GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES:  AUGUST 17, 2009   

1. Rep. Butterfield Healthcare Town Hall of 11 August

-        I mentioned that Ralph Domach, John Boyle and I had attended the Butterfield Town Hall on Healthcare Reform and had a copy of the notes I took and had sent out as an email.

2. Political Action Committee/Lake Gaston Township Discussion

-        Pete Deschenes reported that his emails to Lake Wylie Marine Commission and Smith Mountain Lake were as yet unanswered, so the action item will remain open.

-        Doug Hughes reported that his email to the president of Smith Mountain Lake had also gone unanswered to date.

3. Haliwa-Saponi Business Feasibility Study

-        I reported the same info I had at the monthly LGA meeting concerning a feasibility study being conducted for the Haliwa-Saponi tribe. Apparently they are looking for an opportunity to open some sort of “entertainment” business and are assessing the lake area as well as other areas.

4. Budget Inputs for 2010

-        Discussion focused on two important areas which will impact the next budget. First, there was discussion about holding public forums for the community to meet with candidates running for office. An action item resulted which is reported in # 7 below. The second issue dealt with the the scheduling of a five county forum, which would have at least one commissioner/supervisor and the county manager of each of the five counties meeting to discuss items of interest. The intent would be to have the LGA sponsor the non-public event and to assist with an agenda and meeting place. Action items were assigned and are reported in # 7 below. An initial estimate for the public forums was $500 per forum. An initial estimate of the five county forum was $1,500.

5. County Reports

-        Halifax County reported that the single item of importance at the present is the desire by Littleton to build a new library.

-        Northampton County reported that the county is involved in the Golden Leaf award process and several LGA members are working to get improved services (e.g. seniors, youth) under the Golden Leaf Award . A reminder of the Community Day on 29 August at the Community Center was also made.

-        Mecklenburg County reported that the county will be transferring an old elementary school to the YMCA. Some discussion occurred when the subject of the Virginia state report of two creeks that are contaminated and the potential need for the LGA to offer support to the county. Doug Hughes will send a letter to the VA Department of Conservation and Recreation, with a copy to Southside Planning District Commission, informing them of the LGA’s support and desire to participate in the Flat Creek and Great Creek TMDL Implementation Plan development process.

-        Brunswick had nothing of importance to report.

-        Warren County rep could not attend the monthly commissioners meeting, but a couple committee members did attend. There was nothing of significance, but it was noted that a Work Session is scheduled for 6 PM on Wed, 19 Aug to discuss the county Noise Ordinance. Pete Deschenes volunteered to talk to George Kimball concerning the noise ordinance and inform other reps what support was needed at the work session.

6. Other Business

-        Nothing of significance.

7. Action Items

-        The action item to check with Lake Wylie and Smith Mountain Lake concerning their experience with PACs and township organizing, with the possibility of a meeting, remains open. Pete Deschenes has the lead.

-        An action item was created for Halifax County reps to meet and brainstorm a strategy to achieve more influence in county government. Fred Kneisel has the lead.

-        An action item was created for Northampton County reps to meet and brainstorm a strategy to achieve more influence in county government. Doug Hughes has the lead.

-        An action item was created for Warren County reps to meet and brainstorm a strategy to achieve more influence in county government. Roland Beauchaine has the lead.

-        An action item was created related to a five county forum. Ron Skow is to request that Commissioner Barry Richardson (Warren County) agree to be the focal point for a meeting of the Chair plus one other representative of the five counties, with organizing support from the LGA.

8. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:20 AM.

Submitted:

Ron Skow, Chairman

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES:  JULY 20, 2009   

1. Watershed Forum of 27 June

-        The committee briefly discussed the forum.  No action items resulted.

2. Final on County Budgets

-        We reviewed final tax rates and hydrilla funding for each county.

            County               Tax Rate                  Hydrilla Funding

         Brunswick              $ .39                              $ 92,922

         Halifax                   $ .68                              $116,000

         Mecklenburg          $ .34                              $116,000

         Northampton          $ .78                              $     0

         Warren                   $ .60                              $116,000

3. Senator Berger Healthcare Forum on 23 July

-        I handed out a copy of the announcement pertaining to the public forum to be hosted by Senator Berger on 23 July at 6:30 PM in the County Commissioner’s meeting room at the County Administration Building (122 Young St) in Henderson, NC.  Mr. Adam Searing is the guest speaker and will be informing the public of the healthcare plan being pushed by President Obama.  This announcement was previously sent to all LGA members by email from the Executive Director.

4. Political Action Committee

-  This issue has been on our agenda before and we spent some time discussing how to move forward.  After discussing some of the pro’s and con’s it was suggested that we contact POC’s at Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Wylie to determine what they are doing.  Pete Deschenes volunteered to make the phone calls and report back at the next committee meeting.

5. Lake Gaston Township discussion

-  This issue has also been around for a while.  After some discussion, Pete Deschenes volunteered to include this in his phone calls to Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Wylie.

6. Web Site update for Government Relations

-        I passed around my markup of a paper copy of the web site pertaining to Government Relations.  I am now ready to submit recommended changes to the web site.

7. County Reports

-        Brunswick County reported that the county budget was finalized after a last minute shuffle/addition of funding for the library, airport, hydrilla, emergency services and regional water supply.  This resulted in adding $115K to the budget which will be obtained from undesignated funds.

-        Halifax County reported an issue between the School Board and the Commissioners which may result in a law suit to get a funding increase for the School Board.  It is expected that if such a suit is filed and if it is successful, a tax increase would result.

-        Mecklenburg County reported that their major issue deals with the road situation.  Senator Ruff and Delegate Wright attended the Board of Supervisors meeting and discussions about how road maintenance funding is generated (gas tax and car sales) and the fact that those revenues are down.  Since the state budget is not complete, the Governor has ordered highway rest areas to close, in order to pressure the legislature to finalize the budget and fund road repair.  Safety issues have now occurred and local towns are complaining.  A final resolution is still pending.

-        Northampton County reported they have scheduled a Community Day to be held at the Lake Gaston Community Center (intersection of River Road and Rte 46) on 29 August at 10:00 AM.  This is intended as an opportunity for county residents to socialize and increase/improve communication.

-        Warren County reported on a number of different issues.  The Commissioners approved a request by Sheriff Williams to push back on the state, opposing the transfer of responsibility for Child Support Enforcement from the state to the county.  They approved the increase of $29,700 for engineering and professional services for the water pipeline project.  They announced the award of a contract worth over $247K to H. G. Reynolds for work on the Soul City pumping station.

8. Other Business

-        A discussion occurred concerning the responsibility of our County Representatives to ensure they continue to work on building a relationship with the various county employees, commissioners and supervisors.  By doing this we will build a rapport within county offices and be better able to facilitate progress on LGA issues.

9. Action Items

-        Pete Deschenes agreed to call POC’s at Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Wylie to determine what action they may have taken related to any political action committee.  A response is projected NLT the next Government Relations Cmte meeting.  Doug, Ron and Roland agreed to attend any meeting that may occur.

-        Pete Deschenes agreed to call POC’s at Smith Mountain Lake and Lake Wiley to determine what action they may taken related to incorporating a township in their areas.  A response is projected NLT the next Government Relations Cmte meeting.  Doug , Ron and Roland agreed to attend any meeting that may occur.

10. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10:10 AM.

Submitted:

Ron Skow, Chairman

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES: June 2009

Government Relations Committee Minutes:  May 2009

LGA GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE:  APRIL 27, 2009 

We talked about speakers, Harold Carawan will be Mays speaker. All members were assigned to bring potential speakers names to our next meeting. Some thoughts that were tossed out for consideration were Chris Rountree, someone from the Indian community, Chris Thompson with Real estate report, and A round table discussion by leaders from all 5 counties.

The one tasker remaining for GR is to write a letter for all 5 counties requesting that the Boards refrain from cutting emergency services in their effort to control the budgets

County reports:
Macklenburg--Expects to keep current tax rate
Warren---Letter was delivered expressing LGA wants neutral tax rate.
Sheriff has asked for a total increase of 6 new deputies which includes 4 patrol deputies.
North Hampton--Still working on budget
Halifax--2 million short to cover budget
Brunswick--Planning subcommittee has not reported out with recommendation on short term rental issue

LGA Public Affairs Committee Minutes:  OCTOBER 20, 2008

1. The minutes of the September 29, 2008 meeting were approved with two minor changes Mecklenburg County purchased the land for the regional jail and the “40 foot visual” requirement in Brunswick County should be changed to “40 foot barrier”.

2. Speakers:

1. Chris Roundtree, Halifax Planning Director, has cancelled for November. (Dave Johnson, former Director of the National Weather Service, will be the November speaker.

2. December—Chris Roundtree will be contacted again.

3. January is open.

4. February—no speaker, will review retreat information.

5. March—Tom Skinner, attorney, will review Statute Chapter 47F and HOA Covenants for North Carolina. Information on state statute 47F can be found on the web at www.ncga.state.nc.us/gascripts/statutues.

6. April and May—still open.

2. Budget for 2009 was reviewed and agreed to the following:

   1. Political forums--$500

   2. Travel expenses--$150

   3. Speaker honorarium--$500

·        Total       $1,150

The budget request will be forwarded to the officers for their consideration.

4. Post-mortem on Warren County Public Hearing concerning re-evaluation and tax rates was conducted. There was a large attendance, with many being lake property owners. Many of the comments were very repetitive and the meeting lasted for about two hours. The majority of comments were about the increased taxes without receiving services for these dollars. The committee feels it helped push this forum forward while not getting any direct recognition, which is ok because we accomplished what we wanted to have happen.

5. Request for funding. The LGA received several requests for funding from several organizations. All but one (Southside Rescue Squad) did not appear to fall within the LGA’s area of concern and were rejected. It was felt that the LGA officers should review/develop a policy for handling requests from rescue and fires departments. The issue was referred to the next officers meeting.

6. Lake Gaston Township: No new information to present.

7. County Reports—

   1. Warren County—the Citizen Advisory Council is still having trouble filling some openings and getting a quorum for their meetings. There is an opening on the Planning Board. The LGA should consider supporting one of its members for the open position.

   2. Halifax—No new lake issues

   3. Northampton— the ethanol plant has been approved.

   4. Mecklenburg—building permits are down 50%

   5.  Brunswick—there is a pending suit concerning renting property to, multiple families compared to an existing county ordinance to rent only to a single family. This affects lake rentals. There is also an issue where there were four property lines removed to avoid paying four separate subdivision home owner annual fees. This is being referred to the Planning Board because this has been done in the past.

8. Other issues for discussion—none

9. Next meeting will be Nov 17, 2008 at EFG&G, 9:00 am

10. The meeting was adjourned at 10:53 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Jolly, Chair

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES:  September 29, 2008

1. The minutes of the August 18, 2008 meeting were approved without change.

2. Speakers:

1. It was noted that Tony Brown, Halifax County Manager, will be the October speaker, with introduction by Quinton Qualls.

2. Chris Roundtree, Halifax Planning Director, is tentatively scheduled as the speaker for November.

3. December and beyond is still under discussion. Some suggestions were information on weed treatment, water quality, re-vegetation, HOA i.e., Chapter 47F and HOA Covenants.

3. VA DEQ on Lake Commons: Larry provided an update for the committee that was reported at the September LGA monthly meeting.

4. Warren County Forum on Re-evaluation was discussed. It was decided that the LGA co-host with Warren County a forum in October on this subject concerning “What’s happening with property values and possible rates”, that will be set by the Warren County Commissioners. It may be held at the Warren County Court House in the evening. Calvin DeShields with help from John Boyle, Bill LaMonte and Roland Beauchaine was asked to lead this effort and to work with the county manager to set the date, time, place and agenda. One concern that needs to be addressed is the fact that because of decreased property sales recently the re-evaluation criteria may be over valued. Moira Underwood will coordinate the PSA’s for the papers and radio stations. (Post meeting note—The Warren County Commissioners want to set the forum and do all the advertisements. They will discuss this at their October 6^th meeting and set the date, place, etc.)

5. The committee reviewed the status of the Lake Gaston Township. One of the missing pieces is the actual or estimated boundary of the township. Larry will call Patrick Dempsey, who is working on the mapping project, to see what might be available now. It was reported that Della Batts is still chairing a committee at the chamber but will not have much to report until after the new officers are elected. It was also suggested that the LGA should poll our members from time to time on their feelings on issues that the LGA might be working on that effect their lake lives.

6. County Reports—

   1. Warren County—the Citizen Advisory Council is having trouble filling some openings and getting a quorum for their meetings. This council reports to the Planning Board and/or directly to the commissioners.

   2. Halifax—No new lake activities

   3. Northampton— the issue of 2 additional commissioners will not be discussed until after the 2010 census is finalized. Also they have approved building an ethanol facility in Conway.

   4. Mecklenburg—they have approved a regional jail. Also a 3^rd transmission line feed which will support homeland security was approved.

   5.  Brunswick—beside the retention of the 100 foot set back between residential and commercial property the county has implemented a 40 foot visual requirement between properties.

7. Other items: Roland has been appointed to the Halifax EMC which will give grants to approved 501c3 organizations. He asked if the LGA should explore reorganizing into a 501c3 organization to receive grant funds. Larry will explore this issue further.

8. Next meeting will be Oct. 20, 2008 at EFG&G, 9:00 am

9. The meeting was adjourned at 10:50 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Jolly, Chair

PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES:  AUGUST 18, 2008

Present: Chairman Larry Jolly, Roland Beauchaine, Quinton Qualls, John Cataldo, Jim O’Brien, and Bill LaMonte.

1. The minutes of the July 21, 2008 meeting were approved with changing Nancy Hagan to Kay Hagan.

2. Speakers for the October meeting will be Tony Brown, Halifax County Manager. Chris Roundtree, Halifax Planning Director, is tentatively scheduled for the November meeting.

3. The letter requesting support for part-time residents on the lake to register to vote in local elections while still being able to vote where they have a permanent residence was sent to all N.C. senators and representatives. Rep Wray said he would study the request. Senator Burger will keep an open mind. It was decided that the LGA should get some mileage on this issue with Moira’s newspaper column, though the Marketing Committee and PSA’s to other papers, i.e. Raleigh, Richmond, etc.

4. The letter to Warren County officials was approved and sent concerning the LGA’s support of the proposed rezoning for marina spacing offered by Morningstar. The letter was sent to Brunswick County concerning the LGA’s support of retaining the current 100 foot buffer zone between commercial and residential. In addition an email was sent to all Brunswick County LGA members and 41 homeowners around this proposed rezoning.

5. The committee continued discussion on Lake Gaston Township. Little to no action or discussion at the chamber in the last two months. We will work to get area maps outlining the geographic area for the township.

6. County Reports—

   1. Warren County—No new lake activities

   2. Halifax—No lake activities

   3. Northampton— Petition for two additional commissioners has been circulated to the commissioners. This would enhance representation for lake residents.

   4. Mecklenburg—Special use permit was denied by the supervisors for a shooting range (near by residents were outspoken on this issue before the supervisors). The school board and superintendant continue to have conflicts.

   5.  Brunswick—Zoning set backs as reported earlier in the minutes was the hot topic of the month.

7. Other items: maybe think about sending minutes to LGA members. Suggested we talk about this at the officers meeting.

8. Next meeting will be Sept. 29, 2008 (change of normal date) at EFG&G, 9:00 am

9. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Larry Jolly, Chair