Thursday, November 6, 2008
Board Minutes, November 6, 2008
Meeting began at 3:30 p.m. Charley pointed out that we need to get everyone out to the TVA meeting to be held at the High School on November 13, 4 to 8. Strategy to use: *Call membership, *Get the soccer moms out again; *Write letters to TVA saying, “We do not support a substation on any part of Parcel 52.”; *Write a letter to both papers listing reasons we oppose substation on this parcel.
Tony’s draft on review of Report of the TVA Environmental Assessment (EA) of Parcel 52 was discussed and he was thanked for his input. Wes feels we need to put TVA on the defensive, and they have not mentioned the 600 signatures on TCHA petitions against the substation going on Parcel 52.
Commissioner Kendall joined the meeting and expressed his view that “it’s a done deal.” He suggested that the EMC Board members, Elois Anderson, Terry Taylor, and Jerry Nichols, could be contacted, but then everyone agreed that wouldn’t do much good. Kendall has already checked and a building permit is not needed by EMC and getting any other property by “eminent domain” cannot be used. What Kendall suggested was to have a conference call with Johnny Isakson and TCHA members.
Mike Brock made a motion to donate $500 to the Towns County High School Band for their New Year’s Day trip to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. This was seconded and passed. He also said to go to the website for the latest I-3 study.
The next Board meeting will be Thursday, December 11, 3:30 p.m. at Mountain Regional Library.
Joan Crothers, Secretary
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Board Minutes, July 10, 2008
Board Meeting --
Present: Wes Lerdon, Bob Keys, Bob Crawford, Jack Miller, Diane Baggett, J.C. Berrong, Joan Crothers and Charley Kraus
Guests: Bob Scott, Firewise and Fire Dept. Board
In accord with the by laws, Wes Lerdon presided as president.
Present: Wes Lerdon, Bob Keys, Bob Crawford, Jack Miller, J.C. Berrong, Joan Crothers, Charley Kraus came in late, but we were happy to see him.
Wes Lerdon opened the meeting at
Jack Miller presented his Treasurer’s Report showing a check book balance of $1,470.16 and Total Cash Assets of $3,832.89 as of this date.
Bob Scott was asked to report. He talked to TC School Superintendent Richard Behrens about the SPLOST money they receive. It was voted on two years ago for a span of 5 years. Behrens said he doesn’t think he will have that many more improvements to warrant the money for 3 more years. Discussion was whether he can cut it off so the fire department can put a SPLOST referendum on the ballot for Water System Improvement or Public Safety. No chance of doing this Nov. of ‘08 because Legislators need to approve. If Commissioner is agreeable, he could ask for it in January ’09 when the Legislature will convene. Mike Brock's motion was passed to suggest this to
Mike Brock reported that the Open House held by EMC at
Brock also said he had chance to talk to Callie Moore about I-3 and she said an environmental model shows an interstate through the Hiawassee watershed would destroy streams and Lake Chatuge, thus destroy the number one industry of tourism in Towns County.
The Sheriff did have a boat, with patrol lights, on the lake for the 4th of July parade in support of the need for increased safety patrol of the lake.
Several agenda items were tabled to the next meeting, which will be Thursday, August 14,
The meeting adjourned at approximately
Joan Crothers, Secretary
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Board Minutes, June 12, 2008
Present: Wes Lerdon, Tony Branan, Bob Keys, Bob Crawford, Jack Miller, Diane Baggett, J.C. Berrong, Joan Crothers.
Guests: Bob Scott, Firewise and Fire Board member; and Art Mott, Ramey Mtn. Homeowners Assoc. President.
In accord with the by laws, Wes Lerdon presided as president in the absence of Charley Kraus who remains in Texas to attend to his wife Ann's needs following her recent stroke in Texas. Wes thanked everyone for being present and asked Board members to assist each other to cover meetings and activities when other Board members are ill, not available, etc..
Tony Brannan gave the Treasurer's report, including CDs: $4,307.89 as of this date. He said this includes five new members and ten 2-year memberships; a total of 118 households. This is the highest membership TCHA has ever had.
Wes said he is still working on the logo for bumper stickers suggested by Robert Blaha. This may increase member's association to the TCHA and potentially raise money. Wes will study possibly cutting out one color while using the existing artwork; and will check on local source of printing and costs in various quantities.
After discussion on the Sheriffs Office need for standardized pistols to more evenly compare target shooting abilities and achieve safer pistols for daily patrol, Bob Keys made a motion to donate $500 for this need. Tony seconded, and it passed unanimously.
The lack of attendance at the May Firewise general meeting was discussed as deplorable and embarrassing. Tony said that ample e-mail notifications went out, but wondered if we could get some members interested in a phone calling tree that was done before meetings in past years. Wes will check with several members, who want to volunteer for administrative projects to see if it could be activated some four days before the June 26 meeting. "We cannot continue to get good speakers to travel and make presentations to small audiences", stated Wes. There was also discussion on looking into a food team, as past buffets seemed to increase attendance at the general membership meetings.
Tabled items: 1. Mike Brock went to an I-3 meeting, but beforehand told Wes there has been no further info on the sub station. The question was asked if TCHA had offered any alternative properties. The answer was, "Yes, several were mentioned" by Branan and Brock when they discussed, with BRMEMC officials, their agreed need for a new sub station in eastern Towns County, but to find a location other than TVA Parcel 52 on the lake across the highway from Parker Oil.
2. Bob Scott was invited to the meeting to report on emergency service needs, especially the need for a lake rescue boat. Sheriff Clinton has a boat being renovated, but it is not suited to all aspects of water rescue work including diving. Bob will report back to the Board in July after asking the Commissioner about funding for next year, possibly with a SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) fund. He also stated that fire, rescue, and emergency services/communication needs, etc. were cut in the aftermath of the deficit Kendall inherited. Bob will ask Kendall if this can this be restored?
3. Bob Crawford brought up animal rescue and neutering/spaying funding. Joan Crothers and Bob will get facts on Towns County funds for rescue groups..
The meeting adjourned at 5:p.m.
Joan Crothers, Secretary Nominee
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Board Minutes, March 18, 2008
Board of Directors Meeting, February 19, 2008
TCHA Board and Representatives in Attendance:
Charley Kraus, Pres; Tony Branan, Treas; Diane Baggett, Dir; Bob Keys, Dir; Bob Crawford, Dir; Mike Brock, Dir; Janet McCallen, Hidden Fields HOA.
Treasurer's Report:
Balance on Hand (2-08) $2,082.47; Deposits $91.75; Disbursements $17.06; Balance on Hand (3-08) $2157.16. CD’s $2,062.73. Total Cash Assets (3-08) $4269.89.
Two new members joined the association during the past month. Friendship HOA has announced their decision to join as an associate member.
Old Business and Activity Reports:
Minutes of the Feb. 19 BOD meeting were reviewed and approved.
Hiawassee City Council heard a presentation from an environmental firm seeking work for water supply, treatment, and environmental issues. The Mayor reported $6,680 was expended on water equipment. Another $10,870 for additional water equipment was approved. High water usage surtax was removed from agenda.
Nothing of significance was reported from the Young Harris City Council meeting.
There are no updates to report from the County Commissioner’s meeting.
The Bell mountain communications tower for first responder use is currently under construction. Re-mapping project for 911 uses is currently underway. Communication and command for county responders are being coordinated and agencies are comfortable with current situation.
The Beach project, coordinated by Bob Keys is completed. Installation of new playground mats is next.
The re-introduction of the Neighborhood Watch Program is well underway, with six neighborhoods requesting to participate. Material is being distributed and signs are being installed by county road crews. Mike Brock will do a follow up piece in the papers in a couple weeks.
A decision was made by the BOD not to continue the Adopt A Highway initiative at this time. Questions concerning member participation drove this decision.
The County Planning Commission did not meet this month.
New Business:
Charley reported the Mountain Conservation Council will investigate questionable development sites and report to the County Commissioner.
The Stop I-3 Coalition is currently expanding in the Augusta, Athens area. It appears the feasibility study will continue. Efforts to halt, or change the study by technical amendments have been unsuccessful to this point.
A General Membership meeting has been scheduled for May 13th in the Senior Center. Frank Riley will present on the fire prevention initiative currently underway, and Mitch Floyd will be there as well. Tony Branan will coordinate.
The TCHA Annual Meeting for election of officers will be held June 24th in the Senior Center in Hiawassee.
Charley appointed a Nominating Committee. Wes Lerdon will chair. Bob Crawford and Diane Baggett are also on the committee.
Tony Branan’s Mountain Reservoir Land Management Plan comments were reviewed and approved for submission by Charley.
The 288 campground Forest Service letter has been submitted and receipt confirmed. According to Commissioner Kendal, the first phase of the project, supported by TCHA, will proceed. No decision on the remainder of the project has been made. TCHA will continue to oppose the boat ramp and beach development component of this project.
Diane Baggett will continue to represent TCHA on the pandemic flu group.
Next meeting of BOD scheduled April 15th at Prudential Real Estate office at 9:00 am.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.
Respectfully submitted by Mike Brock
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Board Minutes, February 19, 2008
Board of Directors Meeting, February 19, 2008
TCHA Board and Representatives in Attendance:
Charley Kraus, Pres; Wes Lerdon, V.P. & Acting Sec.; Tony Branan, Treas.; Bob Keys Dir.; Diane Baggett, Dir.; Mike Brock, Dir.
Invited Guests/Associates:
Arthur Mott, Lake Forest (Ramey Mt.) HOA and Janet McCallen, Hidden Fields HOA
Old Business and Activity Reports:
Minutes of the January 15th meeting had been reviewed by e-mail with Wes Lerdon, and were approved, as revised, and issued to the Board by e-mail from Wes.
Tony Branan distributed the Financial Report, as of Feb 19th, to all attendees. In summary, Balance on Hand $1,912.47, plus two CDs of $2,062.73 for Total Cash Assets of $4,145.20.
Before the meeting, Janet McCallen delivered $91.75 to Tony for proceeds from Stop I-3 bumper stickers sold, with proceeds due to the TCHA, from our original printing. This sum is in addition to the above Total Cash Assets of $4,145.20.
Charley proposed that, from now on, new members paying dues after April 1st of any year, be credited as members through June 30 of the following year. This change will not apply to old members who have become delinquent in their dues. The by-laws require that the membership be notified every June 1st that annual dues should be paid by July 1, for the next year's membership. The Board voted approval of this proposal.
Tony attended the Y. Harris Council meeting, but there were no actions of interest to TCHA.
Bob Keys reported no opposition to Commissioner Kendall's First Reading of the "1st Amendment to Ordinance Providing for Georgia State Minimum Standard Code for Administration and Enforcement of Georgia State Minimum Code for Construction as Adopted on September 21, 2006, effective January 1, 2007". The second read will be held Thursday evening, Feb 21, at 6:00 PM.
Bob will investigate progress to date on a written follow up that was required for TC to receive $30,000, appropriated by Georgia by a deadline or TC would lose the money. The $30,000 is to be used to update all TC addresses for correctness, so when EMS receives a call through 911 they have correct information to respond to that location.
Bob reported 111 new pickets are available for installation in the fence, at the beach playground and a TCHA work team will be organized to do the work when weather improves.
Bob stated that planning of the Emergency Responders meeting is proceeding toward having Bill Kendall, Bob Scott, Higgins the Red Cross Emergency Coordinator, JEMA and FEMA and others to meet in one or two months. Meanwhile, communication antennas will be installed at the hospital and TC High School with a potential repeater atop Bell Mountain. Communication will go out to the HAM Radio Operators regarding correct frequencies, VHF and UHF line of sight transmissions, confer with Mrs. Stamey at 911 and Homeland Security. One person should be designated as coordinator, such as Bill Kendall, with his designees to coordinate with all government agencies.
An important adjunct to the Responder discussions was how our members and TC part time residents, with out of county cell phone area codes, can contact the TC 911 in an emergency. Keys will investigate current phone constraints and how calls may be placed to TC during future emergencies.
Diane Baggett said there was no Planning Commission Meeting for February. However, she furnished the following facts from the 15 January Planning meeting that were received after the TCHA January minutes were written:
Sweetwater Cove was represented by Jason Hauffman of Southern Geosystem. This
development is off Sunnyside. The developer is John Harrison and there are 21 lots with two
common areas, individual septic tanks and it will have TC water. Concern was expressed by
Mrs. Martin about EPD and there was some discussion about the bridge. No covenants apply.
The road will be private. The motion was carried unanimously to accept the Final.
Concerns were expressed about possible work being done on Phase 5 of Bell Meadows, as
the Preliminary approval has expired. The Commissioner was called into the meeting and
Attorney Rob Kiker will send a letter to the developer, to ask what the developer's plans are
for Phase 5, and request a response.
Mike Brock reported he has turned in "Neighborhood Watch" materials requests to TC, for such items as signs, how to set up Watch, and other printed matter to be paid for and provided to the TCHA by TC.
Mike also reported on the needs for "Adopt-a-Highway" in TC. Mike said there are needs on TC roads and he will meet further with Commissioner Kendall regarding TCHA participation in this program. The TCHA would be credited on the signs as adopting particular assigned stretches, of both sides of roads, for a mile at a time. It was felt by the Board that this would be a good way for TCHA to be recognized as contributors to rural road cleanup, beautification
and environmental improvement. Mike will take e-mail and calls of interest regarding this worthwhile program and road sites to be suggested by our membership.
Bob Crawford was absent, but previously provided the following summary of the Feb. 5th
Hiawassee City Council Meeting that Bob attended:
Sheriff Clinton swore in the five Hiawassee Police Officers as TC Deputies. This will
authorize them to enforce laws throughout TC.
Council approved the 2007 and 2008 audits.
The water surcharge subject was tabled.
Howard Cunningham was appointed Mayor Pro Tem.
Council approved $5.700.00 to replace valves and meters at the lake water intake.
Hayes James, sewer contractors, reported the belt press should be operational in April.
Mayor Mathis presented appreciation certificates to former Council members Maney and Hugh Hoodenpyle.
Tony Branan said all Y. Harris City Council Members plan on attending the TCHA/Y.H. College
sponsored Town Hall meeting tonight, Feb 19, at the College, with U.S. Congressman Paul Broun. Charley directed Wes to send out one last e-mail reminder of the Town Hall Meeting to all TCHA members and HOA Associates.
Tony presented his very good draft of a TCHA position paper for forwarding to the TVA, on their Operations Study, regarding various sites TVA has listed for potential development of ramps, resorts, etc. Tony's paper presented some important insight to lack of Georgia DNA enforcement of existing regulations and safe boating practices. The board discussed the position paper and made editorial suggestions including clarifications, deletions, additions, with careful attention to presenting constructive suggestions, and guidance to the government agencies about safe and environmentally proper use of the lake for better enjoyment by all citizens.
Janet McCallen suggested better enforcement of laws and regulations with a stipulation against further "commercial" development of the TVA lands. Charley recommended that Tony
write a lead-in to the position paper to emphasize enforcement of current safety regulations.
New Business:
Charley will write a draft of a TCHA letter to the US Forestry Service about TC use of the Route 288 campground property. The draft will be reviewed by the board members. Charley will also coordinate with Commissioner Kendall. Then, Charley will send it to the Forestry Service to meet the comments submission deadline of Friday, 29 February.
A General Membership Meeting was discussed for April, as timing would be good before the
2008 Officer Elections general meeting in June. The date and agenda will be finalized at the next Board meeting in March.
Charley introduced the subject of considering a TCHA Web Site and investigating costs of
creating it. Mike Brock recommended the potential site should have links to the C of C, other
organizations and government agencies.
TCHA and Guest Homeowner Assoc.(HOA) and Developer Representative Discussions:
Mike Brock continues his work on a baseline set of HOA covenants to assist HOAs and
developers, with guidelines to apply when preparing good covenants. This is important, as it
is difficult to amend or add to them once they have been enacted
Arthur Mott reported that Lake Forest has decided to send one member to represent their
association at our Board meetings. That person will be furnished with the TCHA minutes to
provide reference when reviewing our county wide work with the Lake Forest membership.
Arthur also indicated their association sees benefits in their members joining or continuing
their individual memberships in the TCHA. Charley suggested the LFHOA encourage their members to join the TCHA. He also encouraged Hidden Fields to do likewise since they have
only five members. He said the TCHA is flexible about large and small HOAs and encouraged resident's in small HOAs to join the TCHA to stay informed and have a bigger voice in County wide happenings and government activities.
The next TCHA Board meeting was set for Tuesday, March 18th, 9-11 AM, in the Y. Harris Library Conference Room. The motion was made, seconded and passed, to adjourn.
Submitted by Wes Lerdon, TCHA V. Pres. and Acting Secretary
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Board Minutes, January 15, 2008
Board of Directors Meeting, January 15, 2008
TCHA Board and Representatives in Attendance:
Charley Kraus, Pres; Wes Lerdon, V.P. & Acting Sec.; Tony Branan, Treas.; Bob Crawford, Dir.; Bob Keys Dir.; Diane Baggett, Dir.
Invited Guests/Associates:
Dudley Hall - Hidden Fields Estates HOA, Carl Schultz, TCHA Rep. to Water and Sewer Meetings
Activity Reports:
Minutes of the Dec 11th meeting had been reviewed by e-mail with Wes Lerdon, and were approved, as revised and issued to the Board by Wes.
Tony Branan distributed the Financial Report as of Jan 15th to all attendees. In summary, Balance on Hand $2,437.47, plus two CDs of $2,062.73 for Total Cash Assets of $4,500.20.
Tony was unable to attend the Y. Harris Council meeting, but no significant items have come to his attention.
Bob Keys addressed the need for the TCHA to complete review of the TC Commissioner's Draft of the "1st Amendment to Ordinance Providing for Georgia State Minimum Standard Code for Administration and Enforcement of Same as Adopted on September 21, 2006, effective January 1, 2007". The ordinance places enforcement responsibility for the Mountain Protection Act in the office of the Building Inspector and codifies the set back rules for lot construction which have been used for some years without legal authority. It also provides protection for existing lots and structures which do not conform to these rules.
Questions received at the Sheriff’s Debates suggested the need for improving the county’s emergency communications ability through the use of our local Amateur Radio group and also a need for a command protocol clearly identifying who is to in charge in emergency situations. Bob Keys is working with Bob Scott to identify the appropriate participants. Once they are all identified they will be invited along with our local government managers to a round table discussion designed to get everybody working together to make the best use in the most proper way of all our available resources. Key participants will likely include Fire Chief Mitch Floyd; Sheriff Clinton, US Forestry Service. (Commissioner Kendall will contact the Forestry Service, both Mayors, Ham Radio organization, Red Cross and the city police chiefs.)
Keys also drew attention to the need for TCHA observation of the Influenza Pandemic Drill to be held at the TC High School computer area on Saturday, January 26 at 8:30.
Diane Baggett reported the Planning Board granted final approval to Sweetwater Cove for 41 lots, off Route 288, that will include some boat slips. The fifth phase permit for Bell Meadows has expired, so Lloyd Atkins will need to start with Preliminary for the fifth phase.
Bob Crawford reported on the Hiawassee City Council Meeting. Newly elected members, Allen and Runion were sworn in. The auditors report gave the city a "clean" review. Mayor Mathis announced the following new rules for Council Meetings: "Only items on the Agenda will be discussed, No Smoking and No Hats". There will be a vote at the February meeting to select a Mayor Pro Tem. Hayes-James engineers reported the belt press assembly fell off Its mounting and was returned to Texas for repair. It is due back in February. Southern Champion won the bid for construction of the 24 by 50 feet belt press building at a projected cost of $535,936. A discussion on a water useage surcharge recommended by the City Manager of 10% over 3,000 gallons, but a tentative agreement was reached at 10% for over 10,000 gallons as first reading.
Charley reported for Mike Brock that we have joined the Commissioner and the Towns County Sheriff in re-establishing the Neighborhood Watch program in the county. The county will provide the signs and written material and Mike Brock will be available to brief interested groups on the installation of the program.
Charley proceeded to an update of Interstate 3. An alternate route through South Carolina is being offered by 10th District Rep. Paul Broun. If effected, this routing would be a change to the study direction, deleting the study of the road through the mountains. It is not supported by either of our two Senators and thus not likely to pass. In the meantime, FHWA is deferring the study until this issue works itself out.
The Stop I-3 coalition is also working another issue that impacts I-3. The Tennessee and North Carolina DOTS are pushing ahead with developing justification for a new road which would run through what is called Corridor K from Chattanooga to Ashville, NC. This road has long been in the planning stage but never pushed until recently. An economic study was performed by a Knoxville firm which attempts to justify the need for the road. Meanwhile, the TDOT is advertising for bidders for a new section of US 64 which would either upgrade the road through the Ocoee Gorge or design a cut through the mountains around it; and the NCDOT is proposing a cut off from US 74 at Andrews which would run through the mountains to Robbinsville, NC and then east towards Ashville This route involves a mile long tunnel and impacts the lower end of the Dragon Tail route (US 129) where the I-3 route would go. Stop I-3 is not opposing the improvements per se because there are sections like the Ocoee Gorge area which badly need either improvement or rerouting but is urging that further study of alternates such as improving either US 64 or US 74 be done before pushing another new road through undeveloped mountains.
Carl Schultz presented a comprehensive number of issues on capabilities of the sewer and water treatment plants. Carl is both the Clean Water Consultant for TC and Advisor to TCHA on these subjects. He reported on progress toward getting grant dollars as an outcome of an October meeting. On 28 November approval was given by the GA Environmental. Protection Div. for the 500,000 gallon per day TC sewerage treatment facility. Carl revealed that the EPD and City of Hiawassee disagreed with a public education effort that would have used a monthly newspaper format to report treatment results in simple pounds per day, not percentages or technical formulae not easily understood by the citizen readers. Samples are taken at the plant. There is a plan to report nitrates and phosphorous in accord with Bill Blumreich's continued preliminary work on the subject. Odor problems have continued at the Road Runner station across route 76 from Benny's Sanitation and the Shoney's/Beach Station. TC and the Hiawassee have worked out who will pay, but the Road Runner work has been further complicated by GA DOT requirement of a guard rail, as the station was built on the highway right of way.
Callie Moore, of the Hiwassee River Watershed Coalition, supports a study of the NC sewer system effects on Lake Chatuge. There is no person designated responsible for TC planning for sewerage and water. Callie Moore may have a reply in March to her request for grant money to initiate work on water quality improvements.
At this point, unanimous approval was given to send a $500 check to the Watershed Coalition for a cumulative total of $1,000 donated in the two years 2007 and 2008.
Tony Branan continues his work on developing a TCHA position paper for forwarding to the TVA, on their Operations Study, on the various sites TVA has listed for potential development of ramps, resorts, etcetera.
Charley has made progress on a non political way to respond to the request, from Congressman Broun to gain exposure to the citizens of Towns County. Cathy Cox, President of Y. Harris College, agreed to have Broun come to the College to tell of his first six months in Congress. Cox has offered either of the two auditoriums on the campus. One hall seats about 100 and the other, used for plays, is much larger. She has suggested a week night at 7:00 PM. Charley will work with others to plan an agenda.. Charley suggested that Callie Moore be invited to meet Dr. Broun and that we use the meeting to present her our donation.
Charley wrapped up the business portion of the meeting by introducing some needs of the Sheriff's Department for uniforms and other supplies that may not be budgeted.
TCHA and Guest Homeowner Assoc. and Developer Representative Discussions:
Mike Brock continues his work on a baseline set of HOA covenants.
A draft of the Association agreement is ready and will be presented in the next few weeks to the interested HOAs. Dudley Hall, of Hidden Fields, reviewed their activities and took a copy of the agreement with him for review with his membership.
The next TCHA Board meeting was set for Tuesday, February 19th, 9-11 AM, in the Y. Harris Library Conference Room. The motion was made, seconded and passed, to adjourn.
Submitted by Wes Lerdon, TCHA V. Pres. and Acting Secretary