Board Minutes, June 12, 2008

Board Meeting -- June 12, 2008, 3:30 p.m. at Mountain Regional Library

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