Board Minutes, July 10, 2008

Board Meeting -- July 10, 2008, 3:30 p.m. at Mountain Regional Library

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 3:30 p.m. and asked for approval of minutes of previous BOD minutes of June 12. They were approved

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 Kendall. Bob Keys and Joan Crothers were asked to talk to Kendall.

Mike Brock reported that the Open House held by EMC at McConnell Church on July 1 was not well-attended. EMC has bid $165,000 for the 2½ acres they need in Parcel 52 on Hwy. 76. This property is much more valuable if sold to developer/individuals. The Commissioner has the authority to hold a public hearing on the sub-station whether TVA wants one or not. Tom Gilliland, from this area, is now a member of the TVA board and should be a good contact. Charley Kraus said he would write a letter to him. Brock read a letter from Mayor Mathis saying she feels TCHA owes the City of Hiawassee an apology for things said about parks in the Kraus/Brock letter to newspapers. Bob Keys and Charley will talk to the City and Charley will write a reply to Mayor Mathis.

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 4^th 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, 3:30 p.m. The YH Library is closed to all meetings the entire month of August. - Wes will confirm the availability, of the Friendship Clubhouse on Hwy. 76 West, with Friendship President Doug Shook.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:00 PM.

Joan Crothers, Secretary