Baxter County Friends of the Taxpayers

MEETING NOTES

BAXTER COUNTY FRIENDS OF THE TAXPAYERS

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2006

BCFT Director Frank Kaye welcomed special guest Fox Statler, local fly-fishing guide and environmental activist, to our meeting.  Mr. Statler (aka “Mr. Sowbug”) gave an excellent presentation on the state of the lakes and rivers in our area.  He did not deliver good news.  According to his findings, the lakes and rivers here are dying because of poor water standards – they are as low as the EPA will allow.  In 2004 the White River was placed on the 10 most-endangered rivers list – and scores a 9 on the Izaak Walton League’s stream survey:  22 is considered excellent, 11 is polluted or organically polluted. 

Mr. Statler maintains that the bugs that sustain aquatic life in the rivers and the lakes are being killed off because of excessive phosphates, sulfur and other contaminants that find their way into the water (such as poultry & livestock excreta, and effluent discharged from septic tanks right into the lakes or rivers).  The cycle of algae blooms on the lake eventually cause dissolved oxygen levels to drop, which in turn causes fish kill.  The green “gunk” filling up the gravel beds in the rivers (partially decomposed algae) is coming through the dam and settling on the streambed, effectively suffocating any bottom-dwelling “critter” that fish and other wildlife depend upon for sustenance. 

There are solutions to these problems, but none are quick fixes.  The most important thing that we (BCFT) can do is to take the issue to our state senator and representative and ask for their help in protecting these important waterways.  We should also educate the public – most people do not know (or choose not to believe) how bad the situation is.  We should also encourage the EPA & ADEQ to pass better water quality standards and enforce them – for every year the river or lake is polluted, it will take 2 years to clean up.  He also suggested that we get involved with the Waterkeeper Alliance, an international organization of localized water-quality-protection programs (there are currently no chapters in Arkansas) http://www.waterkeeper.org/. 

Mr. Statler’s articles “Where Have All My Sowbugs Gone?” can be viewed on the Internet at http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/ozark/ozark101104.html (Part 1) and http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/ozark/ozark101804.html (Part 2).  Links to these articles will soon be available on the BCFT website.

At 1:50 pm, after Mr. Statler’s presentation, Frank called the meeting to order.  Suzan gave the treasurer’s report, as Treasurer Ken Blade was absent.

Balance as of 10-28-06:  $214.81; deposits were made totaling $60 ($20 Pass-the-Bucket at last meeting, $40 for sale of used A&P signs to a citizens’ group in Eureka Springs); expenditures totaling $46.50 ($7.50 for meeting room rental, $39 for roll of stamps).  This leaves us with a balance of $228.31 as of 11-18-06.

Frank began by publicly congratulating BCFT Treasurer Ken Blade for running a good race for the council seat in his ward.  Even though he did not win the election, at one point during the vote count, he was ahead of his opponent.

Henry Chodacki reported that he had gone to the recent Airport Commission meeting and that it was a “real Donnybrook.”  Frank informed the group that Lori Benedict (owner of the fixed base operations at the airport) had contacted us and asked for our (BCFT’s) help … however, she and Baxter County are suing each other, so there doesn’t appear to be much that BCFT can do at this point, other than find out what the impact will be on taxpayers.  A motion was made and seconded that Frank would investigate the issue and represent BCFT in this matter at upcoming Quorum Court meetings, if necessary; motion passed unanimously.

Christmas Parade – the question was asked whether BCFT will participate in the Christmas Parade this year.  If we do, we’ll need to find a new source for trailer and decorations, as Chuck Barnes is not able to provide them this time.  No one had a proper vehicle or trailer to offer up, so it was decided not to be in the parade.  As an alternative for a Christmas project, it was suggested that BCFT volunteer to ring bells at local stores for the Salvation Army.

Frank notified the group that the A&P referendum in Eureka Springs (to abolish the A&P tax in that town) was defeated at the polls; it was a real disappointment, but at least the voters were given the chance to make the choice for themselves.

On the water quality issue:  it was suggested that BCFT start a letter-writing campaign to the Baxter Bulletin and get information on the subject to Senator Womack and Rep. Key.  A motion was made to officially adopt the issue, and seconded; vote to do so was unanimous.  Frank said that Mr. Statler was to e-mail him more information on the subject; once that was received, we could take the next step.

Suzan asked the group for permission to use BCFT funds to purchase flowers for member Lorraine Blade, who had recently become ill. 

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The Pass-the-Bucket collection was $17 (thanks, everyone!)  This money goes toward our hall rental, postage and copying costs, newspaper ads and other administrative expenses.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:30 pm.

Next meeting will take place Saturday, December 16^th, 2006, at 1:00 pm at Redeemer Lutheran Church. (Please note:  This is a change from our regular schedule, because of the upcoming Christmas holiday weekend.)

Please bring canned or non-perishable food items to this meeting; the Redeemer Lutheran Food Pantry is in dire need of supplies to help the families that come to them for support.

Suzan Kaye, Secretary
Tuesday, December 12, 2006