noise ordinance.

Marketing:  Bill La Monte reported that marketing was doing well and that

…The LGA has created a $50 Business Membership with a Business Letter and Business Application.

…There is a newly revised information brochure.

…The LGA is planning a membership picnic for 16 May, 11Am to 2PM.  More details in the future.

…That the first planned LGA attendance at an area event would be the Warrenton Spring Marketplace on 25 April.

Executive Director:  Report available on the web page.

President Comments;  President Cataldo thanked Commissioner Ross and everyone for their attendance and encouraged all to get involved.

OLD BUSINESS:  President Cataldo reminded some committee members of the need to finish their Retreat Goals.

NEW BUSINESS:  President Cataldo reminded the board of a need to an Executive Session at the close of this meeting.

The meeting was properly adjourned at 11:15AM.

The next meeting will be Wednesday, 1 April 2009 at 0930.

Respectfully Submitted

William La Monte

Secretary