The annual meeting of Members of POATRI was called to order on January 26, 2008, at approximately 4:00 P.M. at Terlingua Lodge by outgoing Board Presiding Officer Jerry Brewster, who announced there were not sufficient Members present or who indicated their willingness to be counted toward a quorum to satisfy the quorum requirements for a formal meeting of the Members. Brewster then called for the election of a permanent chair for an informal meeting. Nominated were Jerry Brewster and Dean Willis. On a show of hands vote Willis was chosen to chair the meeting. Willis called for topics of discussion with the following results:

 

Ed Hersey suggested the establishment of a committee to study how to balance the functions of the road maintenance effort and what he called the hospitality department. Alida Lorio pointed out that the Strategic Planning Steering Committee has the responsibility of implementing the Strategic Plan for the Lodge Area, and the Board would have a committee assigned to that duty in the coming year. Hersey explained in more detail his proposal to increase revenue from the hospitality area, emphasizing eco-tourism, hiking, biking and possibly a hostel operation affiliated with the international hostel organization. He also thinks POATRI should seek to involve outfitters, franchisers and other business people (local and regional) in attempting to attract visitors to the Lodge Area.

 

Alan Baker proposed that the Board consider an election procedure that would save time and money should the Court decide that the Membership will be asked to vote on whether to approve the proposed settlement of the lawsuit pending in Brazoria County. He suggested the Membership be given an opportunity to approve or disapprove a fee increase that would only be effective if the settlement proposal was defeated. This would prevent having to hold two elections and would save postage and printing costs.

 

Steve Cobb asked for a discussion on how to increase voter turnout in POATRI elections. On the subject of voter participation, Hersey offered the opinion that a 20% turnout was not too bad compared to other organizations he has observed. Kathleen O’Keeffe said she had received several complaints from property owners who said they had not received a ballot. She reminded Members they need to keep their address information current. Lorio said every request for a replacement ballot was answered by sending one via regular or e-mail. Willis noted an electronic version of the ballot can be put on the POATRI web site and could be downloaded by a property owner to his or her personal computer for printing.   Lorio stated ballots are only mailed to those who are in good standing at the time the official voters list is produced, which may explain why some owners who complained did not receive a ballot.

 

Pat Wheaton asked for help in controlling trespassing and hunting without permission on her property and in the Cedar Springs area particularly. Joe Wheaton reported a Game Warden told him if the name of Terlingua Ranch was Terlingua Ranch Estates or Terlingua Ranch Subdivision, hunting from the ranch roads would not be legal. Jim Miller offered to look into the suggestion. Miller advised property owners to clearly mark their boundaries with purple paint to make it easier for law enforcement to make a good case for prosecuting poaching. Lorio said making a commitment to testify against illegal hunters is a necessary step owners must take to help control this unlawful activity. Cobb asked whether the manual for hunters published by Texas Parks and Wildlife covered the issues of hunting without permission. Miller replied that it does. Hersey suggested formal notification of persons who are suspected of illegal hunting is a good step to take as a preventative measure. Dick Willauer suggested the formation of neighbor watch organizations might help in prevent some illegal hunting, as might regional meetings of property owners held under the auspices of POATRI. Willis suggested an organization could be established to act as agent for absent property owners who wished to have their property protected from illegal hunting.

 

Liz Demetri requested that Members with ideas to submit to the Board to also submit some suggestions for implementing the proposal, such as how it would be funded.

 

Clara Willis moved to adjourn the Members’ meeting, and without objection it was so adjourned at 5:01 P.M.

 

Property Owners Association of Terlingua Ranch, Inc.