MEMBERS PRESENT: James Adams, Frederick Perrenot, John Bartos, Mark Evans, Tom Manison, Carolyn Johnson, Steve Tyler, Jack Searcy, Jr., Harold Wallace, Ernest Rebuck, Robert Bruner, Tom Ray, David Jenkins, William Teer, Mary Alice Gonzales, Danny Vance, Jack Harris.

PRESIDING: James Adams Chairman

Alternates: Kim Sullivan for Michael Sullivan, Carole Baker for Ron Neighbors, Kerry Whelan for Cindy Schmidt, Carl Stephens for Marvin Marcell, Malcolm Beckendorf for Roosevelt Alexander, Skip Thomas for James Murray, and Jimmie Shindewolf for Judge Eckels.

Chairman Adams called for comments regarding revision to minutes of the October 7th meeting. Danny Vance motioned to accept. Seconded by Harold Wallace. Motion carried.

REPORT FROM JUDGE EVANS ON REGIONAL CHAIRMEN’S MEETING:

Meeting well attended. Senator Wentworth, Representative Walker, and Chairman Lewis were present. Summary provided to group. There was a discussion of definition of "best efforts" in the plan, timetable and deadlines. There did not appear to be support for funding 100 percent of administrative expenses from some regions.

Liability insurance to be reimbursed on an individual basis and paid pro rata. Some group members carry umbrella policies. Contingency funds not to be used to pay for policies. Motioned by Judge Evans to table the discussion until the next meeting. Seconded by John Bartos. Motion carried.

Commissioner Harris provided sample letter for distribution for fundraising efforts. Some counties waiting to send checks, but needed some form of an agreement. Frederick Perrenot suggested sending the interlocal agreement as an attachment with the funding letter.

Chairman Adams submitted three items of contention concerning Senate Bill 1 that probably would be considered in the next legislative session and suggested a subcommittee be established to monitor and lobby for these items. Motioned to establish committee by David Jenkins. Seconded by Tom Manison. Motion carried.

Potential committee members included Chairman Adams, Judge Evans, Michael Sullivan, Jack Searcy, Commissioner Harris, Mary Alice Gonzales, John Bartos, Kerry Whelan for Cindy Schmidt, Jimmie Shindewolf for Judge Eckels, Carolyn Johnson, Fred Perrenot, Tom Manison, David Jenkins, and Robert Bruner.

Jace Houston mentioned bylaws state no more than nine (9) members can be on a committee.

Chairman Adams appointed Judge Evans to chair the subcommittee, appoint a total of nine members of those wanting to serve. The subcommittee can monitor legislative filings and brief the RHWPG for discussion at the meetings.

Executive Committee will get together and review the scope of work budget. It appears that the administrative costs will be borne by the group.

Tom Ray provided a presentation on the Brazos River Authority’s water supply and other water operations in the Brazos River basin. Followed by a question and answer session.

Discussion ensued to cancel the December Board meeting. Motioned by David Jenkins. Seconded by Steve Tyler. Motion carried.

Water Conference in Austin on December 2^nd and 3^rd.

Jack Searcy invited all interested parties to November 11, 7:00 p.m. meeting at Northwoods Presbyterian Church to discuss water issues

Carole Baker discussed the public awareness campaign program Water Smart, a water educational program. The program has been expanded from schools to billboards, television, and radio.

Linda Fernandez presented handout. The program works in partnership with local utilities and state agencies to develop resources such as print, radio, public service announcements, T-shirts, bumper stickers, and decals to get people to start thinking about being water smart.

The Water Development Board web page on the internet lists all 16 regions, including Region H, with voting and non-voting Board members’ names. Next will be the Minutes of the Board meetings once they are approved and signed.

None.

January 6, 1998

10:00 a.m.

Conroe City Hall, 6^th Floor

Conroe, Texas

Adjourned by unanimous vote.

Chairman

ATTEST: